Atom Bank
Savings rather than spending
Atom is useful to compare for app-based savings, fixed-rate products and FSCS-protected deposits.
SavingsFixed ratesFSCS
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Atom is not designed as an everyday travel spending account.
Updated 3 July 2026 - Travel banking
Digital Banks for TravelWhat to compare in 2026
The right digital bank for travel depends on whether you mostly spend by card, withdraw cash, hold multiple currencies, or want a simple backup account while abroad.
Quick answer
Starling is a strong simple choice for fee-free travel use, Revolut is strong for multi-currency features, Chase is useful for simple card spending and cashback, and Wise is useful for international transfers and currency conversion.
What this page is
- Helps readers compare banks for travel banking using features, fees, protection and practical fit.
- Highlights watch-outs and links to wider comparison pages before readers choose a provider.
What this page is not
- Does not provide personalised financial advice or guarantee eligibility for any account or product.
- Does not replace checking live provider rates, fees, terms and protection wording before applying.
What to compare first
Before looking at individual banks, check the features, fees and limitations that matter most for this type of account.
Overseas card fees
Check whether card spending abroad is fee-free, capped or limited by account tier.
Read explainerCash withdrawals
Compare overseas ATM allowances, daily limits and any charges from ATM operators.
Read explainerExchange rates
Look at the rate used, weekend markups and whether holding currencies in-app matters.
Read explainerTravel controls
Prioritise instant card freezing, app notifications and support access while abroad.
Read explainerBanks to Compare
Review each bank's strengths, limitations and key checks for this guide. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
Read review
Chase UK
Card spending and cashback
Chase is simple for card spending abroad and can appeal if you also value cashback on eligible spending and linked savings.
CashbackNo monthly feeFSCS
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It is less feature-rich for travel than Revolut and less broad as a main account than Starling.
Kroo
Simple ethical travel account
Kroo is worth comparing if you want a straightforward current account with fee-free card spending and ATM withdrawals abroad from Kroo.
Fee-free abroadEthicalFSCS
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It has a narrower product range than Monzo, Starling or Revolut.
Monese
International residents and travel use
Monese can be useful for people who want accessible app-based money tools, international access and card spending features.
InternationalAppTravel
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Plan fees, ATM allowances and protection arrangements differ from fully licensed UK banks.
Monzo
Budgeting while travelling
Monzo is useful if you want spending categories, instant alerts and budgeting controls while abroad.
BudgetingAlertsPots
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Overseas cash withdrawal limits and richer travel features can depend on account usage or paid plans.
Revolut
Multi-currency travel
Revolut is useful if you want currency exchange, multi-currency balances, travel perks and international money tools in one app.
Multi-currencyTravel perksPaid plans
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Limits, weekend fees and benefits can depend on your plan.
Starling Bank
Simple fee-free travel use
Starling is one of the cleanest options for card spending abroad and overseas cash withdrawals, with a free personal current account and practical app controls.
Fee-free abroadFSCSMain account
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ATM operators may still charge local fees, and product terms can change.
Tandem
Savings and green finance
Tandem is worth comparing for app-based savings and sustainability-focused finance products.
SavingsGreen financeFSCS
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Tandem is savings-focused, so it is unlikely to replace a travel spending card.
Wise
Currency conversion and transfers
Wise is particularly useful for international transfers, currency conversion and holding balances in different currencies.
CurrencyTransfersGlobal
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Wise is better viewed as a money-transfer and multi-currency tool rather than a full UK bank account.
Zempler Bank
Business and freelancer travel
Zempler is useful for small business users who want business banking tools and card access.
BusinessCardsSmall firms
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Travel suitability depends on business account fees, card terms and overseas-use rules.
Zopa
Savings-focused users
Zopa is worth comparing if you want app-based savings and credit products alongside money management.
SavingsCreditFSCS
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Zopa is not primarily a travel current account, so check card and overseas-use features carefully.
What to check before choosing
- Check foreign transaction fees before travelling.
- Check cash withdrawal limits and ATM operator charges.
- Pay in local currency when a card terminal offers a choice.
- Carry a backup card from a different provider.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you compare banks.
How should I use this travel banking guide?
Starling is a strong simple choice for fee-free travel use, Revolut is strong for multi-currency features, Chase is useful for simple card spending and cashback, and Wise is useful for international transfers and currency conversion.
Compare banks →What should I check before choosing?
Check foreign transaction fees before travelling. Check cash withdrawal limits and ATM operator charges. Pay in local currency when a card terminal offers a choice.
Continue researching →How does BankAdvisor compare banks?
We compare banks using provider information, review criteria and practical checks such as fees, features, protection, eligibility and limitations.
Read how we review banks →Are the banks listed fairly?
Yes. The cards are intended to help readers compare strengths, limitations and key checks. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
Compare the full list →Continue researching
Related reviews and guides
Compare banks side-by-side
Use the full comparison table to compare fees, protection, savings, travel and everyday features.