People who are not careful with their money can pay 5-10% extra in commission and charges when they change their Pounds to US Dollars.

Because I am clever with my money, everything I buy in USA costs me 5-10% less than it costs others.

Drinks, meals, excursions, presents and anything else that can be paid for with a MasterCard®.

I didn’t know my credit card charged me interest on cash withdrawals abroad, plus £3.00 per withdrawal, plus 2.75%. So taking £200 out abroad used to cost me about £11.00 in commission and charges. The equivalent cost on my US Dollar card is £5.20 (taking everything into account ).

Almost all international airports in USA have an ATM in the Arrivals hall, it’s the first place I go when I come out through Customs. I can always get more cash later from an ATM in the hotel or in town. Or I can use the card like a debit card, spending directly from my US Dollar account.

I am tired of having my other cards rejected when I am abroad. When I tried to use my bank card skiing they blocked it until I called them to confirm that it was me. Luckily I could borrow from friends until I sorted it out the next morning. My US Dollar card is designed to work abroad. Now I am confident I can get hold of my cash when I need it.

I don’t have to carry large amounts of cash, instead I withdraw money when I need it, or spend directly from the card. If the card is lost/stolen I have to report it immediately to prevent any fraudulent use on the card. But, at least I know that it is protected by Chip and PIN. There is a 24/7 lost and stolen number; and they can refund the balance or transfer it to a replacement card. There is even the option to carry a backup card, for an extra £5.