7 Best Card to Use Abroad Options for UK Travellers (2025)

Jetting off on an international adventure should be about creating memories, not racking up unexpected bank charges. Navigating foreign transaction fees, poor exchange rates, and ATM withdrawal costs can quickly turn a dream holiday into a financial headache. But what if you could eliminate these extra costs entirely? The key lies in choosing the right travel companion for your wallet. In this guide, we will break down the best card to use abroad for UK travellers, helping you find the perfect fit for your spending habits and travel style.

We move beyond the headline offers to provide an in-depth, side-by-side comparison of the top contenders. You will get a clear, practical look at each card's real-world value, covering crucial details like:

• Fee-free spending: Which cards let you tap and pay without foreign transaction fees?

• ATM withdrawals: How much can you withdraw abroad before charges kick in?

• Rewards and perks: From cashback on your holiday spending to valuable airline points.

• Acceptance and eligibility: Where the cards are accepted and what you need to apply.

Our goal is to give you actionable insights to make an informed choice. Let’s find the perfect card to make your money go further on your next trip.

1. Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card: The All-Rounder for Fee-Free Spending & Earning

For UK travellers seeking a straightforward, reliable financial tool, the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card stands out as a top contender for the best card to use abroad. Its primary appeal lies in its powerful, cost-saving dual feature: zero foreign transaction fees on both purchases and, crucially, cash withdrawals. This makes it an exceptionally rare find in the UK credit card market, where even travel-focused cards often charge fees for taking out cash.

This card is built for simplicity and value. You won't need to track complex reward tiers or worry about converting points. Instead, you get a flat 0.25% cashback on virtually every pound you spend, whether you're buying tapas in Spain, souvenirs in Tokyo, or just doing your weekly shop back home. This simplicity is its strength, offering a small but consistent return on your spending without any extra effort.

Why It's a Top Choice for Travellers

The Barclaycard Rewards card eliminates one of the biggest headaches of international travel: surprise fees. Many cards waive the 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases but still penalise you for ATM withdrawals. With this card, you can confidently use an ATM abroad, knowing you'll only be subject to the competitive Visa exchange rate and any local ATM operator fees.

Key Features Breakdown:

While the cashback rate isn't the highest on the market, the combination of no annual fee and zero fees on foreign cash withdrawals makes it a financially savvy choice. It’s an ideal primary travel card or a dependable backup. Its cashback feature even offers a subtle way to offset travel costs, aligning well with strategies on how to make money while travelling.

Website: Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card

2. Halifax Clarity Credit Card: The Veteran for Simple, Fee-Free Travel

A long-standing favourite among UK travellers, the Halifax Clarity Credit Card has earned its reputation as a dependable and transparent option for international spending. It remains a powerful contender for the best card to use abroad due to its clear-cut, cost-saving proposition: no fees on foreign purchases and, critically, no fees for cash withdrawals either. This dual benefit makes it an incredibly strong choice for travellers who value simplicity and predictability over complex rewards schemes.

The card is designed for one primary purpose: to save you money when you're outside the UK. It strips away the bells and whistles, focusing instead on eliminating the common charges that can quickly add up on a trip. Whether you're paying for a hotel in New York, a meal in Rome, or taking out local currency from an ATM in Bangkok, the Clarity card ensures you avoid the typical 3% bank fee, letting you spend with confidence.

Why It's a Top Choice for Travellers

The Halifax Clarity card’s main advantage is its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to travel finance. You don't have to worry about activating rewards or meeting spending thresholds. Its key strength is the fee-free access to cash. While interest is charged from the day of withdrawal (a standard practice for credit cards), avoiding the upfront cash withdrawal fee is a significant saving. This makes it an essential tool for any traveller, especially when visiting countries where cash is still king.

Key Features Breakdown:

While the lack of a rewards programme might deter some, the Halifax Clarity’s core benefits offer tangible, upfront value. Its unwavering focus on eliminating foreign usage fees makes it a perfect primary card for your trip or a reliable secondary card in your wallet. The savings it provides align perfectly with savvy financial planning, a key component explored in our beginner's guide on how to travel the world on a budget. To minimise interest charges, it's wise to pay off any cash withdrawals as soon as possible via your banking app.

Website: Halifax Clarity Credit Card

3. Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card: The Points Accelerator for Virgin Flyers

For travellers whose loyalty lies with Virgin Atlantic, the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card transforms everyday spending into future flights and upgrades. This card is specifically engineered to reward Virgin customers, making it a strong contender for the best card to use abroad if your travel plans frequently involve the Virgin network. While it doesn't offer fee-free cash withdrawals, its power is in its points-earning potential on purchases.

The card's value proposition is clear: accelerate your journey towards reward flights and cabin upgrades. You earn a respectable 0.75 Virgin Points for every £1 spent on general purchases and a generous 1.5 points for every £1 spent directly with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays. This makes it an excellent tool for accumulating points both at home and on your travels, turning your spending into tangible travel rewards.

