Metro Bank Current Account now has foreign currency transaction fees

Shugg_McGlummfer

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.

Westin

Also disappointed with this news.  I am sure the card used to also be fee free in the USA as well.

Shugg_McGlummfer

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

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

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

Shugg_McGlummfer said:

 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

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.

macliamog

Shugg_McGlummfer said:

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

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.

doaky2

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 

NoodleDoodleMan

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 ?