[JJ Roberts]

Ok so this might not be one for Americans (it's really hard for an American to open a bank account in the UK because the banks don't want the hassle and the paperwork that they get from the IRS) but for maybe everyone else.

I researched the best credit and debit cards I could get for my travels.

I ended up going for Metro Bank's Debit card.

If you are in a foreign country in Europe their charges for getting hold of your cash and making purchases with this card are :

Purchases - Free
Cash Withdrawal from ATM - Free

This is not just for the Euro zone it actually includes all of these countries :

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

The rate of exchange that you get is whatever the mastercard rate is. Most banks take the mastercard rate and apply a small fee on top but they just pass the mastercard rate straight on to their customers - sweet!!!

That rate can be found here

https://www.mastercard.com/global/currencyconversion/

The only other bank account that can compete with it on rate is the Norwich and Peterborough BS (Gold Account) which is also free but you have to keep a minimum balance in the account of 5,000 pounds to avoid charges.

Minimum balance on the Metro account? Zero.

I actually walked into a branch today and they set up with everything - bank account, online banking and my ATM card and I did not even need to deposit any cash!

Not only that, they actually printed out my debit card ON THE SPOT and gave it to me which is great because I am leaving the country in less than 10 days and I was worried it would not arrive in the post in time.

The level of customer service I got when I went in was amazingly good and they have won numerous customer service awards.

On top of that their branches are open 7 days a week and they have telephone support 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

These guys are blowing away the competition here which is not surprising when you bear in mind they are the first new high street bank to open in 100 years.

For transactions outside of Europe their rates are :

Purchases - 1.90% non-sterling transaction fee
Cash Withdrawal from ATM - 1.90% non-sterling transaction fee and a £1.00 non-sterling cash fee

Which still blow away the competition.

Am very impressed so far.

They have a banking app for mobile too.

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/

[el conquistador]

I did look at the Norwich & Peterborough Gold Classic account a few months ago. The 5,000 min balance must be a very recent thing.

Have you kept account(s) with other banks?

[JJ Roberts]

Nope

[Pilgrim37]

Interesting that it took an American guy to start shaking up the established High St banks with his Metro Bank...I've thought of moving having heard such great things.

My local Natwest has taken away 2 of the 3 tellers and replaced them with a machine which no one ,especially older folks know how to use !!
Sooo...they pay someone to stand by the machine all day showing people how to use it...absolutely comical!! ?

They just don't get what most people want when they go into a bank...I.e. People with a decent attitude who know what they're doing!
But that would require paying people a decent wage....can't be having that!

So ,I might have to change ,hopefully Metro start expanding with more branches!

[yogibear]

Halifax have a credit card that has no international transaction fees. Recommend.