*Hey! Thanks again for all the comments etc!* If this video was helpful and you do decide the Revolut card is for you please use this link to sign up (I will earn a small affiliate commission, which helps me to continue researching and making these videos): revolut.ngih.net/3r46v
Hi Jamie, Great video. Any possibility to do an update video and look at other products in same category? particularly Fair Fx. I have not been able to find a user review for this so far. thanks
*UPDATE* Hi all! It's been nearly a year since I posted this video so I have just uploaded an updated version for 2019 with new facts and info; as well as covering a load more cards you have all been interested in! Check it out below: ua-cam.com/video/EwtZFLi676w/v-deo.html
I've recently opened a Starling Bank Account to use as my daily account here in the UK. If I go abroad, no need to do anything! Kept my TSB & Nationwide accounts to leave a small amount in there to take advantage of 5% interest rates plus access to traditional branches IF I ever needed it but for now, Starling is everything I need day to day!
Hey all! If you are interested I've just posted a new video about how to get the best rates on travel cash: ua-cam.com/video/NevEyeGxgbo/v-deo.html I usually take a bit of cash with me alongside some of these travel cards, so hopefully the tips in the new video will be useful to you too!
I created a Revolut account after I heard that it was free - with the card included. They wanted to charge 5,99€ for the card so I didn't order one. After 2 or 3 weeks in which I didn't do any thing in the account any more I got a notification that I can order my free Revolut card now and so I got it for free. This probably works for any one not only for me. You can also use Revolut without ordering a physical card unlike N26 for example. This way you can use the Revolut account to make online payment with a virtual card. That's also really useful I think.
I ordered a Revolut card as well, waiting for it to arrive. In video it was mentioned that the charge for delivery is 5 pounds for deliver, is that for the delivery of the card? Maybe a stupid question but I specifically ordered it bc it was written - order your free card in the app when I was deciding on which card do I want. I'm within EU, does that make any difference.
Since January 2022, I was pleased to sign up Starling Bank because it offers better benefits to withdraw cash and don't have to worry transaction. However, it is disappointing Starling does not give us good interest anymore after post COVID ☹️. Yet, I am with Nationwide and NatWest and pleased of their service. Both of them does good benefits such as phone insurance, interest rates and tastecard. Also, it is good to save up. Thanks Jamie Brown.
If i sign up to any of these or transferwise mastercard then can i use it in pakistan, im a bit confuse about currencey conversation like if i have pounds N i want to use in pakistan n want to withdraw rupees that means i will be charged upto 3% conversion fees?
You aren't charged conversion fees, just the withdrawal fee I state in the video. So on Monzo you could withdraw £200 worth of Rupees a month, and anything over that would incur a 3% fee, on Revelut it's £200 free then 2%, and on Starling you get charged no fee for withdrawal at all!
Really liked this video! Very helpful! I am German citizen but study in the UK and usually receive my pocket money in Euro’s and then have to send it with PayPal into my English account where there is always a fee. I am also travelling to the US soon so I will probably have euros and pounds. Which bank would you recommend me to go for? Thank you! :)
Hey thanks a lot for watching and the comment! I don't know if you have seen it but I have recently done an updated version of this video where I talk about where you can get these cards, as well as discuss some alternatives - there might be some useful info in there for you specific situation: ua-cam.com/video/EwtZFLi676w/v-deo.html However as a quick answer Revolut might be best for you at the moment. It allows UK and EU citizens to apply for an account and you can load it up in 24 currencies including Euros and Pounds. It has no fee for converting the currency in the app so this will likely be your best option! You can also change those euros or pounds to US dollars in the app (or just spend in the US with the card and it will automatically do the conversion on the spot for free). Hope that helps but let me know if you have any more questions!!
Been using revolut for 8 months now, love the app and easy to use and you can top up so many ways. Only downside is you can't use Apple pay for the card but can use to top up. Another downside is It's a European bank so you can't use direct debit facilities like a UK bank.
Always withdraw in the local currency - so Euros in this case - so that your starling card does the free conversion at the best rate, instead of the ATM bank doing it at an unknown rate with conversion fees!
