Cumberland BS - Use Abroad

callum9999

I just read the Cumberland BS website and it seems that the visa debit card with their current account can be used abroad fee-free, yet this is never mentioned by MSE. I just read the travel money and it actually claims Nationwide was the only card that allowed this.

Is it definitely fee-free? I don't see why this wouldn't be mentioned at all if it was.

Their criteria for running the account seem a bit awkward if you didn't want it as your main account, but probably worth it if you go abroad a lot?

dzug1

callum9999 wrote: »

I just read the Cumberland BS website and it seems that the visa debit card with their current account can be used abroad fee-free, yet this is never mentioned by MSE. I just read the travel money and it actually claims Nationwide was the only card that allowed this.

Is it definitely fee-free? I don't see why this wouldn't be mentioned at all if it was.

Their criteria for running the account seem a bit awkward if you didn't want it as your main account, but probably worth it if you go abroad a lot?

Yes as far as I can see it's fee-free.

The snag is you can only open an account if you have an address in their branch area - if you live elsewhere in the country you are not eligible.

callum9999

dzug1 wrote: »

Yes as far as I can see it's fee-free.

The snag is you can only open an account if you have an address in their branch area - if you live elsewhere in the country you are not eligible.

Ah I didn't see that, thats probably why they are never mentioned then!

I went as far as the end of the application page and they didn't mention anything about having to live near them - they should make it clearer.

EDIT: Actually it's the first thing on the application page, maybe I should have paid more attention!

adindas

Likde Dzug mention you need to reside in one of their branches.
They clearly mention about this in their website:
http://www.cumberland.co.uk/current-accounts

"We welcome new applications from new and existing customers who live within our branch operating area, however, we do not accept new accounts from new customers who live outside our branch operating area."

ADINDAS

callum9999 wrote: »

Ah I didn't see that, thats probably why they are never mentioned then!

I went as far as the end of the application page and they didn't mention anything about having to live near them - they should make it clearer.

EDIT: Actually it's the first thing on the application page, maybe I should have paid more attention!

gt94sss2

callum9999 wrote: »

I just read the Cumberland BS website and it seems that the visa debit card with their current account can be used abroad fee-free, yet this is never mentioned by MSE. I just read the travel money and it actually claims Nationwide was the only card that allowed this.

Metro Bank also offers a fee free debit card for use abroad with their current account, though you will need to open an account (in person) at one of their stores in London.

There are several credit cards which offer commission free use overseas.

Regards
Sunil

adindas

Is there any monthly payment requirement into this a/c ?

Thank you
ADINDAS

gt94sss2 wrote: »

Metro Bank also offers a fee free debit card for use abroad with their current account, though you will need to open an account (in person) at one of their stores in London.

There are several credit cards which offer commission free use overseas.

Regards
Sunil

GFA

adindas wrote: »

Is there any monthly payment requirement into this a/c ?

Thank you
ADINDAS

There isn't for the Metro Bank account.

adindas

Thank you for your info. Cumberland BS require monthly payment of at least £200, otherwise they close the a/c/

Forget to ask about the dormancy fee or possible closure to you a/c in Metro Bank, in case no actity. Is there any ?...

If not, it will literary mean that we could open it to be used solely for overseas spending purposes. We just need to feed the a/c when we are about to travel abroad ....

ADINDAS

GFA wrote: »

There isn't for the Metro Bank account.

GFA

adindas wrote: »

Thank you for your info. Cumberland BS require monthly payment of at least £200, otherwise they close the a/c/

Forget to ask about the dormancy fee or possible closure to you a/c in Metro Bank, in case no actity. Is there any ?...

If not, it will literary mean that we could open it to be used solely for overseas spending purposes. We just need to feed the a/c when we are about to travel abroad ....

ADINDAS

I don't think so. I didn't ask this specific question when I opened my account yesterday but I did ask the rep what fees are payable on the account and he said to me that it is fee free. (There are no minimum/regular funding requirements or no minimum balance necessary).




However, you will pay:

• interest if you use the overdraft whether authorised or unauthorised (currently 15.9% I think), and
• charges for clearing items if you have an unauthorised overdraft like all other banks.

adindas

Thank you again for your info

ADINDAS

GFA wrote: »

There isn't for the Metro Bank account.

GFA

adindas wrote: »

Thank you again for your info

ADINDAS

You're welcome!

One further point - if you're thinking about opening an account with Metro Bank - ignore the website when it states that for most customers a photographic driving licence will be sufficient ID to open an account. This is rubbish!!! They will require photographic ID (driving licence or passport) plus two forms of ID verifying your address which is not more than 3 months old (not a mobile phone bill). I pointed out to the rep that opened my account that this contradicts their website. He confirmed that he wasn't sure why the website states that a driving licence could be sufficient, their policy is to ask for photographic ID plus two other forms. They can only open accounts once they have had all of the necessary ID!