ATM transaction fees - UK banks
 

In preparation for my trip to Asia I'd like to use an account that will not charge me every single time I withdraw cash from an ATM abroad.

I am an HSBC customer now (yes, I know...) and am thinking of paying the £12.95/month to have "Cash Withdrawals free of HSBC ATM transaction fees" (quote from HSBC website).

Has anyone used this and checked that there is no hidden clause or other hidden charge in there? What do people with UK bank accounts use for ATMs in Asia?

Cheers

Alexandros

Check out the Nationwide flex account too. It's free and used to be ATM charge free. Now they only pass on other banks charges. I should read the blurb and confirm exactly what they do charge for, but they've always proved cheaper than my other cards.

Andy

Hi Guys, the Nationwide card if used outside of Europe and French overseas places now passes on the Visa fees which amount to about .85% per transaction. I, once a big Nationwide fan am now attempting to get a Post Office CC having just been turned down for a Santander '0' card and me with an excellent credit rating. Both are free to use (in a manner of speaking) overseas. Ride safe.

The Post Office CC charges a handling fee of 2.5% for cash advances (min £3.00)

Andy

Some good info on cards to use overseas here:

Cheap Travel Money: Pick the right plastic to spend abroad...

Basically as has been said Nationwide, Santander or PO are the best, but it depends where you're going and how you'll use the card as to which one of those to choose.