Why It's a Top Choice for Travellers

The primary appeal of this card is for the strategic points collector. It allows you to leverage your spending in a foreign currency into Virgin Points, which can then be redeemed for high-value rewards like flights. Using this card for your hotel, dining, and shopping abroad means every transaction contributes to your next trip.

Key Features Breakdown:

While the 2.99% foreign transaction fee means it isn't ideal for all overseas spending, its rewards can outweigh the cost for dedicated flyers. The points you earn could easily secure a flight upgrade, a benefit that can be far more valuable than the fees incurred. This makes it a strategic choice for those looking to travel in style, potentially using their points on one of the best business class airlines. It's best paired with a fee-free card for a complete travel wallet.

4. NatWest Travel Reward Credit Card: The Specialist for Travel Spenders

For travellers who spend a significant portion of their holiday budget on flights, hotels, and package holidays, the NatWest Travel Reward Credit Card is a compelling option. It stands out by rewarding you directly for your travel-related spending, while also eliminating foreign transaction fees on purchases, making it a strong candidate for the best card to use abroad for organised jet-setters.

Unlike flat-rate cashback cards, this one targets its rewards, offering a generous 1% back when you book through specific travel merchants. This focused approach means your rewards can accumulate much faster if your spending aligns with its structure, turning your holiday bookings into tangible savings for future trips.

Why It's a Top Choice for Travellers

The primary benefit is twofold: earning while you book and saving while you spend. You get 1% cashback on spending in foreign currencies with airlines, hotels, and travel agents, plus on prepaid travel cards and wire transfers. Crucially, it charges no foreign transaction fees on purchases you make anywhere in the world, allowing you to use it for daily expenses on your trip without worrying about the typical 3% surcharge.

Key Features Breakdown:

While this card excels for fee-free purchases and travel rewards, it's important to avoid using it for ATM withdrawals abroad due to the immediate interest and fixed fees. For maximum benefit, pair it with a card that offers fee-free cash withdrawals. This card's strengths align well with a comprehensive travel strategy, which should also include robust protection; you can learn more about selecting comprehensive travel insurance plans to ensure you are fully covered.

Website: NatWest Travel Reward Credit Card

5. Santander All in One Credit Card: The Premium Cashback Hybrid

For the traveller who wants their card to work just as hard at home as it does overseas, the Santander All in One Credit Card presents a compelling hybrid solution. It's designed as a comprehensive financial tool, blending respectable cashback rewards with fee-free international spending, making it a strong contender for the best card to use abroad for those seeking a single, versatile card. Its main draw is the combination of 0.5% cashback on all spending and the elimination of foreign transaction fees on purchases.

This card rewards you for every transaction, from booking flights and hotels to buying groceries in a foreign supermarket or paying for your daily commute back in the UK. While it comes with a £3 monthly fee, the benefits, including an introductory 0% interest period on purchases, can easily outweigh the cost for consistent spenders. This makes it an excellent choice for those planning a large purchase alongside their travels.

Why It's a Top Choice for Travellers

The Santander All in One card is for the traveller who values simplicity and consistent rewards without needing to juggle multiple cards. The absence of foreign transaction fees on purchases means you can use it freely for everything from restaurant bills in Rome to metro tickets in Paris, always receiving the competitive Mastercard exchange rate. The 0.5% cashback serves as a constant, tangible benefit that reduces the net cost of your travels and everyday life.

Key Features Breakdown:

Although the card does charge a fee for cash withdrawals abroad, its strengths lie in its fee-free purchases and solid cashback rate. The £3 monthly fee is a crucial factor, but for users who spend over £600 per month, the cashback earned will cover the fee, making every pound spent after that pure profit. Its blend of features makes it one of the more rewarding options available; you can explore a broader comparison by checking out the 15 best credit cards in the UK for 2025.

Website: Santander All in One Credit Card

6. Bip Credit Card: The Digital-First Choice for Tech-Savvy Travellers

For the modern traveller who lives on their smartphone, the Bip Credit Card presents a compelling and futuristic option. It completely reimagines the concept of a credit card by being entirely digital. There is no physical plastic card, making it a unique contender for the best card to use abroad for those who prioritise security and minimalism. Bip is managed exclusively through its app and used via digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

The primary travel benefit is its straightforward, fee-free structure. Bip charges zero foreign transaction fees on any purchase you make worldwide, allowing you to tap your phone for a coffee in Rome or a train ticket in Seoul without incurring extra charges. This digital-only approach means you can apply and, if approved, have the card ready to use in your digital wallet within minutes, which is perfect for last-minute trips.

Why It's a Top Choice for Travellers

Bip’s standout feature is its inherent security and convenience. Without a physical card, the risk of it being lost, stolen, or cloned is completely eliminated. For travellers venturing through busy cities or unfamiliar places, this offers significant peace of mind. As long as you have your phone, you have your payment method, all protected by your device's biometric security like fingerprint or face ID.

