Best US Credit Card to use overseas

[Dan]

And since the airlines don't open up more availability for us to use all these miles, they can afford to sell them for cheap, as many people just end up having their miles sit by them, due to a lack of availability. Thus that's how they are offering such lucrative offers. Correct?

They open up saver award seats that their number crunchers decide they won't be able to sell, so it is pure profit for them.
If you are good looking at all partner options though and are somewhat flexible you can almost always find something that works.

Is the exchange rate better for a CC, check or cash?

Depends on the CC.  But cash/checks can get lost or stolen and you have no buyer protections.  Better off using any CC in my opinion than carry around cash.

[aussiebochur]

Depends on the CC.  But cash/checks can get lost or stolen and you have no buyer protections.  Better off using any CC in my opinion than carry around cash.

Another disadvantage of cash is that you never know exactly how much you need and then in the end you are left with foreign currency and another fee if you want to change it back.

[aussiebochur]

Travelers checks are insured but they still have the above issue of having some left.

[kivabb]

Any current mileage card (besides Amex Plat) with 0 or low foreign exchage fees?

[AsherO]

Any current mileage card (besides Amex Plat) with 0 or low foreign exchage fees?

Here's one, zero FX fees.

[jack12]

Do debit cards charge any fees for using it in Israel?

[AsherO]

Do debit cards charge any fees for using it in Israel?

Depends on the issuing bank. Some banks even credit ATM fees. You also need to make sure your bank doesn't rip you off with a lousy exchange rate.

[Chaikel]

You also need to make sure your bank doesn't rip you off with a lousy exchange rate.

No longer legal. All banks give xe rate or very close

[AsherO]

No longer legal. All banks give xe rate or very close

Thanks for clarifying, I didn't know this.

[Chaikel]

http://kalyansuman.com/2007/12/ccfsettlement-for-foreign-transactions.html

[AsherO]

http://kalyansuman.com/2007/12/ccfsettlement-for-foreign-transactions.html

I think I even signed up for this at some point, or maybe it was an Amex class action.

[airblade]

I have used the HSBC premier master card, no foreign fees and one point per $, you do have to be a premier customer. HSBC is everywhere which makes banking easier away from home....

[Yungerman]

Why graze in other fields?

http://www.dansdeals.com/go/amexplat/
http://www.dansdeals.com/go/sapphire50k/
http://www.dansdeals.com/go/Hyatt/

All of the above waive forex fees.

[U-no-me!]

Any current mileage card (besides Amex Plat) with 0 or low foreign exchage fees?

You have the Chase Marriot Premier with no forex fees, 50,000 points on first purchase and free night every year in 1-5 cat. $65 annual fee, first year free

Citi Thankyou preffered first year free afterwards $125 no forex fees, 20,000 thankyou points after $1,000 in first 3 months

BA, no forex fees. don't know what the current promotion is

Chase Saphire

[elikay]

Charles Schwab Debit card has no fees at all.

[airblade]

Charles Schwab Debit card has no fees at all.

But you have to have the cash to back it up, no 25 day grace period, and debit cards suck IMHO..

[U-no-me!]

Charles Schwab Debit card has no fees at all.

That's only if it's linked to brokerage account i believe. But it is great since they refund any ATM fees you may incur.

[lybbtthl]

Lately more and more FOREX fee free cards are popping up; chase has a special section for such cards