It looks like a cool card and I think it does offer free foreign transactions, however it charges 1.7% interest on cash withdrawals in other currencies. They haven't yet released their 'black' card in the UK yet, which will offer free cash withdrawals abroad - however I imagine this card will come with a membership fee as it is premium. :)
Disclaimer: I am a user of both Monzo and Revolut. Monzo's customer service is top notch when you have issues or just questions. Also, they don't have technical issues very often. Revolut is the complete opposite: abysmal customer service when things don't work. They have a history of leaving people stranded abroad without access to their money. They apologise every month on twitter and promise the moon, only to apologise for the same issues the next month. You don't have to believe my word, just read the reviews on Facebook, Twitter and the app stores and make your own opinion.
Thanks that's good to know. I knew Monzo's customer service was very highly regarded and that's why they had such a large waiting list of people wanting to sign up; it's a shame Revolut can't do the same. At the end of the day when dealing with their money people will stick with the firm they trust which is why lot of people prefer Monzo despite it being sightly more expensive to withdraw money.
Transferwise is another good one, especially if you need to get paid in the UK, Europe, US or Australia! However I believe it charges a 0.35%-2% for converting currencies on your account which can soon add up. It also charges a 2% fee on withdrawals over £200 a month.
I'm not sure if go for a Monzo one or the new Transferwise debit card. They look pretty much the same but one uses the Mastercard exchange rate and the other the live mid exchange rate and I can't figure out if they're the same or different and in that case which one is better. Also everybody says Monzo's app is incredible. I've used Transferwise many times in the past so I wouldn't mind to stick with them. An updated video including the Transferwise borderlss account would be nice.
Hey, apologies for the late reply. Transferwise is good if you need to receive money in different countries, but it does charge a small conversion fee for changing currencies I believe. If you just want to very simple card to use overseas then Monzo provides a great service. I wouldn't get hung up on the exchange rates as they are constantly fluctuating and the difference is usually very very tiny.
Yepp, I've used it in New York myself! Just bare in mind the USA is quite a lot behind us in terms of their payment tech - so they don't use chip and pin as much, and contactless is even rarer! It's not a problem just be aware that they will likely swipe your card and ask for a signature.
Definitely mate! Makes life so much easier. It’s free to get one so why don’t you download the app and order a card now, then you can try it out at home and see how you like it before you go? Obviously remember depending on where you are going in Mexico’s they may only accept cash in some places so bring a little Mexican Peso to be sure, or get some out from an ATM as soon as you arrive! (And if anyone asks if you want to pay in Pound or Peso make sure you pay in Peso otherwise you will get the retailer’s exchange rate which is probably a lot higher than Starling’s!) Hope you have a great time, would love to visit Mexico myself! 😊👍
So is it possible to open an account with any of these without main account? My mate needs regular card that he can pay in money into and use it daily such us paying for travel , booking flight tickets but he doesnt have any other account.Is there any credit score check ? Please let me know.
Do you mean another bank account from another provider like Halifax etc? You can link accounts to pay money into your new Starling account but don't need to do this to open one
jamieroundtheworld I'm an international student currently live in UK. For us, Monzo is more suitable to sign up, Revolut is better but need to pay for card shipment, luckily I got it for free.
I know where are you from. I gotta tell you I applied for Starling just fine. I have been using it for a month at coffee shops, high street stores, London tube and bus, supermarkets, restaurants, etc except 1: foreign withdrawal. I'd suggest you give it a go again
Really? They only accept new registration from UK-based tax resident, unlike Monzo. I know that they plan to expand this in the future, but AFAIK it's still not available for me now.
I signed up using BRP and it worked wonders for me. I can't say for certain what other factor disallows you from creating an account, but hopefuly you can get one soon. If you still want it
I'm not sure exactly what fees you refer to? but ATM machines can still charge for withdrawals - but Starling won't charge you anything their end for conversion etc.
Revolut does NOT ( i repeat)NOT work in thailand!!! Only cash withdraw...but still got charged 220 thb..!! :-( paying in shops is impossible. Their system does not recognise Revolut. December 2019.
It should mostly be fine - I know people who have used their Monzo's in Japan with no problem at all. I think it is hit or miss in whether it will work for different ATM machines and shops depending on what banking system they use. If they do work there won't be any extra charges unless the specific machine charges a withdrawal fee for any cards. My advice would be to find bigger, more international banks and shops (like Seven Eleven) and withdraw a bit extra cash to keep on you.
