People who are not careful with their money can pay 5-10% extra in commission and charges when they change their currency.
Because I am careful with my money, everything I buy in abroad costs me 5-10% less than it costs others.
Drinks, meals, excursions, presents - Everything! Plus, I now get 1% cashback on all purchases with my card.
I didn’t know my NatWest credit card charged me interest on cash withdrawals abroad, plus £3.00 per withdrawal, plus 2.75%.
So taking £200 out abroad used to cost me about £11 in commission and charges.
Luckily, I don't pay ATM fees with my Multi-Currency card so I know exactly how much I am withdrawing (see table below for comparison).
Almost all international airports have an ATM in the Arrivals hall, it’s the first place I go when I come out through Customs.
I can always get more cash later from an ATM in the hotel or in town and now I don't have to worry about paying ATM fees either.
Or I can use the card like a debit card, spending directly from my Multi-Currency card account.
When I tried to use my bank card skiing they blocked it until I called them to confirm that it was me.
Luckily I could borrow from friends until I sorted it out the next morning.
My Multi-Currency card is designed to work abroad. Now I am confident I can get hold of my cash when I need it.
I don’t have to carry large amounts of cash, instead I withdraw money when I need it, or spend directly from the card to benefit from 1% cashback on all purchases ..
If the card is lost/stolen I have to report it immediately to prevent any fraudulent use on the card. But, at least I know that it is protected by Chip & PIN until it’s reported.
There is a 24/7 lost and stolen number; and they can refund the balance or transfer it to a replacement card. There is even the option to carry a backup card, for an extra £3.
Foreign currency charge |
ATM withdrawal charge |
Purchase Charge |
|
my Travel Cash | 2.99% | FREE | FREE |
Barclays | 2.99% | £1.50 - £4.50 | FREE |
HSBC | 2.75% | £1.75 - £5.00 | FREE |
Lloyds TSB | 2.99% | £2.00 - £4.50 | £1.00 |
NatWest | 2.75% | £2.00 - £5.00 | £1.25 |
Nationwide | 2.00% | £1.00 | FREE |
Foreign currency charge |
ATM withdrawal charge |
Purchase Charge |
|
my Travel Cash | 2.99% | FREE | FREE |
Barclays | 2.75% | 2.50% min £2.50 | FREE |
HSBC | 2.99% | 2.99% min £3.00 | FREE |
Lloyds TSB | 2.95% | 3.00% min £2.50 | FREE |
NatWest | 2.75% | 3.00% min £3.00 | FREE |
Halifax | 2.95% | 3.00% min £3.00 | FREE |