best bank for managing/accessing money from overseas

carlstep

Hi, i'm looking for some advice and thoughts about managing my money whilst i'm overseas.

The plan is that I will be travelling for a 18-24 months, visiting various countries (mainly Europe and Asia). Prior to leaving the UK I intend to put a sum of money (£25k) into a savings account and, whilst on the road, paying myself a set amount each month into a debit account.

The idea would be to draw on the funds in the debit account using local cash machines.

I'm currently with the Halifax... they have the facilities, but they are less than ideal for my needs (their charges are way to high). I've come across the Metro Bank and I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about these guys with regards to overseas use of the debit card and whether their internet banking is any good.

Also, if anyone has any further advice or suggestions for managing my money whilst travelling I would very grateful if you could share!

Thanks and hope you can help.
C




I'm currently with the Halifax (current & savings); this for me is a very poor option for managing money

TakeThis

I use Metro Bank for such things. Their Debit card and Credit card are the best products for your intended usage.

The Halifax Clarity would be good solution too.

So perhaps keep contact with the Halifax in order to transfer cash to your Metro bank account and to set up a direct debit for the Clarity card.

Use the Metro debit card for cash withdrawals and the Clarity for billls(hotels, car hire etc).

Keep the Metro CC as a back up. It's the equal of the Clarity, but I'm not sure if they have set up the Direct Debit system for it yet. So you may have to pay the bills manually online.

In event of the loss of one card, you can use any of the cards for cash withdrawals, as none of them apply any ATM or forex fees. Just interest for the CCs.

Bob_the_Saver

Second vote for Metro Bank with a Fairfx as first back-up and dollars down your socks for 2nd back-up.

TakeThis

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

Second vote for Metro Bank with a Fairfx as first back-up and dollars down your socks for 3rd back-up.

No sense in FairFx being ahead of the Clarity or Metro Bank CC as a first back up.

Bob_the_Saver

TakeThis wrote: »

No sense in FairFx being ahead of the Clarity or Metro Bank CC as a first back up.

Take your point but since Metro card never seems to fail............
so far.

carlstep

Thanks TakeThis & Bob the Saver.

Being a Halifax customer for some years now, never been o/d and have a substantial savings account with them, the Clarity card looked perfect. Halifax invited me to apply and i did. I was accepted but only on a high rate, much higher than their advertised rate... So, I cancelled the application. I do wonder what I need to do to get these cards with the fantastic rates.

Anyway, because most of my transactions will be cash based I'm leaning towards the Metro A/c with Debit Card + PrePaid Card strategy. I do have existing credit cards, which I will only use in extreme emergencies.

Do either of you have any views on the internet banking service from Metro?

Once again, thanks to both of you for your input.

Cheers
Carl

Bob_the_Saver

carlstep wrote: »

Thanks TakeThis & Bob the Saver.

Being a Halifax customer for some years now, never been o/d and have a substantial savings account with them, the Clarity card looked perfect. Halifax invited me to apply and i did. I was accepted but only on a high rate, much higher than their advertised rate... So, I cancelled the application. I do wonder what I need to do to get these cards with the fantastic rates.

Anyway, because most of my transactions will be cash based I'm leaning towards the Metro A/c with Debit Card + PrePaid Card strategy. I do have existing credit cards, which I will only use in extreme emergencies.

Do either of you have any views on the internet banking service from Metro?

Once again, thanks to both of you for your input.

Cheers
Carl

Yes (for me) it works, no problems at all. I was in London to open the account never been near a branch since. Used it lots of places in Europe and Asia.
WITH ANY CARD have a back-up or 2

TakeThis

carlstep wrote: »

Thanks TakeThis & Bob the Saver.

Being a Halifax customer for some years now, never been o/d and have a substantial savings account with them, the Clarity card looked perfect. Halifax invited me to apply and i did. I was accepted but only on a high rate, much higher than their advertised rate... So, I cancelled the application. I do wonder what I need to do to get these cards with the fantastic rates.

Anyway, because most of my transactions will be cash based I'm leaning towards the Metro A/c with Debit Card + PrePaid Card strategy. I do have existing credit cards, which I will only use in extreme emergencies.

Do either of you have any views on the internet banking service from Metro?

Once again, thanks to both of you for your input.

Cheers
Carl

That was a stupid action, if you don't mind me so saying.

The Interest Rate should have been of no consequence to you.

The Clarity should have been for purchases only and to be paid by Direct Debit. So no interest to be paid. Even if you intended to use it for cash, you could clear the balance promptly at little cost to yourself.
Metro Bank debit card for cash withdrawals only.
Metro CC for your back up.

I have a feeling that you aren't going to listen, as you appear to be controlled by your emotions and not cold, clear logic.

Prepaid cards for backup; Travelex Cash Passport Globe for Mastercard or Caxton Global for Visa.
But not much point if you have access to the better options.