Help - what bank account and card for my gap year travels?

dougie189

Hi, This is my first post so excuse me if I have gone severely wrong in my post for where it is and if something similar has already been asked, but I did briefly search the relevant subjects and am a bit confused. In 6 weeks, I am going to Sweden until the end of March, to do a ski season. I am going to be working as an instructor, so will be getting paid, but I really need to get a debit card from a bank over here (UK) to use while I am over there until I get paid - probably not for about a month after I get there. I currently have the NatWest Solo CashCard, which I can use abroad, as it uses Maestro and Cirrus, however I can only use it at ATMs. I also have a Nationwide FlexAccount CashCard, which I can also only use at ATMs.

Yesterday, I went into Nationwide to enquire about upgrading my FlexAccount to the VISA debit card option (where international banking is free). They asked a few questions and sent the form off, only to call me back later saying that I could not get one because my credit rating was probably not high enough?. This confused me as I don't see why I should need a credit rating if I am only going to use it as a debit card, which would mean I can only take money out of my account if it is in there in the first place.

I haven't been able to look elsewhere today, but will be going to the other banks in Cranbrook tomorrow to ask them (NatWest, HSBC, Lloyds TSB and Barclays). I can also go to Tunbridge Wells quite easily, which I think has pretty much every main bank.

I was just wondering if anyone could advise me on what the best account is for me to get for my travels. Obviously, I was naturally drawn to the NationWide VISA debit one by the free international banking.

I am sure there is more I should have said to help you help me, so any qs just ask.

Thanks very much in advance for any help or advice you may be able to give me

James Douglas

JohalaReewi

Well I was to going to say Nationwide Flex Account but you have already got that covered. The debit card would have been useful for purchases (as would a Nationwide credit card) but it seems strange they won't give you one. At least you should be able to use your Flexaccount Cashcard to get cash from ATMs with no commision.

Another possibility is the Post Office credit card. You might be lucky and get one of those. If you do, just set up a direct debit to clear the card in full from your Nationwide account.

If you apply via quidco you can get some cashback too.
http://www.quidco.com/post-office/

Rafter

James,

Problem with Debit cards is that they can allow you to overdrawn. Sometimes retailers computers don't check you have enough money in your account. So Nationwide are a bit nervous given you don't have a regular salary about offering you this facility.

You should be ok with your ATM card for a lot of stuff though. It would be worth having a credit card (even a prepaid one) for emergencies though.

Do either of your parents bank at Nationwide? It might be worth getting a joint account with one of them if they are cool with that so you can get a fully functioning current account and visa card to cover you over there until you get paid?

Good luck.

R.

dougie189

Thanks for the help. Much appreciated, and I will definitely look into the Post Office and joint accounts (my parents do use nationwide). Any more advice still gratefully received - whatever it is you never know if it could help