High street banks can still work well for travel, especially if you want branch support, packaged account extras, travel insurance or an international banking option alongside your current account.
Quick answer
HSBC is useful for international banking, Barclays and Lloyds are worth comparing for account extras, Nationwide can suit people who want a branch-backed account, and Santander may appeal if you also want cashback-style everyday banking.
Before looking at individual banks, check the features, fees and limitations that matter most for this type of account.
Check whether card spending abroad is fee-free, capped or limited by account tier.
Read explainerCompare overseas ATM allowances, daily limits and any charges from ATM operators.
Read explainerLook at the rate used, weekend markups and whether holding currencies in-app matters.
Read explainerPrioritise instant card freezing, app notifications and support access while abroad.
Read explainerReview each bank's strengths, limitations and key checks for this guide. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
Travel extras and app controls
Barclays is worth comparing if you want high street banking with a strong app, card controls and optional reward or travel-related features.
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Extras may depend on paid or eligible accounts.
Also compare for high street travel banking
Co-operative Bank is included so this guide covers every high street bank we currently review, even where it may not be the strongest option for this specific need.
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Check the provider's current account, fees, eligibility and product terms before choosing.
Also compare for high street travel banking
First Direct is included so this guide covers every high street bank we currently review, even where it may not be the strongest option for this specific need.
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Check the provider's current account, fees, eligibility and product terms before choosing.
Simple high street travel backup
Halifax can suit people who want a familiar high street account with straightforward app and branch-backed support.
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Check card spending abroad, ATM fees and whether any reward account perks actually help when travelling.
International banking reach
HSBC is one of the strongest high street banks to compare if travel and international banking matter, especially if you may use Global Money or Premier-style services.
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Account benefits, eligibility and fees can vary by product.
Packaged account extras
Lloyds can suit people who want a familiar main bank and may value packaged account extras such as travel insurance, subject to eligibility.
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Check whether the monthly fee is worth it for your trip frequency.
Also compare for high street travel banking
Metro Bank is included so this guide covers every high street bank we currently review, even where it may not be the strongest option for this specific need.
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Check the provider's current account, fees, eligibility and product terms before choosing.
Branch-backed everyday travel use
Nationwide is worth comparing if you want a building society-style provider with branches and current account options that may suit travel needs.
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Travel benefits depend on the account you choose.
Reward banking and app support
NatWest is worth comparing if you want a high street bank with reward-style accounts, app controls and branch support.
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Foreign fees, reward rules and packaged benefits depend on the account you choose.
Travel plus cashback-style banking
Santander may appeal if you want a high street current account with cashback-style benefits for everyday bills as well as travel use.
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Check foreign fees and reward conditions before relying on it abroad.
Local banking backup
TSB is worth comparing if you prefer local high street banking and want a simple account as part of your travel setup.
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Check overseas card fees, cash withdrawal charges and whether it offers enough travel-specific value.
Also compare for high street travel banking
Virgin Money is included so this guide covers every high street bank we currently review, even where it may not be the strongest option for this specific need.
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Check the provider's current account, fees, eligibility and product terms before choosing.
FAQs
Quick answers before you compare banks.
HSBC is useful for international banking, Barclays and Lloyds are worth comparing for account extras, Nationwide can suit people who want a branch-backed account, and Santander may appeal if you also want cashback-style everyday banking.
Compare high street banksCheck foreign transaction fees and cash withdrawal charges. Check whether travel insurance is included or optional. Compare account fees against how often you travel.
Continue researching →We compare banks using provider information, review criteria and practical checks such as fees, features, protection, eligibility and limitations.
Read how we review banks →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
Use the full comparison table to compare fees, protection, savings, travel and everyday features.