Withdraw cash on Santander Zero

aj23_2

I'm going to Australia next week but don't want to carry a lot of cash getting there.

I have a Santander Zero credit card (and a Halifax Clarity, but I'm only taking that as a back up card in case I lose the Zero) and was thinking it would be better to withdraw cash at an ATM when I get to Australia as I read that I'm likely to get a better rate.

I checked the back of one of my statements, and it says 0% for Foreign Use (obviously) and 0% for Cash purchases.

I just want to check that by withdrawing cash on the Zero card that I'm not going to be hit with any charges, fees or interests for doing so on my next statement?

[Deleted User]

You'll pay interest on the cash withdrawals until paid off.

aj23_2

Deleted_User wrote: »

You'll pay interest on the cash withdrawals until paid off.

I think that's 1.45%?

I reluctantly did this in Malaysia last year and I drew out £40 worth and the interest was 32p. The following month is was 2p.

I have about $60 to take but I don't know if customs will be a bit funny that I have so little cash, despite having nearly £7k credit limit on card.

[Deleted User]

aj23 wrote: »

I think that's 1.45%?

It's whatever your rate is, which varies by customer. . Thatnds like a monthly rate.

aj23_2

Deleted_User wrote: »

It's whatever your rate is, which varies by customer. . Thatnds like a monthly rate.

It says for foreign usage:
Non-sterling transaction fee: 0%
Cash fee: 0%

It says for monthly interest rates:
Purchases: 1.45%
Cash transactions: 1.45%

Jasonh2015

Hi,

I go to Australia every year over Christmas for about a month, and have never once been asked for proof of funds, even when i was on a working holiday visa they just waved me through and i'm a UK Citizen.

They have the smart gates so it's unlikely you'll talk to anyone in customs.

aj23_2

Jasonh2015 wrote: »

Hi,

I go to Australia every year over Christmas for about a month, and have never once been asked for proof of funds, even when i was on a working holiday visa they just waved me through and i'm a UK Citizen.

They have the smart gates so it's unlikely you'll talk to anyone in customs.

Ah right okay. I was just going by Border Control Australia on TV lol

eDicky

aj23 wrote: »

I have about $60 to take but I don't know if customs will be a bit funny that I have so little cash, despite having nearly £7k credit limit on card.

There's no chance of that sort of problem these days.

If you pay using your Zero or Clarity whenever possible, your need for cash withdrawals is reduced. The daily interest incurred can be limited by paying off a withdrawal early, or avoided completely if you pay as soon as it hits your account. But for such a minimal saving you may well have better things to do...

Jasonh2015

aj23 wrote: »

Ah right okay. I was just going by Border Control Australia on TV lol

Yeah, I've seen the show lol

Banking is very easy in Australia depending on how long you're staying you could get a bank account. it's very geared to back packers and all you need is a passport to open it.

You can even open it online with commonwealth bank, the exchange rates sometimes works better bank to bank, and you can pick your card up when you arrive.

aj23_2

eDicky wrote: »

There's no chance of that sort of problem these days.

If you pay using your Zero or Clarity whenever possible, your need for cash withdrawals is reduced. The daily interest incurred can be limited by paying off a withdrawal early, or avoided completely if you pay as soon as it hits your account. But for such a minimal saving you may well have better things to do...

I tend not to pay a credit card before the statement comes in, because it can get a bit confusing on what's been paid. That said, I pay it as soon as the statement comes in.

EveryWhere

aj23 wrote: »

I tend not to pay a credit card before the statement comes in, because it can get a bit confusing on what's been paid. That said, I pay it as soon as the statement comes in.

https://www.starlingbank.com/travel/ for a debit card or Barclaycard Platinum Travel for a credit that charges no interest on ATM withdrawals abroad.