Travel credit cards

Make your money go the extra mile

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Leave foreign fees at the departure gate

The best travel credit cards are fee-free and offer superb exchange rates

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Check what you could be offered without denting your credit score

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What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards are like regular credit cards, but with a tailored perk – they're built for spending abroad. That means you usually get:

  • Fee-free overseas spending

  • Favourable exchange rates

  • Rewards on holiday spending (with some cards).

Most standard credit and debit cards charge a transaction fee when you spend in a foreign currency, and many use poor exchange rates.

A good travel credit card will be transaction fee-free and offer an excellent exchange rate, and some of the best cards won't charge a cash withdrawal fee either. So having one can be a savvy move if you're off on holiday.

Bear in mind...

Even if your travel credit card offers fee-free cash withdrawals, the ATM provider will often still charge its own fee. The card provider may also charge interest from the day of the withdrawal, even if you clear your balance when you receive your statement.

Woman on a plane holding a travel card

Our best travel credit cards

Here are some standout travel credit cards from our panel of providers. Of course, the right card for you will depend on your situation, so always check your eligibility and the T&Cs before applying.

Last updated 28 August 2026

Travel

  • Lloyds Ultra credit card

    Foreign transaction fee

    None

    Foreign cash withdrawal fee***

    None

    Check eligibility
    What you should know

    • Earn 1% cashback on all purchases in the first year, then 0.25% after

    • New and existing customers who haven’t been declined for a Lloyds credit card in the last 30 days, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply

    Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 14.94% (variable), representative 14.9% APR (variable)**

  • Barclaycard Rewards credit card

    Foreign transaction fee

    None

    Foreign cash withdrawal fee***

    None

    Check eligibility
    What you should know

    • Earn 0.25% cashback on eligible purchases

    • New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply

    Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 28.9% (variable), representative 28.9% APR (variable)**

  • Santander Rewards credit card

    Foreign transaction fee

    None

    Foreign cash withdrawal fee***

    3%, minimum £3

    Check eligibility
    What you should know

    • Earn 3% cashback for a year on eligible everyday travel, eating out and takeaways (then 0.25% after), plus 0.25% on other eligible spending

    • Get up to £40 in Uber vouchers if new to Santander, and you open and use a Rewards credit card. T&Cs apply

    • New and existing customers, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply

    Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable)**

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Any 0% interest period will only apply if you make at least the minimum monthly repayments and may not apply to cash withdrawals. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

**Representative APR: the estimated cost of borrowing – calculated as an annual percentage rate – after any 0% period ends. If there’s no 0% period, you’ll be charged interest unless you clear your balance in full each month. If you withdraw cash, interest may still apply even if you clear your balance in full, depending on the terms of the card.

***The ATM may charge a separate fee for taking cash on any card.

How we choose which travel credit cards to feature

How we choose which travel credit cards to feature

We offer lots of different credit cards via our panel of lenders, so when deciding which ones to feature on this page we prioritise:

  1. Foreign transaction fee/interest (lowest/0% is best)

  2. Foreign cash withdrawal fee/interest

  3. Highest value of cashback and rewards features

  4. 0% purchase length

  5. Lowest representative APR.

Why get a travel credit card to use abroad?

Benefits of using a credit card specifically designed to use abroad include:

Pound sign in circle icon

Cheaper overseas spending

Good travel credit cards could work out cheaper than using other types of cards when you’re away as they typically don’t charge you fees.

When you use a regular credit card abroad, you may be stung with:

  • A non-sterling transaction fee – often around 3% of the transaction

  • A cash withdrawal fee – typically around 3% (minimum £3) when taking cash out abroad.

Switching arrows icon

Better exchange rates

Travel credit cards usually offer competitive exchange rates when converting your spending into pounds.

To get the best rate, always choose to pay in the local currency when given the option. This lets your card provider handle the conversion, rather than the retailer.

Medal Icon

Rewards (if you’re lucky)

Some travel credit cards offer perks such as cashback, rewards points and airport security fast track.

These perks can be valuable for frequent travellers, but their interest rates are often higher. To make them worthwhile, pay off your balance in full each month and avoid interest charges.

Holding credit card icon

More secure than carrying cash

Carrying large amounts of cash on holiday is risky. If cash is lost or stolen, you could be covered by your travel insurance, but typically only up to a certain amount.

If your credit card goes missing, you can cancel it as soon as you notice and won't usually be liable for unauthorised spending.

Shield with tick

Credit card protection abroad

Spend between £100 and £30,000 abroad on a credit card and you may be able to claim a refund under section 75 if something goes wrong.

Can I withdraw cash with a travel credit card?

Yes, you can withdraw cash from an ATM with a travel credit card, but it can be expensive.

Before withdrawing cash abroad, be aware that:

  • Interest usually starts immediately, even if the card offers fee-free cash withdrawals

  • ATM providers may charge a fee, even if your card provider doesn’t.

If you’re given the choice, always pick the local currency for withdrawals as it’ll usually save you from currency conversion fees.

Person using ATM with card

What are the downsides to travel credit cards?

Travel credit cards can be useful, but they're not always the right choice because:

  • They may charge higher interest rates than some other cards, particularly 0% purchase credit cards

  • If you want to withdraw cash, it could cost you in interest from the day you take the money out – even if the card provider doesn't charge a fee

  • They present the same risks as other forms of credit, for example building up unmanageable debt and denting your credit score (and incurring a fine) if you miss a payment.

Only apply for a travel card credit card if you're confident you can repay it on time, ideally in full each month.

