The best card / service to use abroad

Halabala9

Well, with Monzo it was quick, 2s after I finished app setup process I got info that I have been verified and my account oppened lol.

SlovakianGuy

Mike997 wrote: »

Is it safe to apply for Monzo as well now, so I have got few options? I just don`t want to be highlighted in their system, that suddenly I want to open 3 accounts with 3 different banks and I will end up without any account.

Monzo only reports to TransUnion. Experian (most widely used credit reference agency) doesn't know about your Monzo account so it can't be "highlighted". Equifax can't see it either.

Starling also doesn't report to Experian. Only to Equifax and TransUnion.

Both Starling and Monzo do NOT perform "hard search" on your credit file anyway, unless you also apply for overdraft, of course.


Revolut doesn't show anywhere at all as it is not a bank. They already have a bank licence though.

SlovakianGuy

Mike997 wrote: »

Well, with Monzo it was quick, 2s after I finished app setup process I got info that I have been verified and my account oppened lol.

The card will arrive very quickly too, nicely packed. I received mine in less than 48 hours from my application.


Btw, my personal choice would be Tandem credit card + Halifax Clarity credit card, and Starling debit card (or Monzo if you don't need to withdraw large sums from ATMs).

pinkdalek

I have used Starling abroad no hassle, easy to use. Family & friends also have used them in other parts of the world, no issues.
I would not rely though on one card, best to take a credit card with you, Halifax Clarity is fee free for foreign spending. I am sure there are other credit cards out there too that are fee free abroad.
Do take some cash with you also, depending on where you are going, there are still some places that won't take card payments.

Robisere

I use Clarity which is totally free, providing you keep up payments. Dependent upon how long I go for and whether it is in or out of the Eurozone, I may load up the card with cash before I go. What is left can be used in the UK on return. Then there are no payments necessary.

IvanDP

We have a starling account which we use purely for holiday spending money.
So far it has worked flawlessly throughout much of the EU and on our 3 week tour of Russia.
We also both have a Nationwide Select credit card as our back up or for any large purchases.
No overseas fees, and a little bit of interest too.

Halabala9

So far, so good, Starling opened me an account too. Just waiting for both cards Monzo and Starling. Will see what about HSBC, as I need to split my savings, so need some safe old bank account too, as don`t trust those Monzo and Starling that much, to keep large sums over there.

System

Robisere wrote: »

I use Clarity which is totally free, providing you keep up payments. Dependent upon how long I go for and whether it is in or out of the Eurozone, I may load up the card with cash before I go. What is left can be used in the UK on return. Then there are no payments necessary.

Preloading is against the T&Cs - they might freeze or even close the account. Especially painful if you proceed to move all your banking the Halifax brand...