Credit Card Conversion Rates.

[jimbob622uk]

Probably been asked on another thread so apologise now.I have registered a Mastercard issued by a UK bank,which is the cheapest conversion authorisation to select and can this choice be changed pre cruise?

[Bonnie J.]

The only way to get a correct answer is to contact the bank that issued your mastercard.

Then you'll know for sure. You can't rely on answers given here as not all mastercard info is the same.

[Keith1010]

I agree, I would contact your credit card bank.

 

Keith

[riffatsea]

You can always change the credit card authorization even while on the cruise.

Not sure exactly what you are asking? Are you trying to see if it would be better to convert to USA $$s or pay in your home currency or are you asking what the rate is that YOUR bank will charge to convert? Either way you probably have some math to do and starting by talking to your own bank is a good idea.

[cherylandtk]

The Princess conversion rate is horrible (it is set once a year and does not change with the market!), you will always get a better rate from your bank.

 

The Princess conversion fee is 3%; you will have to check with your bank to see what their conversion fee is, but most banks seem to charge no more than 3%, some here in the US charge 0%. I don't know about the UK bank's fees.

 

Jimbob-This means DO tick the box that tells Princes to NOT convert your account from dollars. Let your bank do the dollar to pound conversion.

[VMax1700]

Let your bank do the conversion. Do not let the cruise line convert from USD to Stg. Same as if using the card for shopping - get the charge in local currency and let your bank convert to sterling. Always worked best for me.

[John Bull]

Different credit cards, different terms.

We have a post-office credit card that we use specifically for cruises & foreign trips, cos there's no conversion fee & the exchange rates are good. Capital One has a similar reputation.

You can register a credit card, but once aboard you can change to a different credit card (certainly Visa or M/C) or add a second card and get the charge split between cards however you like.

 

But if you're trying to decided between your cruiseline converting from ship's currency to sterling or leaving it to your mastercard supplier, no contest.

All cruiselines offer a poor rate of exchange, and some charge a fee on top. So, as advised by others, always allow your credit card to be charged in ship's currency & leave your credit card company to convert to sterling at a much better rate. It also makes it obvious if the final bill that you've agreed has been increased.

Keep a record of your request - I see occasional complaints that ships have converted, contrary to the cruiser's instructions.

 

JB :)

[muti]

Some of the credit cards advertise no charge for international use of their credit card. What they don't tell you is that you have an annual charge for the card. We'll use our credit union card that charges .8% - 1% for international charges.