How do travel credit cards work?

A travel credit card works much like a regular credit card, but with features designed to make spending abroad cheaper and easier.

Follow these steps to apply for and make the most of your card:

Find a card

Compare travel credit cards to find one that suits your needs, such as getting rewarded for spending.

You can use our credit card eligibility checker to compare any travel credit cards you’re likely to be accepted for before applying, without affecting your credit score.

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply, you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

Apply for your chosen card

Once you've found a card, you can click through to apply directly with the provider.

They’ll run a hard credit check to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit and interest rate to offer you.

Start spending abroad

Once your card is activated, you can start using it straight away.

Keep an eye on your spending and stay within your credit limit – our customers apply for an average credit limit of £3,030 on their travel credit cards1. . You can use your travel credit card abroad, online with overseas retailers, and in the UK too.

Aim to pay off the balance each month

You'll be sent a monthly statement showing your balance and minimum payment.

To avoid interest charges on spending, try to pay off the balance in full each month. Otherwise, any savings you make in currency conversions and fees could be wiped out. (And bear in mind, you may be charged interest on cash withdrawals from the day you take the cash out.)

Quick tip

Getting set up with online banking and downloading your lender’s app can help you keep track of your spending and stay within your limit.

How can I find the best card to use abroad?

When comparing travel credit cards, prioritise:

Fee-free overseas spending and cash withdrawals

These are generally two of the most important features of a travel credit card

APR

Travel credit cards often have higher APR (annual percentage rates), so paying off your balance in full can help you avoid interest charges.

You’ll generally get 56-60 days interest free on spending, though not usually on cash withdrawals

0% offers

Some cards offer promotional interest-free periods or waive fees for a while – but these offers don’t last forever

Perks and rewards

Some cards may offer cashback on spending, points, or perks that could come in handy for future trips but may also come with higher APRs

Your chances of being accepted

Check before you apply with our credit card eligibility checker

Quick tip

Remember to put the end date of any 0% or low-rate interest deals in your calendar. That way you can try and clear the debt before a higher interest rate kicks in.

Sajni Shah

What our expert says...

“Travel credit cards can be a good way to spend while you’re abroad as you often avoid many of the fees associated with spending overseas.

"That said, simply getting a specialist card isn't the end of the story. When you spend with one abroad, you're often asked whether you want to do so in pounds or the local currency. It's often wise to choose the local currency to get the benefit of favourable exchange rates rather than relying on the local retailer or bank to do the conversion.

"In addition, you don't always avoid all fees when taking out cash on one of these cards so it's often cheapest to just use them for purchases.”

Sajni Shah, Personal finance expert

More credit cards tips

Find out about types of cards, plus how an air miles card could help make your next holiday cheaper if used wisely

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Check your chances risk-free before you make an application

FAQs

What exchange rate do I get with a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards often offer competitive exchange rates, but these are constantly changing.

If you want to lock in a particularly favourable exchange rate, you may want to look at prepaid travel cards.

Are credit cards that offer travel insurance worth it?

Credit cards with travel insurance could be worth it. But it’s important to:

  • Make sure the policy actually covers what you need - for example, credit cards that include the most comprehensive travel insurance may charge an annual fee, high interest rates or both

  • Remember credit cards that include travel insurance might not offer the fee-free overseas spending that comes with travel credit cards.

What is dynamic currency conversion?

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) is when an ATM or retailer abroad gives you the option to pay in the local currency or pounds sterling.

Choose the local currency – it will almost always be cheaper. Choosing pounds sterling means the rate will be set by the merchant's bank and usually works out more expensive.

Do I need to let my bank know that I’m travelling abroad?

You don’t have to tell your bank you’re travelling but it can be a wise move and you can usually do this via your online banking account or app.

If your provider spots spending in a different country, it might be suspicious and block your card – not what you want on holiday.

Can my credit card get blocked when spending abroad?

If you’ve told your bank you’re going abroad, your travel credit card shouldn’t be blocked. But it can occasionally happen because of security measures aimed at protecting you from fraud.

If you do run into issues, check the back of your card – there should be an international contact number so you can get things sorted.

How can I ensure credit card security abroad?

To keep your credit card safe while you’re abroad:

  • Keep it close – always know where your card is and don’t reveal your PIN to anyone.

  • Be aware of your surroundings – shield the keypad when you make a withdrawal or key in your PIN.

  • Use your banking app if needed – most online banking apps let you temporarily freeze your card. If you’re extra cautious, you could freeze it while on holiday and just unfreeze it when you need to use it.

  • Act fast if your card goes missing – let your card issuer know straight away if your card is lost or stolen.

  • Keep emergency numbers handy – it's a good idea to note down your card issuer’s 24-hour emergency phone number and keep it somewhere safe with your travel documents. You should be able to quickly find these online too.

Visa has an app to help you if your card is lost or stolen abroad. It also has a list of emergency contact numbers (PDF).

Mastercard also has a list of global emergency contacts.

Looking for something else?

A happy woman holding her credit card upHow to apply for a credit card
A couple looking at laptopHow to pay off credit card debt: a complete guide
Woman on a plane holding a travel cardPrepaid cards for all currencies
Charlie Evans
Reviewed 28 Aug 2026 by Charlie Evans Personal finance expert

Charlie is a senior commercial leader with close to a decade of experience across the UK’s leading personal-finance and comparison platforms. Before joining Compare the Market as Head of Commercial in 2024, he held senior commercial roles at TotallyMoney and MoneySuperMarket Group.

Methodology

1Correct as of June 2026.