I am going to need to transfer a tidy sum of cash to my French Bank account soon, to pay for renovations. I have looked through the forum and see that various banks and agents offer similar services, but I am wondering if there is one that will give me the best rate where I am flexible on when the transfer occurs?
I could go through my RBS account as I have done in the past, but in view of the sums involved this time (and the dire exchange rate) I am looking to get the best value and the lowest charges I can find.
For years, Nationwide (0800 302 010, www.nationwide.co.uk) has
imposed no charges whatsoever on foreign transactions made on its Visa
credit card.
However, it recently decided to abandon this blanket
no-fee policy and pass on to customers the charge that Visa makes on
card issuers. This means that from May 6, for transactions made outside
Europe, there will be a fee of around one per cent.
Consumer
bodies have slated Nationwide for this partial change of heart. But, to
be fair, the one per cent fee is still much lower than the 2.75 per
cent levied by most other card issuers. Moreover, paying for things
with a Nationwide credit card in Europe will remain charge-free, since
Visa imposes no charge on transactions made there.
..it seems the Debit Card is unaffected.
..Citibank offer a Euro bank account and no withdrawal charges.
I have just read this on the web re the Nationwide 'no charge policy: This means that from May 6, for transactions made outside Europe, there will be a fee of around one per cent.
My bold italic red.
Maricopa
Never assume anything, it only makes an assofuandme
Joined on 23/08/2004
Kent and Collobrieres Var
Posts 236
Re: Best Money Transfer company
There are several good money brokers out there who will do this. I have used Currencies Direct 0207 813 0332 when I bought my house and they were very effecient and easy to use. Minimum payment is around £5000 I think.
For small amounts I use Moneybookers.com and for larger amounts I use http://www.4xcc.com/index.shtm who I have also found to be good. With them you can fix the rate as it moves on the screen which gives you certainty. You just sign up and keep watching it then fix when you think the rate is OK
Joined on 23/08/2004
london/sanvignes les mines
Posts 107
Re: Best Money Transfer company
Like Andy I use Currencies Direct for large amounts and Moneybookers for small transfers, as we needed a top up on our account, and I wasn't keen at the moment to transfer a large amount due to the exchange rate I decided to use MoneyBookers just to keep the account ticking over, we transferred £1250.00, looking at our French account this morning the money was there and the rate charged was 1.0952 by Moneybookers, the business rate for yesterday was 1.1322. What do other people think of this rate.
Made several transfers via Hifx ranging from house deposit and final payment to some smaller amounts, competitive rates, prompt service, no problems whatsoever.
Counting down to retirement update: A bright light now beckons
Hi, I also use HIFX (last 3 years), never a problem, reasonable rates, and for smaller accounts you can now pay by debit card. Also if you are fortunate enough to have a UK registered card you can do the transaction over the net up to a certain amount.
I did stray away for one month to another company offering a better rate, but when it came down to it, the "spread" was greater than they had told me, when it came to the actual transaction. Not a disaster, just means I won't use them again. So for me HIFX for the foreseeable future. :)
For low transaction costs, any of the money brokers will beat the banks hands down. There is probably not too much between any of them. I use World First, however having a couple of different accounts is always useful because you can check for best spreads. There is no shame in asking for a better price from these guys either. Most work on commission, so they will start to try and charge a larger spread if they believe you have become a captive market. I do the same with heating oil companies as well, though in France that is not so easy with so few distributors! Life is too short to be small