C/A Application Probs – Best for Foreign Cash/Hols

pupil_2

Hi, hope you guys can help me

I'm trying to apply for a better Current Account than my HSBC Current Account. I've been with HSBC 17 years but now, after getting a lot more clued up on these things via this site, realise they are screwing me and I could do a LOT better.

So, this hinges around my life plan for the next couple of years. I want to open a current account to use as my normal/only account with my wage going in etc. I am paying off a loan and two credit cards atm (will take another 2ish years to pay them off) so won't really be bothered about the interest I will be getting paid for any credit, as all credit at the end of the month goes towards paying off debts. My big requirement is that it will be a good account for foreign transactions. I hope to move away in about 18 months to do TEFL work abroad, so I need a c/a where I can transfer EUROs into it from my foreign account when I come back to the UK to visit, but won't pay the earth in fees etc. Is there big fees when shuffling money around European to UK accounts? Also, I go over to Europe on hols a couple times a year and would be good to draw cash out with as little commision being taking off it as possible.

Right. before you all make the obvious suggestion of Nationwide Flex, that unfortunately isn't an option. Trust me, I've tried every way to get their Flex account, but due to some ridiculous problem with their computer system not recognising my previous address, it won't let me apply. Mind numbingly frustrating, because their account would be perfect, but no can do. I even tried to apply for the "pregnant asbo bankrupt teenager account" they do and it still won't have me. It is nothing to do with my credit rating, before you ask, as that is spotless, purely an error with their application system.

So, yeah, I was looking at a Cahoot account, I have the Credit Card and am happy with them as a company, and their current account looks good with 2.25% foreign commision charge on cash (less than most accounts), plus the £1.50 withdraw fee from machine abroad, about a quid cheaper than most everyone else (if drawing out £100 worth of foreign currency), and decent overdraft APR, decent in credit interest rate, nice and simple and effective.

Right I hope you get what I'm looking for, sorry for the waffle, hope you guys can help. Essentially the edited version is best UK current account for someone thinking of moving to Europe in a couple years, wishes to still use it occasionally swapping currency around after that, but Nationwide Flex isn't an option. Comprende?

Thanks in advance

pupil_2

anyone?

thanks

DesG

Maybe spend £2 to get a copy of your experian credit report, and see what your old address is listed as, might help you get the Nationwide account.

Another option for credit card spending abroad is the postoffice card.

Cheers, Des.