[bryanlarsen]

My impression was that the banks made a lot more money from the spread than they did from the commission, so I kind of find that surprising. In Canada it's easy to find commission-free cards. The spread is a hidden fee though, so the banks have hiked that up several times.

[gabemart]

The commission-free withdrawals abroad were offered at the wholesale VISA rate. Nationwide didn't take any vig.

Their "Select credit card" still offers EUR and USD purchases with no surcharge and no vig.

[fendale]

I'm pretty sure the Halifax card I mentioned gives the Visa wholesale rate too. I generally get same rate as quoted on FX sites anytime I've checked it.