Mega quick delivery of my Starling Card. “Will recommend” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Monzo is great too. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Will recommend” Wasn’t really happy with Revolut as had to top up £10 on account before & card delivery is £4.99 plus will take two weeks to arrive!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I actually recently looked at the post office card when updating the blog post on this subject on my website: jamieroundtheworld.com/2018/06/09/prepaid-vs-credit/ Whilst a lot of people do use the Post Office Currency Card it can only be used for 13 currencies and has quite a lot of hidden fees. For instance: - About £1.50 every time you want to withdraw cash. - £5 fee to close the account. - £2 maintenance fee after your card expires. - 3% transaction charge for any currencies the card doesn't accept. You are better off getting one of the cards in this video which can be used anywhere in the world without any fees. Hope that helps :)
No not really, as they don't involve any credit. For that you may want to look at travel credit cards - here's my 2019 video comparing those: ua-cam.com/video/61Ytfkl52y0/v-deo.html
I thought I saw 'master " emblem on all 3 cards? If Revolut uses Visa system, does that qualify it to be a Visa card?Maybank in Malaysia allows online transfer of funds to another Visa card ,that is why I need to know.tqvm
Ah I see. It is a Visa Card in the UK, however it says on their website 'Your card scheme will be assigned based on your location' so it could be Visa or MasterCard depending on where in the world you order it. You could try downloading the app and using their help service - all these cards have pretty good customer support.
sorry , why did I see Master Logo on the top of the Revolut card in your video? dO i need to provide a UK address or bill to open a debit card acct ? is there any fixed monthly fees for not using it before I arrive in UK?Many heartfelt thanks fr yr kind assistance
how would i know whether they will assign Visa OR Master to my application?I can only transfer funds at very low rate from my Malaysian acct to another Visa account
As I say at the beginning mate, this is a brief overview and everyone should always read up on these cards themselves to check the information is up to date. I'll likely upload an updated 2019 version at the end of this year :)
Thanks, thats actually a good point mate. It must of been set like that ages ago and have never changed it; it isn't something that particularly bothers me so I'll change it now
*Hey! Thanks again for all the comments etc!*
If this video was helpful and you do decide the Revolut card is for you please use this link to sign up (I will earn a small affiliate commission, which helps me to continue researching and making these videos):
revolut.ngih.net/3r46v
Hi Jamie,
Great video.
Any possibility to do an update video and look at other products in same category? particularly Fair Fx. I have not been able to find a user review for this so far.
thanks
*UPDATE*
Hi all! It's been nearly a year since I posted this video so I have just uploaded an updated version for 2019 with new facts and info; as well as covering a load more cards you have all been interested in! Check it out below:
ua-cam.com/video/EwtZFLi676w/v-deo.html
I've recently opened a Starling Bank Account to use as my daily account here in the UK. If I go abroad, no need to do anything!
Kept my TSB & Nationwide accounts to leave a small amount in there to take advantage of 5% interest rates plus access to traditional branches IF I ever needed it but for now, Starling is everything I need day to day!
Sounds like a great setup - I'm likely going to do the same and move over to Starling for day-to-day, it's just got so many great features.
Hey all! If you are interested I've just posted a new video about how to get the best rates on travel cash:
ua-cam.com/video/NevEyeGxgbo/v-deo.html
I usually take a bit of cash with me alongside some of these travel cards, so hopefully the tips in the new video will be useful to you too!
My husband and I leave in September for our round the world trip and we found this massively helpful- thanks very much 😃
That's awesome, hope you have a great time! Have you decided which countries you are visiting?
I created a Revolut account after I heard that it was free - with the card included. They wanted to charge 5,99€ for the card so I didn't order one. After 2 or 3 weeks in which I didn't do any thing in the account any more I got a notification that I can order my free Revolut card now and so I got it for free. This probably works for any one not only for me. You can also use Revolut without ordering a physical card unlike N26 for example. This way you can use the Revolut account to make online payment with a virtual card. That's also really useful I think.
Stobus44 nice tips and tricks mate, thanks for the comment!
