American Express Foreign Transaction Fees [2025 Guide]

American Express is a popular card network which issues cards in its own name – and also through banks and credit unions. This guide looks at the cards American Express issues under its own brands and partnerships, with a focus on how to use your AmEx card internationally, including the fees you should consider.

Join us as we cover the American Express common card fees, limits, and exchange rates. To help you compare AmEx cards against the wider market, we'll also touch on some alternatives like Wise and Revolut that could offer more flexibility with low transaction fees and better exchange rates.

Key points: Using AmEx abroad

• AmEx cards can be used internationally, but they're not as widely accepted in the UK and Europe as Visa or Mastercard, so it's a good idea to carry a backup card.

• A 2.99% foreign transaction fee applies to most UK-issued American Express cards when you spend in a non-GBP currency.

• Cash withdrawals from ATMs come with extra costs, including a 3% cash advance fee (or £3 minimum), plus the foreign transaction fee on top.

• Exchange rates are set by American Express, and may include a markup – making it harder to spot exactly what you're paying compared to providers that use the mid-market rate.

• Alternatives like Wise and Revolut offer cards with no foreign transaction fees, mid-market exchange rates and some fee-free ATM withdrawals, making them a convenient option for international spending.

Can I use my American Express card internationally?

Yes. American Express cards can be used internationally, anywhere you see the AmEx logo. That includes when you spend with merchants, and when you're making cash withdrawals at an ATM.

It's useful to know that American Express isn't as commonly used in the UK and Europe as it is in the US. If you're traveling, it's helpful to get an idea ahead of time, whether or not AmEx is a popular card network in your destination. There's a merchant locator map available on the American Express website which can help, although it's not supported in all destination countries.

To be on the safe side, it's worth carrying a couple of different payment methods, including cards issued on other networks like Visa and Mastercard, just in case you struggle to pay with AmEx from time to time when you're away.

Don't forget, also, that even if your AmEx card is accepted where you're headed, it may not be the cheapest available option, due to foreign transaction and currency conversion costs. We'll explain how these fees work in depth in just a moment, and we'll also give some helpful tips on how to limit or avoid these fees when you travel.

How does American Express compare on international fees?

Let's compare American Express against a couple of alternative providers – Wise and Revolut, and another major UK bank – Lloyds, to see how the international fees can vary across different services.

*Details correct at time of research 28th April 2025

As you can see, the fees you face when using a card internationally can vary pretty widely depending on the bank or provider, and whether you pick a debit or credit card. Fees that are calculated as a percentage of your spending are especially important to look out for.

The percentage amount might seem pretty small, but as it's applied to every pound you spend when you're away from home, the total amount you pay can mount up quickly.

We'll cover more on this and the providers we've picked out here, in a few moments.

Does AmEx have foreign transaction fees?

There is a broad selection of cards issued by American Express, or through banks on the American Express network. Some are credit cards, and some are debit cards, and they all have slightly different features and fees, to suit different customer needs.

Foreign transaction fees – when they apply – are a percentage added to the bill every time you spend in a foreign currency. That could be when you're traveling abroad, or when you're at home but shopping online with a foreign merchant. Foreign transaction fees can also be added when you make cash withdrawals – basically any time you spend in a currency other than GBP.

Not all AmEx cards have a foreign transaction fee. However, you'll often find that the cards which waive this charge have other costs – such as annual fees – to pay. To paint a picture, here are the key international and ongoing costs for 3 popular American Express cards:

*Details correct at time of research 28th April 2025

Where an American Express foreign transaction fee applies it can be 2.99%. This is added every time you spend in a foreign currency.

Before you choose a card, it's worth considering different options and cards with no foreign transaction fees from specialists like Wise or Revolut. We'll look at these – and how they can help avoid international fees – in a while.

American Express ATM withdrawals fees abroad

ATM cash withdrawal fees apply when you want to withdraw money from your account when you are abroad. For debit cards, these may be fixed fees, but for credit cards, like the AmEx cards we looked at earlier, they may be a percentage of the amount you withdraw. There may also be more than one fee to think about.

