Foreign exchange transactions on your credit card

A number of people have complained about the standard of service when taking your credit card overseas and so-called "hidden charges". However, there have also been a number of instances of unauthorised credit card transactions going through, only to be cancelled within 24 hours, but customers being left out of pocket.



At the core of the UK banking sector regulations is the fact that unauthorised transactions should not leave the customer out of pocket. However, many people have experienced unauthorised transactions overseas only to be left out of pocket when the exchange rate changes and they are reimbursed in the local currency, which has have changed in value against the pound. Those who spot such transactions on their credit cards should make their credit card companies aware as soon as possible and if they do appear to be out of pocket they should be allowed to claim back the difference.



It is relevant that the difference may well be because of the changing exchange rate because ultimately the transaction should not have gone through and unless the customer has been fraudulent or not taken reasonable care the credit card companies do not have a leg to stand on.