So did you have to wait in the queue and if so for how long because it’s been a week or so and my number in the queue is still 51,833rd place
Revolut also arrives in that futuristic envelope the Starling uses x)
LIP3XGunner nice! I didn’t know that!
I ordered a Revolut card as well, waiting for it to arrive. In video it was mentioned that the charge for delivery is 5 pounds for deliver, is that for the delivery of the card? Maybe a stupid question but I specifically ordered it bc it was written - order your free card in the app when I was deciding on which card do I want. I'm within EU, does that make any difference.
Nikolina_ M I believe they recently had a deal offering free delivery on the card for a limited time so looks like you ordered one at the right time!
Thank you so so much ...I was searching about this and all I found was people talking about credit card rewards 🤦
Since January 2022, I was pleased to sign up Starling Bank because it offers better benefits to withdraw cash and don't have to worry transaction. However, it is disappointing Starling does not give us good interest anymore after post COVID ☹️.
Yet, I am with Nationwide and NatWest and pleased of their service. Both of them does good benefits such as phone insurance, interest rates and tastecard. Also, it is good to save up. Thanks Jamie Brown.
This video is very detailed. I love the clear and precise graphics as well. Good job.
Thanks a lot! Hopefully have an updated 2019 version out at the end of the year/start of next :)
@@jamieroundtheworld I will look out for it. Cheers.
If i sign up to any of these or transferwise mastercard then can i use it in pakistan, im a bit confuse about currencey conversation like if i have pounds N i want to use in pakistan n want to withdraw rupees that means i will be charged upto 3% conversion fees?
You aren't charged conversion fees, just the withdrawal fee I state in the video. So on Monzo you could withdraw £200 worth of Rupees a month, and anything over that would incur a 3% fee, on Revelut it's £200 free then 2%, and on Starling you get charged no fee for withdrawal at all!
Hi, what can you say about blackcatcard? I looked what it offers and as for me this card is even better than monzo
Really liked this video! Very helpful! I am German citizen but study in the UK and usually receive my pocket money in Euro’s and then have to send it with PayPal into my English account where there is always a fee. I am also travelling to the US soon so I will probably have euros and pounds. Which bank would you recommend me to go for? Thank you! :)
Hey thanks a lot for watching and the comment! I don't know if you have seen it but I have recently done an updated version of this video where I talk about where you can get these cards, as well as discuss some alternatives - there might be some useful info in there for you specific situation:
ua-cam.com/video/EwtZFLi676w/v-deo.html
However as a quick answer Revolut might be best for you at the moment. It allows UK and EU citizens to apply for an account and you can load it up in 24 currencies including Euros and Pounds. It has no fee for converting the currency in the app so this will likely be your best option! You can also change those euros or pounds to US dollars in the app (or just spend in the US with the card and it will automatically do the conversion on the spot for free).
Hope that helps but let me know if you have any more questions!!
Been using revolut for 8 months now, love the app and easy to use and you can top up so many ways. Only downside is you can't use Apple pay for the card but can use to top up. Another downside is It's a European bank so you can't use direct debit facilities like a UK bank.
You can use Apple Pay now :)
👏👏👏 very clear and detailed content.
WaneM thanks for the feedback mate! 😊
Hi Jamie when using starling card in Europe to withdraw cash at ATM do you draw in euros or pounds when it offers you the option
Always withdraw in the local currency - so Euros in this case - so that your starling card does the free conversion at the best rate, instead of the ATM bank doing it at an unknown rate with conversion fees!
I know that at the time of upload N26 was not present in the UK but no that it is, what do you think about it? Thanks!
It looks like a cool card and I think it does offer free foreign transactions, however it charges 1.7% interest on cash withdrawals in other currencies. They haven't yet released their 'black' card in the UK yet, which will offer free cash withdrawals abroad - however I imagine this card will come with a membership fee as it is premium. :)
Do you need to open a current account with these companies to get a prepaid card?
Hi Jamie
thanks for the great video
i am looking for Debit Card similar to Monzo for Europe currency
thanks in advance for your help
Disclaimer: I am a user of both Monzo and Revolut.
Monzo's customer service is top notch when you have issues or just questions. Also, they don't have technical issues very often.
Revolut is the complete opposite: abysmal customer service when things don't work. They have a history of leaving people stranded abroad without access to their money. They apologise every month on twitter and promise the moon, only to apologise for the same issues the next month.
