Metro Bank Current Account now has foreign currency transaction fees

It's very disappointing to note that Metro Bank will be charging 2.99% (+ £1.50 ATM fee) wef 29/8/24. I have had this account for well over 10 years explicitly to use in Europe and, living in Scotland, it wasn't easy to open. On occasion there have been large sums in the account but unfortunately it will be cancelled on 29/8/24. I do not expect Metro Bank to survive much longer. I now need to find another free debit card.
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Comments

  • Westin
    Westin Posts: 6,278 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Also disappointed with this news.  I am sure the card used to also be fee free in the USA as well.
  • Westin said:
    Also disappointed with this news.  I am sure the card used to also be fee free in the USA as well.
    Yeh, I've been using the Halifax Clarity debit card for bigger bills when away, and that is worldwide. Looks like the best debit cards are now Chase or First Direct, will need to do some digging.


  • 400ixl
    400ixl Posts: 4,482 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    Starling if you want to use the account for more than just foreign transactions.

    If that is its main purpose, the Chase would be better as if you can use their ATM's you don't get any charge for taking cash.

    I don't use my First Direct debit card abroad, its one of the other two mentioned, but mainly my Halifax Clarity Credit Card for the extra protection.
  • zagfles
    zagfles Posts: 21,381 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Chutzpah Haggler
    If you want a debit card then switch to First Direct, the debit card is fee free abroad, and they have a switching offer on, not sure of the terms, plus you can open a 7% reg saver. 

    For a credit card the Barclaycard rewards card is good, fee free for cash and purchases and no interest on cash if paid in full, plus 0.25% cashback on purchases. 
  • Hoenir
    Hoenir Posts: 6,999 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
     I do not expect Metro Bank to survive much longer. I now need to find another free debit card.
    By changing their business model and cutting costs/unprofitable activities more likely to survive. An ageing population is more likely to bank with a branch based service. 
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 4,144 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Metro Bank recently announced that they would be accepting no more applications for credit cards "at this time" - which I suspect will develop into an absolute end to new applications.
    Hopefully the CC fee free benefits within SEPA will still continue, into the forseeable future at least..........watch this space.

  • It's very disappointing to note that Metro Bank will be charging 2.99% (+ £1.50 ATM fee) wef 29/8/24. I have had this account for well over 10 years explicitly to use in Europe and, living in Scotland, it wasn't easy to open. On occasion there have been large sums in the account but unfortunately it will be cancelled on 29/8/24. I do not expect Metro Bank to survive much longer. I now need to find another free debit card.
    I've been with them for years for the same reason...... and with the same issues regarding their branch network. Twice my online access has been "lost" and getting it reset is a nightmare - in fact I've given up this last time. So I had already decided to swap away from using them - and this decision just confirms that. Luckily I have run the account down to a manageable amount, so I will withdraw my cash and wait for them to complain... as I can't face their useless phone contact again! 

    PS - I use First Direct and checked their withdrawal against Metro when last abroad - absolutely identical exchange and no fee.
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 4,144 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 11 July 2024 at 2:48PM
    These debit card fees do not come into effect until 29th August, so still good to use until then.
    I've decided to retain the current account, only to settle the monthly credit card statement by internal transfer of funds - I also live in Scotland, obtaining the CC was a major exercise in dogged perseverance.

    UPDATE - events have now overtaken the above.
    Metro Bank have announced the forthcoming demise of their credit card to all so I have cancelled mine - and will do the same later today with the current account.
  • My son opened an account with Metro Bank last year following a post that this had a good savings rate. He was charged for each payment being sent to the metro account via digital banking from his current bank. No mention of this at the time 
  • doaky2 said:
    My son opened an account with Metro Bank last year following a post that this had a good savings rate. He was charged for each payment being sent to the metro account via digital banking from his current bank. No mention of this at the time 
    Which bank imposed the charge - Metro Bank or the external one ?
    Was the latter a current account ?
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