Holiday Money Tips: Avoid Unnecessary Charges Abroad with the Right Card
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When preparing for your summer getaway, don’t just focus on what clothes to pack—how you plan to pay while abroad can make a big difference to your holiday budget. Choosing the wrong card—or using cash carelessly—can result in hefty fees and poor exchange rates. Here’s how to avoid overspending.
1. Pack the Right Card
Choosing the right debit or credit card can save you significant money on foreign exchange fees. The good news? Even if your trip is just around the corner, it’s often not too late to apply for a travel-friendly card.
✳️ Best Fee-Free Debit Cards
According to the consumer group Which?, some of the best truly fee-free debit cards for overseas use include:
First Direct
Starling Bank (app-based)
Both offer Mastercard’s competitive exchange rate with no added foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawal charges.
✳️ Best Fee-Free Credit Cards
Top recommendations for credit cards include:
Halifax Clarity Card
Barclaycard Rewards Card
These offer no foreign transaction fees, and you’ll get Visa’s exchange rate—also considered favorable for travellers.
✳️ Alternative: Currensea Travel Debit Card
Another option is the Currensea card, which links directly to your existing bank account. There are three plan tiers, including:
Essential Plan – no annual fee, but £4.95 delivery charge
You spend as usual, but avoid many of the usual foreign transaction costs.
2. Know Your Current Card’s Terms
If you don’t have time—or the inclination—to apply for a new card, that’s OK. Just check the fees on your existing cards before you go.
“Check what your existing card provider(s) will charge for each purchase and ATM withdrawal,”
advises Andrew Hagger, founder of the finance site MoneyComms.
Knowing what fees apply lets you plan ahead and use your cards more strategically, possibly saving £10s or £100s on a longer trip.
💡 Quick Travel Payment Tips:
Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC)—always choose to pay in local currency, not GBP, when given the option.
Use fee-free cards for ATM withdrawals or purchases wherever possible.
Avoid using credit cards for cash unless they’re fee-free—you may still accrue interest from day one.
Consider carrying a small amount of local currency for places that don’t accept cards.
Conclusion:
A little planning now can save a lot of money later. Whether it’s applying for a fee-free card, understanding your current one, or simply using cash wisely, you’ll thank yourself when your euros—or dollars—stretch further on holiday.