I've had it. I've always known that they were gouging me 1-3% on the international exchange fee, but when a purchase costs more in dollars than euros, that's where I draw the line. The exchange rate is bad enough as it is, for crying out loud.

An actual double check of charges shows that the Citi AA is 3-4% above the exchange rate. Incidentally, my Citi ATM card is under 0.5% above the exchange rate (no ATM fees, either). I'm pretty sure the Delta AMEX was about 3% (AMEX seems to have better exchanges than Visa/MC).

Is the MBNA card the recommended card to avoid this surcharge and getting the best exchange rate, short of making all purchases in cash? I sure don't think paying 2.5-3.5% is worth the miles. (I have no intention of carrying an Amtrak card.)

[This message has been edited by flightrisk (edited 07-15-2002).]