I'm heading to Berlin and Copenhagen in a couple of weeks and don't really fancy getting wads of cash exchanged to last me the trip. So, knowing that us Hibees are a well travelled bunch, I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for good banks to go with that don't charge a fee per transaction abroad and also gives a fair exchange rate. From a quick look at moneysavingexpert it seems like credit cards are the best option but I'd really rather not. A current account with benefits abroad would be perfect but I wouldn't rule out some kind of prepaid card either.
Cheers!
Results 1 to 14 of 14
Thread: Best Bank/Cash Card for Abroad
-
03-05-2013 02:22 PM #1
Best Bank/Cash Card for Abroad
-
03-05-2013 03:03 PM #2This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
The credit card route offers better protection if something was to go wrong abroad.
Moneysavingexpert, the guides and forums will offer the best advice, that's where I got the tip a good few years ago to go for the Santander Zero credit card. I can use it for cash advances and there is no charge for either using ATM's abroad(transaction charge) and there is no loading on the exchange rate, you get whatever the market rate is for that day. With the ease of online banking I can pay my balance off each day thus not incurring any interest charges for the cash being borrowed. If I don't think I will be able to get online, I can preload my account before I leave, it's frowned upon by the banks but I've done it for years and never had a problem.
-
03-05-2013 07:37 PM #3
Just one of those preconceptions to be wary of and avoid getting a credit card if at all possible, but your advice does make sense. I'll have a look into that one and also the Halifax Clarity which seems to be recommended.
-
-
04-05-2013 02:54 PM #5This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
-
04-05-2013 03:17 PM #6
I use prepaid cards from caxton and fairfx. The fairfx card has a better load rate but the caxton card is fee free at atms. Both can be topped up online or by text. Being in the local currency (I have euro and US $ cards) there isn't a transaction fee.
#PERSEVERED
-
04-05-2013 03:40 PM #7
I use prepaid cards from caxton and fairfx. The fairfx card has a better load rate but the caxton card is fee free at atms. Both can be topped up online or by text. Being in the local currency (I have euro and US $ cards) there isn't a transaction fee.
#PERSEVERED
-
06-05-2013 09:32 PM #8This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
-
07-05-2013 11:01 AM #9This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
-
08-05-2013 07:52 PM #10
Norwich and Peterborough do a good current account if you don't want to go down the credit card route.
http://www.nandp.co.uk/current-accou...rrent-account/
No major catches but you'll have to use it to one extent or another.
-
08-05-2013 07:57 PM #11This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show QuoteMon the Hibs.
-
09-05-2013 11:39 PM #12This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show QuoteThis quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
-
10-05-2013 09:54 AM #13This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote
-
10-05-2013 03:19 PM #14
If you do take a prepaid card remember to not use it when somewhere such as a hotel when checking in or car hire firm when collecting a hire car asks for a swipe of your card as doing so would place an authorisation on the card and reduce your funds available. Better to still use a UK credit card for that.
#PERSEVERED
Log in to remove the advert |
Bookmarks