Here's a rundown of the cards we've profiled above, and the fees you'll pay when using an ATM:

*Details correct at time of research 28th April 2025

Here's a quick reminder of the alternative providers we looked at earlier, compared to the AmEx ATM fees:

• AmEx (credit cards): 3% cash advance fee (£3 minimum)

• Wise debit card: First 2 withdrawals up to a combined total of £200/month for no fee*, with £0.50 + 1.75% after that.

• Lloyds (credit cards): £4.48 or 5%(based on spending 100 Euro outside the UK and EEA)

• Revolut debit card: No-fee withdrawals to plan limit, 2% after that

American Express card alternatives

Using your AmEx card abroad may be convenient and secure, but it's not the most common network in many parts of the world, including the UK.

Carrying another card on a different network is a smart move, just in case – plus it may help you to cut down on foreign transaction fees and get better overall currency exchange rates.

Here are a few American Express card alternatives to consider:

*Details correct at time of research 28th April 2025

Which card provider is right for you will depend a lot on the type of card you prefer, and how you like to manage your money. Credit cards can be convenient for spreading costs over a few months, but can also be more expensive overall.

Debit cards often have lower overall fees and can come with extra perks like multi-currency holding features, but you'll need to have the funds to add to your account before you spend. We'll look at each of these American Express alternatives in a bit more detail next.

Wise

⭐ Wise card is best for: Holding 40+ currencies, with mid-market exchange rates and a linked card for spending in 150+ countries

• Foreign fees & exchange rates: Free to spend any currency you hold, mid-market currency exchange with fees from 0.48%

• Is it safe to use internationally? Yes – Wise is a large, well regulated and trusted specialist provider

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to hold 40+ currencies, send payments to 140+ countries, and spend with your linked Wise debit card in 150+ countries.

It's free to spend from any currency you hold enough balance in. You can also spend in other 40+ currencies, Wise uses midmarket exchange rate to convert the currency and charges a small conversion fee.

You'll get some fee free cash withdrawals every month, with low fees after that – plus if you need to receive money from overseas you can do that too, with your own local account details for 8+ currencies.

Revolut

⭐ Revolut card is best for: Picking the account plan to suit your needs, with 25+ supported currencies and some fee free currency exchange every month

• Foreign fees & exchange rates: Free to spend any currency you hold, mid-market currency exchange to plan limit, with a 0.5% fee after that

• Is it safe to use internationally? Yes. Revolut is licensed and regulated around the world, and delivers services safely

You can get a free Revolut account, or choose to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee which also has extra features and perks.

All accounts have some currency exchange with the mid-market exchange rate every month, and a fair usage charge of 0.5% after that. Some out of hours fees may also apply if you're converting at the weekends or when markets are closed.

Lloyds 

⭐ Lloyds Bank cards are best for: Customers looking for a range of credit cards for balance transfers, purchases, or rewards that are accepted globally through Visa and Mastercard networks.

• Foreign fees & exchange rates: 2.95% - 2.99% foreign transaction fee on overseas spending; network exchange rate with a Lloyds markup applied.

• Is it safe to use internationally? Yes – Lloyds Bank is one of the UK's largest and most established banks, offering globally accepted credit cards backed by robust customer protections.

Lloyds offers a selection of credit cards including the Everyday Spending Credit Card, Cashback Credit Card, and World Elite Mastercard, which are widely accepted internationally wherever Visa or Mastercard is supported. However, the cards come with a foreign transaction fee of around 2.95% to 2.99% for international spending and a cash advance fee for ATM withdrawals.

Some premium cards like the World Elite Mastercard come with extra travel perks like airport lounge access, and no foreign exchange fees for the first 60 months of opening your account, but a monthly £15 fee applies.

Barclays 

⭐ Barclaycard cards are best for: People who want a credit card that's easy to use at home and abroad, with options to earn rewards and avoid foreign transaction fees when travelling.

