Bank Cards Abroad

[Lawrence1]

Anyone found a good alternative to the Nationwide Flex Account bank card which had free use abroad and good exchange rates?

Lawrence

 

[mat1]

I have applied for the Halifax Clarity Credit Card.
http://www.halifax.co.uk/creditcards/clarity.asp

Mat

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Me too

 

[mat1]

Me too

You following me too John ?
Same caravan forums, topics and credit cards.

Mat
(8342mat from caravan talk)

 

[KeithJ]

Hi Lawrence

I don't think an alternative DEBIT card exists. All the others that you see recommended are CREDIT cards. At least Nationwide has a good exchange rate (as you have said) and I think this largely makes up for the downside of now having fees. Some other cards, especially the pre loaded ones have not so good exchange rates - they have to make their profit somewhere!

So I am sticking with Nationwide, for the present at least, but will try to minimise the fees by drawing larger amounts less frequently, and maximising use of the credit card for payments (NOT DRAWING CASH). There are still no fees on Nationwide's Credit Card, which also has a good exchange rate.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hadn't noticed but I was on here in the good old days pre 2005

So far have only got the pin no but no cards

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

We started using the Caxton FX card last year in Portugal, the card was recommended the Moneysaving website. So far it has worked out with no problems. in practice it works just the same as the Nationwide flex card except that the rate of exchange is set when you load the card instead when you draw the money from an atm or you use it in a shop etc,

 

[ValA.]

The Norwich and Peterborough Building Society are offering a fee free current account, with a debit card with no charges for overseas purchases and cash withdrawals. You have to pay in a minimum of £500 in per month (Classic Gold), or make five transactions through the account each month (Gold Light). Details here. I'm investigating it at the moment!
We currently have a Nationwide debit and Nationwide Credit card, and will continue to use them in the way Keith describes as above - debit card for cash withdrawals and credit card for purchases, paid off in full after the holiday.

 

[Wendy-Norfolk]

We have our current account with the Norwich & Peterborough, and I can vouch for what Val has said, as of 1st January this year, there are no fees for foreign transactions - purchases or cash withdrawals!

 

[Lawrence1]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Looked at the Thomas Cook pre load card but you are stuck with the exchange rate when you 'load' the card and still have to pay a charge when it is used. Might stick with the Nationwide and use it as suggeted.

Thanks again.

Lawrence

 

[WatsonJohnG]

You can use the Halifax CREDIT card to draw cash at home or abroad with no charges

 

[DavidKlyne]

You can use the Halifax CREDIT card to draw cash at home or abroad with no charges

John
Don't they start charging interest from the minute the cash is withdrawn?
BTW, before anyone rushes off to get a Norwich and Peterborough account be aware that they are about to be taken over by the Yorkshire Building Society, not sure how that might affect the various benefits?

David

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi David
I was told by Halifax that it was a very small rate
Do you have any figures ?
Its academic for me but interesting as we have decided to stay in UK this year as HRH is recovering from successful treatment for ovarian cancer
Regards