Banking Without Borders

Still using Wise when you travel? You might be losing money. In this episode, we break down why both WISE and Revolut might not be the best option in 2025, and what you should be using instead. We share our top debit and credit card picks for international travel, reveal hidden fees most people overlook (like dynamic currency conversion and ATM charges), and offer simple tips to help you keep more...

Thinking about borrowing money through Revolut? In this episode, we unpack everything you need to know about Revolut Personal Loans, from eligibility to interest rates, approval times, and what really sets these loans apart. We cover:  Where Revolut loans are currently available  How they work, and who they’re best suited for  Key watchouts before you apply  Where Revolut might launch loans next W...

Welcome to the June recap of Banking Without Borders! This month, we break down Starling Bank’s new “Spending Intelligence” chatbot, is it really intelligent, or just marketing spin? We also cover Starling’s US ambitions and why a credit card might be essential for their success. Then we look at Chase UK’s dark mode drama, a hilarious new “biscuit bank” offering cashback on your bills, and Klarna’...

Are Revolut’s credit cards worth it? In this episode, we dive into: Where Revolut credit cards are available right now (Ireland, Poland, Lithuania & Spain) How the benefits stack up, from RevPoints to cashback The 0% interest periods, installment options & what they really mean Why the UK and other countries might see Revolut credit cards soon Are these cards actually good enough to switch...

Japan is one of the most romanticized countries on the internet — but is it really a good place to live and work as a digital nomad? In this episode, we talk to Jan, who recently spent time in Japan trying to make remote life work. From cash-only restaurants and endless bureaucracy to social disconnection and even chaotic cycling culture, we unpack the reality behind the viral videos. If you’ve ev...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most ambitious and unique rewards credit cards in the UK — Yonder . It’s a bold start-up that’s doing things differently, with a unique rewards system, premium experiences, and no foreign transaction fees. But how does it stack up against legacy players like AMEX? Jonny put Yonder to the test over several weeks, digging into everything from point redemption...

In this month’s fintech recap, Jonny and Jan dive into Revolut’s bold new ATM launch, free withdrawals, on-the-spot signups, and dynamic FX rates that could finally kill off rip-off tourist machines. But while Revolut expands into phones, credit cards, and billion-euro investments, Starling Bank looks like it's stuck in neutral. With profits falling, customer growth slowing, and a focus shift...

Considering a Revolut upgrade? Or maybe you're wondering if Standard is even worth keeping? In this deep-dive episode, Jonny and Jan break down every Revolut plan — from Standard to Ultra — and share brutally honest insights based on real-world experience. We explore: What each plan really offers (and what’s missing) The surprising state of Jan's Metal card How to calculate if you'r...

In this month’s recap, Jonny and Jan dive deep into Revolut’s 2024 annual report, from $1 billion in profit to 14.5 million new customers and a staggering £1 trillion in transaction volume. Is this the beginning of the end for traditional banks like Barclays? We break it all down and share our thoughts on Revolut’s next moves, including their rumoured credit card and expansion plans. We also end t...

Revolut replaced its cashback offering with RevPoints over a year ago, but is their loyalty scheme actually worth it? In this episode, Jonny and Jan break down exactly how RevPoints work in 2025: How to earn them (besides just spending) The best and worst ways to redeem Whether they’re good value compared to other cashback cards and credit cards And why “spare change” might be the worst way to use...

Chase UK once dominated the rewards game with 1% cashback across the board, but those days are fading. In this episode, Jonny & Jan dig into what’s changed and share the best debit and credit card alternatives for cashback, points, and perks in 2025. We’ll talk through: The slow decline of Chase UK’s cashback value Smart debit card options like Santander Edge and Trading 212 The best American...

This weeks episode of Banking Without Borders is taken from our in-depth YouTube video exploring Revolut’s $100 billion ambition. CEO Nikolay Storonsky opens with his bold vision, but is it actually achievable? We break down Revolut’s strategy across lending, private banking, AI, and global expansion, and explore what it would really take for this fintech giant to reach $100 billion in revenue. Jo...

In this episode of Banking Without Borders,  Jonny and Jan sit down for a proper March recap, and there’s plenty to cover. From Chase UK nerfing its cashback (again) to the bizarre Klarna x DoorDash partnership that lets you pay for your groceries in instalments (yes, really). Jonny shares his experience testing Trading 212’s new multi-currency account and card, with surprisingly low FX fees and i...

Ever wondered where the best and worst places to live as a digital nomad really are? In this episode of Banking Without Borders , Jonny and Jan break down the destinations that live up to the hype, and those that definitely don’t. We cover: Why Bali might be overrated The country that’s way too expensive for remote workers The terrifying moment Jan had to flee a country during armed conflict What...

Ever dreamed of being a digital nomad, working from a beach in Bali or a cafe in Lisbon? In this episode of Banking Without Borders , Jonny and Jan dive deep into the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle, beyond the Instagram fantasy. We cover:  How to make money as a digital nomad The biggest myths & challenges (it's not all sunsets and laptops!) Time zone struggles & avoiding bu...

Welcome to the first episode of Banking Without Borders ! In this episode, we’re diving into the biggest fintech stories shaking up the industry: Revolut scraps its weekend exchange rate fee - What does this mean for premium users, and is there a hidden catch? ZING’s £150m failure - HSBC’s digital payment app barely lasted a year. What went wrong, and what can we learn from its downfall? Chase UK’...