Conversion U.S dollar to CDN dollar: Celebrity Conversion Program versus Credit Card

[cachouonacruise]

Hi all,

 

I don't remember reading about this and I am not sure how to research it, so I apologize in advance, if this is already covered.

 

Upon completion of the on-line check-in, Celebrity asks which program we want to use to convert money for charges to be made on our credit card, used for the sea pass account, ( in my case, it would mean converting US dollars, into CDN) and two options are provided: The Celebrity Conversion program and the Credit Card Issuer program.

 

Has anyone ever gone through the trouble of comparing the two programs and determine if they were equivalent or if one is more advantageous? If so, I would definitely welcome the expertise! Thank-you, very much in advance.

 

 

 

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[Cruise Junky]

Usually, you'll get a better rate letting your credit card do the conversion.

[marie61]

Our credit card charges 3% for US$ conversions. Ask Celebrity what they are charging but I think you'd be wise to decline their offer.

[wingnut2005]

Celebrity also charges 3% on top of exchange rate. We bypass this by having a U.S dollar bank account with U.S. dollar credit card so we only pay exchange rate

 

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[mom says]

We let the credit card handle the conversion. Some credit cards don't charge a foreign conversion fee, and their exchange rate is usually as good as you're going to get. Even if they do charge a fee, their exchange rate will likely be better than what the cruise line will give.

[Kamloops50]

Hi all,

 

I don't remember reading about this and I am not sure how to research it, so I apologize in advance, if this is already covered.

 

Upon completion of the on-line check-in, Celebrity asks which program we want to use to convert money for charges to be made on our credit card, used for the sea pass account, ( in my case, it would mean converting US dollars, into CDN) and two options are provided: The Celebrity Conversion program and the Credit Card Issuer program.

 

Has anyone ever gone through the trouble of comparing the two programs and determine if they were equivalent or if one is more advantageous? If so, I would definitely welcome the expertise! Thank-you, very much in advance.

 

 

 

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Keep in mind the Celebrity program is done by another company in Ireland not Celebrity itself.

You'll pay the 3% charge by the country and another 2.5% charge by your credit card company.

[cruising cockroach]

Some credit cards don't charge a foreign conversion fee,.

 

 

For Canadians. one that does is the Amazon Visa (issued through Chase). There may be few other but not too many.

[Kamloops50]

Canadian banks hide the 2.5% charge as part of the exchange rate.

 

 

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[caribill]

Our credit card charges 3% for US$ conversions. Ask Celebrity what they are charging but I think you'd be wise to decline their offer.

 

US Credit Card companies that charge 3% to convert a purchase to US $ also charge 3% even if the foreign transaction was sent to them in US $.

 

If Canadian banks do the same, then you would have the 3% ship conversion fee plus the banks foreign transaction fee.

 

Might as well just have the bank fo the conversion and avoid the ship's fee.

[easyboy]

I agree with prior posts that the Credit Card Issuer Program will be more advantageous for you.

[4774Papa]

Usually, you'll get a better rate letting your credit card do the conversion.

Yes, if you read what the consumer advocates say on their websites, it is always better to stick with the credit card conversion.

[mandream]

Yes, if you read what the consumer advocates say on their websites, it is always better to stick with the credit card conversion.

 

 

Correct, you should always decline this in stores that offer the conversion as well. Best to use a CC with no foreign transaction fees (if you have one) and always let the CC do the conversion.

 

Mike

[RickT]

I've done both and agree that letting your credit card company do it makes the most sense.

 

If you think your onboard bill might be high, it's worth checking out what Celebrity is selling OBC for. Sometimes they have a set exchange rate that is a few points better than the going rate. You can also call and see how much it is to buy OBC and figure out the exchange. A few years back we saved 10% by doing that. Worth a call to see.

[1982CruzStart]

I've done both and agree that letting your credit card company do it makes the most sense. If you think your onboard bill might be high, it's worth checking out what Celebrity is selling OBC for. Sometimes they have a set exchange rate that is a few points better than the going rate. You can also call and see how much it is to buy OBC and figure out the exchange. A few years back we saved 10% by doing that. Worth a call to see.

 

 

i agree. We bought OBC for one cruise that was at a very favorable rate compared to what we could buy in the market.

As someone else mentioned we also use a USD credit card for all our USD purchases and then buy USD at the most favorable rate we can find to pay off the credit card.

[cachouonacruise]

Wow! Thank you very much for the excellent feed-back! I really appreciate your expertise!

 

 

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[chrispee]

Don't forget that you can just convert to USD finding the best bank or currency exchange at home, and then pay your tab off in cash on the ship.

[stoddaj1]

We have a Chase Marriott Visa card which has first year free and no currency conversion fees. If you search around you can probably find a promo that will give you 50 000 Marriott points which you can use for a few hotel stays, depending on the level chosen. Plus you get a night free when your year renews. We are very happy with how this has worked out for us

[cachouonacruise]

Thank you very much for the help and suggestions!

 

 

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