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No transaction fee card options, to use abroad on holiday?

46 replies

Peachmango1 · 27/05/2023 22:56

I’ve been declined for a Monzo account (no idea why, I’ve previously had an account with them with no problems!).

So i’m looking for recommendations for a card/account whereby we won’t need to pay transaction fees to use the card abroad (europe)?

OP posts:
Cookerhood · 27/05/2023 22:57

We use Starling

Identifyingasadolphin · 27/05/2023 22:58

Halifax Clarity

Kiitos · 27/05/2023 22:58

Chase

PriamFarrl · 27/05/2023 22:58

I’ve literally just taken out a Barclaycard Rewards card for just that reason. It’s a credit card but no fees on cash withdrawals or purchases. I think there is a refer a friend scheme. I’ll have a look.

Precipice · 27/05/2023 23:18

Revolut. On the free card, there's a limit of 1000 per month after which you start getting charged a small fee on the exchange rate (rather than on the transaction; if you pre-exchange your money, you won't have this charge). If you don't exchange, it'll exchange it automatically from your GBP account, but I wouldn't advise that, since there's a mark-up on the weekend that you can avoid by exchanging during the week. Limit of the equivalent of 200 pounds from an ATM before there's a charge on that.

jackstini · 27/05/2023 23:19

Halifax clarity

MintyIguana · 28/05/2023 08:01

Chase

Quisquam · 28/05/2023 08:01

Chase

Hiddenmnetter · 28/05/2023 08:02

Monzo, and they give you the wholesale exchange rate

meatbaseddessert · 28/05/2023 08:02

Wise.

Groovee · 28/05/2023 08:02

I got a chase account last year. It’s brilliant for using abroad.

meatbaseddessert · 28/05/2023 08:08

Sorry. Didn't post link.

wise.com/nz/card/

meatbaseddessert · 28/05/2023 08:09

Ugh. Posted the Nz link but you get the drift.

planthelpadvice · 28/05/2023 08:09

Hyperjar is another option.

Mummypete · 28/05/2023 08:11

Our bank accounts are now all with Starling so we just use our normal cards

Rotterdammer · 28/05/2023 08:21

118 118 have a credit card with no fees overseas. It’s high interest but if you pay it off there are no issues.

SiobahnRoy · 28/05/2023 08:22

I use my normal Monzo card, have a chase card too plus clarity for any emergencies

ExplodingCarrots · 28/05/2023 08:30

Definitely Chase

Igmum · 28/05/2023 08:41

NatWest

5childrenand · 28/05/2023 08:43

HyperJar. I also have a paid nationwide account that does this along with travel insurance, breakdown etc.

Upsadiddles · 28/05/2023 08:44

Chase. It apparently has the best exchange rate, and you get 1% cashback on your spending.

ThePuma · 28/05/2023 11:19

Curve. It acts as an intermediate card so the charge goes onto the underlying credit card meaning you can still collect airmiles, cashback etc. But with no forex costs (other than on the weekend, I think).

I link to my Avios Barclaycard usually.

Oakbeam · 28/05/2023 11:27

I have Chase and Starling debit cards, plus Halifax Clarity and Barclaycard Freedom credit cards. Experience has taught me not to rely on one card when abroad.

I did have a Monzo card but dumped them when they started charging for overseas ATM withdrawals.

NoBiscuitsLeftInMyTin · 28/05/2023 11:29

Starling

HisOliveTree · 28/05/2023 11:33

We're away for several months at a time. I use Chase for most purchases as it gives me 1% cashback as well as being free to use. I don't think any other card can match that.

For fuel purchases I use the Halifax clarity card, just because I've been caught out in France with a pre purchase authorisation at the pump. If there's any delay refunding that, I'd rather it was on my credit card than my bank account.