Which card shall I use in Europe?

andygb

We are going to France and Italy in a couple of weeks time, and I have Nationwide debit and credit cards. I am out of touch with the charges on each card, so which one would be the best to use whilst abroad? I also plan to get some Euros in cash before I go, so a bit of advice on the best deal for around £300 worth would be appreciated:)

OllyM

What Nationwide credit card do you have?

astras

mastercard, visa are the most common ones in europe

chattychappy

For purchases:
Nationwide Select
Nationwide Gold (no longer available??)
Post Office
Halifax Clarity
Santander Zero (no longer available??)
Sainsbury Gold (monthly fee, includes insurance)
Metrobank (not sure)

All the above have 0% loaded exchange rates in Europe.

For CC ATM withdrawals:
Sainsbury Gold (monthly fee, includes insurance)
Santander Zero (no longer available??)
Halifax Clarity

No fee, no loading. However Clarity+Zero will charge interest from the date of the withdrawal even if you pay off in full each month. However this is minimal if you pay off promptly.

I haven't covered debit cards. Others can better advise - I'm pretty sure there are charges on the Nationwide debit card these days, even in Europe.

REMEMBER - whatever card you use, ensure the transaction is carried out in EUROS, not GBP. Some terminals prompt you with a GBP amount which will be loaded - often by 4 to 5%. The retailers (or ATM operator) keep the profit, so often you will be "encouraged" to select the GBP amount. You are supposed to get a choice - so don't be shy to insist on it. Look for "Dynamic Currency Conversion" or DCC for more info on this knavish trick!

joedenise

Cash withdrawals with a Nationwide card will cost you £1 + 2%.

Metrobank is best for overseas, both credit and debit cards. No transaction charges on either, but only really available if you are able to get to a branch to open an account. Once opened can all be done on-line.

Denise

chattychappy

joedenise wrote: »

Cash withdrawals with a Nationwide card will cost you £1 + 2%.

I assume you mean their debit card ...

Nessie23

Hello a few more options you might want to consider

For withdrawing cash abroad no charge and 0% comission:

• Metro bank account debit card (only ondon area, but if you open an account with them they will will print the card there and then for you!)
• Norwich and Peterborough Debit account with a visa debit card

You can also have alook at this article which also has some useful information.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

NB - The Santader Zero card mentioned above is no longer available to new customers.

Personally I would get a no fee debit card and a no fee credit card, this way you get the best of both worlds and if one of the cards stops working or is lost you will have a backup.

Regards,
Nessie

joedenise

chattychappy wrote: »

I assume you mean their debit card ...

Yes, debit card. I never use a credit card to get cash these days. Done it once years ago but never again.

Denise

m0ns00n

joedenise wrote: »

Yes, debit card. I never use a credit card to get cash these days. Done it once years ago but never again.

Denise

The Halifax Clarity credit card is the best way to withdraw cash abroad.

You shouldn't necessarily rule out doing something in the future based on a bad experience in the past.

mcarthyryan

I have a Post Office credit card which I use abroad many times abroad. Can't fault their rates really. Just a shame their website is so crap.

heloid

I've got the Metrobank credit card and it came with a 0% for 9 months introductory deal which included cash/purchases. Haven't paid a single charge or interest and the rate is spot on the Mastercard rate.
I suppose when the 0% is over I'll use my MB debit card for cash and keep using it for purchases which isn't much of an inconvenience.