Banking Without Borders

If you’re travelling abroad in 2026, using the wrong card could quietly cost you hundreds in hidden FX fees.

In this episode of Banking Without Borders, Jonny and Jan break down what actually makes a good travel card — and why some of the most talked-about options don’t make the cut anymore.

We compare real exchange rates, withdrawal limits, and fees across the UK’s best debit and credit cards, using live rate calculators and real-world spending examples.

What we cover:

• The four non-negotiables of a great travel card
• Why many UK debit cards still charge 3% abroad
• Mastercard vs Visa vs “own” exchange rates
• The best UK debit cards for fee-free travel spending
• When travel credit cards make more sense than debit cards
• How dynamic currency conversion quietly rips people off
• Why Revolut and Wise aren’t the cheapest options anymore (based on the numbers)

This episode is for anyone travelling, living abroad, or just tired of paying unnecessary fees every time they leave the UK.

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

In this episode, we shortlist the best current accounts in the UK and explain how we’d choose if we were switching banks heading into 2026. We look at six popular accounts, compare real-world features, and rank them across key use cases — without relying on marketing claims.

We cover:

• What actually makes a great everyday bank account
• Which accounts offer the best cashback (and where the caps catch you out)
• The best banking app experience right now
• When a paid account does (and doesn’t) make sense
• The strongest travel debit card for spending and ATM withdrawals abroad
• Switching bonuses, savings add-ons, and hidden limitations to watch for

If you’re considering changing your main bank account — or just want to know which UK banks are genuinely competitive right now — this episode will help you narrow it down.

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

Is the HSBC Expat account the ultimate financial command center for global citizens, or just an overpriced status symbol?

In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we tear down the velvet rope surrounding HSBC’s offshore offering based in Jersey. With a steep entry requirement of £75,000 in savings or a £120,000 salary, this account promises a "global hub" for your finances—but does the reality match the price tag?

We investigate the hidden exchange rate margins that could be eating into your wealth, the "old school" phone-based application process, and why the deposit protection scheme in Jersey might leave you more exposed than you think. Plus, we discuss the one massive perk—international mortgages—that might actually make it all worthwhile.

In this episode, we cover:

• The £75k Barrier: Breaking down the strict eligibility criteria and the £50/month penalty fee.
• Jersey vs. UK: Why your deposit insurance drops significantly by banking offshore.
• The FX Reality: How HSBC’s exchange rates stack up against Wise and Revolut (spoiler: it’s not the mid-market rate).
• The "Golden" Perk: How this account unlocks UK mortgages for non-residents.
• The Verdict: Why this isn't for digital nomads, and exactly who should actually sign up.

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

In this episode, we dig into Revolut Premium - what you really get for £80 a year, who it makes sense for, and where the value genuinely comes from. We break down the banking perks, partner subscriptions, insurance fine print, and that harsh cancellation policy so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Show Notes:

• Core banking perks (FX, ATM limits, savings rates)
• Partner subscriptions: what’s actually valuable
• Everyday protection insurance explained
• The confusing exclusions & limitations
• The cancellation rules nobody talks about
• How Premium compares to free alternatives in the UK & EU
• Who Revolut Premium really makes sense for

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

In this episode, Jonny breaks down the Autumn Budget 2025 and what it really means for everyday savers – beyond the headlines about £30bn in extra taxes.

We cover:

• The cut to the Cash ISA allowance from £20,000 to £12,000 for under-65s from April 2027
• Why over-65s keep the full £20,000 Cash ISA limit – and what that means for everyone else
• The 2% rise in savings income tax and how frozen tax bands will drag more people out of the Personal Savings Allowance
• The Stocks & Shares ISA “cheat code” idea (and why HMRC may eventually shut it down)
• Other key Budget changes: EV per-mile charging, mansion tax, pension salary sacrifice cap, National Living Wage rise and the two-child cap being scrapped

If you’re trying to protect your interest from the tax grab – especially as a basic, higher or additional-rate taxpayer – this is a quick, no-nonsense recap to help you understand your options.

Mentioned in this episode:
Check the latest Cash ISA rates and savings deals at https://depositscout.com

Nothing in this episode is financial advice. Always do your own research or speak to a regulated adviser before making decisions about your money.

