I assume it means exactly what it says...they charge you a fee when used in a foreign country right?
How do I know if my cards do this? (I have Amex, Chase Freedom, Walmart Discover, Cap 1).
We are going to be leaving on a cruise and this will be the first time I have ever taken my cc with me to use.
Any advice and/or help?
Will I need to contact them ahead of time to let them know?
i would contact your creditors just to be sure...even banks have varying terms for FTF's based on each product they offer...give em a call 
@djc1puno wrote:i would contact your creditors just to be sure...even banks have varying terms for FTF's based on each product they offer...give em a call
It's Foreign Transaction Fee, and, if applicable, will be charged whenever the transaction is processed through a foreign bank. This can happen from time to time on web sites (booking trips on foreign carriers) while in the US.
And it's the transaction that matters, not the currency. So beware if a merchant offers to charge you in US $ as a convenience. You get (usually) a poor exchange rate and still get the Foreign Transaction Fee.
Of your cards, no Capital One cards have a FTF.
@longtimelurker wrote:
@djc1puno wrote:i would contact your creditors just to be sure...even banks have varying terms for FTF's based on each product they offer...give em a call
It's Foreign Transaction Fee, and, if applicable, will be charged whenever the transaction is processed through a foreign bank. This can happen from time to time on web sites (booking trips on foreign carriers) while in the US.
And it's the transaction that matters, not the currency. So beware if a merchant offers to charge you in US $ as a convenience. You get (usually) a poor exchange rate and still get the Foreign Transaction Fee.
Of your cards, no Capital One cards have a FTF.
And Freedom and Amex Blue Sky do. Don't know about Discover, but that has issues being accepted in many places outside the US.
@audia4 wrote:
@eddie84 wrote:Discover also does not charge FTF (link) but acceptance might post an issue.
I have a Walmart Discover. I was able to find my statement that arrived with my original card and it does state they do charge a FTF.
So maybe because it's a different kind of Discover?
wally discover is actually GE...not by discover card...
@djc1puno wrote:
@audia4 wrote:
@eddie84 wrote:Discover also does not charge FTF (link) but acceptance might post an issue.
I have a Walmart Discover. I was able to find my statement that arrived with my original card and it does state they do charge a FTF.
wally discover is actually GE...not by discover card...
Well there I go...that explains it. LOL
Thanks. I'll have to see if I can dig out the others to confirm.
@audia4 wrote:
@djc1puno wrote:
@audia4 wrote:
@eddie84 wrote:Discover also does not charge FTF (link) but acceptance might post an issue.
I have a Walmart Discover. I was able to find my statement that arrived with my original card and it does state they do charge a FTF.
wally discover is actually GE...not by discover card...
Well there I go...that explains it. LOL
Thanks. I'll have to see if I can dig out the others to confirm.
you're welcome...like i said earlier, call your cc to inquire about your cards and FTFs just to be sure