Summer EU Account

DynamicHelix

I'm a UK student who is going to work in Europe (Austria) for 3.5 months this summer.
The charges on my debit card for withdrawing and spending in euros are immense (Halifax debit)
And as a student I don't earn enough to get a decent credit card or a euro account (Lloyds require a £50k gross income and Santander a £5k initial deposit)
What options do I have? I'll be paid and spend in euros.

DynamicHelix

Just tried setting up a DKB.de account, looks like they only do them for residents of Austria and Germany now

PeacefulWaters

Monza.
Revolut.
Travelex Supercard.
Halifax Clarity if you work.

EachPenny

Do you have someone (e.g. a parent) who would be willing to add you as a cardholder on a credit card account in their name?

There are various credit cards recommended on this site for low/zero commission/fees for overseas use. If you aren't eligible for one in your own name then it may be possible for someone to open a new account in their name and let you have your own separate card linked to the account. If the credit limit is set to a level they trust you with then they would limit their potential losses if you decided to skip the country and never repay them

Be aware that even if the fees are low, withdrawing cash on credit cards can have a negative impact on credit histories, so how you obtain cash while you are there would also need to be looked at.

You say you'll be paid in Euros - do you know how that will be done yet, will either your employer or you be paying fees for the transfer and conversion into your UK bank account? A friend's European family pay extortionate fees every time they send her money via their banks, both you and your employer need to be aware of any charges and whether it makes sense to minimise the number of payments made (i.e. monthly not weekly). Being paid cash might be an answer, but not always possible.

eDicky

How will you be paid, in cash or by bank transfer?

If not in Austria, a euro account with debit card in Ireland can be opened with UK address and tax ID, (if you would be eligible as a student), to which your salary can be paid by your employer by SEPA without any fees.

Don't bother with credit cards unless an eligibility check shows a good chance for one without non-sterling fees - certain prepaid cards have no fees and no credit checks, namely Revolut, Monzo, Loot.

Chapuys

I opened a Irish KBC account in €uros from the UK in only a couple of weeks. Check out this thread for ideas https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3741997

DynamicHelix

Thank you for all the replies, I'll be paid in Euros, it's a big company so I presume by bank transfer.
I'm going to try a KBC account application now, my contact in Austria also suggested to try the local bank once I arrive.

Marchitiello

Look into N26 as well