I'm planning to take a visa debit card to Bosnia, Croatia and Vienna. This is not a combo debit/credit card. I would like to take a credit card too, just in case. Is Mastercard accepted as widely as Visa?
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
We used both Visa & MC last year -- no problems.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Visa is WIDELY accepted and I don't remember a lot of Mastercard signs BUT I only carry VISA so I am not looking for MC sites
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
While I didn't have too many problems using my Mastercard in Europe, I did run across a few places that wouldn't accept it. Visa is always accepted.
Posted by
Kentwood, Michigan, USA
166 posts
Capital One Visa is your best bet as of today. No fee's for transactions.
Greg
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
you should be able to use both anyplace. Its good ot have one of each tho! Be careful with the debit card tho. Since the transaction fees can be the same - you may just want to use the CC incase there are mistakes (vs a debitcard will take the money out instantly and may take a while to get back if they overcharge.) Save the debit for ATM withdrawls (and pay off the CC when you get home).
Posted by
Vancouver
13 posts
I just called Capital One as I was interested in the information advising that this card doesn't charge an overseas transaction fee. I was told that they add a 2.5% finance charge to all overseas transactions. This would presumably be in addition to the profit they make on the exchange rate spread.
Posted by
Vancouver
13 posts
I just called Capital One as I was interested in the information advising that this card doesn't charge an overseas transaction fee. I was told that they add a 2.5% finance charge to all overseas transactions. This would presumably be in addition to the profit they make on the exchange rate spread.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
If they do, it is a very recent change. They did not charge anything last month on all of my CREDIT card purchases. Are you sure that you did not ask about cash advances on a credit card? There is finance charge for cash advances and a one time $10 fee. Also, Capitol One offers a variety of cards with different perks and rate structures.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I didn't have fees on my Capital One purchases, either, but I haven't used it overseas since last year.
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
I used my Capital One in Paris and London two months ago and didn't incur any fees. I'm guessing the 2.5% fee is for cash advances.
From their website - http://www.capitalone.com/contactus/faq.php
- Does Capital One charge fees for foreign currency transactions made with a credit card?
Capital One does not charge a fee for using your credit card for foreign currency transactions. Foreign purchases will be converted at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the time of posting the charge.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Capital One's offering in Canada is not the same as that in the United States.