Current Accounts for foreign currency

haylo84

I am an expat living in the Netherlands and have become victim to Nationwide's change in charges to foreign cash withdrawals and purchases.

My employer is unable to pay my salary into a foreign bank account (I'm still on a UK contract) which means I'm paying through the roof on general living (it doesn't make sense to have to transfer huge amounts of money each month either; when I have DDs coming out of my UK current account).

Can anyone recommend another bank account with no charges for purchases and cash withdrawals in a foreign country?

Thanks,
Hayley

dzug1

Metrobank - you'll have to visit one of their London branches in person though - and I'm pretty sure have to provide ID for a UK address.

Or Santander zero if you meet their criteria

rb10

Or Halifax Reward account with a Clarity Reward Credit Card. Although it seems odd to be using a credit card, it's usually cheaper with the Halifax Clarity Reward card (even with interest) than most other cards.

chexum

And the usual suspect - Citibank Access, and then you can open an Euro account as well, and switch the debit card between the accounts as you see fit. Keep the £ one for DDs, and transfer to the Euro one when you need to purchase something on the card. The rate for the internal conversion includes a charge, but still makes it better than the usual 2.75/2.99% load fee.

calypso_rhapsody

I have just applied for a Citibank Euro current account. I want to deposit euros in it and then withdraw as cash whilst in the Eurozone. I spoke to a chap on their account opening helpline and he told me that such withdrawals would be free from any ATM in the Eurozone (not just Citi ones) ... but i have to say i can't find that in writing in the rates and charges publication on the website.

Does anyone know if he was correct in tellign me that?

System

calypso_rhapsody wrote: »

such withdrawals would be free from any ATM in the Eurozone (not just Citi ones)

In my experience, provided my card is linked to my euro account, cash withdrawals are free from ATMs displaying the VISA logo in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and The Netherlands.
When your card is linked to your euro account, you cannot use it to withdraw (obviously) GBP from ATMs in the UK. I don't think Citi publicise this. I see it as a welcome feature, because it prevents me from incurring charges if I forget to switch the card back to my GBP account.