Best Credit Card to Use Abroad

Preparing yourself for your next holiday abroad? If you've used your debit card abroad, you'll know hefty charges are usually involved. Keep your peace of mind when spending abroad with a travel credit card.

You use it like your debit card without worrying about a foreign transaction fee.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the best travel credit card deals, and you'll learn all about using credit cards abroad with our tips and tricks.

At a Glance, Pros and Cons

Before diving into our top travel card picks, let's explore the pros and cons.

Pros

✔️ Depending on the credit card provider, you can earn rewards for using your card abroad, such as travel miles, hotel perks, free checked bags, airport lounge access and priority boarding.

✔️ You don't have to worry about paying foreign transaction fees using a specialist travel credit card.

✔️ Most travel cards allow you to withdraw cash for free so that you won't be charged any cash withdrawal fees.

✔️ Most travel credit cards have no monthly or annual fees.

Cons

❌️ Some travel credit cards have a high APR.

❌️ You'll be charged interest on cash withdrawals when the transaction is complete.

The Five Best Travel Credit Cards

The travel credit card market has much to offer.

We've narrowed down five of the best travel cards to make your holiday smooth sailing. All credit cards mentioned in our top picks are protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

1. Halifax Clarity Credit Card

Halifax Clarity Credit Card

Credit Limit

Subject to status

Representative % APR (variable)

22.9% APR

• Charges the same interest rate on everything you buy.
• No foreign exchange fees.
• Any money spent abroad will be set by the Mastercard exchange rate on that day.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 22.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 22.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

The Halifax Clarity credit card is ranked at the top of our list because it has a low APR, and most applicants are accepted, even those with a poor credit rating. So, regardless of your credit score, you can still benefit from cheaper travel purchases if you meet their other requirements.

Whether you're a new or existing Halifax customer, you can apply for this travel card. It comes with zero fees when you use it to make purchases abroad or withdraw cash abroad. However, there are immediate interest charges on cash withdrawals.

When you use this card for your travels, you can enjoy £20 cashback on purchases. Additionally, using the Halifax travel hub, you can explore a range of products, guides and services designed to help you make the most of your travelling adventures. If you want to withdraw foreign currency before your trip, you can order travel money online with Halifax.

2. Barclaycard Rewards

Barclaycard Rewards

Credit Limit

Minimum £50

Representative % APR (variable)

25.9% APR

• Get 0.25% cashback on your everyday spend.
• No fees abroad.
• Protection on purchases over £100.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 25.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 25.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

Barclaycard Rewards is the ideal credit card to use abroad with no foreign transaction fee or cash withdrawal fee. This card has a minimum balance of £50, and the maximum will vary between applicants depending on credit history.

To be eligible for this credit card, you need to be at least 21 years old, with an income of more than £21,000 and have at least four years of credit handling experience.

There are great benefits to using this travel credit card, such as earning 0.25% cash back on new purchases paid to you annually and getting up to five months free of Apple subscriptions, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, and more.

3. NatWest Credit Card

NatWest Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £250

Representative % APR (variable)

12.9% APR

• Low rates on purchases and balance transfers.
• No balance transfer fees.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 12.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 12.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

The NatWest Credit Card is great for everyday spending and spending abroad. Enjoy using this card abroad with no non-sterling transaction fee-free spending. The APR rate is the lowest on our list.

If you're worried about losing your travel credit card abroad, as long as you have the NatWest Mobile App, you can lock and unlock your credit card whenever you need to, and you can order a new replacement credit card from the app too.

The app also allows you to take control of your finances and register your travel plans into the app to prevent your abroad purchases from being flagged as suspicious.

4. Metro Bank Credit Card

Metro Bank Credit Card

Credit Limit

Minimum £500

Representative % APR (variable)

14.9% APR

• Interest-free period up to 56 days.
• No monthly fees.
• Free European transactions.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 14.9% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 14.9% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

The Metro Bank Credit Card is ideal for all European travel if you plan to travel in Europe. With a low representative APR of 14.9%, you won't have to worry too much about paying interest. You can benefit from up to 56 days interest-free on purchases when you pay your total balance on time.

5. 118 118 Money Credit Card

118 118 Money Credit Card

Credit Limit

Subject to status

Representative % APR (variable)

34.0% APR

• Perfect for credit building.
• £12 for late or missed repayments.
• 5% cash withdrawal fees.

