21 years old. Currently banking with Commbank and Ubank, with Commbank debit card. Travelling October to Canada for work in ski industry (all arranged).
1) Which are the best all-round credit/debit cards for such international use? Why?
2) Will any of these attract bonus FF sign-on points? (Preference for Qantas as parents can gift me additional points.)
Thanks
Nick
Since last year the 28 Degrees Mastercard has had a $4 ATM and 3% cash advance fee added, so it's not as great as it once was.
I've stuck by my CitiBank Plus debit card for the past 2 years and it's been perfect for me. No transaction fees, ATM fees, forex fees. No interest of course but I use my MeBank online savings account for that.
Are you looking for a credit card or a debit card where you can load multiple currencies? Look into Qantas Cash Card. It's similar to a debit card. You can earn QFF points by spending your own money which you can load onto the card in various ways. Points rate is higher for foreign currency transactions. Check out the exchange rates before loading.
I am liking all these great responses. Thanks.
- 28 Degrees. My Dad cautions that it is backed by General Electric, with a reputation for hard-ball enforcement of conditions and recovery.
- CitBank. I was wondering why this had not been raised. Although I have a good bank balance, employment history, references and credit history, I am by choice currently not working and can't supply a current income. Citibank appears a bit easier to apply for. Also, working in North America, might Citi be a good choice?
Nick.
I have 28 degrees and still use it. However, their interest rate is high, 29% from memory. And though they don't have annual fee, your balance needs to be $0 by the end of the cycle. If not, you get charged $5. Plus, if you don't pay the minimum amount each month, then you will be charged $20 (again from memory). So there are quite few different fees and things you need to do in order to avoid those.
If you want it easy, and don't really need a 'credit card', I'd suggest going with Citibank. Plus you can withdraw cash at the ATMs too. 28 Degrees has fees if you withdraw cash from ATM.
20.99% APR on purchases and cash advances
When I am living and working in Canada, and have say a Citibank Plus or other cards based in Australia, if my pay was put into that account, and I draw on it for spending money, that will be going through two conversions, won't it?
I'd take a look at this credit card guide wiki an ozbargain member (illumination) wrote out first, has a good write up on travel cards - Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard & 28 Degrees Mastercard.