There are charges if you use the card and your account is overdrawn.
Not sure what they though.

this is their website http://www.nationwide.co.uk i sent my application form from it

I was told that there is a charge for the credit cards but it gets unnoticed as they give such a good exchange rate!

Just noticed this thread - sounds good, i go in 3 weeks time is that enough time to open an account? Thinking of paying my hol money in then taking it out as needed, that way il only need to start off with say £100 in euros. Be useful as im at Dubrovnik for a day where its different currency, tried to get some currency for there but post office say i need to order 1 month in advance

Alison

That'll be enough time Alison.
Strange about the post office saying that though- I usually order currency and it only takes a few days, even to our village.

I have had a Nationwide Flexaccount since they were first opened 20 years ago and have always used it whilst I am abroad purely because of the lack of charges. It is true also that there are no extra charges when using the Nationwide's credit card whilst abroad.

We got back from 2 weeks on Rhodes last Wednesday. I have just checked my online statements and the rate we got on withdrawals fluctuated between 1.478 and 1.492 whilst we were there.

As nothing other than a satisfied customer I would recommend the account especially as you can use an internet cafe whilst abroad to ensure that everything is fine with any account that you have with the Nationwide.