Best bank card to use in Europe

Yantoo

Hi all, we travelling around Europe next year for 6 months and wanted to know what's the cheapest way to withdraw money?

Most of the payments will be for fuel and food but will also need some cash now and again.

I don't mind changing banks or getting a new card.

labp04

Hi, there is lots of info about this subject on this site both in the main site and on the forum - it's worth taking the time to search and decide.

Our personal preference is for MetroBank Debit and Credit Cards (0 fees for withdrawal with the debit card; and0 fees for purchases with the credit card). We also carry SAGA and Nationwide credit cards as back up. The first of the backups is age dependent and the second may well depend on different factors such as sign-update although you will need to check this to see how you might benefit/be affected.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your travelling and take your time - there is one heck of a lot to see!

unimaginative_user_name

Halifax Clarity is good as it has a favourable exchange rate and no fees for purchases or cash withdrawals. The only charge is interest on the cash withdrawals but you can minimise this by paying off the card as soon as the transaction appears on your account. You would need a secure Internet access though to pay it off from abroad, and give yourself plenty of time before you go to apply as it takes a while to come through.

guesswho2000

Cash - Halifax Clarity credit card, Metrobank debit or credit card, N&P debit cards, Cumberland BS debit, Nationwide FlexPlus debit.

Purchases - all the above EXCEPT Nationwide FlexPlus, with the addition of Nationwide Select credit, Post office Platinum, Aqua Advance credit card.

I've probably forgotten some but that should give you something to work with!

izools

Completely agree with the suggestion for Metrobank if you can get to a branch.

I live over 100 miles away from their nearest branch but will be in Reading next month anyway so it won't be a bother to nip into their branch there.

Zero fee for purchases and cash withdrawals on their debit card and zero fee for purchases on their credit card.

If you can't get to a metrobank branch then yeah, Halifax Clarity is a good bet.

Yantoo

Thank you all for the good advice