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Original poster

Can anyone talk to me about using a zero fee debit card in Europe?

25 replies

Yoghurtpotsatdawn · 10/09/2023 09:46

Just that really. I always take euros when I’m visiting family but am thinking of getting a zero fee card. I don’t think I’d qualify for a Santander one as I’m a retired council tenant and initial online application said I’d not be approved. But something like Monzo, Chase, Revolut look possible. I’m worried about shops and restaurants not accepting it or of being spat out of ATM machines. I only visit 3 times a year - Germany and Sweden. Is it worth the hassle or is it better/easier just getting euros beforehand? TIA

OP posts:
Flippingflamingo · 10/09/2023 09:48

I use Monzo and never had an issues with it at all. Accepted everywhere, easy to withdraw cash (there is a limit on how much you can take out fee free) and easy app to use.

Flumpaphone · 10/09/2023 09:50

I've got a chase card and its brilliant. I've used it in Europe and Egypt with no issues and no fees

Natsku · 10/09/2023 09:50

I have a Revolut card, which I got for using in the UK (the free one has a limit to how much you can withdraw/spend fee free each month), but I've used it here in Europe too with no issues. I know quite a lot of people that use Revolut over here.

Nicesalad · 10/09/2023 09:51

Europe or the EU? Also, remember that not all countries in the EU use euros.

JaiynDough · 10/09/2023 09:52

Get a wise account. I find wise better than revolut.

BiggestBird · 10/09/2023 09:52

I just opened a Starling account. Used my card in Spain with no charges at all. They're great.

I'm a council tenant of benefits with no credit and I was accepted.

Simonjt · 10/09/2023 09:53

We use Hyperjar cards abroad, they’re great, also good if you have children, cards can be completelt frozen, or even frozen for purchases abroad. If somewhere accepts a debit card they accept hyperjar.

teenagetantrums · 10/09/2023 09:54

I have a monzo account...l use the card all the time in Europe and have also used it in USA. Never had a problem. The exchange rate is good and no fees.

Blueey · 10/09/2023 09:54

What about a currency card? I use a caxton fx card when I'm abroad, you can load euros (or any currency pretty much) onto it in seconds using the app, and then there's no fees to use it. Can withdraw money, use it to pay by card etc. It lasts two or three years like a normal debit card

DeedlessIndeed · 10/09/2023 09:54

Monzo here, have used it across the EU for a couple of years with no issues.

It's a debit card so I don't think you can not be accepted so to speak.

gettingolderbutcooler · 10/09/2023 09:54

I use Hsbc global money card. If you have your current account with them you can just transfer money to it and use it without charges.

Original poster
Yoghurtpotsatdawn · 10/09/2023 09:59

I didn’t expect so many answers. Thanks so much. This is really reassuring and has put my mind at rest. Just had images of everywhere refusing it or having to borrow euros off DBs.

OP posts:
Original poster
Yoghurtpotsatdawn · 10/09/2023 10:00

NiceSalad EU only

OP posts:
Milomonster · 10/09/2023 10:02

Starling is absolutely brilliant! Used it all over the world without any fees or wild currency conversions. It is on the Mastercard platform and so is recognized globally.

BarbaraofSeville · 10/09/2023 10:22

They're just a debit card. The issuer is irrelevant. Currently my first choice would be Kroo or Chase. Kroo because they pay 4.35% interest so pretty decent for instant access or Chase because you get 1% cash back on spending. I have a Starling card but don't use it much as I've moved to Kroo for the interest.

Germany has been a bit more cash based than a lot of countries, but might have changed post covid of course, so I'd be wary of any that limits or charges for cash withdrawals.

I wouldn't bother with any that aren't standard bank accounts such as Wise or Revolut.

TheWordWomanIsTaken · 10/09/2023 10:41

I use Starling and Chase.
You won't be turned down if you apply as there is no credit facility. They are simply debit cards so if you don't have funds you can't go overdrawn.

ShanghaiDiva · 10/09/2023 10:42

recommend Chase

Groovee · 10/09/2023 10:43

I got chase last year and used it easily in Spain. In fact it updated so much easier on my account too. Hubby and Son recently went to Switzerland and were really happy with being able to use it too.

saraclara · 10/09/2023 10:49

First Direct is now fee-free, too. So it's not just the new and trendy banks that are doing this now. Hopefully the big four will catch up soon.

ThePuma · 10/09/2023 11:05

If you use Curve, it’s mainly completely free (think there might be a small charge at weekends) but the big benefit is that you get the benefits from the underlying credit card it’s connected to. So mine is connected to my Avios Barclaycard, which then gets me 1.5 Avios per £1 spent.

nevynevster · 10/09/2023 11:06

I use Wise. You can even set up the currency transfer in advance at a target FX rate. The single debit card works for all currencies and it is very easy to manage via the app

Nutterjacks · 10/09/2023 11:19

I use Caxton. So easy to load any currency and no fees for anything.

allhellcantstopusnow · 10/09/2023 19:18

I have normal Starling accounts anyway and you can use their cards abroad with no fee.

Runnersandtoms · 10/09/2023 19:20

We've used hyperjar abroad with no problems.

whirlygirly · 10/09/2023 19:30

I've got an hsbc global card. It's brilliant and I have it linked to Apple Pay on my phone.

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