Santander Zero Prepaid

mrnomoneybags

Hello All,

I just wanted to confirm if I preload money (credit balance) on to my santander zero card I will get no charges when withdrawing it abroad.

Thanks

Tom

grumbler

What was the point in checking if this card doesn't charge fees even if not preloaded?

That said, check what your T&C say about preloading. I think you risked finding out that your card was blocked and you couldn't withdraw anything regardless of fees.

chattychappy

I'm a heavy user of Santander Zero. They've upped my APR to 35% but make regular BT offers. (Typically 12 months, 0%, 3% fee.)

But I only use it for foreign ATM withdrawals. No fees, no loading. Just interest from the date of transaction. Even at APR 35%, that's just pence if I pay back within a few days. I'm usually working outside the UK or in one of my "alternative abodes" so internet access is never an issue. I suppose a couple of weeks' interest is more significant if you can't easily make a payment whilst abroad.

Grumbler is right as always, don't preload. They might block your card and the cost/hassle factor of phoning them up will outweigh the interest you were trying to save.

Just pay back asap after the withdrawal. Payments get applied to statemented transactions first - so best to clear the entire outstanding balance or keep purchases on a separate card. (I put mine onto PO Mastercard or Nationwide Select - both of which are unloaded for foreign purchases.)

Bear in mind that CCs do tend to get blocked when overseas anyway (even when you stick to the rules). So do have a backup. (Mine is Barclaycard - true, there is a loading of 2.99%, but that's all you pay and you get up to 56 days interest free - yep it's like a purchase. Also there is a £500 daily limit - Zero seem to give me £300.)