free international withdrawals

adam5675

hi all
im travelling the world in 6 weeks and was wondering what the best account is to withdraw money from an atm? with minimal charges or m,aybe no charges.
i would prefer to have a debit account but would consider a credit card.
any suggestions would be very welcome!
thanks
adam

jambosans

Probably the Nationwide FlexAccount. It used to be completely free but they are going to start applying what Visa charge them for processing transactions. This page gives details on the countries where charges may apply, and also some general information on the charge itself.

As far as I am aware Nationwide are the cheapest (even with the Visa charge) on the high street. Other banks will charge in the region of 2.75% for converting the currency to Sterling.

It is also worth keeping in mind the ATM Provider may also charge, which is completely out of the banks control.

As far as credit cards are concerned, most charge you a ridiculous amount for withdrawing in the UK at an ATM, so I would imagine similar charges levied abroad (if not more). Paying for goods is another matter which I'm not clued up on enough, but would guess some charges are involved.

Baldur

The Nationwide Cash Card Account offers a Cirrus Card which currently has no charges for foreign ATM withdrawals.

See "I have a Cash Card Account that I use to withdraw cash when I'm on holiday. Will I be charged?" here.

withnell

Another option is Citibank Euro / USD current - means you can do the exchange while still in the UK

Doshwaster

I've just setup a Nationwide account as I'm sick of paying cash withdrawl fees while abroad. I'm not switching my main account, but I'll just preload the Nationwide account with my estimated spending money for while I'm away

Loco

Baldur wrote: »

The Nationwide Cash Card Account offers a Cirrus Card which currently has no charges for foreign ATM withdrawals.

See "I have a Cash Card Account that I use to withdraw cash when I'm on holiday. Will I be charged?" here.

The cash card use abroad is currently free but It will likely change.....................

`Customers with the basic FlexAccount cashcard have their service supplied by Mastercard and so will not be charged at the moment, but Nationwide says it is looking to introduce charges for these cards too.` :rolleyes:

See link

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/credit-and-loans/credit-cards/article.html?in_article_id=480069&in_page_id=53936

glider3560

I was under the impression that the Nationwide Cash Card Account was just a bog standard Link card that couldn't be used abroad. I thought the only Cirrus cards they issue are for FlexAccounts that have the cash card instead of the debit card.

bkotago

As of June 2009, nationwide are charging 1% for international ATM withdrawals. I don't know of any banks/building societies who don't charge.

moniker_2

A HSBC "Plus" account has no fees for cash withdrawals in ATMs abroad using a debit card.

glider3560

bkotago wrote: »

As of June 2009, nationwide are charging 1% for international ATM withdrawals. I don't know of any banks/building societies who don't charge.

Only outside the Visa Europe area, as defined on the Nationwide website.

moniker wrote: »

A HSBC "Plus" account has no fees for cash withdrawals in ATMs abroad using a debit card.

They still charge a currency conversion fee, which Nationwide do not do.

dzug1

The Cumberland Building Society doesn't charge - but they won't open an account if you don't live in their area (Preston to Dumfries, roughly).