Get american dollars here or on card

ecclesto

I am travelling to Canada and America next week. The last time I was in America, travellers cheques were all the rage. I have been told that the best rate of exchange is to be had by using my bank card out there to draw dollars. I have a Santander and M&S bank card for current accounts. I will probably need around $700. Does anyone know my best option please

eDicky

Forget about travelers cheques.

Your debit cards will have fees for overseas use, but not much worse than the cost in the exchange rate margins of buying cash dollars.

Your best value choice is to sign up for Monzo via the MSE link, load £100 and the card will arrive in a day or two:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/prepaid-travel-cards#monzo

There are withdrawal limits, but most purchases can be paid by card in Canada/USA. Most US ATMs charge a few dollars.

If you're departing from Gatwick, Stansted or Southend airports you can use Monzo to withdraw cash USD at the MasterCard rate from a Moneycorp ATM, making sure that you select 'Without Conversion' when the screen gives the choice (to avoid Moneycorp's own disastrous exchange rate).

Take your debit cards as backup.

Neil49

Make sure you get your account id verified with Monzo before you go as this increases the limits on your account.

You can message them to check your status and they will respond very quickly.