How to pay when in USA?

[c3h3a3r]

How do you pay for things in the USA?

I have just got a new credit card which doesn't charge for cash withdrawels abroad, no charge for converting the money etc. I was going to take a small amount of cash with me for tips/small purchases etc. but am unsure if there will be charges at the ATM's there, or if you buy things on credit cards in shops/restaurant etc. whether there is an extra charge for using a credit card?
Originally I was going to get a pre-paid travel card - but apart from the fact I wouldn't know how much to put on, they charge you to take it off if you still have credit on there when you return.

We are going for 3 weeks and already have all our tickets.

Need a little advice please.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Pegasus928]

We normally take our debit card with us and take money out of the ATMs. There is a small charge - about $3 per transaction - but it is small compared to the overall cost of the holiday.
I am pretty sure we didnt incure any extra charges when buying things with a credit card.

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Kath2003]

How do you pay for things in the USA?

I have just got a new credit card which doesn't charge for cash withdrawels abroad, no charge for converting the money etc. I was going to take a small amount of cash with me for tips/small purchases etc. but am unsure if there will be charges at the ATM's there, or if you buy things on credit cards in shops/restaurant etc. whether there is an extra charge for using a credit card?

Taking cash out with a credit card is generally regarded as a terrible idea, no matter where in the world you are, even down the road in the UK! You'll be charged for a "cash advance" and interest will be charged immediately, not after the bill arrives!

If you're using a debit card, you'll have to pay usually a $2 ATM withdrawal fee + whatever your card provider charges (for example, Nationwide also charge £1 for a cash withdrawal from a debit card + 2% commission - so on £100, you'd pay an extra £4.60 in fees). Similarly, for using a debit OR credit card in shops/restaurants etc. you'll need to look at the Ts&Cs from your card provider to see what you will be charged.

 

[wayneg]

There is a guide to card fees on MSE http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#topcards

I rarely use cash anymore, I use a Post Office credit card, even if its a $2 icecream, only cash I use usually is for tolls. I once made the mistake of using a debit card (handed over wrong card) it cost me £1.50, 2.75% conversion fee and interest. Read the report above but I recommend a fee free card(Post Office, Halifax Clarity or Santander Zero) although Santander are in my bad books just now, on my current account I overdrew £60 for 2 days by mistake, they have charged me £55 in fees

 

[Strawberry's mom&dad]

Not being from the UK I don't know your credit card rules but with our cards you can buy almost anything you want with a credit card with no fee. If you are coming to disney you can put your card on your room and just use your KTTW card to buy everything at disney. If you have a credit/debit card it will come directly out of your bank account.

 

[irenep]

I always charge to the room and pay it off using my Post Office CC.
All other purchases are on the CC too.
I can't cope with just CC though as I like to give the kids some cash so I usually put their spending money on a Fairfx card and take it out when we arrive to minimise ATM withdrawal fees.

 

[wayneg]

Not being from the UK I don't know your credit card rules but with our cards you can buy almost anything you want with a credit card with no fee. If you are coming to disney you can put your card on your room and just use your KTTW card to buy everything at disney. If you have a credit/debit card it will come directly out of your bank account.

The problem using UK cards in US is we get charged a conversion fee, most charge between 2.5%-3%, we only have 3 or 4 cards who don't charge this fee(3 of which I listed in my previous post)
Some debit cards charge this fee plus a fixed fee ontop, mine(Halifax) charges £1.50 ($2.43) not good if buying a $2.50 icecream, it doubles the cost.
We are getting hit with card fees from all angles now, especially in the travel industry, I bought some Seaworld/Busch tickets yesterday, 5% fee for using a credit card. Its a way of keeping the headline price low to gain sales but add the profit into the card fees.

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thanks so much everyone. for your help.

 

[ben1993]

I took my debit card and used ATM's this trip, took out large sums each time and the charge was only $2 so hardly noticeable. Next trip in November though I think I'll use the Key To The World card as we won't be off Disney property at all.