Challenger Account for Travel

nick676

Can anyone advise on the best "challenger" bank account to use abroad on a one-off trip?

I've looked at loads of reviews and comparisons, but am struggling to work out which option is best.

I'm travelling to Japan for a couple of weeks, where I think cash is still used regularly so free withdrawals is important. It seems that Revolut might be best? I'm also thinking of paying for a "premium" card for the perks such as insurance, lounge access etc, has anyone done this and was it worthwhile?

[Deleted User]

Revolut.
Starling.
Monzo.

Take your pick.

Aidanmc

!!! wrote: »

Revolut.
Starling.
Monzo.

Take your pick.

Are these only available through app based banking?

gingerdad

Used Starling across Europe and in the states really impressed. all app-based - app is really good

[Deleted User]

Aidanmc wrote: »

Are these only available through app based banking?

Well.. yes.
As with most (if not all) of these new fangled “challenger banks”.

JoseChungsDoomsday

!!! wrote: »

Revolut.
Starling.
Monzo.

Take your pick.

revolut isn't a bank (and the bosses are pretty crappy human beings) so be wary

ColdIron

Starling allows £300 per day fee free ATM withdrawals, the limit on Monzo and Revolut is much lower (£200 per month?)

eDicky

Personally I wouldn't consider it worthwhile to pay any premium account fees for use on a one-off trip.

Starling Bank is currently the best choice, especially for frequent cash withdrawals, but you should not limit yourself to a single card solution - loss or failure etc can always occur, especially when overseas. I always carry several suitable cards for travel.

Duckyduck

Monzo with only £200 per month free withdrawals isn’t particularly suitable for Japan given it’s still a cash based society.

Revolt seems to be a shady organisation, I wouldn’t rely on them.

Starling seems to be well run, reliable, excellent app and free withdrawals, I’d suggest using this as your primary source, and Monzo, or a fee free credit card as back up. The credit card would be wise for holds on hotel rooms etc.

gt94sss2

!!! wrote: »

Revolut.
Starling.
Monzo.

Dozens is another one worth considering and a Curve Card could also be useful in some circumstances.

nick676

Looking like Starling will be the best option then. Only slight concern was 300 withdrawal limit per day on ATMs, but prob not going to be an issue. Will also have my Barclaycard for hotels and other larger transactions. Thanks all for help.