CO-OP debit card abroad

c-m

I'm going abroad in early September so i've just been checking out my current cards to see which is cheapest for overseas spending.

I'm absolutely shocked that CO-OP bank charges 2,75% on every transaction plus 2% (£2min) for every withdrawal.

And I thought they were meant to be a fair bank.

This must be one of the most expensive cards, yet isn't mentioned in Martin's website.

dzug1

c-m wrote: »

I'm going abroad in early September so i've just been checking out my current cards to see which is cheapest for overseas spending.

I'm absolutely shocked that CO-OP bank charges 2,75% on every transaction plus 2% (£2min) for every withdrawal.

And I thought they were meant to be a fair bank.

This must be one of the most expensive cards, yet isn't mentioned in Martin's website.

It's a fairly typical charge for a visa debit card.

simongregson

At least on purchases they only charge the % fee, not the per-use charge - it is better than Natwest, Santander, Lloyds.

That said, just get one of the top spending abroad cards, you've got plenty of time before you go away!

c-m

I used to have a Nationwide cash card (still do) but they introduced charges last year i believe it was. Other than that i've got a barclays cash card, and a business account.

I would most likely get rejected for any current accounts that require a credit check.

EDIT: in fact no. Now with Nationwide the cash card can't be used at all for withdrawing abroad.

bully1234

What about using a Travelex Prepaid Card - load your money on and you won't incurr ATM charges??? Anyone used these?

benjus

bully1234 wrote: »

What about using a Travelex Prepaid Card - load your money on and you won't incurr ATM charges??? Anyone used these?

The TravelEx Cash Passport Globe (the card in Pounds Sterling, not in foreign currency) has been recommended a lot on these forums. You get the wholesale exchange rate and only 1.49% in fees.

The Euro and US dollar cards are less competitive because you have to change all your money when you buy the card, at a not-particularly-good exchange rate. However, they do allow you to budget in the foreign currency, which some people prefer.

c-m

The travelex cash passport globe, is there any withdrawal fees or is it just a straight 1.49% on everything?

Also how likely is this to work in French petrol station pumps? My cards in the past have had problems there.

benjus

c-m wrote: »

The travelex cash passport globe, is there any withdrawal fees or is it just a straight 1.49% on everything?

Also how likely is this to work in French petrol station pumps? My cards in the past have had problems there.

Yes, straight 1.49% on everything, no cash withdrawal fees.

I don't know if it will work at petrol station pumps, but see my reply to this thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3312558=