Key Features Breakdown:

While Bip excels with fee-free purchases, it’s important to note its policy on cash. Although you can withdraw cash from a contactless-enabled ATM, interest accrues immediately, making it less suitable for cash-heavy destinations. However, for the digitally-inclined traveller who primarily uses card payments, Bip offers an innovative, secure, and cost-effective way to spend abroad.

Website: Bip Credit Card

7. Zopa Credit Card: The Digital-First Choice for Fee-Free Spending

For the tech-savvy traveller who manages their finances on the go, the Zopa Credit Card emerges as a strong contender for the best card to use abroad. Backed by the digital bank Zopa, this card combines the essential travel benefit of no foreign transaction fees on purchases with a suite of innovative, app-based features designed for modern financial management. It’s an excellent choice for those who value control and transparency directly from their smartphone.

The card’s core appeal is its fee-free spending promise. When you pay for a hotel in Rome or a meal in Lisbon, you won’t be hit with the typical 2-3% non-sterling transaction fee. This allows you to spend with confidence, knowing you're getting the competitive Mastercard exchange rate without extra charges. However, it's important to note that this benefit does not extend to cash withdrawals, which incur a fixed fee.

Why It's a Top Choice for Travellers

Zopa stands out by integrating powerful digital tools directly into its offering. Features like 'Credit Cushion' allow you to set aside a portion of your available credit for emergencies, preventing you from accidentally spending it. The app also provides instant spending notifications and clear transaction categorisation, making it incredibly easy to track your holiday budget in real-time. This level of control is perfect for the organised traveller.

Key Features Breakdown:

While the £3 fee on cash withdrawals means it isn't ideal for those who rely heavily on cash, its strengths lie elsewhere. For travellers who primarily use their card for payments and value a seamless digital experience, the Zopa Credit Card is a superb, modern financial tool. It perfectly balances essential travel benefits with smart features that give you greater control over your money, wherever you are in the world.

Website: Zopa Credit Card

Top 7 Cards for Abroad Use Comparison

Making Your Final Choice: The Best Card for Your Wallet

Navigating the world of travel finance can feel overwhelming, but as we've explored, finding the best card to use abroad is a highly personal decision. The "perfect" card doesn't exist as a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, the ideal choice aligns perfectly with your unique spending habits, travel style, and financial goals.

We've analysed a range of excellent contenders, from straightforward fee-free options to powerful rewards-earning machines. Your task now is to match their strengths to your priorities. By understanding what you value most, you can confidently select a card that works hard for you on your travels, saving you money and enhancing your experience.

How to Select Your Ideal Travel Companion

To narrow down your options and make the final decision, consider your profile as a traveller. Ask yourself these key questions:

• What is your primary goal? Is it to avoid all fees at any cost? If so, the Barclaycard Rewards and Halifax Clarity cards are standout choices, offering fee-free spending and cash withdrawals. Or are you focused on earning rewards like air miles or cashback? In that case, the Virgin Atlantic or Santander cards might offer more long-term value, even if they have some fees.

• How often do you travel? For the infrequent holidaymaker, a simple, no-annual-fee card like the Barclaycard Rewards is a sensible pick. For the frequent globetrotter, the benefits of a card like the Santander All in One could easily outweigh its annual fee, making it a worthwhile investment.

• What does your typical holiday spending look like? If you primarily use your card for purchases in shops and restaurants, a card with no foreign transaction fees on spending is crucial. If you often need to withdraw cash, ensure your chosen card offers fee-free ATM withdrawals, a feature that can save you a significant amount over a trip.

• Do you already bank with one of these providers? Sometimes, the path of least resistance is the smartest. Existing NatWest or Santander customers may find it simpler to add a travel card to their portfolio, potentially benefiting from an established banking relationship.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Before you click "apply," take these final steps to ensure you're making a fully informed choice:

1. Review Your Last Trip's Spending: Look at your bank statements from a previous holiday. How much did you spend on the card versus how much cash you withdrew? This real-world data is the best indicator of your future needs.

2. Use Eligibility Checkers: Most providers offer a "soft search" eligibility checker. This allows you to see your chances of being approved without impacting your credit score, preventing unnecessary applications.

3. Read the Fine Print: Pay close attention to the Key Facts document. Note the interest rates (APRs) for purchases and cash withdrawals, as these will apply if you don't clear your balance in full each month.

Ultimately, choosing the best card to use abroad is about equipping yourself with a financial tool that makes your journey smoother and more affordable. Whether you're chasing the sun in Spain or exploring cities in Asia, the right card will be a reliable companion in your wallet, letting you focus on making memories, not on worrying about fees.

Ready to take your financial organisation to the next level? The right card is just one piece of the puzzle; a holistic financial plan ensures every pound works for you.

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