Hi,

I need a new credit card and am wondering if any of you have one to recommend. I want 0.0% foreign transaction fees and 0 annual fees. The rewards I don't care about as much, they can be anything, but preferably cash. I also don't care about interest rates or balance transfers since I'm simply getting the new card to avoid transaction fees and increase my credit ratio, as I don't carry balances on any of my cards.

It seems that most of the 0% transaction cards have an annual fee. It also needs to be something that places overseas actually accept, so I guess that rules out discover and possibly amex.

I spend a lot of time in PVG, HKG, DXB, SYD and FRA if it matters. I usually carry rnbs, hk $'s, dirhams, Aussie $'s and Euros, but for those one off overnights in BKK, BOM, or NBO it's nice not to have to deal with the ATM.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Try discover. No annual fee and no ftf. Only catch us that it is not accepted everywhere. Call them and they will tell where it is accepted.
I ended up with the sapphire preferred, 85$ annual fee, but comes with plenty of benefits which far outweigh the cost. I really like it when I call them, I immediately get a rep on the phone who understands me and can help me if I have an issue!
Good luck

 

Capital one. It is a MasterCard so accepted almost everywhere. No foreign transaction fees or annual fee.

 

I second the Capital One MasterCard. I've used it everywhere with no problems or fees. It's even accepted by those working girls in BKK.....or at least that's what I've been told. The only downside is that they sometimes go overboard with their security, and will cutoff your ability to use the card, if they see a transaction that looks fraudulent. It's very easy to have it turned back on though, as all you need do is call them (they always answer) and ask to have the card turned back on. I believe they have two options with their card. The first, the one I've been talking about has no fees and you earn 1 mile for each $ spent. The other card has a fee (I believe it's about $100/yr), but you earn double miles on all purchases. You can also turn those miles in for cash.

JJ

 

I'm not a cargo pilot, so you may not be looking for my information--but here you go, enjoy:

Credit/Debit/ATM Cards and Foreign Exchange - FlyerGuide Wiki

I personally use the American Express Platinum as my primary. The membership rewards points are pretty robust, not to mention that it comes with a long list of complimentary memberships and perks that are listed on their website.

I use my PenFed Rewards Card as a backup in case I go somewhere that AmEx is not accepted.

I use my Capitol One card as the backup to the backup. AFAIK, Cap One is the only issuer of Visa/MC who does not charge FTF across the board. Many report issues with their card getting declined overseas due to their fraud software.

There are also various travel cards from Chase and Citi that have recently gotten rid of the FTF, you can read all about those on the wiki. Most of these cards charge an annual fee, so if you don't want that, make sure that you read the terms carefully before you apply.

Of course, there is Discover, but the card is not widely accepted outside of North America. They have reciprocity agreements in China and Japan with UnionPay and JCB, respectively, making it the most widely accepted card in those countries. Getting merchants at the store to take it is like asking for a first born child though. You need to print off directions from their website, as it is not just a simple swipe.

 

Are you traveling through or going to live over here?

If traveling through, here are what I'm hearing about:

Cap One, no trans action fees. Many over here in HK love it.

Many also like USAA, supposedly the same, and will do some one time transfers in large amounts to your ATM, for instance, you need to do a one time withdrawal for a watch, or something like that. If your not a USAA member, join for the card, if nothing else. (if you can if your former military - if you not, and your an FFDO, joing FFDOA, pay $50.00 a year for premium membership, and that will get you access to USAA that way, $50 bucks well spent when combined with other discounted perks through FFDOA_

AMEX Platinum. No transaction fees. Access to Priorty Plus Clubs/Admirals clubs, etc. Also will pay for your Global Entry $50 card fee, for expidited customs when arriving in US, no standing in line, go to kiosk and your clear of customs in a minute...fantastic system. Several other credits annually that do more than make up for the $450.00 fee.(which is deductible) The perks for the Amex are worth it if you travel and use them, just need to see what they are. I am more than pleased with it...also car insurance automatically, warranty insurance, theft insurance...

You might also check the ALPA Visa, which I have as an emergency line of credit, but credit line, low interest rate, and most likely doesn't have transaction fees.

If you live over in Asia, recommend Citibank, and Cathay Pacific Amex for local cards, both are easy to get and good service. HSBC over here is stinko in my opinion.

 

My credit union recently changed credit and debit card processor... they now use the "Maestro" system...... the anti fraud system software is tooooooo robust....they block numerous countries due to fraud even after you tell them you will be abroad..... PLUS even after telling them directly you will be in those countries they will block your transactions... WAS to verbally waive rights in those countries to have an "EXCEPTION" put on my account to override the general block..... was very frustrating this past trip because had it declined... so I called and THOUGHT the situation was taken care of with the block lifted... but no... the next night... another decline because of the EXCEPTION situation.... probably will start using my USAA account much more on the road as I have never had a trouble with their card even in some pretty sketchy parts of Africa.

 

I never use a credit card overseas. I have a credit union ATM card and keep enough money in the account to always access some cash. They allow 3 withdrawals a month for free and after that is is 1 dollar per. There are so many places that dont accept CC, it easier to use cash money. Now, I typically fly to the same 5 or 6 countries every month so I can stockpile the currency. (except India...you are not allowed to take rupees out of country )If you are always going to a new country it might be more difficult. But I would advise looking into a credit union account.

 

Another plus for Capital One; you can get it in MC or Visa, depending on the program. I also opened an account at Capital One Bank; their debit card incurs zero fees, too, under most conditions.

 

Debit card from Wings Financial Crdeit Union (formerly NWAFCU )

No fees, foreign or domestic
Unlimited access
Visa