Foreign transaction fees
Look for a card that does not add extra charges when you spend in another currency.
Travel Services
Travel money and cards for smarter spending abroad.
Spend overseas with lower fees, competitive exchange rates and more control over your travel budget.
Why use a travel money card?
A travel money card can help you avoid unnecessary foreign transaction fees, access competitive exchange rates and manage your spending more easily while abroad. The right option can make everyday purchases, cash withdrawals and budgeting simpler throughout your trip.
What to look for
A few important things to compare before choosing a card for spending abroad.
Cash withdrawal limits
Check the fee-free cash withdrawal allowance and any charges that apply after you exceed it.
Exchange rates
Compare how currencies are converted and whether extra mark-ups apply at weekends or on certain plans.
Choose your travel money provider
Start with the option that best matches how you prefer to spend, withdraw cash and manage currencies abroad.
Best overall
Chase
A strong everyday travel card with no fees from Chase for spending or withdrawing cash abroad.
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Best for budgeting
Revolut
A flexible app-based account with multi-currency tools, spending controls and several account tiers.
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Best for multiple currencies
Wise
A transparent multi-currency account that uses the mid-market exchange rate with clearly displayed conversion fees.
View providerWhy choose Chase?
Chase offers one of the simplest travel debit cards available in the UK. There are no fees from Chase for spending or withdrawing cash abroad, making it an excellent everyday choice for most travellers.
Best overall
Chase Current Account
Best for: Most travellers
Why we recommend it
A straightforward current account with a debit card that can be used abroad without Chase adding foreign transaction fees.
Pros
- No spending fees abroad
- No Chase cash withdrawal fees overseas
- Simple mobile app
- Excellent everyday travel card
Cons
- Only available to UK residents
Price guide: Free
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Best for everyday spending
Chase Debit Card
Best for: Holiday spending
Why we recommend it
Ideal for paying restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees from Chase.
Pros
- Accepted worldwide
- No Chase spending fees abroad
- Easy card management
- Works with digital wallets
Cons
- Some overseas ATMs may charge their own fee
Price guide: Included
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Best cash withdrawals
Overseas Cash Withdrawals
Best for: Travellers needing local currency
Why we recommend it
Chase does not charge its own fee for overseas ATM withdrawals, although local ATM operators may still apply their own charges.
Pros
- No Chase ATM fees abroad
- Useful backup for cash
- Simple to use
- Good exchange rates
Cons
- Daily and monthly withdrawal limits apply
Price guide: Free
View ChaseWhy choose Revolut?
Revolut is a flexible app-based account with multi-currency tools, spending controls and several plan options. It is especially useful for travellers who want to manage different currencies and monitor their budget from one app.
Best free option
Revolut Standard
Best for: Occasional holidays and city breaks
Why we recommend it
The Standard plan gives travellers access to Revolut’s core card, currency exchange and budgeting features without a monthly subscription.
Pros
- No monthly subscription
- Useful multi-currency tools
- Instant spending notifications
- Easy budgeting and card controls
Cons
- Exchange and cash withdrawal allowances apply
Price guide: Free
View Revolut
Best for frequent travellers
Revolut Premium
Best for: Regular overseas travel
Why we recommend it
Premium removes the additional fair-usage fee on currency exchanges and adds further account benefits, making it more useful for travellers who spend abroad regularly.
Pros
- No additional exchange fair-usage fee
- Higher travel-related allowances
- Additional account benefits
- Useful for regular overseas spending
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
Price guide: ££
View Revolut
Best travel package
Revolut Metal
Best for: Frequent travellers wanting added benefits
Why we recommend it
Metal combines unlimited additional-fee-free currency exchange with broader travel benefits, higher allowances and selected subscriptions.
Pros
- No additional exchange fair-usage fee
- Higher cash withdrawal allowance
- Includes selected travel benefits
- Suitable for frequent travellers
Cons
- Poor value unless you use the extra benefits
Price guide: £££
View RevolutWhy choose Wise?
Wise is designed for people who regularly spend, hold or transfer money in different currencies. It offers transparent fees and uses the mid-market exchange rate, making it a popular choice for international travel.
Best for multiple currencies
Wise Account
Best for: Travellers visiting several countries
Why we recommend it
The Wise Account lets you hold and manage dozens of currencies from one place, making it ideal for longer trips and multi-country travel.
Pros
- Hold multiple currencies
- Mid-market exchange rate
- Transparent conversion fees
- Simple mobile app
Cons
- Currency conversion fees still apply
Price guide: Free
View Wise
Best debit card
Wise Card
Best for: Everyday spending abroad
Why we recommend it
The Wise debit card automatically spends from the correct currency balance where possible, helping reduce unnecessary conversion costs.
Pros
- Automatic currency selection
- Accepted worldwide
- Works with digital wallets
- Easy spending tracking
Cons
- Small one-off card issue fee
Price guide: £
View Wise
Best international transfers
Wise Money Transfers
Best for: Sending money overseas
Why we recommend it
Wise is well known for international transfers using transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate, making it useful for travellers, expats and digital nomads.
Pros
- Transparent fees
- Mid-market exchange rate
- Fast international transfers
- Trusted worldwide
Cons
- Transfer fees vary by currency
Price guide: £
View WiseTravel money FAQs
Common questions about spending money abroad.
Do I need a travel money card?
Not necessarily, but a good travel card can reduce or eliminate foreign transaction fees and often provides better exchange rates than many traditional bank cards.
Should I pay in pounds or the local currency?
In most cases you should choose the local currency. This usually gives you a better exchange rate than allowing a retailer or ATM to convert the transaction into pounds.
Can I use these cards worldwide?
Yes. Chase, Revolut and Wise cards are accepted anywhere that supports Mastercard or Visa, although availability can vary depending on the provider and country.
Can I withdraw cash abroad?
Yes, although fee-free withdrawal limits and conditions vary between providers. Always check your provider’s current limits before travelling.
Is it safe to use a travel money card?
Yes. All three providers offer secure mobile apps with features such as instant spending notifications, card freezing and transaction monitoring.
Which travel money provider is best?
Chase is our favourite all-round choice for most UK travellers, Revolut is excellent for budgeting and travel features, while Wise is ideal if you regularly manage or spend in multiple currencies.
Related travel services
Other services that can help you stay connected, protected and prepared while travelling.
Travel eSIMs
Avoid expensive roaming charges while travelling.
View guideVPN services
Protect your personal information on public Wi-Fi.
View guideTravel insurance
Protect yourself against unexpected travel problems.
View guideSpend smarter wherever you travel
Choose the right travel money provider before you leave home and enjoy lower fees, competitive exchange rates and better control of your spending abroad.
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