Check my eligibility See more details

Representative Example – If you spend £1,200 at a purchase interest rate of 34.0% p.a. (variable) your representative APR will be 34.0% APR (variable). Your APR and credit limit may vary depending on your circumstances.

If you're worried about not being accepted for a travel credit card due to having a bad credit score, with 118 118 Money Credit Card, you have a higher chance of being accepted. It allows you to purchase abroad without fees and is also a credit builder card. Our final pick here may have the highest APR rates, but it doesn't charge you for ATM withdrawals abroad.

The maximum credit limit on this card is £1,200, which is ideal if you're planning a short weekend away somewhere in Europe and trying to stay within a budget.

Interest rates and credit limits are guaranteed, and they allow you to check eligibility on their website which doesn't affect your credit score.

The Best Travel Credit Cards — Buying Guide

In this section, you'll learn all about travel credit cards, the fees for spending overseas, and some helpful tips for spending abroad.

What is a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card is a payment card designed specifically for use abroad. If you use your debit card abroad, you’ll face ‌‌foreign transaction fees.

Every time you purchase abroad, you'll be charged by the bank for converting foreign currency into pounds sterling. However, you can spend abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees with a specialist travel credit card.

Most, if not all, UK travel credit cards are protected under the consumer credit act, so all of you'll benefit from purchase protection whilst you're paying for things outside of the UK.

When looking for the ideal travel credit card, consider the following factors:

• Non-sterling transaction fees: you want to ensure the travel credit card has little to no non-sterling transaction fees to make the most of using your card abroad. The Mastercard exchange rate ensures your abroad transactions are converted, and rates reflect wholesale market rates or government-mandated rates.
• Non-sterling cash fees: when using your card, the credit card provider will exchange the foreign currency for sterling; this will happen with every transaction abroad. So, finding a card with little to no sterling cash fees is ideal. As the Mastercard exchange rate is calculated daily, you may find interest varying daily on your purchases.
• Withdrawal fees: withdrawing cash from a credit card can be expensive anyway, but withdrawing cash abroad is even more costly due to the extra interest added. Before withdrawing cash from your travel credit card, you must know the fees and charges.
• Annual fee: all of our top picks have no annual fees. However, not all travel credit cards will have zero annual fees.
• Credit rating: depending on your credit score, you may not be eligible for all travel credit cards. To avoid application rejection, use an eligibility checker before you fill out a credit card application.
• Introductory offers: look around for card providers who offer zero interest rate periods to avoid paying interest whilst on your travels.

Useful Tips for Overseas Spending

Along with using specialist travel credit cards, we have other valuable tips for overseas spending.

• Prepaid currency card: if you'd rather not use your debit or credit card abroad, consider a prepaid currency card. Before you travel, you preload it with cash and use it like a direct debit. Prepaid cards are also ideal for sticking to a budget whilst travelling.
• Keep your debit card with you: even if you've got your travel credit card, it's a good idea to carry it in case of any issues with your credit card.
• Avoid cash withdrawals: cash withdrawals can be expensive, so try and refrain from withdrawing cash abroad. Also, some ATM withdrawals charge fees. Additionally, if you withdraw cash from your credit card, it's not protected against theft.
• Carry currency: it's always a good idea to carry some foreign currency to spend abroad. Some places may be cash only, so having some with you is always a good backup plan. In the build-up to your holiday, look for competitive exchange rates on currency to ensure you get the best deal.
• Alert your bank provider: it's always a good idea to notify your card provider of your travels, as they think the transaction showing on your bank account is strange, which can risk putting a temporary block on spending.

The Verdict on Using Travel Credit Cards

Using a travel credit card has more benefits than using your debit card whilst travelling.

You'll save yourself money on fees and lower interest rates. If you regularly travel abroad, our top picks can help you long-term, as they have some of the best deals on the market.

Now that you can pick the best travel credit card and you've read our handy tips to spend overseas, you're ready to have the holiday of a lifetime!

Related Guides:

• Best Bank Accounts for Travelling 
• Capital on Tap Review – Small Business Credit
• What Are Business Credit Cards?
• Best Credit Cards to Build Credit
• Best Interest-Free Credit Cards