Other Which bank?

I'm currently with Halifax but I want to move due to their £1.50 overseas transaction charge even on a $1 item...:/

Anyways I can't just use paypal to convert because...
1) they still have hidden charges
2) they've already made about £50 of converted dollars disappear from my account
3) they suck

I'm currently on a current account that I've been using for about 6/7 years. I don't need or want credit card suggestions either .

Thanks in advance

 

Santander charge a similar fee for overseas transaction.

 

Santander is the last bank I would ever go to lol.

 

What to say? They're banks and are pretty much much of a muchness (wrap your brain around that one!)

I've used Natwest since I was 16 and never had any stupidly outrageous problems outside of being raped by charges for a few years but as I say, no different to anyone else. I've always found their customer service to be semi reasonable.

Probably the best recomendation you can get for a bank is "They're not completely crap and they haven't continually screwed me over".

 

True enough there Zinf.

HSBC aren't completely crap and haven't continually screwed me over... But would I honestly recommend them? Probably not.

I often think banks are like looking at the grass on the other side, it's only when you get there that you realise they're just as turd.

 

Why do people hate banks so much? Its better thana shoebox under the bed.

 

First direct or CoOp.
Nationwide.

Consistently high customer feedback.

And I work for big blue bank. If your after a big, stable company that isn't going to get propped up anytime soon, give me a shout!

 

the way rates are at the moment for savers the shoe box is a better bet and means bank cant play about with your money

 

Actually from something I remember reading a while back, if you were to stick a couple of grand in a current account and a couple of grand under your mattress, in about 60-100 years they money under the bed would be worth more in antique value than the money in the bank with the interest it earned. but it's kinda a long term investment plan

 

To throw another detail in the ring in regards to savings... You need about 6% at the moment just to get something back after inflation... Now is the time to pay off debt and no mistake!

 

Erm, if I join, can you double my interest rate please? I mean, I liked your toothbrush!

Back on topic, I'm still with RBS, but once the Santander buyout is complete, I'll be switching to Halifax, never had to make any overseas transactions, so can't really comment on the fees for any individual company.

 

From one bailed out bank to another? You sure that's wise?

 

You should probably look at the more dedicated & specific finance brokerage companies or a bureau de change that specialises in overseas transactions (especially for smaller amounts).

Every single company you look at will charge some kind of fee, it's to be expected but looking around may help reduce the price of said fee.

I believe all of the mainstream banks and lenders will all charge some kind of ridiculous fee for the overseas transactions (unless your talking £000s+)


On the other hand, I was with the Halifax from when I was born to when I went to Uni, then switched my banking to HSBC.

Halifax refused to give me a normal current account (as I didn't have a job) and I refused to switch my student account, so I told them to get lost and closed all my accounts.

 

Barclays is one of the only banks that provide a non-scored account for unemployed or students?

 

when i'm overseas i just take out the limit, then use cash and then it makes it cheaper, have you thought about just doing that.

 

Needs clarification.

If you're talking about ATM use abroad, £1.50 is the lowest fee I've ever seen from a UK bank.

If you're talking about spending $1 on the internets by debit card, for say, some classic downloadable game hosted in the US - and you're being charged because you're buying in dollars and not pounds - then you need to frequent a new retailer, as said fee is quite standard on 'free' bank accounts.

Alternatively, start paying for things in Bitcoins?

 

Co-op bank, they never charge for overseas items, and they're the most helpful bank I've been with and compared to mates banks, they seem a lot better.

Did I not tell you this on Mumble!? ;D

 

Halifax Clarity Mastercard has no fees on overseas transactions. You wouldnt need to change banks, they'd give you one without questions considering the time you've been with the bank.

Why are you so adverse to a credit card!? Pay it off by direct debit at the end of the month. Simple.

 

Another vote for the Co-operative bank here. Never had a problem with them, I have however pretty much every other bank mentioned here.