Which US credit card to use in Germany?

I am not talking about debit card use in ATMs.

Which US credit card has the least service charges

for use in Germany (Bavaria)? A lot of them have

recently added charges for internatiional use.

Thank you. Frank

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Capital One card had no foreign transaction fees but it is a Mastercard which I have heard may not be as accepted in Germany as Visa. We will bring it and anyone accepting Mastercard will get that one because the exchange rate is also excellent.

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It looks like we will use a Capitol 1 Mastercard if it is accepted. Thanks. Frank

PS Please post anything that is new on this topic.

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Another card to consider is the Schwab Visa card. It also has no foreign transaction fees.

schwab.com/public/…

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I checked out a few of the hotels we have reservations or will have reservations at and each list Mastercard.

But having the Schwab VISA may be a good idea too.

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Both VISA and Mastercard [Maestro] automatically charge [add] a 1% %26#39;Foreign Transaction Fee%26#39;.

Any amount above or below 1% is either being added to or absorbed by the Bank that issued the credit card.

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From what I gather, Capital One offers both Visa%26#39;s and Mastercard and absorbs the international fee.

My question: Which one is more widely accepted in Germany? Both the same or what? I need to apply for one.

Also, here%26#39;s a little article i found:

indexcreditcards.com/internationaltransactio…

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I have had Amex refused by some small shops.They did accept MC.

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bub0316, Thanks for the link, this is what everyone wanted in a link: the comparison. Frank

Sounds like Capitol 1 is the way to go. Too bad they

have such crappy TV commercials.

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I strongly suggest two things: (1) Take two credit cards along. I usually bring a VISA and an AMEX card. If one card doesn%26#39;t work, the other hopefully will. (2) Be sure to notify your card issuer that you will be using the card overseas, in which countries and time frame. It will save you the embarrassment of being told that your cart is no good (i.e. it is blocked by the bank).

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Make sure you get the telephone number that you can call if you have a problem. Tell them you will be

possibly be calling from Ireland and also possibly be calling from Germany if you have a problem with their card. (these countries apply to my trip).

Frank