Q We plan to travel to Europe this fall. I'm considering getting a Capital One credit card for the trip because it doesn't charge for international transactions. However, I'm worried that adding a credit card will lower my credit rating. Is that likely? We have a VISA and a debit card and always automatically pay the full amount. Our only debt is our home mortgage, which is automatically deducted. Also, is there a way to find out my credit rating free of charge?

DAVID

A Here's how I look at this kind of financial question. I don't think it's worth getting another credit card if you're heading off to Europe for a vacation -- even a vacation of a few weeks. There's nothing wrong with it. But to me it's the equivalent of taking a credit card to get 10 percent off the purchase price at the checkout line. Most of us plan on canceling the card when we accept the retailer's offer. We just want the price break. But enough of us don't follow through on our intentions that it's profitable for the business. However, it's a financially smart move if you're going to be in Europe for several months or if you plan on traveling overseas a lot in the coming years.

I wouldn't worry about your credit score. If there is an impact, the effect will be fleeting. What really matters is a long history of paying off your bills on time, and it's clear that you've done that.

You can't get your credit score for free.

However, the financial services reform bill just signed by President Obama takes a small step in that direction. You now have the right to see your credit score without paying for it if the number was used against you.

For example, you can see your score if you were denied a mortgage or charged a higher rate on the loan because of your score. Basically, if there is an adverse financial action because of the score, you can see it for free.

Meanwhile, everyone can get a copy of their credit report, which is different from the credit score, from each of the three main credit bureaus for free once a year. The only authorized provider of this service is AnnualCreditReport.com.

Chris Farrell is economics editor for American Public Media's "Marketplace Money." Send questions to cfarrell@mpr.org.