Free cash withdrawals abroad

lee_h_s

I will be traveling extensively throughout South America, Australasia, and South East Asia over the next year starting in August.

I'm looking for a bank account that WILL NOT charge me for cash withdrawals made abroad. Does such a thing exist?

I currently bank with First Direct and the only way I can see of avoiding being charged when withdrawing cash from ATM's whilst traveling is to upgrade my account. However, this will involve me paying £12 a month for the privilege.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

zppp

lee_h_s wrote: »

I will be traveling extensively throughout South America, Australasia, and South East Asia over the next year starting in August.

I'm looking for a bank account that WILL NOT charge me for cash withdrawals made abroad. Does such a thing exist?

I currently bank with First Direct and the only way I can see of avoiding being charged when withdrawing cash from ATM's whilst traveling is to upgrade my account. However, this will involve me paying £12 a month for the privilege.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

You may want to look at Martin's guide to Foreign Exchange. The article suggests Nationwide.

apt

Upgrading your First Direct account would still leave you paying 2.75% conversion charge on the money you withdraw. That is in effect 1.75% more than Nationwide. An Santandar Zero current account would charge even less, but that involves you having a mortgage or an investment with the bank. The Cumberland Building Society is good for spending abroad, but you need to be within its branch area to open an account.