Holidaymakers ’should beware hidden card charges’

By using a bank card while away on holiday this Easter tourists could waste millions of pounds, it has been revealed.

According to research by Nationwide Building Society, the 15 million tourists who flocked to Europe last Easter incurred costs of about £16 million in unnecessary charges on credit and debit cards, a figure which could impact upon debt management and personal loan costs when they return home.

Divisional director Jeremy Wood said: "People who are planning to go abroad this Easter should be aware of the hidden charges that most card providers impose which are both costly and unnecessary."

He added that by using a bank card that offers free use while abroad, holidaymakers do not have to exchange currency and "can avoid the hassle of exchanging travellers’ cheques".

Last month, research by moneysupermarket.com indicated that choosing the ‘wrong’ financial product while abroad could see tourists hit with £335 million in hidden charges.

Robert Kenley, head of credit cards for the price comparison website, advised that tourists should consider the range of payment methods available such as travellers’ cheques, foreign currency, debit, credit and pre-pay cards, so as to choose the finance product which matches their spending habits.

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