Using your credit card outside the US

Whether it’s business or pleasure, travelling with your credit card is a safe and convenient way to spend money outside the US.

But there may be charges for using it – especially if you withdraw cash.

To avoid these, follow our 6 tips when using your credit card overseas.

When using your card outside the US, whether you're in a shop or a restaurant, you may be charged an extra fee for not paying in the local currency.

If you have the choice between paying in dollars (USD) or the local currency, consider choosing the local currency. That way, you avoid dynamic currency conversion fees (when conversion fees are processed in USD) and in most cases, get a better exchange rate.

If your credit card doesn’t work, your trip abroad might not go to plan. So, make sure it’s not going to expire while you’re away.

Even if it’s not, it’s worth taking another type of payment card with you as a backup – so take a debit card or another credit card too.

You can use your credit card overseas to withdraw local currency at an ATM, but you’re likely to be charged a cash advance fee.

If you need cash, either arrive at your new destination with a set amount of the local currency, or use your debit card to make withdrawals.

Keep in mind – you may still be charged an international transaction fee on your debit card.

It’s a good idea to check your contact details are up to date before you travel. This way, your bank can get in touch with you if they need to.

If you’re an HSBC customer, we’ll look out for any unusual spending on your accounts – just like we do at home.

If you need to, you can update you contact details here.

Going on a gap year, an extended business trip or the holiday of a lifetime? Avoid missing any bill or credit card payments while you’re away by setting up a Bill Pay.

This helps you spend more time doing what you came to do and less time organizing and paying bills.

Make sure you’ve got your bank’s overseas number in case of an emergency – such as your credit card getting stolen.

By setting up online and mobile banking, you have constant access to your account. You can keep track of your spending and cancel or block a card immediately.

If you’re an HSBC customer, you can temporarily block your card while overseas if it’s lost, or you think it’s been stolen.

Contact us or use our mobile banking app to freeze your card temporarily.