Paying a deposit to a foreign site

[Clickem]

A word to the wise - I have recently paid a couple of deposits to Spanish sites for bungalows/chalets, for next year. One site sent me a link which allowed me pay by credit card, which worked fine. The other site sent me bank details, with IBAN and SWIF codes, to make a transfer into their bank account, with Santander. In response to the payment they sent me an invoice for the balance that needed to be paid on arrival. I happened to notice that the balance was for 20 euros more than I expected.

My bank, Halifax, have been excellent in investigating this for me and the conclusion is that Santander levy a 20 euros charge for any bank transfers coming from outside the EU. A bit steep on a payment of about 85 euros. Halifax did suggest that in future I should make such payments using a Debit card, but I am not sure if/how this is possible

 

[Lenny HB]

Get yourself a Revolt account then you can pay in Euro or whatever currency you want.

 

[Clickem]

Get yourself a Revolt account then you can pay in Euro or whatever currency you want.

Not sure that it would make any difference. My U.K. bank did the conversion and paid in Euros

 

[gus-lopez]

My bank, Halifax, have been excellent in investigating this for me and the conclusion is that Santander levy a 20 euros charge for any bank transfers coming from outside the EU.

You need to go back to them then as the UK ,whilst now a 3rd country, is still in the Single European Payment Area (SEPA) & as such payments should be foc.

https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-...nt-services/single-euro-payments-area-sepa_en

https://business.aib.ie/help/sepa-faq/countries-in-the-sepa-zon

 

[Lenny HB]

Not sure that it would make any difference. My U.K. bank did the conversion and paid in Euros

Doulbe wammy must have got charged at both ends.

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[Lucky]

Not sure that it would make any difference. My U.K. bank did the conversion and paid in Euros

It would make a difference, a big one. I use Monzo, a similar account to Revolt, and frequently make euro payments for no fee and great exchange rates.

 

[Guyadria]

Similarly with a Wise card and account. Euro payments are effected via Belgium so no question for receiving bank to charge. Rates are brilliant and card is multicurrency.

 

[cyberyacht]

From my days when I had an account with BBVA, they'll charge anything that moves. If it doesn't move, they'll kick it and then charge.

 

[Kups]

Also recommend WISE, this was Transferwise.
Used it several times, quick and efficient.

Wise, Formerly TransferWise: Online Money Transfers | International Banking Features

Banks charge a lot for overseas transfers. We don't. Transfer money abroad easily and quickly with our low cost money transfers.

wise.com

 

[DDJC]

We have a Euro account with our UK bank. We pay for everything in Yerp through that.

Withdrawing cash euros from the back is free, but you have to inform them by phone a few days before you need it.

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[EuroTrotters]

Get yourself a Revolt account then you can pay in Euro or whatever currency you want.

Definitely.

I pay Spanish bills with Revolut because I get charged by my Spanish Santander account.

I pay for the Metal account as I use mine a lot, it’s £160 a year. Though the free one is perfect for leisure and travel use .

But it comes with many benefits. I’ve already had £80 compensation for a delayed flight and a free airport VIP lounge.

I get up-to £15 a month cash back on purchases too. 0.1% to 1% on any purchase with the card.

I have just bought a car from Japan. The agent put me in-touch with several FX companies. All of them quoted around £90 for the transaction. I used Revolut and avoided the £90 cost. The JPY was in the sellers bank the next working day.

 

[Lucky]

If you don't want to open a bank account, look at Wise.com to make foreign currency payments

 

[RM_Marine]

Nationwides credit card and flex plus account doesnt charge fees to pay in a different currency, yes I pay £13 amonth for the account but I get house hold phone insurance, European breakdown cover upto 8mtr long and would wide health insurance includomg winter and water sports

Exchange rates are a lined with some of the best visa rates

 

[Tea Bag]

Get yourself a Revolt account

Hi Lenny HB.
DON'T shoot the messenger....I do NOT do money......BUT. I am sure there was a post on the pooter somewhere,where " Portugues banks were warning that " Revolut " Cards do not cover some kind of Insurance/recovery whatsits.Here in Portugal ?
So before you all go rushing of to CANCEL a Revolut Card.

Please check this info....... As could have easily misread it/failed to understand ?. I have only read Good reports about the Revolut cards on the Forum........so PLEASE check.
Tea Bag ( Married to Jennifer,who DOES do money.)

 

[VXman]

Barclaycard reward card for no fees, visa exchange rates and cash back.

Also Halifax Clarity card for no fees, mastercard exchange rates.

If it had to be a bank account I use Monzo.

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[MacroMad]

I use Western Union, simple to set up an account.
Barclays were charging me £25 to send money to the Philippines.
Western Union charge me £1.90 and i can see exactly how and when the money is collected.
I have it sent so as to be collected in Cash" from the W/Union agent in the Philippines.
You can pay it into a persons regular bank account.