Grrr, I feel so stupid!

[disneysteve]

Our CC places a 'hold' for sums greater than the charge when for travel and accommodation in foreign countries so it's a good idea to check with your specific CC before booking.

That's good to know, though our credit limit is high enough that it wouldn't pose a problem. Between our Marriott card and our Chase card, we have a combined limit of $60,000. I don't think, even with a couple of holds, we will ever be in danger of nearing that limit.

As for the exchange rate, many cards now charge a fee for foreign transactions that can eliminate that advantage. I've heard that Capital One is the one major card that doesn't do that. I know several people who have gotten a Capital One card just for that purpose before they took foreign trips.

[KTP]

Yep, DS has it nailed.

We use the CC over paying cash or debit card because the rewards are so good. 1.5% of all purchases is deposited in our Fidelity account as cash every month. My checking account offers an interest rate of 0.025%. Which one sounds better?

It turns out that even though I paid the late fee (was only $15 instead of $35), the deposit in my Fidelity account for the past month was $65, so I am still ahead. I set it up now where I will never be late...it was my fault, not Fidelity, and I accept the fee.