I need a card that I can use in Europe

asmith29

Hi.
I was previously with Nationwide but I moved to MetroBank and have no complaints.
Best.

eDicky

Psyclist wrote: »

.
At the moment I get paid into my UK account from my German employer in GBP, so I would have to make bank transfers to pre-load the account

At the moment you are fortunate, you can forget about opening and transferring funds to a German account. All you need is the Halifax Clarity credit card, plus if you open a Metro Bank (London area) or N&P BS account to receive your salary you can directly use their debit card, also fee-free and perfect exchange rates. If you want a third card as backup, have a look at the new Revolut.

Ivrytwr3

Travelex Supercard?

grumbler

Ivrytwr3 wrote: »

Travelex Supercard?

Closed for applications with no information on whether it will ever open in the future?

eDicky

Ivrytwr3 wrote: »

Travelex Supercard?

It's a new product with many teething problems in the complex system that enables fee-free overseas use of any credit or debit card (except Amex). For some it is working fine, but other users are reporting various problems and the Supercard people appear a bit overwhelmed. I have one but I'm unlikely to use it and risk potential hassles, unless it becomes more reliable.

glider3560

unimaginative_user_name wrote: »

Unless things have changed since last summer the Halifax Clarity only charges interest on ATM withdrawals as these count as cash advances but it doesn't charge for payments in shops or for using the ATM and the exchange rate you get is as good as it gets. You can avoid paying the interest by clearing your card as soon as the charge appears on your account. It depends how much cash you are withdrawing and how determined you are to watch the pennies!

The interest is minimal if you clear the balance quickly. I took €420 out at a ATM on Friday. It posted to my account on Monday and I paid it off with a faster payment on Tuesday. Interest was 16p; I am on the highest interest rate offered (21.95% IIRC). Saved about £16 compared to the cheapest bureau de change near where I live, or £9 compared to the cheapest in London.

Worth remembering that payments will clear statemented balances (even purchases) before clearing the cash withdrawals that have been made since the statement.

For this reason, I have the Metro Bank Current Account and N&P accounts for cash withdrawals. The former for in Europe and the latter for worldwide.

My employer also pays me (in GBP) from an account in Germany. Metro Bank don't charge for this, whereas I believe some banks do charge. One of my colleagues pays their bank £7 a time for the privilege of receiving their salary (then £2 or £7 for each expenses payment too...!!)