Brits warned over failure to check credit and debit card fees

UK RESIDENTS made 60.1 million visits abroad last year, but research published by the DCC Forum says that 40 percent of UK consumers never or rarely check the exchange rates and fees they will be charged for using their credit or debit card abroad … despite the fact that almost 75 percent check for the best exchange rates from currency providers when purchasing foreign money. 

The findings also reveal that one in five respondents were not aware that banks and card providers levy transaction fees on overseas credit and debit card purchases. More than half of those surveyed knew and the transaction costs existed, but were unaware of the amounts involved.

This is likely to have a significant impact on the charges and rates paid by consumers travelling overseas, as the study found that UK travellers will spend at least £7.6 billion on tcredit and/or debit cards when abroad over the next twelve months.

The results additionally pointed to a generational difference in checking card rates before going abroad.

The forum commissioned the research with YouGov, coinciding with its launch as a new industry body designed to help consumers understand the payment choices when using credit or debit cards abroad. It also oversees best practice of Dynamic Currency Conversion, the service whereby credit and debit card holders abroad have the choice of having each transaction converted to their home currency at the point of payment.

Gino Ravaioli, chairman of the DCC Forum, says: ‘For UK consumers, credit and debit cards are an important means of buying goods and services abroad, and are one of many payment choices available. That said, our study has revealed that many consumers are not checking card rates before leaving home, which is likely to negatively impact their ability to make the right decision on card transactions.

‘Just as holidaymakers shop around for the best foreign currency exchange rates, they need to ensure they check credit and debit card fees in advance too. For those who remain unaware of the currency options on a card machine or ATM abroad, the forum wants to improve understanding surrounding the choice to make a transaction in sterling via DCC or in the local currency. Where both options are subject to similar levels of exchange rates and fees, DCC offers consumers the familiarity of paying in pounds, and the ability to keep track of spending by clearly showing the amount of money leaving their bank account at the point of purchase.’

www.dccforum.com

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