Currensea Card

pinnks

I just picked up on this from the main MSE travel money page and found my way here. 

Clearly still a developing concept but from my reading you don't in fact give over your online banking details but link the account using normal open banking processes and set-up a direct debit mandate to allow them to grab the relevant amount of cash.  That, presumably, is backed by the DD guarantee?

It looks interesting to me as a person without a zero-fee debit card for use almost exclusively in ATMs (I have the Halifax Clarity general overseas spending but grabbing fee-free cash on that requires a pre-load to avoid interest) but thoughts from anyone who has already taken the plunge would be appreciated.

IvanDP

I was a little sceptical, but still signed up.
You are right in your thinking, that is it just funded via direct debit, so bank details are quite safe.
The fees (0.5% over interbank) are quite competitive when compared with some banks overseas fees, but you can still do better.
If you don't want the hassle of opening another account just to avoid overseas fees, then it is a pretty good product, which could still save you money.
Personally, I do have alternatives which I use for overseas travel, but have still found a use for the Currensea card.
It is kept with my travel gear, totally separate from all my other cards, cash, etc, giving me a final back up funding source should the need arise.
I would say sign up, it costs nothing, and if the product is not suitable for your needs, you haven't lost anything.

pinnks

Thanks - that is pretty much where my thinking had reached too, so probably going to give it a go. As you say, nothing to lose