> I'd never use a Debit Card for foreign currency transactions though, they always seem to have fees involved.
Nationwide used to have commission-free cash withdrawals on their debit cards abroad, but I think it was abused by people who had second homes in other countries so withdrawn a year or two ago. I believe they still offer a commission-free credit card though.
My impression was that the banks made a lot more money from the spread than they did from the commission, so I kind of find that surprising. In Canada it's easy to find commission-free cards. The spread is a hidden fee though, so the banks have hiked that up several times.
I'm pretty sure the Halifax card I mentioned gives the Visa wholesale rate too. I generally get same rate as quoted on FX sites anytime I've checked it.
I use the Halifax Clarity card and I believe The Nationwide and the Post Office do a good card too.
I'd never use a Debit Card for foreign currency transactions though, they always seem to have fees involved.