Using NatWest Visa Debit Card in U.S?

PsychoPigeon

Does anyone here have any experience using a NatWest Visa Debit Card in the U.S recently? What was it like in terms of charges and easy to use? I'm trying to find the best way to withdraw money while I'm there (In Atlanta). I'm going for 3 months for business so won't need a lot of leisure money, most likely will spend £600 for food and fuel, beer.

NiftyDigits

It's not a good card. Halifax Clarity is a better idea. If you prefer a Prepaid card, you can use something like Kalixa Pay(obtained via MoneySupermarket).
That's the best for purchases and large cash withdrawals.

PsychoPigeon

Natwest charge 2% on the amount you withdraw, Kalixa charges over £2 so it's about the same. I'm just wondering if I should just take $1000 with me beforehand

NiftyDigits

PsychoPigeon wrote: »

Natwest charge 2% on the amount you withdraw, Kalixa charges over £2 so it's about the same. I'm just wondering if I should just take $1000 with me beforehand

Are you sure?

Natwest charge a 2.75% forex charge min. £1plus 2% min. £2, max £5 for cash withdrawals.
2.75% min. £1 forex charge for purchases.

Kalixa, nothing on purchases and £2.25 for cash withdrawals. NatWest

Withdraw US$500(£300) and you pay around 0.75% in total charges for a cash withdrawal.

NatWest, approx. £13.25 to withdraw £300. Kalixa Pay £2.25.

NatWest £8.25 on a £300 purchase. Kalixa Pay, £0.

Clearly Maths was not your strong point.

PsychoPigeon

Yeah I doubt I'll be withdrawing 300 in one go, if I do that I may as well just take a grand in cash and avoid all this. I was thinking along the lines of $50 so it'd be around £2 fee if I use either

dzug1

PsychoPigeon wrote: »

Yeah I doubt I'll be withdrawing 300 in one go, if I do that I may as well just take a grand in cash and avoid all this. I was thinking along the lines of $50 so it'd be around £2 fee if I use either

But you don't avoid all this - there's the costs of getting that grand in cash to take with you

NiftyDigits

PsychoPigeon wrote: »

Yeah I doubt I'll be withdrawing 300 in one go, if I do that I may as well just take a grand in cash and avoid all this. I was thinking along the lines of $50 so it'd be around £2 fee if I use either

In addition to what dzug has written, you haven't considered that you will be able to pay with the card, attracting no charges at all.

But if you want to carry all of your money in cash, what are we doing here? :money: Carry on. It's only a US$1000, so not the worst solution. You'll lose a few % on the exchange and you'll likely spend it all. If 2%, that's £12 in costs. That's about it.
Just keep it safe.