Hi All,
I'm travelling to Singapore at the end of November and am looking for the best kind of overseas transaction card. I know the 28 degrees card is highly recommended, but unfortunately I don't qualify, so I'm wondering: can anyone recommend a pre-paid travel card or credit card with more relaxed approval that's good for overseas?
Travel money cards
heyrosered on 26/09/2013 - 17:16
Comments
Thanks, that's more or less exactly what i was looking for
if you sign up for the citibank starter package you can also get $120 after 1 year http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/113317
the 28 degrees card is supposedly the best but the citibank plus account is not far behind plus you don't need to worry about credit checks
The Citibank plus is THE card to get.
Plus most if not all MRT stations in Singapore had Citibank ATMs when I was there = free cash withdrawals.
I can vouch for the citibank visa debit, I haven't been charged any fees with it, even using non-citi ATMs overseas (I guess it's up to the ATM operator). The only downside is the online banking is terrible. Mobile OTP is essential to see anything other than your balance.
I actually had to add a payee to my citibank account to transfer money out of it. The PIN didn't arrive so I gave up and used my normal bank. I got a letter over a week later with the PIN on it. A letter. To make an online payment. A LETTER. IN THE MAIL.
I tried again recently and the pin got sent to my phone (albeit I did also receive a very belated and useless letter afterwards) and finally got to transfer money out of the account. It also doesn't show any pending charges (ie. pressing credit) on the statement so you have to just guess sometimes and hope it's all been charged correctly.
Other than that the exchange rate is pretty much dead on the xe.com (or google) rates, no fees at all, it's really good. My friend kept transferring me money while we were overseas so he could withdraw from my citibank account as his bank would charge $5.
Have a look at the ANZ travel card as well, I've used one in Europe, worked fine for me. You pre load them up.
I used a Commonwealth Bank one without any issues. It was a great way to pay for the deposits at hotels, so that they don't put blocks on your main credit card that then take ages to clear after you depart.
I used my commbank card overseas and got slugged with a hefty fee (compared to my citibank plus transaction account) of about 3% + a bit? I can't remember but there was a fee which made it pretty bad.
I have Citibank and 28 degrees as they both have their uses. The new Virgin Velocity Global Wallet should also be good as it gives you Velocity points when you use it.
does 28 degree card charge you when you withdrawing cash from overseas ATM?
Not right now but they will with their new fee structure next year.
I have a 28 Degrees card and love it. I believe though that they have changed their t&cs with ATM withdrawals so Novi1711 may want to check on that as they may now charge. I will keep on using the card as their forex rates are better and just generally a good experience using. Had mine for I think 3 years now. Will try out Virgin and QF cards later this year but will mainly use 28 degrees
Just activated my qantas cash card.
SGD$2.50 ATM withdrawal fee.
3% currency conversion fee if you don't have Singaporean Dollars loaded.Current exchange (sell) ratee are a little off….
1 AUD = 0.9233 USD (qantas)
1 AUD = 0.951079 USD (xe.com)1 AUD = 1.1351 SGD (qantas)
1 AUD = 1.18187 SGD (xe.com)Not terrible compared other cards (especially pre-loads), but by no means is it good either.
It doesn't offer the protection that a credit card (CC) will give you, but the Citibank Plus everyday bank account is the fee free way to shop overseas if you cannot get a 28 Degrees CC.