Travel card options for Eurozone and Switzerland

lancs_man

Hi folks, I'm heading over to Europe next month for the first time since before the pandemic. In the past I've always just taken cash and used my debit card as a backup, but I don't use cash much these days so I'm looking at alternatives. I've already looked at the guides on the website, but I feel a bit bamboozled by the options!

I bank with HSBC and I know they have a Global Money Account - is that worth looking at or something to avoid? I've seen mixed comments online.

Not sure I want the hassle of opening a new bank account or applying for a credit card, especially if they don't get used much once I'm back. Happy to be convinced otherwise though!

Would I be better off looking at something like Currensea, or a prepaid card like Revolut or Wise?

I'll be travelling to Switzerland as well Eurozone countries.

Any advice or suggestions appreciated!

Neil49

My first choice when travelling is my Starling debit card for day to day use and a Halifax Clarity credit card for hotels and car hire etc. My first choice in the UK is also my Starling card!

Other options for use both overseas and at home are Monzo and Chase for debit cards and they are all easy to open and use as long as you have a smartphone.

I would never rely on having just one bank account in any case. 

QrizB

MSE has a guide:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

Personally I've generally used my Nationwide credit card for purchases and my FlexAccount debit card for ATM withdrawals. I have recently got a Halifax Clarity credit card as backup (in case NW have an IT glitch while I'm away).

I've applied for a Barclaycard a couple of times but they don't seem to like me

jbrassy

Revolut and Currensea are OK, but not the best.

If you want a credit card, go for Barclaycard Rewards or Halifax Clarity.

If you want a debit card, go for First Direct or Starling.

lancs_man

Thanks all for the comments!

I looked at Chase but decided to go with the Starling debit card, and a second bank account will probably be useful to have anyway. So I'll see how I get on with that.

I also went for the Currensea Essential card which I've linked to my existing bank account. Probably not ideal for any big spends because of the fee-free limits, but it might be handy to have another option in my wallet.