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appro
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Most UK travellers know that Nationwide is the best bank account for foreign withdrawals. I received a letter today to say NW are changing my cash card to a new 'cash card plus' card. Great new features - but you can't use it abroad! Nooooo! NW wouldn't let me upgrade to the visa debit card. Bummer!
I set off next month on a RTW trip. I need to find an alternative bank account that offers decent rates/low charges on foreign withdrawals. Any ideas?
#1 Posted: 7/3/2010 - 18:24
christay2009
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Most of the banks absolutely rinse you when you tak out abroad. I bank with Halifax, they charge 2.75% of the transaction plus an additional £1.50
I tried to get a debit card with Nationwide but found their customer service to be terrible.
I ended up taking U.S $ travellers cheques and a small wad of cash.
#2 Posted: 7/3/2010 - 18:57
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stevejames00
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oh no I've just sent off for a nationwide account, do you know if this is changing for everyone?
This site compares all the UK bank cards abroad:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money
#3 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 01:05
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Everyone with the cash card account. They're sending out new cards between June & September.
I've seen the comparison, it's all pretty dire.
#4 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 18:35
ms1892
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I think Santander in the UK offer an account called 'Zero' which offers free international withdrawals. Therea are some conditions attached, i think you need to deposit £1000 or more each month, but it may be a viable solution for some.
#5 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 19:53
nips2689
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I am going travelling to Asia on April 2nd and i tried to open a nationwide account, to get the flex account, however they are clamping down on people just opening them to travel, my boyfriend got one just in time but i have now gone with hsbc..
Their advance account which is £6 for the first 3 months and £12 after offers free withdrawals abroad..
this was the next best thing i could find in a little amount of time.
#6 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 20:49
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The HSBC account might be a good idea - £12 a month is still a lot cheaper than loads of fees. Ta.
#7 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 20:54
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Looking into the fine print of the HSBC account it seems they have a 'foreign exchange charge' of 2.75% on every withdrawal. Not sure how they can get away with saying it's free!
#8 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 21:11
nips2689
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yes but they dont apply their own fee aswell like other banks
#9 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 21:25
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The Cumberland Building Society don't charge, but you have to live near one of their branches.
#10 Posted: 8/3/2010 - 21:28
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Although it's too late now you might be interested to know that today I talked to a Nationwide guy and he said around a month ago they had lowered their credential requirements for getting a debit card. I got rejected about three months back and he said I would probably be allowed one- I'm hoping I get it before I go away to take advantage of the no withdrawal fees!
#11 Posted: 18/6/2010 - 19:52