[QUOTE=jaynyc;15617220]While (on the surface) this appears to be a very useful app, is it appropriate to be hawking a product here that you are selling?

[QUOTE=nilsou]I developed an iPhone app called Wallet Dilemma that helps you compare your credit cards for foreign transactions. Perhaps he will give it away free to FTers

I guess they deserve it

Here are a few promo-codes for FTers to download Wallet Dilemma for free from the App Store :
NAKJP69FP7YW
XXXXXXXXXXXX redeemed by lKTyS7UPY
XXXXXXXXXXXX redeemed by ma91pmh
XXXXXXXXXXXX redeemed by irrawaddy
WA9943TX9A96

Please be fair to other FTers and only use one!

Also, if you like the app, leave us a review on the App Store !

Let me know via PM when you use a code, so that I can edit and remove it !

I used the above code.

The app is a compelling idea -- incorporating both current exchange rate and foreign-transaction fees. I think it could be very useful, especially when you can't/don't use a fee-free card. However, its database of US-issued cards is limited (i.e., few/no co-branded cards), and adding new cards is very buggy (e.g., the "Bank" and "Min Withdrawal" fields seem to be wired to the same property).

Yes thank for the redemption code which I used. I would echo the comments above that the lack of cards does not make it that useful. I have an upcoming trip to Whistler and plan on taking my Bank of America Virgin Atlantic Card as main card and my Etrade debit card for cash and visa backup. Neither are currently supported. Looking through other providers list of available cards was very limited.

If the list of supported cards was made much more comprehensive, this would be a very useful app

All the indications from this thread are that you might be better off with Capital One credit VISA for purchases and Schwab debit VISA for cash withdrawals (given that Schwab credit visa is no longer available). Of course, there are other possibilities as well, but if you travel often you would probably be better off with zero foreign fee cards. Zero annual fee also helps.

Indeed but I am flying out on Friday and don't have either... out of my slew of cards the BofA virgin has the lowest fee (1%). I'm locked out of applying for Chase cards due to too many enquiries during the hay-day of Citi churning

For the first version I left out most of the co-branded cards, but I already submitted an update to Apple that includes all Amex co-branded cards and a few other airline/hotel cards. I am working on making the database more complete everyday!

I paid for the Wallet Dilemma app. So far I think it's worth $2.99 when you juggle several cards overseas, or even for comparing various cards. Nice work.

Of course Cap One comes out on top almost every time, so for those of you wondering what to use overseas....

If you have a Premier Relationship with BofA, their debit card will have no foreign transaction fee (and no charge for ATM withdrawals).

I am working on adding new cards to the database.

If some of you want to see a precise card added, send me a PM or an e-mail at nils [at] taplicio [dot] us and I 'll make sure it makes it to the next update!

I haven't looked on this thread in a long time - looks like I need to update my intel...

People are talking about a Cap1 VISA a lot. I have a Cap1 Platinum No Hassle Rewards MasterCard. I assume that still is zero Forex fees, correct? Is there something better about the VISA?

And I just learned by reading the thread that Chase/British VISA is now zero Forex. Woohoo! I only have the 1mi/2$ card, because I switched to avoid the annual fee, but that card still will get me no Forex fee, right?

And will my Delta Platinum Amex get the No Forex fee when that changes, or is it only the generic Amex Platinum?

thanks for any re-education you can provide...

App looks interesting.

Just wanted to share my experiences with my new Priority Club Select Visa, a Chase card promising 0 transaction fees. Only seems interesting because I made a large purchase in euros that was immediately cancelled and refunded because of an error, and then had to make the same purchase later.

Purchase: 1/25: 164 euros = $224.11
Return: 1/25: 164 = $223.22
Purchase: 1/27: 164 euros = $225.13

According to the VISA exchange rates, 164 euros on 1/25 converted to $223.80. On 1/27, it converted to $224.88. The page states that the rate is set daily. The amount I was charged varied (always in Chase's favor) by ~.14%, ~.26%, and ~.11%. A negligible amount, but I found it interesting.

Is this typical? Does the exchange rate actually fluctuate during the day, contrary to what VISA says, or is Chase passing on some of the International Service Assessment (ISA) fees?

All the Cap One cards appear to convert at the same rates with no fees.

Did you use the Transaction Dates or the Posting Dates?

AFAIK, Chase use Posting Dates for the conversion.

Same as FIA card - it used Posting Dates. I had some charges made in Japan that the merchant for whatever reason did not send in the charges until 6 weeks later (they were all small amount purchases at the department store's basement supermarket). Yen during that time period jumped almost 6% so the conversion was against me but C'est la vie.

FWIW, the rates with Visa also seem always a tiny bit higher than the Mean historical rates I found on XE - but the variance is so small I dont think it is worth to sweat about.