You don't have to believe my word, just read the reviews on Facebook, Twitter and the app stores and make your own opinion.
Thanks that's good to know. I knew Monzo's customer service was very highly regarded and that's why they had such a large waiting list of people wanting to sign up; it's a shame Revolut can't do the same.
At the end of the day when dealing with their money people will stick with the firm they trust which is why lot of people prefer Monzo despite it being sightly more expensive to withdraw money.
Thank you
thanks! also check out transerwise, zero fees worldwide
Transferwise is another good one, especially if you need to get paid in the UK, Europe, US or Australia! However I believe it charges a 0.35%-2% for converting currencies on your account which can soon add up. It also charges a 2% fee on withdrawals over £200 a month.
Hi. I’m 15 and want a card for airline flying. Any recommendations?
Thanks for the advice!
No problem! Hope it was helpful :)
I'm not sure if go for a Monzo one or the new Transferwise debit card.
They look pretty much the same but one uses the Mastercard exchange rate and the other the live mid exchange rate and I can't figure out if they're the same or different and in that case which one is better.
Also everybody says Monzo's app is incredible.
I've used Transferwise many times in the past so I wouldn't mind to stick with them.
An updated video including the Transferwise borderlss account would be nice.
Hey, apologies for the late reply. Transferwise is good if you need to receive money in different countries, but it does charge a small conversion fee for changing currencies I believe. If you just want to very simple card to use overseas then Monzo provides a great service.
I wouldn't get hung up on the exchange rates as they are constantly fluctuating and the difference is usually very very tiny.
Great video, do you think Starling card would be good to use in the USA (New York)?
Yepp, I've used it in New York myself! Just bare in mind the USA is quite a lot behind us in terms of their payment tech - so they don't use chip and pin as much, and contactless is even rarer! It's not a problem just be aware that they will likely swipe your card and ask for a signature.
Jamie Brown Suepr quick reply, Thank you much! 😁
Lots of reports that Revolut accounts are being frozen for months on end
Jayne Green really? That’s interesting I wonder why
im going to mexico in a few months and im looking at starling bank card is it worth it thanks
Definitely mate! Makes life so much easier. It’s free to get one so why don’t you download the app and order a card now, then you can try it out at home and see how you like it before you go?
Obviously remember depending on where you are going in Mexico’s they may only accept cash in some places so bring a little Mexican Peso to be sure, or get some out from an ATM as soon as you arrive! (And if anyone asks if you want to pay in Pound or Peso make sure you pay in Peso otherwise you will get the retailer’s exchange rate which is probably a lot higher than Starling’s!)
Hope you have a great time, would love to visit Mexico myself! 😊👍
Great video thanks :)
Thanks! Check out my updated 2019 video for new info! :)
ua-cam.com/video/EwtZFLi676w/v-deo.html
So is it possible to open an account with any of these without main account? My mate needs regular card that he can pay in money into and use it daily such us paying for travel , booking flight tickets but he doesnt have any other account.Is there any credit score check ? Please let me know.
Hi, Monzo and Starling are Debit cards so they work completely on their own - and they don't require credit checks from what I remember ☺️
I have seen on one of the vids that girl was linking her accounts with the sterling account. I am confused.
Do you mean another bank account from another provider like Halifax etc? You can link accounts to pay money into your new Starling account but don't need to do this to open one
Great review. I have Monzo and Revolut, sadly Starling only accepts British citizens to sign up.
Setiawan Utama ahh hopefully starling opens up to other countries soon! Where do you live? Both the others are great cards though 👍
jamieroundtheworld I'm an international student currently live in UK. For us, Monzo is more suitable to sign up, Revolut is better but need to pay for card shipment, luckily I got it for free.
I know where are you from. I gotta tell you I applied for Starling just fine. I have been using it for a month at coffee shops, high street stores, London tube and bus, supermarkets, restaurants, etc except 1: foreign withdrawal. I'd suggest you give it a go again
Really? They only accept new registration from UK-based tax resident, unlike Monzo. I know that they plan to expand this in the future, but AFAIK it's still not available for me now.