• Foreign fees & exchange rates: Most Barclaycards charge a 2.99% foreign transaction fee, but the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card has no fee for overseas spending and ATM withdrawals.

• Is it safe to use internationally? Yes. Barclays is one of the UK's oldest and most trusted banks, with a strong global network and excellent fraud protections.

Barclaycard offers a range of credit cards like the Barclaycard Rewards Card, Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer Card, and the Barclaycard Avios Cards for travellers. Most Barclaycards have a 2.99% foreign transaction fee on non-GBP spending.

However, the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawal fees when abroad alongside 0.25% cashback rewards on eligible purchases.

AmEx exchange rates

When you spend overseas, the exchange rate used to convert your spending back to pounds is set by American Express.

You'll be able to see the rate that's used on the AmEx website or app – bear in mind that the rate may be the one on the day your transaction is processed, which can be a day or two after you physically make the purchase.

AmEx exchange rates may include a small markup on the mid-market exchange rate. This is on top of any foreign transaction fee you pay.

Adding a markup to the exchange rate offered to retail customers is extremely common – but it does make it harder to see exactly what you're paying when you spend in a foreign currency.

Some providers, like Wise and Revolut, split out the costs of currency exchange and use the mid-market rate for conversion, according to the account plan you hold. That can be more transparent and easier to see exactly what you're spending every time.

American Express cards that have no transaction fees

American Express currently doesn't offer any credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in the UK.

All credit cards on offer in the UK market have a 2.99% conversion fee for purchases made in a foreign currency other than British pounds.

Amex currency conversion fee

All UK-issued American Express cards come with a non-sterling transaction fee of 2.99% when you make a purchase in a foreign currency, whether you're shopping online or spending abroad. This fee is applied to the total transaction amount and is charged in addition to any markup AmEx includes in its exchange rate (also known as the Amex conversion rate.)

If you use your AmEx card to withdraw cash while you're abroad, you'll also be charged a cash advance fee of 3% of the withdrawal amount or £3 (whichever is greater) and that's on top of the 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee.

These charges are part of the Amex FX fees structure, and can make foreign transactions with AmEx relatively expensive, especially when compared to providers like Wise and Revolut, who use the mid-market exchange rate and low conversion fees.

Amex charges abroad

Amex non-sterling transaction fee: Charged at 2.99% of the transaction amount when you spend in a foreign currency. This applies whether you're shopping online with an overseas retailer or making a purchase in person while travelling.

Cash advance fee: When withdrawing cash abroad, AmEx charges 3% of the withdrawal amount or £3 (whichever is greater). This is added on top of the non-sterling transaction fee, which can make American Express cash withdrawal costs high for international users.

Interest charges: If you don't pay your credit card bill in full and on time, interest will accrue on purchases, including any you've made abroad. Additionally, cash withdrawals often start accruing interest immediately, with no grace period.

ATM operator fees: In addition to AmEx's fees, the ATM provider may also charge you for using their machine. This varies by country and provider and isn't controlled by American Express.

Annual or monthly card fees: Some AmEx cards come with ongoing fees, like the Platinum Card's £650 annual charge, which cover premium benefits but add to the total AmEx abroad fees.

American Express card foreign transaction limits

The limits which apply to your American Express card will be set depending on your credit score. You'll be able to see the card limit when you're offered the option to apply – usually after an online credit check has been completed.

How to avoid foreign transaction fees when traveling

You may be able to avoid – or at least cut down – foreign transaction fees when you travel by going with an alternative with no foreign transaction fee, like Wise or Revolut.

Here are a few other tips to make life easier, and keep down the costs of international spending:

• Take the time to read your card's terms and conditions, to confirm the fees for overseas spending and withdrawals

• Opt to pay in the local currency wherever you are to avoid dynamic currency conversion

• Check if you need to confirm to AmEx that you'll be abroad, to avoid your card being blocked by the anti-fraud measures

• Before making a withdrawal or spending money abroad, ensure that the ATM accepts your American Express card – look for the logo that's usually displayed prominently

• Make sure to pay your bills promptly to avoid incurring late payment fees from AmEx

Should I pay in local currency or in GBP when I'm abroad?

