28° Mastercard Cash Advances while overseas [No more free cash advances from 1/1/14]

[Cruiser Elite]

MEL I am flattered that you are so concerned about my welfare

 

[MEL_Traveller]

MEL I am flattered that you are so concerned about my welfare

lol. not about yours... just trying to establish the best advice possible for readers of this thread on what to do. that's why I'm interested to know the advantage of not calling vs calling when someone has an account in credit against the rules. purely from risk management the 'calling first' seems logical... but maybe there is a good reason not to.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

purely from risk management the 'calling first' seems logical... but maybe there is a good reason not to.

What can I say? I am just a rebel! Live life on the edge! It wouldn't do for us to all like the one girl would it? As you say - as I said - explaining how different AFFers use the their 28Deg card will certainly help those seeking answers - whereas previously the waters were murky - now they are as clear as mud!

 

[Flashback]

lol. not about yours... just trying to establish the best advice possible for readers of this thread on what to do. that's why I'm interested to know the advantage of not calling vs calling when someone has an account in credit against the rules. purely from risk management the 'calling first' seems logical... but maybe there is a good reason not to.

One of the first trips I did to SIN I had a call from Wizard (as it was known back then) about the card being used - it was the only time I forgot to let them know. When I moved here, I mentioned I was doing a 6 month trip around EU to various destinations, but since then haven't advised of anything and have never been blocked. Clear case of YMMV I think!

 

[Cynicor]

Never called on one card, always in credit about 5 years so far. No issues, constantly used overseas. Other card, possibly suspended, or just a call after about 3rd year while in SIN, not I credit ever. Used all over Asia up until that point...

So completely mixed experience, but I still don't bother calling. I have 3 accounts so plenty of spares...

 

[phred505]

I used to do this, but now I have a Citibank Plus Visa Debit Card with linked savings, which is also forex free and because its a debit card it is ok (intended) to be in credit. Also by withdrawing from savings I am yet to pay an ATM fee anywhere, unlike with my 28 Degree card. Now I reserve my 28 Degree Card for forex-free overseas credit card purchases only.

Is anyone aware of any other forex free debit cards?

 

[serfty]

Is anyone aware of any other forex free debit cards?

See link in post #1 (Information on other (virtually) fee free cards for FOREX)

http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../28-wizard-mastercard-cash-advances-6960.html

 

[phred505]

See link in post #1 (Information on other (virtually) fee free cards for FOREX)

http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../28-wizard-mastercard-cash-advances-6960.html

Thank you for that: I did search for this information on here but all I could find was years old.

 

[quokka77]

I'll get the orange direct visa debit over the 28 degrees and citi plus offerings. Why? It does cost 2.5 dollars per o/s withdrawal but for that you get the ability to load any amount to your account prior to departure, no credit check / credit card application (which I would prefer to save for a citi select or big 4 amex and visa combo) and a good website and callcentre. Also no OTP dramas. Overseas I tend to withdraw larger amounts less frequently so all up I shouldn't be greatly out of pocket for these advantages. Purchases will be put on either citi select (if approved) or platinum charge to maximise points.

 

[quokka77]

Orange are also offering 5% pay wave cash back on transactions less than 100 dollars if approved prior to eofy, for six months which may be useful to some.

 

[Baysider]

I'll get the orange direct visa debit over the 28 degrees and citi plus offerings. Why? It does cost 2.5 dollars per o/s withdrawal but for that you get the ability to load any amount to your account prior to departure, no credit check / credit card application (which I would prefer to save for a citi select or big 4 amex and visa combo) and a good website and callcentre. Also no OTP dramas. Overseas I tend to withdraw larger amounts less frequently so all up I shouldn't be greatly out of pocket for these advantages. Purchases will be put on either citi select (if approved) or platinum charge to maximise points.

I'll be interested to hear your feedback on the Orange product. Sounds a good option if it truly has no forex charge like 28 Degree and Citibank Plus (typically ±0.1% of the genuine interbank rate).

NB: Other benefits of Citibank Plus for anyone considering it are free cash transfers to any other Citibank account globally and free withdrawals at all Westpac and St George ATMs.

 

[phred505]

Orange are also offering 5% pay wave cash back on transactions less than 100 dollars if approved prior to eofy, for six months which may be useful to some.

very useful. Thanks for taking the time to post and looking forward to any more tips.

 

[oz_mark]

I'll get the orange direct visa debit over the 28 degrees and citi plus offerings. Why? It does cost 2.5 dollars per o/s withdrawal but for that you get the ability to load any amount to your account prior to departure, no credit check / credit card application (which I would prefer to save for a citi select or big 4 amex and visa combo) and a good website and callcentre. Also no OTP dramas. Overseas I tend to withdraw larger amounts less frequently so all up I shouldn't be greatly out of pocket for these advantages. Purchases will be put on either citi select (if approved) or platinum charge to maximise points.

I run with a Citibank Plus and an ING. Primarily one is a backup for the other.

(Having had an ATM retain a card overseas before, I have learned to have a backup.....)

 

[kpc]

I run with a Citibank Plus and an ING. Primarily one is a backup for the other.

Citibank Plus for cash, and 28 degrees MC for credit card purchases here...

(Having had an ATM retain a card overseas before, I have learned to have a backup.....)

Yes, this has happenned to me as well... a royal PITA:evil:

 

[Fifa]

NB: Other benefits of Citibank Plus for anyone considering it are free cash transfers to any other Citibank account globally.

This is a benefit I was not aware of and could be useful. Thanks for making me aware of it.

 

[Baysider]

This is a benefit I was not aware of and could be useful. Thanks for making me aware of it.

More here Transferring Money - Citibank Australia

 

[Flashback]

I'll be interested to hear your feedback on the Orange product. Sounds a good option if it truly has no forex charge like 28 Degree and Citibank Plus (typically ±0.1% of the genuine interbank rate).

NB: Other benefits of Citibank Plus for anyone considering it are free cash transfers to any other Citibank account globally and free withdrawals at all Westpac and St George ATMs.

It's not a bad card, as mentioned earlier though it does have a $2.50 ATM withdrawal fee. I keep it as my backup card. Note also that if you put international purchases that DOES attract a fee, so it's only good for cash withdrawal.

 

[Fifa]

More here Transferring Money - Citibank Australia

Thanks - I could have used this service last year! Good to know it is available.

 

[Danger]

How do the foreign exchange rates stack up on the Citibank Plus compared to the 28 Degrees? That is, does Citibank have equally as good rates (unlike the banks where you get a God awful rate and a foreign transaction charge to boot)?

 

[Baysider]

How do the foreign exchange rates stack up on the Citibank Plus compared to the 28 Degrees? That is, does Citibank have equally as good rates (unlike the banks where you get a God awful rate and a foreign transaction charge to boot)?

Pretty much identical, i.e. right on the interbank rate, sometimes even slightly more favourable, just like the 28 Degree card.