My frequent flyer mileage card is a United USA Visa and I just found out through Frommers that they hit you with an extra 1 to 3 percent charge on international charges. I travel overseas frequently and am mad as hell about this, enough to switch credit cards. Do you know if AA's Advantage credit card charges this? I believe it is Citibank.

Lee

Dear Lee,

I do not blame you. Some credit card companies have started to charge an extra fee for international usage. I had always thought that the credit card companies wanted their customers to use their cards; so therefore, I would cancel my account with any credit card company that charged me this excessive fee. Fortunately, there are so many cards companies out there that understand the nature of competition - and I believe AA's Advantage credit card is one - that you can get a good deal without paying this ridiculous fee.

All the best,
Joel