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

In this episode we look at PayPal’s new UK debit card and the PayPal+ rewards scheme. The headline numbers sound great — 1% back, tier boosts, and retailer offers up to 20% — but the rules are messy. We explain how the points really work, where the rewards drop off, and whether any of the tiers are actually worth chasing. Plus, the travel perks are surprisingly strong.

What we cover:

• How PayPal+ points work vs real cashback
• Online vs offline spend differences
• Why PayPal balance matters
• Gold/Black tiers and realistic earning potential
• Retailer boosts and subscription perks
• Travel benefits (FX fees, Mastercard rate, ATMs)
• Whether the card is worth using at all

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

In this BWB episode, we make the case that every transaction should pay you back, then run through the best free UK cashback options and a simple stack you can actually use day-to-day. We hit rates, caps, categories, FX gotchas, and when “free” isn’t really free.

We cover

• Trading 212: 1.5% with Cashback Investing (cap £15/mo)
• Chase UK: 1% on groceries & everyday transport (incl. public EV charging)
• Zopa: 2% on direct debits (cap £30/yr)
• Lloyds Ultra: 1% in year one, then 0.25% + 0% FX
• Amex Cashback Everyday: intro bonus, then 0.5–1% (not for foreign spend)

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

If you’re starting from zero, or finally taking freelancing seriously, this episode gives you a field-tested roadmap from Jan a 7-figure freelancer. We cover how to choose (and tighten) your offer, find your first clients without Upwork, write outreach that gets replies, price with confidence, and avoid the early mistakes that kill momentum. Think “learn by earning,” not endless planning.

You’ll learn

• Why motion beats branding: pick one skill, sell it, learn by earning. 
• How to find clients now: phone/local outreach, networking events, and volume.
• Portfolio over platforms (and why to avoid race-to-the-bottom marketplaces).
• Confidence tactics for introverts (prep, scripts, and repetition). 
• Admin that saves you later: contracts, invoices, bookkeeping basics. 

Show Notes

• Client-finding resources:

Business directories (e.g., Yellow Pages), LinkedIn Sales Navigator (build targeted lists), local networking events (Meetup).

• Outbound play:

Call local businesses; point out a specific problem (e.g., Google Business Profile), offer a quick win; expect rejection and keep volume high.

• Portfolio > platforms:

Lead with proof of work; consider using platforms only to spot leads, then pitch directly.

• Admin checklist:

Use written contracts, numbered invoices, track income/expenses; set good habits early.

• Starter bank ideas mentioned:

UK: Monzo, Starling; EU/Global: Revolut Pro (for invoicing/tools). Evaluate per country.

• Connect:

Jan invites listeners to DM on LinkedIn for quick help (link in show notes).

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

Not all multi-currency accounts deliver on their promise of borderless banking. Jonny and Jan dig into what these accounts really do, and which ones are genuinely worth using in 2025.

They unpack the pros, cons, and hidden catches of Wise, Revolut, Trading 212, Bunq, HSBC Global Money, and NatWest, exploring who each account suits, what makes Wise the current gold standard, and when a simple travel card might actually be the smarter move.

What to expect

• Why most people don’t need to pre-convert currencies
• The truth behind “mid-market” and “weekend markup” fees
• Which accounts actually pay interest on foreign cash
• How to choose between Wise, Revolut, and Trading 212

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]

Revolut Metal promises premium banking for about £15 a month - with travel insurance, trading perks and a stainless-steel card to prove it.

But how much of that value actually comes from banking… and how much from a pile of third-party subscriptions you might never use?

In this episode of Banking Without Borders, Jonny and Jan break down everything inside Revolut Metal:

• What you really get for your money - from ATM limits to RevPoints
• The fine print on its insurance and cancellation rules
• Which perks actually save you money (and which are just noise)

By the end, you’ll know whether Revolut Metal is a smart financial upgrade - or just another subscription trap.

Revolut Metal cancellation policies 👉 https://www.revolut.com/legal/paid-plans/

Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community 

https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord

Subscribe on YouTube

https://link.technicallymoney.com/oy8e

Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates. 

Connect with us (via LinkedIn)

Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/

Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease

Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]