When you're given the option to pay in either the local currency or GBP while abroad, always choose the local currency. This avoids dynamic currency conversion (DCC), where the merchant or ATM converts the price into pounds on the spot, usually using a poor exchange rate and adding hidden fees.

If you choose GBP, you won't benefit from American Express's (already marked-up) exchange rate and will likely pay more overall. By paying in the local currency, your transaction is processed through AmEx's standard currency conversion process, and you'll only be charged the 2.99% foreign transaction fee – which is often cheaper than what DCC providers apply.

Tips on using your Amex card abroad

• Check your card's expiry date before you travel, and request a replacement if needed to avoid getting stuck with an unusable card abroad.

• Research where AmEx is accepted at your destination, as not all countries or merchants take American Express – carrying a backup card like Wise or Revolut can help you avoid issues.

• Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and choose to pay in the local currency rather than pounds to dodge hidden fees and poor exchange rates.

• Watch out for ATM withdrawals, especially with credit cards. AmEx charges a 3% cash advance fee (£3 minimum), plus interest from the date of withdrawal and a 2.99% foreign transaction fee.

• Keep an eye on exchange rates, as AmEx sets its own rates, which can include a markup. Alternatives like Wise and Revolut use the mid-market rate, which can be cheaper and more transparent.

• Know your interest terms – unless you repay in full and on time, you'll pay interest on purchases and potentially late fees, which can add up quickly while travelling.

Conclusion: AmEx international fees

American Express has a broad array of credit cards available with various benefits, such as cashback rewards and travel perks. However, it's worth noting that AmEx isn't as popular or as widely accepted in the UK as Visa and Mastercard and that all AmEx cards come with foreign transaction fees, alongside monthly or annual fees.

Before you decide on which card will suit your needs it makes sense to weigh up the benefits and costs, including potential extra fees like interest and late payment penalties. Compare these against alternative providers like Wise and Revolut to see which works best.

Wise offers multi-currency accounts with 40+ supported currencies and a debit card you can use in 150+ countries, while Revolut offers 25+ currencies, and has linked cards for convenient spending and withdrawals when you're away. Consider these options instead of – or as well as – your AmEx card, to cut costs, and to make sure you have an extra method of payment if American Express isn't available where you're headed.

FAQs on American Express overseas transaction fees

Does American Express debit card have foreign transaction fees?

American Express currently does not offer any debit cards in the UK without foreign transaction fees, focusing instead on credit cards for personal and business use.

Does AmEx have foreign transaction fees?

All AmEx cards in the UK come with a non-sterling foreign transaction fee of 2.99 alongside a cash of 3%, or £3 (whichever is greater) for ATM withdrawals abroad.

Can I use my American Express card internationally?

Yes. American Express can be used internationally, although the network isn't as popular in the UK and Europe as it is in the US. It makes sense to carry an alternative payment method – such as a card on a different network from Wise or Revolut – to cut overall fees, and just in case you can't use your AmEx in a specific merchant or ATM.

Do I have to notify American Express when I travel?

Check your card's terms and conditions to see if you need to inform AmEx of your plans – and make sure your contact details are all up to date with them should they need to get in touch while you're away.

Most of the time you won't need to notify American Express of your travel plans. That's because they use robust fraud detection tools that help them recognise when customers are travelling.

However, American Express does recommend keeping your contact information up to date in case they need to contact you and downloading the AmEx app to manage your account while you're away.

How do I avoid international ATM fees?

Some banks have partner institutions overseas which waive ATM fees, but if yours doesn't you might want to consider specialist providers like Wise and Revolut which both offer some fee free international ATM services monthly.

How do I know if I have to pay foreign transaction fees?

It's important to read the terms and conditions of your card to check if there are foreign transaction fees to pay – or you can call the card issuer to ask directly if you're unsure.