I signed up using BRP and it worked wonders for me. I can't say for certain what other factor disallows you from creating an account, but hopefuly you can get one soon. If you still want it
If you use the Starling debit card, do the banks in Thailand and the Philippines still charge there usual rip off fees?
I'm not sure exactly what fees you refer to? but ATM machines can still charge for withdrawals - but Starling won't charge you anything their end for conversion etc.
Revolut does NOT ( i repeat)NOT work in thailand!!! Only cash withdraw...but still got charged 220 thb..!! :-( paying in shops is impossible. Their system does not recognise Revolut. December 2019.
anyone been to Japan ? wanted to know if I can pay with my monzo without extra charge there
It should mostly be fine - I know people who have used their Monzo's in Japan with no problem at all. I think it is hit or miss in whether it will work for different ATM machines and shops depending on what banking system they use. If they do work there won't be any extra charges unless the specific machine charges a withdrawal fee for any cards. My advice would be to find bigger, more international banks and shops (like Seven Eleven) and withdraw a bit extra cash to keep on you.
Mega quick delivery of my Starling Card. “Will recommend” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Monzo is great too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Will recommend”
Wasn’t really happy with Revolut as had to top up £10 on account before & card delivery is £4.99 plus will take two weeks to arrive!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you think of the post office travel card? Cheers :)
I actually recently looked at the post office card when updating the blog post on this subject on my website: jamieroundtheworld.com/2018/06/09/prepaid-vs-credit/
Whilst a lot of people do use the Post Office Currency Card it can only be used for 13 currencies and has quite a lot of hidden fees. For instance:
- About £1.50 every time you want to withdraw cash.
- £5 fee to close the account.
- £2 maintenance fee after your card expires.
- 3% transaction charge for any currencies the card doesn't accept.
You are better off getting one of the cards in this video which can be used anywhere in the world without any fees.
Hope that helps :)
Thats brilliant, thanks a lot mate!
Are there any alternatives that allow for a minor to sign up.
Unfortunately I'm not sure if under 18s can sign up for prepaid cards
thx
@@Henry.mp4 I believe Monzo now allows minors from 16
Hi mate, if you are still looking for a prepaid card for minors, Starling Bank have just launched current accounts for 16 and 17 year olds today! :)
you may consider also N26 for Euro
Do these cards improve anyhow your credit score ?
No not really, as they don't involve any credit. For that you may want to look at travel credit cards - here's my 2019 video comparing those:
ua-cam.com/video/61Ytfkl52y0/v-deo.html
I swear I cant for the life of me find a prepaid travel card thats for someone from the u.s, do americans not travel or something?
paypal?
Revolut for me...
which of the 3 cards are partnered with VISA?
TQ
Revolut uses the VISA system, but doesn't use their exchange rate - it uses the Interbank FX rate. Both Monzo and Starling use MasterCard :)
I thought I saw 'master " emblem on all 3 cards? If Revolut uses Visa system, does that qualify it to be a Visa card?Maybank in Malaysia allows online transfer of funds to another Visa card ,that is why I need to know.tqvm
Ah I see. It is a Visa Card in the UK, however it says on their website 'Your card scheme will be assigned based on your location' so it could be Visa or MasterCard depending on where in the world you order it. You could try downloading the app and using their help service - all these cards have pretty good customer support.
sorry , why did I see Master Logo on the top of the Revolut card in your video? dO i need to provide a UK address or bill to open a debit card acct ? is there any fixed monthly fees for not using it before I arrive in UK?Many heartfelt thanks fr yr kind assistance
how would i know whether they will assign Visa OR Master to my application?I can only transfer funds at very low rate from my Malaysian acct to another Visa account
FAIR FX is the best i have them 4
Fair fx all the way!!
I have monzo current account. Lovin it so far. Im using it daily. Anywhere.
Awesome, do you use it as your only card or do you have another current account?
His Revolut information is outdated and not a full explanation.
As I say at the beginning mate, this is a brief overview and everyone should always read up on these cards themselves to check the information is up to date. I'll likely upload an updated 2019 version at the end of this year :)
Do a better job Watson
Why do you hide your sub count? That makes me far more likely to leave your video as opposed to seeing whatever low figure you may actually have.
Thanks, thats actually a good point mate. It must of been set like that ages ago and have never changed it; it isn't something that particularly bothers me so I'll change it now