I have just applied for a Capitol One Credit Card to use during our Italy trip in September. After reading about this card we learned that they do NOT charge a foreign conversion fee. (My Am Express charges 2-3% fee)

My question is this-- how is their conversion rate? If anyone had used this card internationally lately I would appreciate knowing about their conversion rate vs. say Am Express or Master Card. It's just hard to believe they aren't upcharging at all.

Thanks for the info
Diane

[title spelling corrected]

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Colleen,

I just called Capital One, and as of today, they do not charge a foreign conversion fee. If you get the new card, you need to call them within seven days of your trip and let them know you will be in Italy (or wherever)so you don't have any problems.
Jeff

I have checked the Capital One conversion rate as shown on my credit card statement against what was posted on Yahoo, and found that Capital One uses the regular bank rate. No transaction fees, and good conversion rate -- I guess they've just decided to be traveler-friendly. Hope they stay that way!

I've been using Capital One as my primary card when traveling for about five years now and have never had a problem with it. I even took out a second card, which I carry as a spare in case anything happens to the first one.

These links make the page waaaaaaaay to wide for my screen. if you cut and paste the link into the URL box (at the top of the message box), then you can just give it a name like ""related thread" or anything you want!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Amy,

I've fixed all those pesky long URLs.

Thanks amy! It must be combination of hot weather, bossy attitude and too many long links, but this is starting to be my pet peeve!

I came across article in Rick Steves News from June 2006. He also recommends Capital One and gives some tips about using ATMs to avoid the conversion fees. The Rick Steves' article was mentioned on the Gadling travel blog after he found the 1% currency conversion fee on his WAMU bank statement in addition to a $2 ATM withdrawl fee.

quote:

hese links make the page waaaaaaaay to wide for my screen.

What links?

Amy fixed the links, Jane.

I don't understand what links are being referred to either. I don't see any links on this discussion above where Barb and Art first complain. Or does "fixed" mean removed because they didn't link to anything?

My daughter is currently in Europe, and she discovered that her Chase Bank ATM charges a 3.5% fee whenever she uses it -- at an ATM or as a charge card. SO make sure before you go you know what you are getting into!

I've just prepaid my first night in a Rome hotel using the Capital One Credit Card. Checked my statement online and the account showed 100 Euros = $126.45. Is this condisider a good conversion rate?

Oanda currency conversion shows the rate today at $1.2654, so I'd say that's excellent.