https://www.currencyonlinegroup.com legit?

sbutton

Are these guys OK? https://www.currencyonlinegroup.com

They seem to give decent exchange rates compared to Tesco (which is my closest alternative) but how do I know if the money will ever turn up? You don't use a debit card, they expect you to transfer the money using bank transfer. I need €850 to pay for an apartment, but I'm worried that it'll never turn up. And then what?

pogofish

Why not ask this in the correct forum...?

sbutton

pogofish wrote: »

Why not ask this in the correct forum...?

Yeah, good point. I've re-posted in the forum above (in the hierarchy). Not sure how I accidentally got into "Crown Currency Exchange..." but I certainly didn't intend to.

Seems I'm not the only one either looking at the last handful of posts.

heatherw_01

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.

zagfles

Where are you paying for it? And do you have to pay in cash? And all in one go?

sbutton

zagfles wrote: »

Where are you paying for it? And do you have to pay in cash? And all in one go?

They just said to meet them at the bus station, with the cash in a brown paper bag. Sounds OK, right? :rotfl:

No, seriously it's a bank transfer straight to their account. They don't even accept debit cards unless it's over £1,500. However they have loads of positive reviews ...

https://www.compareholidaymoney.com/reviews/currency-online-group.php

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/currencyonline.com

And even mentioned in the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jun/18/brexit-effect-holiday-money-euro-pound-exchange-rate

And that was a couple of years ago, so hopefully they aren't just fly-by-night cowboys!?

Hopefully...

zagfles

sbutton wrote: »

They just said to meet them at the bus station, with the cash in a brown paper bag. Sounds OK, right? :rotfl:

No, seriously it's a bank transfer straight to their account. They don't even accept debit cards unless it's over £1,500. However they have loads of positive reviews ...

https://www.compareholidaymoney.com/reviews/currency-online-group.php

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/currencyonline.com

And even mentioned in the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jun/18/brexit-effect-holiday-money-euro-pound-exchange-rate

And that was a couple of years ago, so hopefully they aren't just fly-by-night cowboys!?

Hopefully...

Err.... I meant the apartment!!

sbutton

zagfles wrote: »

Err.... I meant the apartment!!

Oh, that. That's through a company I'm not (particularly) worried about that. The question was about the currency exchange group.

zagfles

sbutton wrote: »

Oh, that. That's through a company I'm not (particularly) worried about that. The question was about the currency exchange group.

I wasn't asking because I think it might be a con. I was asking because there might be a much better and cheaper way of paying without the worry and hassle of getting cash sent in the post.

If you're paying for it abroad, you might be better off paying by card if they take them. Or if it has to be cash, getting a couple of good cards, either credit cards or prepaid cards. You're not likely to be able to withdraw EUR850 on one card in one go. Having a few good travel cards will be useful for the rest of your trip (if you're going on a trip) and for future travels.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards

sbutton

zagfles wrote: »

Having a few good travel cards will be useful for the rest of your trip (if you're going on a trip) and for future travels.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards

Yeah, very good point. I've got a Monzo current account, and I've put plenty of cash* in it for spending. This gives very good exchange rates, and no fees. It's only the apartment, and they have asked for cash. Presumably for their own reasons.

I've also got a backup post office prepaid card. And then failing that I would have to use my debit card. And a little cash.

* I say "plenty of cash" but it's a snowboarding trip, so will go pretty quick on lift passes and equipment hire, etc!!

bagand96

Have you used the Travel Money comparison on this site? And if you have what is the difference between a reputable company you've heard of and this company.

Then you can weigh up whether you think its worth it?