Within five years, super ATMs will authorise loans and sanction mortgages - as well as giving out cash, showing balances etc.

Good news in view of the high number of bank branches closing in our towns - largely because of the popularity and capabilities of internet banking.

Credit decisions for financial institutions have been made much easier with the credit score system - as, we are all being constantly monitored.

Scores (thus, the ability to borrow) largely depend on your history of making your bill and credit card payments promptly.

An important factor and habit, as it's extremely difficult to repair a damaged credit score. Even a person with a bad score - with your post code - could affect you.

Barney wrote:
Within five years, super ATMs will authorise loans and sanction mortgages - as well as giving out cash, showing balances etc.

Good news in view of the high number of bank branches closing in our towns - largely because of the popularity and capabilities of internet banking.

Credit decisions for financial institutions have been made much easier with the credit score system - as, we are all being constantly monitored.

Scores (thus, the ability to borrow) largely depend on your history of making your bill and credit card payments promptly.

An important factor and habit, as it's extremely difficult to repair a damaged credit score. Even a person with a bad score - with your post code - could affect you.




I was at a US gun show recently with my family and friends, 4 ATMs were out off cash within hours.

I still use free ATMs every week in my local supermarkets, I like to have about £100 ready cash on me at all times.

Fair enough. I've come across a prepaid debit card (which uses ATMs, via Mastercard) - and can be used in almost 50 countries.

No fees abroad and minuscule here. Say, if you're going to Morocco - you buy (at market rate) dirhams through the card issuer/operator.

And when you arrive in Marakesh, say - the amount of dirhams you bought are available to you - via the Mastercard - at the local ATM, without fees.

This can be replicated in c50 countries - without the need to have separate foreign currency accounts; your repurchased amount is held for you - by the card issuer/operator.


Best system I've seen so far - for the frequent international traveller - until I'm told of something better...