Best No-Foreign-Transaction-Fees Travel Credit Cards
We've analysed dozens of credit cards to find the best ones to use abroad when travelling overseas. Check out our recommendations, which we chose after taking into account features like foreign transaction and ATM fees, interest rates and grace periods. If you want to learn more about FX fees check out our guides Foreign Transaction Fees Explained and How Does a Cash Withdrawal Work.
The guidance on this site is based on our own analysis and is meant to help you identify options and narrow down your choices. We do not advise or tell you which product to buy; undertake your own due diligence before entering into any agreement. Read our full disclosure here.
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Comparing the Best No Fees Travel Cards
Interest Charges and Fees -
Best No FX Fees Travel Credit Cards
Halifax Clarity, Chase UK, Santander All in One, Barclaycard Rewards -
Recap
Summary of the Best No-Fees Travel Cards
According to our analysis of the market, the following cards stand out as objectively the best for certain purposes. The best card for you will depend on your individual situation.
NimbleFins is a credit broker, not a lender. Eligibility, pricing and approval depend on the lender and the applicant’s circumstances.
Comparing the Best UK No-Foreign-Transaction-Fee Cards
If you don't want to rack up fees for using your credit card while you're on holiday, it's important to have a card that doesn't charge for non-sterling transactions while abroad. With so many available in the market, there are many to choose from.
All of the cards discussed in this article are "no fee" for purchases made abroad in a foreign currency. But only some are "no fee" on cash withdrawals. Here's a quick summary of the fees you'll pay to use these UK travel cards for purchases and cash advances when you're abroad, as well as the cash advance interest rate (this is critical because interest charges start accruing right away):
| Best No FX Fee Credit Cards in the UK | FX Fee on Purchases | Fee on Foreign ATM Withdrawals | Cash APR (variable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halifax Clarity | n/a | n/a | 23.9% |
| Chase UK Credit Card | n/a | n/a | 24.90% |
| Santander All In One | n/a | 3% (min £3) | 29.9% |
| Barclaycard Rewards | n/a | 2.99% (£2.99) + FX fee | 28.9% |
Best No-Foreign-Transaction-Fee Travel Credit Cards
Below is our choice of some of the best travel credit cards for use abroad, chosen after considering fees on ATM withdrawals, fees on non-sterling transactions, interest rates on cash withdrawals (which are often higher than the purchase APR) and other perks, when available. The best card for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your individual situation, the lenders and the features you care most about.
Halifax Clarity Credit Card
The Halifax Clarity Credit Card is another solid card to use abroad as it won't charge a fee on foreign transactions, whether that's a charge at a retailer or an ATM withdrawal, plus there's no additional "cash" fee. While ATM withdrawals won't incur a fee, however, interest will start accumulating from day 1—there is no grace period on cash withdrawals on the Clarity card. That said, at least the interest rate on cash withdrawals is lower than average, at 23.9% variable APR. Since interest charges on cash transactions start accruing immediately, it's best to pay back any ATM withdrawals as soon as possible if you must take out cash with this card (even before your next due date).
Summary
- No fees on non-sterling ATM withdrawals or transactions abroad
- Lower-than-average variable 23.9% interest rate on cash withdrawals
- 23.9% variable purchase APR
- Eligibility checker
- No annual fee
Chase UK Credit Card
The Chase UK Credit Card also charges no foreign exchange fees on purchases made abroad, meaning you pay the Mastercard exchange rate with nothing added on top — handy for holidays or overseas online shopping. It also comes with no annual fee and offers 0% interest on purchases for up to 15 months, so it can double as a way to spread the cost of a big trip (or other purchase). Bear in mind it doesn't earn cashback (unlike the Chase debit card), and you'll need an existing Chase current account to apply. For travellers who are already Chase customers, it can be a convenient option — though those without a Chase account may find it's not worth having to open a new current account as well.
Summary
- No fees on non-sterling ATM withdrawals or transactions abroad
- Lower-than-average variable 24.90% interest rate on cash withdrawals
- 24.90% variable purchase APR
- Eligibility checker
- No annual fee
- Only available to existing Chase UK customers
Santander All In One Credit Card
The Santander All in One Credit Card is a decent choice for people to use abroad because it doesn't charge FX fees on purchases. But it does charge a fee on foreign currency ATM withdrawals. Plus the interest rate on cash withdrawals is higher, making it less desirable than the Zero in this respect. This card gives 0.5% cashback on purchases, but charges £3 a month.
Summary
- No fees on non-sterling transactions abroad
- 3% (min £3) fee on cash transactions (at home and abroad)
- 29.9% variable interest rate on cash withdrawals
- 23.9% variable purchase APR
- Eligibility checker
- £3/month fee
Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card
The Barclayard Rewards Credit Card is another good choice for people to use when travelling because it doesn't charge FX fees on purchases. Plus cardholders get 0.25% back on purchases. While this is less than the best rewards cards, it is at least something for a travel card. And now there is NO FEE to get a cash advance from an ATM when you're on holiday. Bonus! (But note, interest DOES start accruing immediately from the cash withdrawal date, except not if the statement is paid in full by the due date...)
Summary
- No fees on non-sterling transactions abroad
- No fees on cash transactions (at home and abroad)
- 28.9% variable interest rate on cash withdrawals
- 28.9% variable purchase APR
- Eligibility checker
- No annual fee
How much is a cash advance on a travel credit card?
To compare the best UK travel cards, we calculated the cost of withdrawing £500 worth of cash in a foreign currency at an ATM abroad. Some cards charge a withdrawal fee and you'll also pay interest charges. The chart below shows the estimated charges you'd incur on these cards, assuming the balance is paid back in 30 days and before the next statement due date.
Summary of No-Fees Travel Credit Cards
Below is a summary of some of the UK's travel cards across different categories. This list is by no means exhaustive. There may be a card with better features that we do not mention below.
| Best For... | Card | Quick Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Halifax Clarity | No fees on non-sterling transactions or ATM withdrawals; 23.9% variable interest on foreign cash withdrawals |
| Santander All In One | No fees on non-sterling transactions but a 3% (min £3) fee on foreign cash withdrawals; 29.9% variable interest on foreign cash withdrawals | |
| Barclaycard Rewards | No fees on non-sterling transactions but a 2.99% (£2.99) + FX fee on foreign cash withdrawals; 28.9% variable interest on foreign cash withdrawals |
How FX Fees and Travel Cards Work
All of the travel cards listed on this page are "no fee" for non-sterling transactions abroad. This means you won't incur any extra fees for using your card to pay for a candle-lit dinner for two in Florence or a new swimsuit in the Canary Islands. One area in which the travel cards tend to differ is in their treatment of cash withdrawals. Be on the lookout for two types of charges relating to taking local cash out of an ATM:
- The fee charged for withdrawing cash—this usually ranges from "no fee" to a 3% fee (£3 minimum)
- The interest charged on cash withdrawals—be aware of the interest rate, which is often higher than your purchase rate
- If there is a grace period (i.e., when you pay your balance off in full and on time, no interest is charged on cash withdrawals)
How to Choose a No-Fees Travel Credit Card for You
Choosing the best travel credit card for you will depend on your individual situation and spending habits. When deciding which card to choose, pay attention to the purchases and cash APR. Cash advances in particular tend to be expensive for three reasons:
- Cash handling fee
- Higher interest rate
- Interest starts accruing immediately from transaction date