Metro Bank debit card

sarah69696pink

Hi All,
I'm going on hols to Thailand next month, and am thinking of getting a metro bank account to use their debit card.

This doesn't seem to be listed in many guides as a top option and I wondered if I am missing something? As far as I can see it doesn't charge for use abroad whether ATM use or a purchase.

Thanks

ferf1223

it's probably not listed in many guides as it's perceived to be limited to people who live in the greater London area because of the location of their branches...it is listed in Martin's guide.

Load-free debit card (London area only). New high street player Metro Bank charges no foreign exchange loading or cash withdrawal fees on the card that comes with its current account. However, you have to go to one of its 12 branches, all in and around London, to get one (it's opening more in future, but all in the south east of England).

We have one and it's great, so is the general Metro Bank experience...much better customer service, opening times...walk out of the branch with your debit card, PIN, online banking details and a chequebook (if you want one) the day you open your account.

Their coin counter is also nice as you pay nothing to use it, just dump your coins into it, take the slip to the counter and deposit the full amount into your account...much easier than other banks (no bagging, limits) and better value than using a Coinstar or similar.

NiftyDigits

Be aware that Thai ATMs levy a separate 150 baht charge. Only AEON ATMs are the exception.
Take some £s in cash to tide you over until you are close to an AEON machine or perhaps pop into a bank to take cash over the counter.

sarah69696pink

Brilliant thanks both - I'm off to London for a few days so plan to open an account them, I called them to see if I needed to make an appointment and they were so helpful

And thanks NiftyDigits for the advice about charges. I think we're planning on getting about £100 worth of baht before we go so we don't have to worry when we first get there so we will be able to look out for the recommended ATMs

Bob_the_Saver

sarah69696pink wrote: »

Brilliant thanks both - I'm off to London for a few days so plan to open an account them, I called them to see if I needed to make an appointment and they were so helpful

And thanks NiftyDigits for the advice about charges. I think we're planning on getting about £100 worth of baht before we go so we don't have to worry when we first get there so we will be able to look out for the recommended ATMs

Take your passport and the usual utility bills but often they just need the passport I think. They are very helpful.

Bob_the_Saver

PS. ask for the free dog biscuits, our dog loved them - maybe because they were free.

totallybored

Ask for a free bag too. They're not great but they're free. Then take loads of pens and lollies.

Bob_the_Saver

totallybored wrote: »

Ask for a free bag too. They're not great but they're free. Then take loads of pens and lollies.

And the nice girl behind the desk, ask for her too beats that old dragon at N**W***

NiftyDigits

sarah69696pink wrote: »

Brilliant thanks both - I'm off to London for a few days so plan to open an account them, I called them to see if I needed to make an appointment and they were so helpful

And thanks NiftyDigits for the advice about charges. I think we're planning on getting about £100 worth of baht before we go so we don't have to worry when we first get there so we will be able to look out for the recommended ATMs

No, take the £s in cash. Change them at the airport when you land. There are bank booths even before you collect your luggage, so not a problem.

sarah69696pink

Oh ok as in sterling?

NiftyDigits

Yes, that why I wrote £s and not Baht.

Even though the airport rate is not a good as in town, it will be better than any walk-in rate you will get here.
So no sense in bothering to get Baht here.
Have some £s in cash for those odd moments.