How do you avoid high credit card fees for purchases made in the US?

[bankr63]

Just curious how that works?? What retailers in Canada will give you US $$ (okay not give but allow you to buy ). Ive never heard of that before?? Do you have to buy something from the store and then do a cash back sort of thing?? Maybe only ones that are close to the US border?

Wasn't me specifically, but if I recall, he knew the merchant fairly well. The point is that you pay a fee both ways (converting to and from US), so if you can agree on a fair exchange rate, both parties are avoiding paying the bank fees. It is a hassle for a merchant to make a US deposit too. Win-win, but you and the vendor must have some trust. I'm sure it does help if the merchant does a fair bit of US trade; otherwise he doesn't have a lot to offer.

I'll see if I can find that post and link it, but I don't have a lot to go on to search for it.

 

[seemefli]

Bankr63 that's so kind of you but really don't go to a ton of trouble, I was just curious how that would work and the info you just posted was great! Thanks so much! I unfortunately don't know of a merchant I can do this with but its good info for the future in case an opportunity comes up so thanks!

 

[bankr63]

Bankr63 that's so kind of you but really don't go to a ton of trouble, I was just curious how that would work and the info you just posted was great! Thanks so much! I unfortunately don't know of a merchant I can do this with but its good info for the future in case an opportunity comes up so thanks!

Wasn't as tough as I thought. Credit goes to Ted in Halifax:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38357122&postcount=21

That entire thread has a very similar discussion to this one here.

 

[squirrel]

I use my Canadian Tire CC if the Can$ is good. I know I get dinged the 2.5% but the card does give me a % back for use in the store on my puchase.

I also have a RBC US bank account and transfer money when our dollar is high.

I use the CC for paying for the Disney Pkg. I guess if our dollar was really bad then I would use the $ from the US account.

 

[Brandilovesdisney]

I have a Visa Odyssey which has a yearly fee of $110. Sounds like alot but it comes with full travel (medical and trip) insurance for me and my family (husband and the kids). It would cost me way more than that if I had to purchase those insurances separately, and I'm covered throughout the year. On top of that, I get bonus points which I use to pay for Christmas presents or to put towards my credit card, and I can purchase Traveller's Cheques and not pay any fees...just the exchange rate.
I like TC's because it's easier to budget and I don't have to worry about what my credit card with the crazy fees and the fluctuating interest rate is going to look like when I get home. I have never had a problem with TC's at Disney World. I typically cash-in as many as I think I'm going to need for the day so even if I go off property, I have cash on me.