Banking Without Borders

Technically Money

Your weekly guide to fintech, money and global living. Jonny and Jan dig into digital banking, credit cards, eSIMs, travel money and the tools reshaping how we spend and save. Delivered with honest takes and zero fluff.

  1. 13H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 11/26/2025

    Autumn Budget 2025: Cash ISAs Slashed & Savings Tax Hike Explained

    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 2027Why over-65s keep the full £20,000 Cash ISA limit – and what that means for everyone elseThe 2% rise in savings income tax and how frozen tax bands will drag more people out of the Personal Savings AllowanceThe 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 scrappedIf 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. 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

    9 min

  7. 11/21/2025

    PayPal’s New Debit Card: 1% Rewards, 20% Boosts… and a Ton of Confusion

    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 cashbackOnline vs offline spend differencesWhy PayPal balance mattersGold/Black tiers and realistic earning potentialRetailer boosts and subscription perksTravel benefits (FX fees, Mastercard rate, ATMs)Whether the card is worth using at allConnect 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

    15 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    The Best Free Cashback Debit & Credit Cards in the UK

    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% FXAmex Cashback Everyday: intro bonus, then 0.5–1% (not for foreign spend)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

    16 min
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About

Your weekly guide to fintech, money and global living. Jonny and Jan dig into digital banking, credit cards, eSIMs, travel money and the tools reshaping how we spend and save. Delivered with honest takes and zero fluff.

Information

  • Creator
    Technically Money
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Banking Without Borders
  • Show Website
    Banking Without Borders