Azizi Bank review

The account charges a monthly fee of AFN 15, and that is the standing cost to weigh before applying. Cards such as Monzo Flex and Bitpanda list a monthly fee of £0 and €0, so holders who keep an account open for years feel the difference quickly.

The currency conversion fee is 3%, which is above the median of 1% for cards on the site. Azizi Bank sits at position 202 of 237 on this measure, so anyone converting money often pays more than a typical card holder.

It is a debit card, so spending draws on the money in the account rather than a prepaid balance. The card runs on the mastercard network, and the account is offered from AF. That setup suits customers who keep a balance and want the card to follow it.

The account is offered in 4 currencies, which is the range listed for it. Anyone who receives money in more than a single currency benefits from keeping them together, though the conversion fee of 3% applies on any switch between them.

Support is limited to email and phone, so a question goes by phone or by email rather than through live chat. Customers who prefer writing things down will find the email route enough, while anyone who needs to talk a problem through has the phone line to hand.

The bank is based in Afghanistan and has been operating since 2006, so it is an established domestic provider rather than a new card issuer. The account and its debit card are offered from that home market, which keeps the product focused on local customers.

Azizi Bank charges a monthly fee of AFN 15, while Monzo Flex, Wise and Bitpanda list a monthly fee of £0, £0 and €0. Most cards on the site sit at a median monthly fee of €0, which leaves Azizi Bank among the pricier accounts to hold.