Best banks for travel spending abroadDigital and high street options
This guide explains what to check before using a UK bank card abroad, including card spending fees, ATM withdrawal fees, exchange rates, account protection and when a digital bank may be better than a high street bank.
Quick answer
For most travellers, a fee-free digital bank is usually the easiest option for everyday card spending. A high street bank can still make sense if it includes travel insurance, branch support or a packaged account you already use.
Digital banks vs high street banks abroad
| Account type | Where it can work well | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Digital banks | Often strong for fee-free card spending, instant notifications, card controls and travel-friendly app features. | ATM limits, fair-use rules, weekend exchange-rate fees, subscription tiers and whether the provider is a bank or e-money institution. |
| High street banks | Useful if you want branch support, packaged account insurance or an account you already use as your main bank. | Foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees and less generous exchange-rate pricing on some standard accounts. |
| Specialist travel cards | Can be useful as a backup or for specific currencies, prepaid spending or separate holiday budgets. | Top-up rules, card replacement fees, inactivity fees and whether your money is protected by FSCS or safeguarded. |
Good banks to compare for travel
Starling Bank
Simple fee-free travel use
Strong for card spending abroad and overseas ATM withdrawals, with a simple free current account.
Revolut
Multi-currency and frequent travel
Useful for holding currencies, international spending and travel perks, but limits and plan terms matter.
Chase UK
Cashback and fee-free card spending
Good for simple card spending abroad, savings organisation and cashback on eligible spending.
Kroo
Simple ethical travel account
A straightforward current account with no Kroo fee for card spending or ATM withdrawals abroad.
Monzo
Budgeting while travelling
Strong app controls and spending insights, though overseas cash withdrawal limits can apply.
Wise
International transfers and currency conversion
Especially useful for multi-currency balances and low-cost international money movement.
Travel spending checklist
- Check the foreign transaction fee for card spending.
- Check overseas ATM withdrawal fees and monthly free limits.
- Look for fair-use rules and weekend currency exchange markups.
- Turn on instant spending notifications before travelling.
- Carry at least one backup card from a different provider.
- Pay in the local currency when a card terminal asks you to choose.
- Check whether your provider offers FSCS protection or safeguarding.
Card spending, cash and exchange rates
The cheapest way to spend abroad is often to use a debit card that does not add a foreign transaction fee. If the card machine offers a choice between pounds and the local currency, choosing the local currency usually avoids dynamic currency conversion.
Cash withdrawals need extra care. Some banks charge their own overseas ATM fee, some offer a free monthly allowance, and some ATM operators add a local charge even when your bank does not.
For large balances, remember that FSCS protection normally covers eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person, per authorised firm. E-money providers may use safeguarding instead of FSCS protection.
Before you travel
Account fees, exchange rules and savings rates can change. Check the provider's latest terms before relying on one card abroad, and keep a backup payment method available.
Related guides
If protection is important to you, read our FSCS protection guide. You can also compare digital banks side-by-side or read our digital vs high street banks guide.
Compare travel-friendly banks
See how UK digital banks compare for travel spending, fees, savings and account protection.