Using US credit cards in the UK
#17
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Kissimmee
Posts: 165
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
Thanks for all your help. I'm off on the 16th for a couple of weeks.
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 168
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
If you want to improve your chances of having the cards accepted, be sure to call the card's issuing company and let them know that you'll be travelling to the UK and will be making foreign purchases. Give them a time frame! I've never had a problem when doing that.
Ian
Ian
#19
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
They can do this very quickly though. When I went to Germany recently, I was actually in the German bank with my card in an ATM when I realized I had better not complete the transaction because I had forgotten to notify my bank and the ATM was likely to eat my card. Fortunately I have international calling on my work cell and I was able to cancel the ATM transaction, call my bank, and get them to put a quick travel note on the card. Didn't take two minutes. If the bank itself is not open because of the time difference, you should call the fraud line instead; they can do the travel note too.
#20
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
I usually call the issuers and let them know intended dates and destinations. Never had a problem. Also all my credit cards have PIN numbers assigned, but rarely am I asked to enter them. On most occasions is the old swipe and sign method. Transaction goes thru once card is swiped. The puzzled vendor mumbles something about the system not having asked for the PIN, and then handles me the receipt for signature.
What gets me is the 3% fee on foreign transaction. Some issuers dropped it. Others still keep it. I guess the rationale is “as long as people are willing to pay it, why do away with it”.
What gets me is the 3% fee on foreign transaction. Some issuers dropped it. Others still keep it. I guess the rationale is “as long as people are willing to pay it, why do away with it”.
#21
Rootbeeraholic
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 2,280
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
I know that the terms are different on both but I still found it a little surprising.
#22
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
I just let the credit card companies know where I'll be traveling and the dates that I'll be away. American Express always asks if I'll be making any large purchases or approximately what I think I'll be spending.
#23
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,570
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
How widely accepted in the UK is the American Express? I have a gold card and a regular Visa card but would prefer to use the AE to earn points.
#24
Rootbeeraholic
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 2,280
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
I would say maybe 75%. Nearly all bigger stores/places will accept it, it's smaller retailers that may not. I have used my AMEX whenever possible like you to earn points.
#25
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,570
Re: Using US credit cards in the UK
When i called to find out why the bank told me that in 2007 VISA changed the rules. If the company is based outside the US (in this case British Airways) then you have to pay the fee to convert to GBP.
The only way to get around this was to get the British Airways Visa card with the annual fee
I wondering if I book with my AMEX gold card if they will charge a similar fee. I know they offer some useful travel benefits if you book the flight using the card.