Can I send a UK debit card to my friend to use abroad?

Ergates

There's a few issues here.

Banks generally understand that students will live elsewhere whilst studying - so they can open an account at their permanent residence (usually parent's home) - even if they're not currently living there. This includes students who are studying abroad.

So, IF the daughter has a permanent UK address, then you may be able to add her as a debit card holder to an account held in your name. But, you'd need ID for her and proof of address. So if, as it sounds might be the case, she's actually a Greek citizen then this won't work.

Ditto with an additional card holder on your credit card.

If you just sent her your debit card, then as other have said - this would quite likely get flagged as fraud and investigated - at which point you'd have to admit you breached their T&Cs (otherwise you would be committing fraud) and they may well just close your account at that point.

Sending her money and paying the tax might be the only legal option:

So even if it leaves her account 5 minutes later to pay the rent, it counts as taxable income.

Apparently "For 2026, workers up to age 25 earning up to €20,000/year pay no tax"

How old is the daughter? If it's younger than 25 and you sent her less than €20,000 at year then she'd pay 0 tax anyway. (if you send it directly)

clueless_pirate

Thanks all.

The rent contract is in her mothers name, so it has to go via her.

Yes, the daughter doesnt know I'm the one paying.

The are both Greek citizens so no way to get them a UK account.

Thanks for all the information everyone. I knew I was clutching at straws from the beginning, but if you dont ask you dont find out.

Thanks.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81981764#Comment_81981764

If the rent contract is in the mother's name, why can't she just make the payments, rather than forwarding money to her daughter to do so and opening up potential dual taxation issues?