Money in America

LizT

Hi I'm doing a trip across America this summer. Can anyone advise me on the best way to withdraw money? I don't really want to carry large sums of money with me but I don't want to rely on using an atm all the time too. I have a student credit card but the limit is quite low, so I'd prefer to use it for emergencies only!

D-Generate

Well you will generally get charged around $3 for withdrawing from an ATM so either withdraw in bulk or be prepared to have the costs build up. Fortunately the US is a society where cash isn't king and the credit card is accepted nearly everywhere. Whether you are buying dinner for two or buying a single slice of pizza for $1, they will take credit card.

Now the best option for you would be to load say €1000 on to your credit card account before you head off. You can then use your credit card to make pretty much every purchase and not have to worry about it dipping in to your limit.

lil_lisa

Also if you're taking money from your credit card which has a positive balance, with most of the big banks you won't get charged at all!

LizT

I'm going to sound so stupid now, but I didn't know you could load up a credit card! I'll have to call into the bank to get it done. This is going to be a lot handier than just carrying cash around which is something I really didn't want to do! I also heard that traveller's cheques are more hassle than they're worth so I didn't want to go down that route either. Thanks for your help guys!

preddy

Agree with above posts, no charges using CC with credit in the plus, just transfer money into account online!

steve-o

preddy wrote: »

no charges using CC with credit in the plus

Not true anymore! The big banks have quietly changed their terms and conditions on most cards, meaning you pay the cash advance fee for non-Euro withdrawls even if your account remains in credit. OP, you should check the ts&cs of your credit card to find out if there is a fee.

Also, only ever withdraw cash from a bank ATM. Other ATMS (in places like convenience stores and shopping malls) add on their own processing fee.

lil_lisa

Since when? I withdrew money two weeks ago from a Chase account using my BOI mastercard credit card and was not charged.

Definitely check with your bank in Ireland, the bank machine over in the US will ask you first to accept the charges so you will be notified.