If you’re heading overseas on holiday or on a business trip, getting a travel credit or debit card could be one of the cheapest ways to spend while abroad.
Often, a regular bank account debit card will charge you hefty foreign transaction fees and a poor exchange rate if you use it abroad for a transaction or cash withdrawal. However, there are lots of cards out there that do away with these fees.
In this article, we outline the best payment cards to use when you’re abroad plus whether it is better to use a credit card or debit card, plus the top prepaid travel money cards.
We explain:
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What is a travel card?
A travel card can have several definitions, but when we make reference to it in this article we’re referring to something you can use for fee-free spending abroad.
This can be a credit or debit card, and while it may not charge any foreign transaction costs it might come with other charges – such an annual fee.
A travel card also might refer to a prepaid card, or currency card, too. These are explained in more detail below, but in essence it allows you to load multiple currencies onto a single piece of plastic.
The best travel debit cards
Here we list three banks which offer debit cards that might be worth considering if you’re travelling abroad:
Chase also doesn’t charge fees for withdrawing cash while overseas, though you’re limited to withdrawing £500 per day. When abroad you can withdraw up to £1,500 a month.
Chase carries out a “soft” credit check when you apply, which cannot affect your credit score unlike an application for a credit card.
This account gives 1% cashback on your everyday debit card spending for your first year, including abroad. The maximum cashback you can earn in a month is £15. Cashback exceptions apply.
Chase also pays 3.85% AER (variable) with its linked easy-access savings account, but you can beat this with another savings provider.
As a digital provider, which is part of the HSBC banking group, you will only be able to contact its support team via app or website. This is available 24/7, meaning you won’t need to wait for regular banking hours to log any requests.
Plus, it’s currently running a £175 switching incentive for anyone looking to move providers.
The current account offers a debit card with fee-free spending abroad, comes with £250 in interest-free overdraft (subject to status), and provides exclusive access to a regular savings account at 7% AER.
– 0% EAR variable on the first £250, 39.9% EAR variable thereafter, giving a representative rate of 30.5% APR variable
It offers fee-free purchases abroad, and foreign cash withdrawals are fee-free up to a maximum of £300 a day.
Like Chase’s current account, Starling Bank carries out a “soft” credit check when you apply, so it doesn’t affect your credit score.
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Best travel credit cards to use abroad in 2024
Below we list a number of the best travel credit card providers that might be worth considering if you’re heading abroad:
NatWest’s mobile app offers a range of services too, such as being able to load your travel plans onto the app before setting off abroad. This will make transactions in these countries less likely to be flagged as suspicious or blocked.
It’s also worth noting that Ulster Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland, which can predominantly be found in Northern Ireland and Scotland respectively, offer the same card too.
Representative Example:12.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 12.9% p.a. (variable).
This travel credit card includes access to over 1,100 airport lounges across 300 major airports worldwide and a full concierge service. The latter can be a great for paying for your trip before you set foot abroad because its specialists could provide several handy discounts or hotel upgrades.
Representative Example: 19.99% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 19.99% p.a. (variable).
Ensuring you have enough money in cash hand before you go abroad is always wise, so read our guide to the best travel money deals to look for offers best suited for you. But this card could be the least expensive option if you need to make an emergency withdrawal while abroad.
Representative Example: 23.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 23.94% p.a. (variable).
If you’re not one of the card’s top applicants, you may still be offered the card but you’ll receive a higher APR of 27.9% or 29.9%.
Representative Example: 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
Representative Example: 24.9% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 24.9% p.a. (variable).
Best prepaid travel cards
A prepaid travel card, also known as a currency card, lets you load money and exchange different currencies before you go away. You can then use this card to spend or withdraw cash while abroad.
You can’t spend more than you have loaded onto the card. It effectively works like a debit card that doesn’t have an overdraft.
However, unlike a debit card from a FCA registered bank, prepaid travel cards don’t benefit from FSCS protection. So if your provider goes bust while you’re abroad, it might be difficult to reclaim your funds.
Out of goodwill, some companies like Wise and Revolut have specific safeguarding practices in place to keep your money secure – which makes their services better than others.
Below we explain why Wise may be worth considering if you’re heading abroad.
However, it does charge a conversion fee. Check out its calculator to see how much you could pay.
You can also only withdraw two lots of £200 per month before being hit with fees. After that, it charges 50p per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above £200.
So again, if you plan to make lots of cash withdrawals then you might be better off with Chase or Starling.
Bear in mind there is also a £7 fee to have the card delivered.
Is it better to use a credit card or debit card abroad?
As long as you find the best – and cheapest – credit card or debit card to use abroad, it’s often a matter of personal preference. It’s worth bearing in mind that using a credit card abroad does give you Section 75 protection, which can get you your money back when things go wrong.
In other words, if your goods are faulty, aren’t delivered or a supplier goes bust, you will get your money back under this piece of legislation. Section 75 of the consumer credit act doesn’t only apply to purchases made in the UK, but transactions made abroad too.
The scheme only covers purchases between the value of £100 and £30,000, our guide explains in further detail.
However, you’ll need to go through a ‘hard’ credit check when you apply for any credit card, so if you have a poor score it can limit your options.
Current accounts, meanwhile, may have less strenuous requirements and may be a better option for these applicants.
Read more: Best travel insurance providers
How much does it cost to use a regular card abroad?
The costs when using a typical debit or credit card abroad, and not a specialist travel card, can add up. High-street providers typically charge a 3% transaction fee for using your card abroad, which means a £100 bill will incur a £3 fee.
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What exchange rates are used for travel cards?
When you pay on most debit and credit cards, the Visa or Mastercard exchange rate is used. This is very close to the market rate – so you should not be caught out inadvertently paying extra because you have been given a poor exchange rate.
Read more: What’s the best way to transfer money internationally
Watch out for credit cards and ATMs
Unless you opt for a bank that offers fee-free current accounts that do not charge for using a debit card in Europe, which include Chase Bank and Starling Bank, you need to be wary when using an ATM with a debit card.
You can expect even bigger charges when withdrawing cash from a machine using a credit card and that is before interest is applied. Some will charge interest from the day the money leaves your account – even if they may boast of fee-free withdrawals.
Other cards, like Barclaycard Rewards, offer a grace period without charging interest, meaning that you shouldn’t pay any cash withdrawal fees or interest if you clear your balance in full each month.
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Exchange your money for foreign cash
Sometimes you’ll need cash for your trip abroad. Not all merchants accept card payments and cash can offer a degree of flexibility. That’s why you might want to consider exchanging some of your holiday budget into foreign currency.
Leaving this to the last minute is often a mistake, especially if you use the bureau de change in the airport. These providers typically hike their fees and charge a premium because your options are limited at this point, so give yourself time beforehand to research the best currency exchange offers around.
Read more: The best and cheapest travel money providers
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