Banking Without Borders

Technically Money
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From digital banks and cashback cards to global accounts, FX, eSIMs, and life as a digital nomad or international expat, we focus less on hype and try to keep things simple: who a product is really for, how it makes money, and what the downsides actually are. If you want clear thinking, real-world context, and fewer buzzwords and less BS when it comes to managing money, this is the podcast.

  1. 1D AGO

    The UK Credit Card Ladder: From Credit Builder to AMEX Platinum & Ultra Exclusive!

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we build the ultimate UK credit card ladder — starting with credit builder cards for beginners and working all the way up to premium lifestyle cards like Amex Platinum and even invite-only cards like Centurion. We explain: • Why timing matters when applying  • How to move from tier 1 to tier 5  • The difference between cashback and airline miles  • When annual fees actually make sense  • Why most people use Avios cards wrong  • The biggest credit card mistakes in the UK From starter cards like the Barclaycard Forward and Capital One Classic, to cashback options like the Lloyds Bank World Elite, travel cards from NatWest, airline ecosystems with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and lifestyle cards from American Express — we break down who each tier is actually for. This isn’t about flexing status. It’s about using credit strategically. If you want to build credit, maximise rewards, and avoid expensive mistakes, this episode is your roadmap. 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 jonny@monito.com

    25 min

  2. FEB 6

    The Trading 212 Card: Rewards, FX, and the Trade-Offs

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we break down the Trading 212 card and discuss its benefits and why it is such a great rewards card.  We cover: What the Trading 212 card actually is (and what it isn’t)How FX spending works, including when fees do and don’t applyATM withdrawal limits and where the caps kick inHow cashback works in practice, including caps and auto-investingThe maths behind the headline cashback ratesWhy rewards are being reinvested rather than paid out as cashWho this card is really for — and who it isn’tIf you’re using the Trading 212 card, considering it, or comparing it to other cashback and travel cards, this episode will help you understand the trade-offs behind the design and whether it fits how you actually spend and invest. Get £25 when you sign-up for Trading 212 and make 3 transactions over £5 Code: BWB Affiliate link: https://www.trading212.com/join/BWB  Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease 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 jonny@monito.com

    14 min

  3. JAN 30

    Are Revolut RevPoints Worth It in 2026?

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we break down Revolut RevPoints and whether they’re worth caring about in 2026. We cover: How RevPoints are earned across Standard, Premium, Metal & UltraReal-world earning examples (including Revolut Shops multipliers)What RevPoints are actually worth when redeemingWhy spare change and challenges can be misleadingWhether paying for Ultra or Metal makes sense just for pointsBetter cashback and rewards alternatives in the UK & EUIf you’re earning, hoarding, or considering paying for RevPoints, this episode will help you decide if they’re genuinely valuable, or mostly marketing. 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 jonny@monito.com

    26 min

  4. JAN 23

    Nationwide vs Chase UK: Which Is the Better Bank in 2026?

    In this episode, we put Nationwide Building Society head-to-head with Chase UK to see which one really makes sense in 2026. We cover: Why Nationwide was missing from our last “best bank” episodeCashback, savings rates & switch incentivesApp experience vs branch accessJoint accounts, overdrafts & everyday banking featuresTravel fees, FX rates & overseas spendingEthical banking & where your money actually sitsCustomer support: phone vs in-app response timesWhy the “best” bank depends on how you use itAs always, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — it’s about choosing the right tools for your situation. 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 jonny@monito.com

    22 min

  5. JAN 15

    The Best Travel Cards for 2026 (And Why We Didn’t Pick Revolut or Wise)

    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 cardWhy many UK debit cards still charge 3% abroadMastercard vs Visa vs “own” exchange ratesThe best UK debit cards for fee-free travel spendingWhen travel credit cards make more sense than debit cardsHow dynamic currency conversion quietly rips people offWhy 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. 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 jonny@monito.com

    17 min

  6. 12/26/2025

    The Best Bank Accounts in the UK Right Now (Our 2025/26 Shortlist)

    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 accountWhich accounts offer the best cashback (and where the caps catch you out)The best banking app experience right nowWhen a paid account does (and doesn’t) make senseThe strongest travel debit card for spending and ATM withdrawals abroadSwitching bonuses, savings add-ons, and hidden limitations to watch forIf 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. 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 jonny@monito.com

    21 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    The £75,000 Entry Fee: Is the HSBC Expat Account Worth It?

    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.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 jonny@monito.com

    22 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Is Revolut Premium Actually Worth £80 a Year?

    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 valuableEveryday protection insurance explainedThe confusing exclusions & limitationsThe cancellation rules nobody talks aboutHow Premium compares to free alternatives in the UK & EUWho Revolut Premium really makes sense forConnect 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 jonny@monito.com

    18 min
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About

From digital banks and cashback cards to global accounts, FX, eSIMs, and life as a digital nomad or international expat, we focus less on hype and try to keep things simple: who a product is really for, how it makes money, and what the downsides actually are. If you want clear thinking, real-world context, and fewer buzzwords and less BS when it comes to managing money, this is the podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Technically Money
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Banking Without Borders
  • Show Website
    Banking Without Borders