The Best Travel Credit Card for Aussies
The 28 Degrees Master Card (formerly the Wizard clear advantage card) is hands down the best travel credit card for Aussies to use overseas. There is no annual fee, and best of all none of the nasty (and standard on other cards) ‘currency conversion fees’ or even ATM fees.
The majority of credit cards, be they debit or credit, have high fees attached for taking out cash while overseas. There is the ‘conversion fee’ which is usually 2-3% of the amount you withdraw. On top of this is the ATM charge, which can be up to $7.50 on its own. These rubbish fees can be avoided using the 28 Degrees Card.
The interest rate is quite high, but all you have to do is keep the card in credit and sign up to use a pin on the card to use it like you would your everyday ATM/transaction card while you are overseas. You can now make payments to the card via Bpay, making it easy to top up online.
I’ve had one of these for a while now and have never had a problem getting out cash while overseas (always check with the bank if you are going way off the beaten path).
At present there does not seem to be another card on offer in Australia which waives overseas ATM/Conversion fees (which really add up on a long trip).
If using the card in Australia the new ATM rules mean you will be charged ATM fees unless you use it at a Westpac ATM (a recent partnership), in which case it’s free.
Safe travels!
Category: Travel Blog, Travel Money
Hi can you please tell me what atms I should use in the uk with my wizard clear advantage mastercard. How much will it cost to use there atms. Also wizard have sent me changes to there credit contract.
I don’t understand there cash equivalent transaction . Part c funds transfer debited to your account . Does that means transferring cash from your credit card ?.I hope there’s atill no cash advance fees altough they do state there is an interest charged on cash advances.
Regards.
Elaine.
Hi,
As long as your card is in credit there can be no interest charges as you don’t actually owe anything (so you just need to keep the card in the black!). As far as ATMS in London you should not have a problem getting out cash anywhere – you can always set up your pin and make sure its working before you leave the country. As for the finer points of the CC agreement wizard might be the better contact for that – let us know if anything major has changed. Thanks!
The concept of “saving money” is easier said than done for most people. I understand that it is ‘easy and logical’ for some people, but I also understand it can be a difficult habit to break for others.
If you’re looking to save money or change your lifestyle, my advice is to take it in “baby-steps” because it won’t happen overnight. Here are some tips that helped me out.
1. Always pay more than the minimum on any credit card payments
2. Use coupons when grocery shopping
3. Try online shopping its saves on gas & they have bigger markdowns
4. Read a book its cheaper than going to a movie
5. Know your budget!
Good luck and happy savings!
great post as usual!
Just bring enough cash in your pocket, swap your card if you really in urgent situation.
Hi Mitch,
I’m going to Canada/USA, and haven’t got a lot saved, therefore need a credit card I can swipe while I’m over nad pay off once I get home. Is this credit card good for that, or not?
Thanks!
Hi – the interest rate is at the higher end of what’s available, but as long as you can pay it off fairly soon after getting home it would be fine. You also save on transaction fees while travelling, which can really ad up. Its worth looking at the lower interest rate cards before you decide.
Hi awesome information, just a question when withdrawing cash from a ATM overseas is there a charge ? Or is using the pin and taking money out? Also is there an instant conversion to aus dollars when you purchase? Thanks heaps
Hi there is no ATM charge for using the card with your pin, and the conversion is done free as well – safe travels
If you are already overseas can you apply for one online or over the phone. I am Australian living overseas in Canada. Thanks
Card sounds great, but what about the exchange rate when converting from you AUD currency. We are heading to the US and like the sound of the card, but usually there is a catch. Do they make a profit from lowering the exchange rate compared to the going market rate. any experience anyone?
I rang to ask the exchange rate, the chap said same as http://www.xe.com, which is pretty much the international rate, much better then the bank rate and their fees.
Thanks for the follow up Metin. If it is the XE rate as they say that’s a good deal.
There is also the NAB Gold Debit Card with a complimentary Travel Insurance. Yes a DEBIT card! There is only a flat monthly fee of $10 which can be waived.No other charges when using the card overseas. Now that’s nice
Hi Egglog – that was the best debit account option – check out the post on a new Citibank account with no fees attached http://aussietraveladvice.com/citibank-plus-fee-free-travel-card/