About UK Credit Cards Abroad - New Travel Guide

UK major travel and payment companies, ABTA and Apacs, have teamed up to work out a booklet guide (Payments Abroad) for frequent travelers abroad, devoted to a most efficient and safe use of non-cash payment tools there. Research estimates that last year Britons accounted for approximately 309 million of UK-based card transactions, which makes up almost half of all spending overseas. No wonder, plastics were recognized as the most convenient tool for making purchases abroad, and not only that. The so popular travel-associated rewards programs available on many UK Visa and MasterCard products won travelers' hearts and steadily occupy top of their wallets.

As put by the UK payment association, Apacs, using a plastic abroad does not only imply convenience, enjoyable spending and consumer's satisfaction. There might be lots of confusion and even frustration as a result of a merchant denying a transaction or charging you unforeseen and hidden fees. The new travel guide launched by the two companies is a must to read to guard you from suchlike hassle.

Apart from purchase-related issues, a more serious problem that may arise during traveling is ID theft and fraud. UK credit cards provide the greatest protection against this rapidly spreading crime thanks to the latest developments in the sphere of payment security solutions.

The so called "smart" travel cards, which are based on the Chip & PIN principle, combine sophisticated security devices without detriment to their lucrative rewards programs and competitive rates. The smart Chip & PIN technology is now available on most of UK-issued airmiles cards, hotel rewards and cash back applications.

It helps protect you from ID theft and plastic card fraud each time you make a purchase of goods and services at a foreign merchant. The chip functions like a magnetic stripe but is more secure in that it cannot be skimmed and used for manufacturing counterfeit cards. The PIN is designed to verify your identity and legal right to use the plastic. Combined, they allow for a hands-free safe transaction supporting the rewards program you are using.

The extra protection against ID theft is available on UK-based American Express business and travel rewards products, so if you're planning a travel overseas, make sure you get a smart Amex in your pocket. If not yet, take a chance to apply for it online.

As to possible financial problems, they won't cloud your new sensations and happy moments once you read the travel advice guide on making payments abroad worked out by qualified staff from ABTA and Apacs.

Covered are tips on how to avoid charges you may incur making purchases or withdrawing cash from an ATM; advice on some simple card fraud prevention methods as an addition to the Chip & PIN technology imbedded into your plastic and lots of other aspect for safer and easier payments overseas.

Find a minute to read the guide to ensure you're on the safe side paying with your plastic and earning rewards abroad.