Use Chase debit card abroad or take euros??

cassandra365

Hi, I'm going to Greece in 3 weeks, I've just applied for the Chase debit card as it's fee free to use abroad for a year.
Question is how do I find what exchange rate a Greek bank will give me when I use an ATM?
Trying to work out whether it'll be better value to take euros with me or get them there?🤔
Many thanks 😁

eDicky

The Greek bank would give an adverse rate, but it's your Chase card that does the conversion at the ideal daily MasterCard rate. If an ATM offers you a rate for pounds make sure you decline it by selecting 'without conversion' or similar.

Many, if not all Greek ATMs now charge a few euros for foreign card use I believe, so avoid frequent cash withdrawals and pay with your card (in euros) whenever possible.

Neil49

The answer to your question is in today's weekly email under the heading of "The top way to spend abroad"

The top 3 cards are the Chase debit card, Halifax Clarity credit card and Barclaycard Rewards Visa.

The article is worth a read as I hadn't realised that the Chase card had an atm fee free withdrawal limit of £700 per month. 

adindas

Neil49 said:

The answer to your question is in today's weekly email under the heading of "The top way to spend abroad"

The top 3 cards are the Chase debit card, Halifax Clarity credit card and Barclaycard Rewards Visa.

The article is worth a read as I hadn't realised that the Chase card had an overseas atm fee free withdrawal limit of £700 per month. 

About the monthly WD limit of £700, I mentioned it in here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79200763#Comment_79200763

The good things about Chase debit card compared to other master debit-cards from other banks is that we still get cashback of 1% for non sterling transaction.

What I am not clear is that, whether monthly limit is based on the calender month or account anniversary. It is highly likely  calender months like others but just want to be sure. Does anyone know this ?

Neil49

adindas said:

Neil49 said:

The answer to your question is in today's weekly email under the heading of "The top way to spend abroad"

The top 3 cards are the Chase debit card, Halifax Clarity credit card and Barclaycard Rewards Visa.

The article is worth a read as I hadn't realised that the Chase card had an overseas atm fee free withdrawal limit of £700 per month. 

About the monthly WD limit of £700, I mentioned it in here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79200763#Comment_79200763

What I am not clear is that, whether monthly limit is based on the calender month or account anniversary. It is highly likely  calender months like others but just want to be sure. Does anyone know this ?

I had an email from Chase today inviting me to join their Chase Community to discuss issues directly with the team, try out new features etc. I'll probably sign up and see what I can find out. 

400ixl

The Starling account would be a better account than Chase for this purpose. I will use this account abroad with the exception being the Chase card when in the US for cash as it would be fee free in their ATM's.

adindas

400ixl said:

The Starling account would be a better account than Chase for this purpose. I will use this account abroad with the exception being the Chase card when in the US for cash as it would be fee free in their ATM's.

Certainly for ATM withdrawal. Starling ATM withdrawal is more generous. ATM limits: six per day, max £300/day. 
With Chase you will still need to note the amount and the date of your ATM withdraw to avoid fees.
If you are traveling the last thing you want is your account get locked or the debit card is not function. So Chase is good for back up.
Also good for non sterling spending due to 1% cashback in the first year of the account opening which is also applicable for purchasing in foreign currencies.
I remember there is a winding way of using Starling to meet Halifax £500 Current Account spending Requirement. Does anyone know whether this  could also be done with Chase Debit card ?? If so how to do that ??  I am aware that there will be no cashback.

metrobus

Did anyone find out if the fee free £700 atm per month withdrawal limit was “calendar month”
TIA

NoodleDoodleMan

cassandra365 said:

Hi, I'm going to Greece in 3 weeks, I've just applied for the Chase debit card as it's fee free to use abroad for a year.
Question is how do I find what exchange rate a Greek bank will give me when I use an ATM?
Trying to work out whether it'll be better value to take euros with me or get them there?🤔
Many thanks 😁

Why not just use your Chase card to pay for goods and services contactless/PIN - take a small amount of Euros for backup ?

zagfles

Barclaycard also have a cash limit of about a third of your credit limit. Well they do on my card anyway, others may be different. So if you have a £3k credit limit you might have a £1k cash limit.

zagfles

NoodleDoodleMan said:

cassandra365 said:

Hi, I'm going to Greece in 3 weeks, I've just applied for the Chase debit card as it's fee free to use abroad for a year.
Question is how do I find what exchange rate a Greek bank will give me when I use an ATM?
Trying to work out whether it'll be better value to take euros with me or get them there?🤔
Many thanks 😁

Why not just use your Chase card to pay for goods and services contactless/PIN - take a small amount of Euros for backup ?

Why? Just withdraw cash from an ATM, either at the airport or on arrival at resort if on a package. Cards aren't as widely accepts in Greece as here, plus you have to watch out for DCC even with contactless (keep an eye on the terminal after tapping, or tell the retailer to charge in Euros). If you can withdraw cash with no fee that's probably easier. Last time I was in Greece less than 2 years ago, didn't find any charging ATMs, but that could have changed...