Fee-free debit card use abroad

eDicky

I believe the Starling Bank card needs to be activated with the app before it can be used, so should be safe. It may be lost in the post or just delayed but probably best to inform Starling, who may decide to cancel it and try again. Cards used to arrive in a couple of days, in normal postal service times.

pridehappy

I use Virgin Money M Plus (my standard current account) and it’s great for use abroad with decent rates. Web, telephone and branch banking available and also an app if you wish. 

Neil49

t33 said:

I applied successfully for a Starling card via app on 12 June.  Got the your cards on its way on 13 June.  On the app it says due 20th.  Still not got it.  Not in a hurry to use it, but don't like the idea of a card floating about somewhere.  Is this timeframe normal?

Mine took close on 2 weeks which was well after the date they quoted. Unfortunately I contacted them to ask about the delay and they ordered a new card. The first one arrived the next day but was then invalid as the second one had been created. So, if they offer to send a replacement card I recommend you say No. 

t33

I think you're right eDickey so that's a bit of comfort.  Thanks Neil49,  I'll give it to mid week and then reconsider what to do.  I really don't want to go through a re-issue palaver for nothing.

username

lr1277 said:

If memory serves, Metro bank's debit and credit cards are fee free in most of Europe. Something about SEPA or EEA. Not a customer myself so if interested you would need to check it out.

Yes, there is no foreign exchange fee in Euro countries. Other destinations outside the EU will have the standard 3% fee.

If you're in a rush and are (relatively) near a branch and walk in with ID, you can have your account set up at the desk and walk out with the card as soon as it is open as they have a machine to make your card in the back office.

t33

Thanks to those suggesting a bit of patience waiting for the Starling card, arrived today so 2 weeks to arrive from application.  So sorted now.

Applied for Barclaycard and that has not been straightforward despite being a long-term customer ... I'll do an update on that once I know if approved or not, taking ages despite going into branch and them scanning my ID a week ago .... duh!

currs

Just received a letter from First Direct saying they have dropped all fees for using their MasterCard debit card overseas from 28th June 2023. This also covers foreign currency transactions in the UK.

grumbler

currs said:

Just received a letter from First Direct 

E-mails were sent 5 days ago.
MSE News: First Direct scraps overseas spending and cash withdrawal fees on its debit card - 10 days ago.

martindow

Metro Bank sent me a message today.  From 29th August they will charge fees for payments and cash withdrawals in Europe which at present are fee free.  Here is the relevant text from their email.

What are the changes?

The current fees on debit card transactions and cash withdrawals made in a foreign currency, will now apply to all countries outside the UK*.

Variation to ‘Our Service Relationship with our Personal Customers’:

• After 29th August 2024, debit card payments made in a foreign currency outside the UK, will be charged 2.99% on the converted British Pound value of the transaction. This charge is applicable for each transaction you make.
• After 29th August 2024, cash withdrawals made in a foreign currency using your debit card outside the UK, will be charged 2.99% on the converted British Pound transaction value plus £1.50 ATM fee. This charge is applicable for each withdrawal you make.

hatt55

martindow said:

Metro Bank sent me a message today.  From 29th August they will charge fees for payments and cash withdrawals in Europe which at present are fee free.  Here is the relevant text from their email.

What are the changes?

The current fees on debit card transactions and cash withdrawals made in a foreign currency, will now apply to all countries outside the UK*.

Variation to ‘Our Service Relationship with our Personal Customers’:

• After 29th August 2024, debit card payments made in a foreign currency outside the UK, will be charged 2.99% on the converted British Pound value of the transaction. This charge is applicable for each transaction you make.
• After 29th August 2024, cash withdrawals made in a foreign currency using your debit card outside the UK, will be charged 2.99% on the converted British Pound transaction value plus £1.50 ATM fee. This charge is applicable for each withdrawal you make.

I just received the same email and wanted to check if my understanding was correct. The free European transaction was the reason I got this card in the first place. Hopefully they won't do the same with their credit card.