Is there a credit card company that has better rates to use in Europe, vis a vis exchange rates, etc? I remember certain companies charged less, and as the dollar is not doing well against the Euro, it seems to be a good time to start finding as many money saving short cuts as possible. Any ideas?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
504 posts
Capital One charges no foreign transaction fees (at least for US cardholders. Some in Canada say this isn't the case). That can save you 1%-3% from other companies. Not sure if their exchange rate is much different than most other banks, but I'd guess not much if any difference?
We just got one for our trip this summer, and plan to use it now buying train tickets online and prepaying for things required.
Posted by
Seattle
89 posts
I don't know anything about how the exchange rates or conversion charges compare among the different companies, but one thing to keep in mind is that there are many places in Europe (especially outside of main tourist areas) where they only take VISA.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
Visa and MC are equally accepted in Europe. MC sometimes goes by the name EuroCard, which leads some to believe that MC isn't accepted. But EC and MC are interchangeable.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
For a long time, I wouldn't go to Europe without a Visa card. MC wasn't as accepted and almost no one took American Express.
Today, there may be a slight difference between Visa and MC but I can't find it. American Express is like MC used to be (some take it, others don't).
I wouldn't try traveling with a Diner's Club card unless you want an excuse for everyone else to pay for your trip.
Posted by
Columbus, Ohio, USA
258 posts
Capital One is good with no fees. Also check with a local credit union if you can. My credit union debit card and credit card only pass on the fee that Visa charges, 1% I believe.
Posted by
XXX
1170 posts
I thought Capital One charges 1%?
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
Capital One still does not charge any fees - they even pay the 1% that Visa charges. I used mine in Europe in December and didn't have any extra fees. I just checked their website about a week ago, and they still do not charge any foreign fees of any kind.
Below is a website that lists all major CC companies and their fees. This website was updated in December, so it should still be accurate (of course, always confirm directly with the company).