Most of us Brits live for our holidays – but while it’s a great excuse to switch off and leave the rain at home, the need for budgeting and savvy spending often come with, whether out of necessity or sheer habit. When you’re planning your travel budget, one of the things that often gets overlooked is how you’ll actually pay – particularly in today’s increasingly cashless world. Choosing the best travel cards for your holidays can help you avoid foreign transaction fees and currency conversion fees – money that’d be otherwise best spent on an ice cream or two!
For UK mums who want to make the most of their travel budget, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best cards to avoid foreign transaction fees and prepaid options for international use.
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Why regular bank cards might not be the best option
While many of us use traditional cards from banks like NatWest or Nationwide for our everyday transactions, these cards might not always be the best choice when travelling abroad…
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Currency conversion fees: Traditional bank cards often charge foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees, which can add up quickly during your travels. These fees are typically a percentage of each transaction. It’s usually only a small percentage, but it can quickly add up if you’re using your card several times a day.
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Limited foreign use: Some regular bank cards might have restrictions or limitations on international use. You could find yourself in a situation where your card isn’t accepted, or it’s been blocked due to too many foreign transactions. If you haven’t got a backup, this could majorly impact your holiday.
- Lack of travel benefits: Regular bank cards may not offer the additional perks that specialised travel cards provide, such as travel insurance, cashback, or competitive exchange rates. Without these benefits, you might miss out on potential savings and rewards – the latter of which could earn you more money to spend on your travels.
By opting for debit cards with no fees specifically designed for international use, you can avoid these problems and not only make the most of your travel budget, but even earn yourself cashback to spend along the way.
Top debit and prepaid cards for international travel
Here’s a rundown of some of the best travel cards available for UK travellers:
1. Monzo: Simplify your spending with no foreign transaction fees
No foreign transaction fees: Monzo’s prepaid debit card helps you avoid extra charges when spending abroad, allowing you to make purchases without worrying about currency conversion fees.
Real-time spending notifications: Keep track of your spending with instant notifications. Pick-pocketing is a sadly real occurrence at a lot of holiday destinations, particularly if you look ‘touristy’. While you hope the worst doesn’t happen, getting immediately notified of any transactions you don’t recognise due to stolen cards means you can quickly submit a fraud report and freeze your card.
Global ATM access: Withdraw cash from ATMs around the world without incurring any additional fees – perfect if you ran out of time to get some euros or dollars before your trip.
2. Revolut: Unlock premium travel perks
No fees for international card payments: Use your Revolut card for purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travellers.
Multi-currency support: Revolut allows you to hold and spend multiple currencies, reducing the need for currency exchange and simplifying transactions in different countries.
Exclusive travel benefits: Premium features like travel insurance and lounge access make this one of the best cards to avoid foreign transaction fees for frequent travellers. These premium plans are paid-for, so you’ll need to do your research, but some travellers find it saves them money in the long-term.
3. Chase Bank: Earn cashback while you spend globally
Cashback on purchases: Chase Bank’s debit card offers cashback on all your spending, making it one of the only cards for travelling abroad that lets you earn while you spend. It’s only a small percentage, but it adds up, and it’s better than nothing!
No foreign transaction fees: Spend freely abroad without the worry of additional charges, thanks to Chase’s commitment to fee-free international transactions.
User-friendly app: Manage your account easily with Chase’s app, which provides features like spending tracking, transaction notifications, and card freezing for added security.
4. Starling Bank: Benefit from competitive exchange rates and no fees
Competitive exchange rates: Starling Bank offers some of the best exchange rates for international transactions, ensuring you get the best value for your money abroad.
No foreign transaction charges: Use your Starling card abroad without incurring additional fees, making it a great debit card with no fees for travelling.
24/7 customer support: Access help whenever you need it with Starling’s round-the-clock customer service, providing peace of mind during your travels.
5. Cashplus: Manage your money easily with a prepaid travel card
No foreign transaction fees: Cashplus prepaid cards are ideal for international use, as they don’t charge extra for currency conversion, allowing you to spend without worrying about hidden fees.
Prepaid flexibility: Load your card with a set amount before travelling, helping you stick to your budget and avoid overspending.
Budget management tools: Use Cashplus’s online account features to track and manage your spending, giving you greater control over your finances while abroad.
Additional tips for managing your cards abroad
- Check fees and limits: Review the fee structures and withdrawal limits of your card before travelling.
- Inform your bank: Notify your bank of your travel plans, if required, to avoid any issues with card usage abroad.
- Keep a backup card: Carry a backup card (and some cash) in case your primary payment method gets lost, blocked, or stolen.
Conclusion
Choosing the right debit or prepaid card for international travel might not be the most exciting part of your holiday planning phase, but it’s an important one, and can help you avoid unnecessary currency conversion fees and foreign transaction charges, Do some research, choose the right card for you, and enjoy fee-free spending, cashback, and money-management tools on the go. Au revoir!
