When you’ve worked hard to save up for a holiday abroad, spending money while you’re away might not be the first thing you think about.
The reality is that for every day you’ll be on holiday you will likely need (and want to) spend money on things such as food or entertainment. There may also be potential unexpected costs that may leave you out of pocket.
Unfortunately, many debit and credit cards charge extra fees when used abroad, such as foreign transaction or ATM fees. This can include conversion fees for foreign currencies or charges for using a cash machine.
So before you hit the beach, we’ve put together some hacks on how to spend money abroad without facing high charges.
Bank Accounts for Using Abroad
When choosing a bank account for use abroad, you can opt for a familiar high street bank or an online-only bank.
Tip: Check if your existing bank offers 0% fees for international purchases, as this may be the best bank card to use abroad since you won’t need to open any new accounts elsewhere.
Chase – The Chase UK Current Account comes with a debit card you can use abroad with no fees from Chase for spending or cash withdrawals. Cash withdrawals may be limited to £500 per day and £1,500 per calendar month abroad, depending on the account. You can also earn 1% cashback on eligible debit card spending for your first year, capped at £15 per month. Cashback currently only applies to selected categories such as groceries, everyday transport and fuel, and does not apply to overseas spending.
Monzo – Monzo is a Mastercard debit card that lets you spend abroad using the Mastercard exchange rate with no extra fees. You can make fee-free cash withdrawals up to your monthly allowance, depending on your account type. Fees may apply if you exceed your cash withdrawal allowance. Outside of the EEA, you can withdraw up to £200 every 30 days without being charged extra fees.
Revolut – Revolut offers a range of account plans, including a free Standard plan. You can use your card abroad with no extra fees on some plans and within certain monthly limits, using Revolut’s exchange rate. With the Standard plan, you can also withdraw up to £200 abroad each month without fees (limited to 5 withdrawals) and exchange up to £1,000 per month into other currencies for free. (depending on plan and location) Weekend exchange fees may apply.
Starling Bank – Starling Bank offers a current account that lets you spend and withdraw cash abroad without charging extra fees. It also includes useful money management features, such as the ability to block gambling transactions directly in the app.
Wise – Wise charges small variable fees depending on how you use your account (sending money, spending, or withdrawing cash abroad). Although this isn’t free, many traditional banks are often more expensive due to foreign transaction fees and exchange rate markups. There are also other benefits that may make a Wise account more suitable for your needs. For instance, the ability to connect to Apple Pay.
Travel Credit Cards & Debit Cards
Many banks and card providers offer debit and credit cards designed for use abroad. These are often marketed as travel-friendly cards and may offer benefits such as low or no foreign transaction fees.
If you have a good credit score, a travel credit card can sometimes offer additional advantages. Some cards include extras such as travel insurance, and credit cards usually provide stronger buyer protection for purchases, such as Section 75 protection in the UK.
Barclays – Offers features that let you manage foreign currencies within its app. You can convert money into different currencies and manage it in the app, including converting it back into pounds. When using your Barclays debit card abroad, payments are processed in the local currency and may be subject to exchange rates and possible fees depending on your account type.
Halifax – The Halifax Clarity credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees when you spend abroad, and it uses the card network’s exchange rate (Visa or Mastercard depending on the card). However, if you use it to withdraw cash abroad, interest is charged from the day of the withdrawal, even if you repay your balance in full. Credit limits are subject to status and depend on affordability and credit checks.
NatWest – NatWest offers a range of debit and credit cards that can be used abroad, but most standard accounts charge foreign transaction fees on spending and cash withdrawals overseas. Some premium accounts and specialist credit cards may offer fee-free foreign spending. NatWest credit cards may also have no annual fee depending on the product.
Santander – The Santander All in One Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad when you pay in the local currency. The card has a £3 monthly fee and offers up to 0.5% cashback on purchases, capped at £10 per month.
Prepaid Cards
Travel credit cards aren’t the right fit for everyone, especially if you aren’t comfortable using a credit card or don’t qualify for one due to a poor credit score.
Another option to consider is a prepaid travel card.
As the name suggests, prepaid travel cards allow you to load money onto a card before you travel. Usually, the card is connected to an app so you can top it up and manage your balance. You can also cancel the card if it gets stolen, unlike cash.
Because you aren’t borrowing money with a prepaid travel card, you don’t need a credit check and it won’t affect your credit score.
Lots of providers offer prepaid travel cards, including:
- Asda
- Easy FX
- Eurochange
- Post Office
- Sainsbury’s
- Travel FX
As with any type of card, it is important to read the small print to understand which option is best for you. For example, look out for any charges or fees that may apply depending on how you use the card.
Top Tips for Spending Money Abroad
Making cash withdrawals: It’s generally a bad idea to withdraw cash on your debit or credit card abroad, as you’ll be charged extra fees. Some prepaid cards will also charge a fee for a cash withdrawal unless otherwise stated.
Using a credit card: Never allow the amount you spend to go over what you can afford to pay back in full. Set up an auto-repayment so that the money will automatically be paid with zero interest.
Most credit cards also have an app so that you can carefully track the balance as you spend. But, be aware that there can sometimes be a delay in showing your outgoings when you spend money abroad or during the holidays, so you should also keep a mental note of anything you’ve spent.
Pay in the local currency: If you’re outside of the UK and you are given the option to pay in British pounds (GBP £) or the local currency, always opt for the local currency. This is to avoid being charged conversion fees. For instance, if you are in Spain then pay in Euros, or if you are in America pay in US Dollars.
Travel Card FAQs
Which Banks Don't Charge for Using a Debit Card Abroad?
Chase and Starling Bank offer debit cards that can be used abroad without foreign transaction fees, while some Barclays accounts may also offer fee-free spending abroad depending on the product. There can be charges for making cash withdrawals, so you need to check with the applicable bank. However, these three banks also give you the option of avoiding a credit card when travelling if you currently aren’t eligible for more credit.
What is the Best Bank Card to Use Abroad?
A good bank card to use abroad is one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees for spending and has low or no fees for cash withdrawals. Ideally, it should also offer free cash withdrawals in case you need to pay in cash while on holiday. The card should not have any hidden fees and also provide free customer support that you can access while abroad.
What Can I Use Instead of a Credit Card for Travel?
If you don't qualify for a credit card or aren't comfortable owning one, there are a couple of options to consider. The main thing is to avoid fees from using your debit card abroad. Not taking large amounts of cash on holiday is also preferable in case the money gets stolen. You could consider a debit card that has travel perks (i.e. no transaction fees for foreign purchases) or a prepaid travel card instead.
Credit Card With No Transaction Fee Abroad - What to Look Out For?
The easiest way of finding a ‘no transaction fee abroad credit card’ is to search specifically for travel credit cards. Then, check the details of the card to ensure that no transaction fees are charged when you use the card internationally.
Please note: the information is accurate at the time of writing (May 2026) but is subject to the banks changing their rates.
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