Credit Card Forum
  1. #1
    cmoya
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    Default Is Mastercard accepted in Europe?

    I am going to Europe through school (UK, Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal). Is Mastercard accepted in Europe or would I be better off taking my Visa debit card? (I don't have a Visa credit card)
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    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote     Feb 2, 11, 2:01 am
  2. #2
    websteth
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    I have had no issue with using any of my cards (AMEX, MasterCard, or Visa) in Europe. You should be good to go with the MasterCard if that is all you have.
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    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote     Feb 5, 11, 7:52 am
  3. #3
    cmoya
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    Thanks. Do you know if the rights for fraud protection and stuff will be the same as Mastercard in Europe as it would be for Visa?

    I have read that in Europe some places charge a fee for using a credit card. How often will I encounter that?
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    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote     Feb 5, 11, 2:46 pm
  4. #4
    jeffysdad
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    Most cards now charge a fee of about 3% for transactions denominated in a foreign currency. I think CapitalOne is an exception to this. You want to check with your card provider.

    I don't recall encountering fees for using credit when I've travelled in western Europe, but I could be mistaken.
    CARDS (and why)
    FIA Card Services: Fidelity Amex (best cash back excepting 5% cards), Fidelity Visa (spare)
    Chase: Freedom (only for 5% reward categories, purchases under $10), Sapphire (not in use), Amazon Rewards (for Amazon purchases only)
    CapitalOne: No Hassle Rewards (no foreign transaction fee, my only MasterCard, not in use)
    Amex: Blue Cash Everyday (not in use)
    Discover: More (only for 5% reward categories)
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    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote     Feb 5, 11, 3:56 pm
  5. #5
    websteth
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    MBNA (Bank of America)did charge a Foreign Transaction Charge when it was used. As Jeffysdad said, it's about 3%. I have not seen any other fees.
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    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote     Feb 6, 11, 6:19 am
  6. #6
    cmoya
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    You guys are awesome thanks for helping me figure this out!
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    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote     Feb 6, 11, 1:28 pm
  7. #7
    chuckit
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    Yes most developed European countries have widespread acceptance of Mastercard and Visa. I hear American Express is semi-popular in the bit Asian cities and I am unsure about Discover.
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    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote     Feb 9, 11, 10:47 pm
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