Spending abroad
Which bank suits you for spending abroad often comes down to how you already like to bank, not just the headline travel fees. This guide mixes digital and high street providers so you can weigh a fee-free app-based account against sticking with a bank that has branches and phone support. For a deeper look at one type on its own, the narrower guides below cover digital and high street banks separately.
Last updated: 16 September 2026
At a glance
9 providers compared for spending abroad
What this page is
What this page is not
Quick answer
Digital banks such as Starling, Chase, Kroo and Monzo tend to be strongest for fee-free card spending and app-based travel controls, while high street banks such as HSBC, Barclays, Nationwide and Santander can suit people who value branch access or already bank with them day to day. Wise is worth adding alongside either if you want multi-currency balances or transfers.
Before you compare
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 explainerCompare the providers
Review each bank's strengths, limitations and key checks for this guide. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
High street banking with app controls
Barclays suits people who want to stay with a high street bank for travel but still expect a capable app with card controls.
Watch
Any travel-related extras may depend on paid or eligible account types.
App-based spending with cashback
Chase suits people who want simple digital banking for spending abroad plus everyday cashback, without needing the wider product range of a high street account.
Watch
The UK product range is narrower than a full high street bank, so check it covers what else you need.
Branch-backed international banking
HSBC is worth comparing if you'd rather stick with a high street bank that also has international banking services and a global branch network.
Watch
Premium or international-specific benefits often carry eligibility rules and fees.
Simple digital account for occasional trips
Kroo is worth comparing if you want a straightforward digital account with fee-free spending abroad and don't need a wide range of extra products.
Watch
It has a narrower feature set than larger digital or high street banks.
Budgeting tools while travelling
Monzo can suit travellers who want spending categories and instant alerts to track costs abroad, on top of standard card use.
Watch
Some overseas cash withdrawal limits or richer travel features can depend on account usage or paid plans.
Branch access alongside travel use
Nationwide is worth checking if branch access and a member-owned provider matter to you as much as travel features do.
Watch
Travel-specific benefits vary by the account you hold.
Cashback-style everyday banking plus travel
Santander can suit people who want cashback-style rewards on household bills as well as reasonable travel spending.
Watch
Check foreign fees and reward conditions before relying on it abroad.
Digital-first travel spending
If you're comparing a digital-first approach, Starling is worth checking for fee-free card spending and cash withdrawals abroad without needing a branch relationship.
Watch
There's no branch network, so weigh that against how much in-person banking matters to you.
Multi-currency balances and transfers
Wise is useful alongside a main bank account if you want to hold or convert multiple currencies, or send international transfers.
Watch
It's better used as a currency and transfer tool than as a replacement for a full UK current account.
Final checks
FAQs
Quick answers before you compare banks.
Digital banks such as Starling, Chase, Kroo and Monzo tend to be strongest for fee-free card spending and app-based travel controls, while high street banks such as HSBC, Barclays, Nationwide and Santander can suit people who value branch access or already bank with them day to day. Wise is worth adding alongside either if you want multi-currency balances or transfers.
Compare UK banksDecide whether a digital-first account or your existing high street bank fits your day-to-day banking better. Compare card and cash withdrawal fees between the accounts you're considering. Check whether you need branch or phone support while abroad.
Continue researching →For spending abroad, we compare providers using practical checks such as overseas card fees, cash withdrawals, exchange rates, and travel controls, alongside the provider information in our reviews.
Read how we review banks →Yes. The spending abroad cards above are ordered to help you compare strengths, limitations and key checks — not to rank one provider above another.
Compare the full list →Continue researching
Use the full comparison table to compare fees, protection, savings, travel and everyday features.