Originally Posted by
taylor
Sigh. Thanks (I guess) for the reality check. The thing is, travel is our major way of racking up points, so will really have to think on this one: in the past, we have thought it worthwhile, if we get enough points for Business class, but this is getting harder and harder....
As I suggested, you really need to decide what is most important and what your goal is.
I pay for all of my travel and car rentals on the AX. If my flights originate in Canada, well no forex fees. But the real value is in the travel insurance (esp!!! having been stranded by another airline in ATL in April)
However, once in the U.S., I only use the USD MC.
Also note: If you use a Canadian card internationally, the purchase will be converted first into USD and then into CAD, although the banks all claim the 2.5% will only be charge once. Thus, I also use my USD card for all international purchases except for travel
I optimistically think that since more US banks are offering cards with no forex fee, it will eventually show up here. I've had a few conversations with AX Canada and the impression I get is that they would rather wait for the "second coming" before they are ever forced to offer this option.