Hi,

I left a fairly long report last month, of my experience of getting a Metrobank debit card (brilliant) and applying for the N&P card (rubbish), but was still in the UK and said I'd report the rate when I got back.

I got back. I first used the card in the bank of ayutthya exchange booth, soi rambutri (around wat channa songkram) on the 19th December. I then checked the rate on Xe for the same day.

Metrobank. Withdraw 5000.00 baht @ rate 48.37 = 103.36 sterling. NO ATM FEE ADDED

Rate reported on Xe.com for the same day: 48.50.

While in the UK, I also applied the Caxtonfx Prepaid. I used it in the Aeon bank at Tesco on 24/12 (the one near national stadium). I'll report the same info.

Caxtonfx. Withdraw 4000.00 @ 47.43 = 82.07 FXMarkup= 02.26 GDPeqivilant: 84.33 NO ATM FEE ADDED

Rate reported on xe for the same day: 48.70

So, concerning Metrobank, I am still a very, very happy customer. There was no atm fees in either transaction here. You'll note it cost me a couple of quid to use Caxton, but it's a good back up as I think Nationwide used to be about a fiver. Metrobank is pretty much free. Can't recommend them enough.

I'm leaving for Krabi tomorrow, where I shall laze away New Year, and so might not return to this post. I just wanted to let dear tv'ers know the good news.

Yeap, according to Metrobank's web site, they don't charge a foriegn transaction fee on the current account debit card and the debit card uses the Mastercard exchange rate of the day. Link

At quote from about link follows:

"If you use your card abroad, foreign currency transactions will be converted into sterling on the day it is paid out of your account – the exchange rate is set by MasterCard®**. Metro Bank will not add any additional charges."

Nationwide lost my custom last spring and I went down to Metrobank. they are ok, no foreign fees, freindly staff and they do the card for you in the branch also you put your own security details on the computer in the bank, dont have to wait for the pin to arrive and then phone up to activate it.

I am happy with the service provided and would recommend anyone who is not happy with your present provider to see where the nearest branch is, at the moment they are mainly in the London area, but, moving out very soon. www.metrobankonline.co.uk

Love your bank at last!

Yes indeed, I was with Girobank from 1970 stayed with them when Alliance and Leicester took them over, a very good service until Santander took them over and made a real mess of the transition, after a year of trying to get a pin to work and give me access ( I was here for 10 months) I gave them the red card and moved to Metrobank, having done my research on line from here. All questions answered, yes love my bank at last!