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foreign transaction fees

Q&A: Beware foreign transaction fees when using credit cards abroad

October 14, 2024 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I have a question regarding the use of credit cards for foreign transactions. Are the card companies required to use a certain exchange rate? I’ve used two different cards, and the one that charges a fee used a better exchange rate. The total cost to me, including the fee, was less than the other card. How can I find out what exchange rates are used?

Answer: You can always ask. Credit card companies may use a number of different exchange rates. Often they use the ones set by their payment networks, such as Visa or Mastercard, or by their issuing banks.

Keep in mind that exchange rates are constantly changing. Unless you used the two cards within a relatively short period, it would be hard to draw conclusions about which got the better rate. Also, you will get a much worse deal if you ever agree to a “dynamic currency conversion” that charges the transaction in U.S. dollars rather than the prevailing currency. When offered the choice, opt for the charge to be in the local currency.

Most travelers find they’re better off using a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. These fees are typically just another profit center for the issuing banks.

Filed Under: Credit Cards, Q&A Tagged With: Credit Cards, currency exchange, exchange rates, foreign transaction fees

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

May 1, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What is synthetic identity theft? Also in the news: The top 5 places to invest in for new grads, why more credit cards are helping you speed through airport security, and what you don’t know about foreign transaction fees.

What Is Synthetic Identity Theft?
Imaginary applicants with very real data.

New Grads: Here Are the Top 5 Places to Invest
Where to put your money.

Why More Credit Cards Help You Speed Through Airport Security
Skipping those long TSA lines.

What You Don’t Know About Foreign Transaction Fees
All of your overseas purchases could be racking up fees.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: college grads, Credit Cards, foreign transaction fees, Identity Theft, Investing, pre-check, synthetic identity theft, TSA

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

July 28, 2016 By Liz Weston

teen-creditToday’s top story: What your high schooler needs to know about credit cards. Also in the news: Saying goodbye to foreign transaction fees, the new calling limits facing debt collectors, and how letting your adult child stay home could benefit you financially.

Credit Card Basics for High School Students
What your high schooler needs to know.

As International Travel Grows, Foreign Transaction Fees Get Left Behind
Bid farewell to foreign transaction fees.

Debt collectors could face new limits on calls
Changing the collection game.

Read This Before You Push Your Deadbeat Millennial Out of the House
Having your adult child at home could be financially beneficial.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: adult children, boomerang generation, Credit Cards, debt collectors, foreign transaction fees, kids and money

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