new member need help on a CC
 

Hi all, long time lurker. I am moving out on the US to Asia for work for a couple years. I am looking for a new credit card that will not charge foreign transaction fees. Furthermore, I am looking to maximize points...any suggestions?

HSBC Premier
Citi Thank you Premier
Capital One 2% mile card

Welcome to Flyertalk. What type of rewards do you value? Earning a greater number of points means nothing, it the value which is important. How much do you spend in a year on cards?

American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi all offer some rewards cards with no foreign transaction fees. Most of the cards assess an annual fee, ranging from about $60 to $500, depending on the rewards program and other benefits.

Asia is a pretty big place, so being a bit more specific on where you're going might help.

I've lived in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines, and when I was there I used my American Express Platinum card almost exclusively. I never had a problem using it, and (at the time) the American Express Selects programme in SE Asia was very well developed and very generous in discounts and promos. With the end of forex fees on that card, I'd recommend you seriously consider it.

As for maximising points, again this depends on where you're actually going. But all three air alliances are well represented in Asia, and Amex MR offers transfers to members of all 3.

I am in a similar situation to the OP. I'm American, and currently in Australia for work for the next year. After next year I will be moving to South America (Colombia or Brazil).

I've read through LOTS of threads on here but still am not sure which card would be best. I spend anywhere between 15-25k/yr. I'd like one that:

-has zero foreign transaction fees

-a rewards program with the best value for redeeming for airfare (I currently am not a member of any frequent flyer programs and have no other credit cards with miles programs, so no allegiance to any specific airline or alliance)

-access or reduced price to airport lounges would be nice, but isn't a primary concern

Thanks for the help!!

tal32drew:

How about the PenFed Premium Travel Rewards Amex? https://www.penfed.org/productsandra...cards/amex.asp

- no annual fee
- no foreign transaction fees
- priority pass membership with $15k spending/yr
- 20k bonus points after $650 spend in first three months
- can redeem points for travel

I don't know how great the points program is but some more knowledgeable people here might be able to chime in. In any case, it definitely hits most of your criteria.

Thanks, that was one totally off the radar. My big concern with an AMEX is that it wouldn't be widely accepted in South America...can anyone comment on this? Is there a similar MC/Visa?

Also, is anyone familiar with the value of this points program??

Welcome to Flyertalk. If you use Search this Forum function with the keyword "Penfed" you will find this thread. Click to read it now:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...20k-bonus.html

Thanks for the help Mia. With my situation I described above, which card would you recommend? Do you think I should be worried about the acceptance of AMEX in South America?