Santander Edge Credit Card - Using it Abroad

Liam548

So basically don't draw cash and just use it as a debit card and we are good to go all over the world as Mastercard FX rate???

NoodleDoodleMan

Correct - use it to pay for goods and services and no fees will be applied by Santander.

Currency withdrawals are a different scenario - there are a few instances where you can withdraw cash without incurring fees, there is no one size fits all situation.

The bank/financial institution which owns the ATM sets whatever fees are applied - so you need to be aware of the likely deal ahead of making a withdrawal.

That varies from country to country.

For example, the vast majority of ATMs in Spain and the Canaries will apply a fee for ANY debit card used for cash, including a Santander UK issue - although some banks may not apply a fee for their own customers.

As far as I'm aware only Banca Marche and Unicaja ATMs are still fee in Spain, that is open to correction of course - Deutche Bank was until relatively recently, although I believe they also apply fees now.

As stated earlier, the best deal there is a Santander UK debit card at Banco Santander branch located ATMs. 

Also good for Santander ATMs in 10 other countries - check out their website for details.

NoodleDoodleMan

For guidance, just to clarify the use of Santander UK debit cards at Santander ATMs in Spain (including the Balearics) and Canary Islands.

The link below will take you to the Banco Santander online locator for bank branches (Oficinas), ATMs (Cajeros) and Spanish Post Office branches (Correos)

https://www.bancosantander.es/en/buscador-oficinas-cajeros

Qualifying British debit cards are fee free for currency withdrawals at fully branded Banco Santander ATMs situated at branches, these are located inside or outside, sometimes both, the choice is generally at bigger branches.

It may be possible to use an internal ATM outside office hours - some branches allow access to a vestibule area via a controlled entry/exit system for customer security.

The standalone ATMs situated elsewhere are almost certainly part of the Euro Automatic Cash network, although they carry the distinctive  Santander logo they are only fee free for Spanish account holders. This is an arrangement which Banco Santander entered into with EAC a few years ago - no need to know the background details really.

There may be some fully branded Banco Santander standalone ATMs following the agreement with EAC, that has been very difficult to ascertain – best use a branch to be sure.

Banco Santander’s domestic customers can also withdraw cash at Post Offices fee free, however that does not include foreign debit cards.

samal

Considering getting the edge credit card for the 2 % 1st year cash back. Read this thread but don't see the answer to the original question

Has anyone had a chance to use it overseas yet and can confirm the 2% cashback applies to non sterling transactions ?

Any one knows if 2% cashback on foreign spend?

safe_hands2

I used it on holiday last year and got cashback on foreign spend.

samtaylor99

samal said:

Considering getting the edge credit card for the 2 % 1st year cash back. Read this thread but don't see the answer to the original question

Has anyone had a chance to use it overseas yet and can confirm the 2% cashback applies to non sterling transactions ?

Any one knows if 2% cashback on foreign spend?

Yes,  I have been using it extensively in the Euro area for the last 6 months or so and can confirm receipt of the 2% cashback. Combined with the excellent exchange rate offered by this card it has been used for all my Euro spending with the exception of the odd establishment which is still 'Cash Only'.  It has minimised greatly my visits to Spanish ATM's which can be a minefield for added charges.  For those travelling to Spain and needing Euro to complement this card, use a Santander branded ATM with a Santander debit card and decline the local conversion, allowing Santander UK to make the conversion at a significantly lower rate.  Finally, when using the Edge card (or any other for that matter) for goods / services always choose to pay in Euro, NOT GBP,  as local conversion will not be in your favour. 

NoodleDoodleMan

"It has minimised greatly my visits to Spanish ATM's which can be a minefield for added charges."

If there is a Banco Santander branch (oficina) locally you'll pay no fees for any type for currency withdrawal from a branch located ATM (cajero) using a Santander UK debit card.

https://www.bancosantander.es/en/buscador-oficinas-cajeros

Best deal in town for obtaining cash.

However, avoid standalone ATMs which also bear the Santander brand logo - they operate an under agreement with a separate network, not owned by BS - only fee free for BS domestic account debit card customers.