Veiled credit card charges warned by Post Office

Posted 2007-12-12

Yesterday, the Post Office warned that some 49% of the 2.4 million Britons planning to travel abroad this Christmas will only learn of “hidden” charges when they appear on credit card bills in the New Year.

Many credit card issuers charge an additional whopping 2.75% in commission for every transaction made overseas; and the Post Office warns that many people are naïve to the fine print in their credit card’s contract.

Post Office Director of Lending Gary Fitton stated, “For many people, going abroad for Christmas is a great way to relax and not have to worry about cooking Christmas dinner. However…many people could be returning from their Christmas break with a lot more than just ‘memories and mementoes’ due to hidden card charges.”

He also added: “Regardless of where people are travelling to this Christmas we are urging holidaymakers to ensure the only baggage they return with is the luggage they are carrying and not unnecessary card charges.”

The top three destinations of the festive adventurers are Spain, the US and France - making up 17%, 8% and 6% of the total respectively.

Taking a few extra minutes to scrutinize which credit cards should accompany Britons on their journeys will undoubtedly save them millions collectively – and perhaps send a little Christmas tiding (of sorts) to the credit card tycoons seeking to snatch extra cash however they can.

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