MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - E-book stores in the UK

Halk · 03-30-2008, 10:31 PM

Bought my first book in US currency there. I opted for Booksonboard since I like their straightforward and honest pricing. However when I went to pay I had the option of paying by Credit Card or Paypal. Both of these incurred a currency loading percentage. In other words the foreign exchange rate was $1.94 for £1 rather than the $2.00 it should have been.

This is because my credit card loads by 2.75% on foreign currency, and so does Paypal.

I had a look around and there's 3 credit cards that don't.

Nationwide Gold, Thomas Cook and Post Office Platinum.

I went for the Thomas Cook one since they give me some kind of rewards thing that I didn't look into in the slightest. Since I won't be paying any interest on the cards and they all don't charge me a loading fee it was the only real factor between them.

I'd suggest that anyone who is going to make purchases in foreign currency from the UK have a check to see if you're being charged a loading fee. Generally speaking if you can't easily find out then you are.

03-30-2008, 10:31 PM	#35
Halk Fanatic Posts: 538 Karma: 469999 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Scotland Device: Sony PRS-650 (PRS+ alpha - thanks Kartu!)	Bought my first book in US currency there. I opted for Booksonboard since I like their straightforward and honest pricing. However when I went to pay I had the option of paying by Credit Card or Paypal. Both of these incurred a currency loading percentage. In other words the foreign exchange rate was $1.94 for £1 rather than the $2.00 it should have been. This is because my credit card loads by 2.75% on foreign currency, and so does Paypal. I had a look around and there's 3 credit cards that don't. Nationwide Gold, Thomas Cook and Post Office Platinum. I went for the Thomas Cook one since they give me some kind of rewards thing that I didn't look into in the slightest. Since I won't be paying any interest on the cards and they all don't charge me a loading fee it was the only real factor between them. I'd suggest that anyone who is going to make purchases in foreign currency from the UK have a check to see if you're being charged a loading fee. Generally speaking if you can't easily find out then you are.