Questions on using ANZ CC in USA

[Driver]

I know this is lazy of me but might be quicker, and sometimes actual experience is worth a lot more than trying to unravel the small print. We are going to the US and use an ANZ Platinum CC (gaining FF Points). Does anyone else use this card in the US? If so, generally speaking what are the charges like? Do you pull cash when you shop like you might do here with a savings account? Do you use the card to get cash from an ATM? If so, fees? Anything else you can tell me?

 

[Evan]

Yes some fees ... Can't say if they are good or bad,, never really compared to much with other cards.
I usually would get cash from my savings account since any cash advance in the country or out attracts interest from the time you take it.
I do use it for purchases.

If i spend all my time worrying about fees then its simply no fun ! (and if its a work trip i dont pay the fees anyway)

I am sure others will say there is better options and i am sure there is but i use my Amex and ANZ visa anyway, see point above

E

 

[serfty]

For cash, the Wizard Clear Advantage card is you best value for money ...

Amex Travelers Cheques may be useful.

More here:

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...zard-mastercard-cash-advances-while-6960.html
• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...m/best-card-for-travelling-overseas-9643.html

 

[Driver]

I suppose I'm feeling my way here with questions but hope new things will fly out at me - am not overly concerned with fees - plan is to spend and have fun! I did not know I could draw from a savings account that is attached to the card instead of drawing cash from the credit card. Was this with your normal pin? At any store where you can withdraw cash? At any ATM - I did not even know you could use the card as an eftpos card in the US.

I do have some travelers cheques and some cash - but do plan to use the card a lot.

 

[serfty]

I travel with 3 cards: (Can't be bothered with Travellers' cheques)

• Wizard Clear Advantage M/C
  • Use for cash (look for ATMs on arrival in country [cirrus] - generally find one at airports)
• Amex Charge Card
  • Use on Check-in to hotels, Hire cars etc, no need to concern with Credit Limits, Pre-aths etc.
• ANZ Qantas FF Visa (Chipped)
  • Use where Amex is not accepted

Seriously, the Wizard saves around $50 for every $1000 cash withdrawn from ATMs.

 

[Driver]

So, you mainly use the ANZ CC to purchase and to withdraw cash use the Wizard card? I will look into this card.

 

[Driver]

Serfty - do you cash up the Wizard Mastercard before leaving home or is it attached to a savings account. We're happy with the ANZ CC but it's always good to have an alternative and looking at the site, it would cost us nothing to have the Wizard card - is seems amazing to me that withdrawals of cash are fee-less. Thanks for the help.

 

[serfty]

Cash up - of course, credit balances don't attract interest

(Although I always seem to underestimate the amount(s) required, especially when travelling with mrs serfty :-|)

 

[Driver]

Unfortunately Mr Driver likes to shop! I like to buy (yes, there is a difference - shopping is exhausting, buying is fun!) so I am doing the organising!

 

[Alanslegal]

I travel with 3 cards: (Can't be bothered with Travellers' cheques)

• Wizard Clear Advantage M/C
  • Use for cash (look for ATMs on arrival in country [cirrus] - generally find one at airports)
• Amex Charge Card
  • Use on Check-in to hotels, Hire cars etc, no need to concern with Credit Limits, Pre-aths etc.
• ANZ Qantas FF Visa (Chipped)
  • Use where Amex is not accepted

Seriously, the Wizard saves around $50 for every $1000 cash withdrawn from ATMs.

Very similar situation to mine.

Wizard Clear Advantage MC for cash withdrawals, payments and all purchases.

Amex Card for security deposits for hotels, car hire etc (esp when doing mattress runs, as I don't need to worry about hotels withholding funds for up to 7-10 days)

ANZ Plat FF Card & Citibank Gold fee free VISA - primarily because I use both cards in-built travel insurance and am required to carry them. To be eligible for both, prepay $250+ worth of travel on ANZ , and pay for flights using CB Gold. (yes I know I will not be paid 2x if something happened, but its just an insurance on top of another insurance in case one of the cards insurers are slow or want to decline - and can rely on the other or vv)

 

[medhead]

Very similar situation to mine.

Wizard Clear Advantage MC for cash withdrawals, payments and all purchases.

The wizard M/C sounds real good - I don't know anyhting about it.

NAB also offer fee free cash withdraws overseas if you're signed up for Gold Banking. there is a monthly fee, but there is also a fee waiver for making a monthly deposit. that is deposit not minimum balance

NAB - NAB Gold Banking