28° Mastercard Cash Advances while overseas [No more free cash advances from 1/1/14]

[Keith009]

Thanks for the data point. Wizard is looking more attractive by the day. However I'm still not sure whether I want yet another credit card. :-| I have a policy of not having more than 2 credit card accounts and I already have AMEX (the free Plat credit card does not count) and ANZ.

I might investigate the possibility of dumping ANZ and taking up Wizard but then I'll be left with no points earning VISA/MC.

 

[Baysider]

We virtually don't treat the Wizard Mastercard as a credit card. It's essentially only used for overseas cash. It is CC number 4 for us.

 

[Flashback]

We virtually don't treat the Wizard Mastercard as a credit card. It's essentially only used for overseas cash. It is CC number 4 for us.

Ditto! But C/C 3. Citibank for VISA and AMEX for most purchases.

 

[Baysider]

Same 3 cards, but also have the Westpac Altitude Gold Visa (because it comes free with our loan package - rarely used). Keep that one in my wife's name to maintian a credit rating.

 

[oz_perspective]

Well after around two years of putting it off, I have finally applied for one of these cards. Should save me a few dollars when overseas!

 

[yeahboii]

If i get a wizard C/C and preload money onto this card. how much can i withdraw each day if my credit limit is $3000?

:?: :?:

 

[Baysider]

Mine has a $1000 per day limit for cash advances (confirmed this accidently while in Tokyo).

 

[serfty]

There are two limits.

One is the "Daily" limit.

The other seems to relate directly to your credit limit. You can withdraw up to this limit but no more until the transaction(s) post (you can see this online).

 

[yeahboii]

so maximum of a $1000 a day.

If $3000 credit limit, then $3000 max withdraw in a month?

Is this correct?

:?:

 

[serfty]

so maximum of a $1000 a day.

If $3000 credit limit, then $3000 max withdraw in a month?

Is this correct?

:?:

No.

See post #330; you can withdraw up to your credit limit and no more, until the transactions post, typically 2 to 4 days.

...
After a lot of to-ing and fro-ing on the phone, it turns out that despite the fact that their website says a max of $1000 per day, it's actually a max of your credit limit (so, in my case, 2K) per length of time it takes between you taking the money out, and the transaction showing in the transaction history on the wizard website. This length of time varies based on a lot of factors, and the only way to check it is to either log in, or attempt to take more money out, according to Wizard. And, according to wizard, continually attempting to get money out, when you've already gone past your max for the day, will not lock up the card, although after my experiences last year, I'm not in a hurry to test that.

In my experience, in Japan, it took about 4 business days for the transaction to show up, and I could take more money out.
...
I still think this card is a great travelers credit card, but always make sure you have a second or third cash option as well...

 

[yeahboii]

thanks for clarifying that for me,

greatly appreciate it :!:



going to apply for one :!:

 

[sammm]

hi, i just found your forum. so i thought i would ask a question.
I just received my wizard clear advantage mastercard . i got to save myself on fees .

my question is
I am going overseas to israel and they have have money changers. would it better to take cash with me and change the money at the money changers or put extra money onto the mastercard and withdraw the israeli currency through their ATMs?

as well , i am going to shanghai and zurich. are ther money changers in shanghai or zurich? i believe not in shanghai as the money is regulated.

 

[Baysider]

I'd use the Wizard Mastercard in as many locations as possible. Money changers will cost you a lot more. Post #308 in this thread mentions two cash withdrawals in China, with no fees charged by Bank of China.

 

[auriga]

There are money changers everywhere, but whether they offer good rates or not is the question.

Why not use the wizard card since not many places will have rates better than what you can get with wizard?

 

[serfty]

Updated post #1 with some handy reference links.

 

[sammm]

There are money changers everywhere, but whether they offer good rates or not is the question.

Why not use the wizard card since not many places will have rates better than what you can get with wizard?

but isn't money changers better then the bank interms of exchange rate.?

 

[Baysider]

By the time the money changers add their fees you would be very lucky to find one with a better overall conversion cost than the banks.

 

[auriga]

but isn't money changers better then the bank interms of exchange rate.?

Unlikely!

I would only consider using money changers in places where I know I can get very good rates, ie Singapore and Bangkok. And that is usually only when I wish to change to a third currency. Eg, I would go to Singapore and get some US dollars.

Another situation would be where I know a country's ATM is unreliable, has low limits, high fees, etc.

But otherwise, I use Wizard.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Unlikely!

I would only consider using money changers in places where I know I can get very good rates, ie Singapore and Bangkok. And that is usually only when I wish to change to a third currency. Eg, I would go to Singapore and get some US dollars.

Another situation would be where I know a country's ATM is unreliable, has low limits, high fees, etc.

But otherwise, I use Wizard.

As above I have only found this to be so in Asian Countries.

ie In my recent visit to Vietnam. However note that not all are cheaper..so one should always keep in mind what the going rate is so when you see a good eal you can grab it.

 

[Baysider]

Am I missing something in post #480. The writer has quoted a post about problems with the Wizard MASTERCARD in South America, and posted a reply referring to VISA card use in the UK. I'm confused.