Buying Currency via Debit Card

nobby7

Followed the recomendations as per the site, and ordered some Euro's over the internet using my Natwest Debit Card, no p&p or fees from the supplier as over the minimum amount was requested, and I must say excellent service. However, what appeared on my bank statement was a charged fee of £4.50 apparently stating "Cash Advance". No cash was "advanced", there was enough money in the account - it was a transaction using my debit card, just like any other transaction. My Bank tell me that this was charged by Visa as my Natwest Debit Card is a Natwest Debit Visa Card!. My question,why is this type of transaction different from any other I do over the internet, and how many other people have this happened to - is it common practice?
regards

stclair

Its common practice please see the below link for more information:

http://www.natwest.com/personal/current-accounts/g4/cards/abroad.ashx#tabs=section2


Purchase of foreign currency or traveller's cheques using a Visa Debit card:

• in any NatWest branch
• in any other bank, travel agent, bureau de change or other outlets displaying the Visa logo

• No charge
• 1.5% (minimum £2, maximum £4.50)

Foreign currency withdrawal from cash machines2% (minimum £2, maximum £5)

dzug1

It's 100% normal and there are usually two or three posts a week on here complaining about it. Anyone who has a visa debit card from most (but not all) banks is affected.

The bank are being disingenuous about the charge - they are levying it. They may be passing on a visa charge but they don't have to - as witnessed by the banks that don't charge.

Both the supplier and this site will have warned you about the possibility of a charge. If you look hard enough this site will list which banks do and don't.

nobby7

OK - used the card a couple of years ago and no charge so didn't THINK twice about using it this time- it must have been Maestro then? Anyhow, thanks for the information.