Ditching Nationwide Card for what?

Lad

luci wrote: »

Sorry, I should have been clearer, it was done on the phone with the CSA. They just asked the dates I would be away and where I was going and it was set up instantly. I think "holiday form" is what they call it internally.

I have used it a few times in Vegas over the past few days, but today will be the real test when we intend doing some serious shopping so it will be used (hopefully) for a lot of transactions in one day.

Last trip in May, Nationwide blocked their credit card after a few transaction all on the same day which had never happened before. When I called they said it was because I hadn't informed them I was going away, despite their website still showing that this isn't necessary.

Ah, that makes more sense. I thought it was more complex than necessary. I always ring up before I go abroad just in case and the other banks just put it on their records.

(Hope the card works OK for you with no problems )

luci

izzitme wrote: »

I had the same problem with their credit card last year. When I contacted them to get the card unblocked, the advisor said that I should have told them I was going abroad. I said that the website stated that this wasn't necessary but he said that this only applied to the Flexaccount debit card.

I complained that the website did not make this clear. He replied that a lot of customers said that & that they were going to change the site to make it clearer :mad:

Yada yada. They have been telling me they are going to change the website message since MAY and I have complained several times.

They were also incorrect to say that it it only applied to thet debit card. It still clearly states on their website under CREDIT card that you don't need to inform them.

Funnily enough, I was also told on the phone that you should inform them if you are going to be using the credit card abroad as if there were any fraudulent transactions that was THEIR money. They didn't need you to tell them about the debit card as that would be YOUR money. Isn't that nice of them?

** Edit - BTW I used the Clarity card several times today with no problems.

photome

luci wrote: »

Yada yada. They have been telling me they are going to change the website message since MAY and I have complained several times.

They were also incorrect to say that it it only applied to thet debit card. It still clearly states on their website under CREDIT card that you don't need to inform them.

Funnily enough, I was also told on the phone that you should inform them if you are going to be using the credit card abroad as if there were any fraudulent transactions that was THEIR money. They didn't need you to tell them about the debit card as that would be YOUR money. Isn't that nice of them?

** Edit - BTW I used the Clarity card several times today with no problems.

Thanks

Why not use the PO credit card for purchases though with no fees/charges

Any

Donnie wrote: »

It's even beaten by some of the Prepaid Mastercards.
Seems Ryanair did some a favour by making those cards more popular.

I've never had prepaid Mastercard.

I've had a look around a little and I cannot see prepaid Mastercard that will either cost nothing to purchase, has no loading fee or no ATM withdrawal fee and also will allow me to withdraw money in any currency I want - many are either Euro or Dollar or too expensive.

Which one you have in mind please?

Donnie

Fairfx Anywhere via Money Supermarket. Fairfx take a 1.5% commission from your transactions, so theoretically will be cheaper than the Nationwide debit card at 2% plus £1.

There is also the Travelex Cash Passport Globe, though that has an minimum initial load of £250 and you have to pick it up from an airport. They take a 1.49% commission for foreign transactions or 99p for UK transactions.

luci

photome wrote: »

Thanks

Why not use the PO credit card for purchases though with no fees/charges

The Clarity card has no fees/charges for purchases and has a "perfect" rate. Also only 12.9% for cash withdrawals which is only 1% a month.

Don't think I will need to use it for cash this trip as I got enough in advance from Crown Currency Exchange.

Any

Donnie wrote: »

Fairfx Anywhere via Money Supermarket. Fairfx take a 1.5% commission from your transactions, so theoretically will be cheaper than the Nationwide debit card at 2% plus £1.

There is also the Travelex Cash Passport Globe, though that has an minimum initial load of £250 and you have to pick it up from an airport. They take a 1.49% commission for foreign transactions or 99p for UK transactions.

Thank you for that.
for the 0.5%+£1 difference on my debit card I think it's not worth the hassle. If I took out thousand a pound a year it might make sense, but with my current cash needs it just doesn't.

Good to keep in mind though for future, if I changed from Nationwide current account.

photome

luci wrote: »

The Clarity card has no fees/charges for purchases and has a "perfect" rate. Also only 12.9% for cash withdrawals which is only 1% a month.

Don't think I will need to use it for cash this trip as I got enough in advance from Crown Currency Exchange.

Apologies again, i was thinking the clarity had the 1% charge for purchases as well as cash advance

Lad

Any wrote: »

Thank you for that.
for the 0.5%+£1 difference on my debit card I think it's not worth the hassle. If I took out thousand a pound a year it might make sense, but with my current cash needs it just doesn't.

Good to keep in mind though for future, if I changed from Nationwide current account.

Don't forget that you will also be charged 1.5% for using it in the UK (not just abroad) and a fee for cancelling the card if you decide to get rid of it or a fee for replacement cards as they only last for 36 months.

Any

Lad wrote: »

Don't forget that you will also be charged 1.5% for using it in the UK (not just abroad) and a fee for cancelling the card if you decide to get rid of it or a fee for replacement cards as they only last for 36 months.

Thank you for that.
Another reason to stick with my Nationwide debit card then.

I would be willing to swap current account if it gave me free foreign withdrawals, but for the 2x£200 withdrawals a year it's not worth changing to prepaid Mastercard.

You can usually pay for most of things with credit card and the Clarity gives you foreign purchases for free so there is not really point.