Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards in the UK 2025

How do foreign transaction fees work?

Foreign transaction fees are set out in the terms and conditions of your credit card. They’re expressed as a percentage which is then added onto all overseas spending and withdrawals.

When you buy something in a store overseas, the amount in foreign currency is converted back to GBP to be added to your bill. As part of the conversion, the foreign transaction fee is added, which may mean your overseas spending is more expensive than you expect.

How much are foreign transaction fees?

Not all credit cards have foreign transaction fees, but where they do, the average amount you’ll find is 3%.

Not all credit cards have a foreign transaction fee - as we'll see in this guide. However, even where a credit card doesn’t use foreign transaction fees, you’ll need to weigh up the other costs to decide if it is the right one for you. Monthly or annual fees may apply, for example, and you’ll also need to look at things like cash advance fees, interest and penalties which can increase your costs.

Instead of a credit card, you may find you can more easily manage your travel budget with a different card type, like an international debit card. Providers like Wise and Revolut have powerful international debit cards which are linked to multi-currency holding accounts. These can have no ongoing fees and often unlock great exchange rates and low transaction fees. More on that next.

4 Best international credit cards with no foreign transaction fees the UK

Here are some good candidates if you’re looking for the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in the UK. We’ve covered cards from different providers like Halifax, Barclays and NatWest, and different card features and fees. You’ll be able to use this as a jumping off point for your own research to choose the right no foreign transaction fee for your specific needs.

*Details correct at time of research - 5th March 2025

How to get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees in the UK

The steps to get a travel credit card may vary depending on the provider you pick and how they check your eligibility for the card. While the application requirements can vary a lot, you may find the following:

• You must be over 18 and a UK resident

• You must be able to provide 3 years worth of proof of address

• You must meet a minimum salary

• You must not have been declared bankrupt, had a CCJ or an IVA within the last 6 years

Usually credit cards offer online application options if you meet these criteria. If you don’t you may still be able to apply in a branch.

If you already have other products with the bank you want a credit card from, you can apply from your mobile banking app - or use the provider’s website instead. You are likely to be asked to upload ID like:

• Passport

• Drivers license

You’ll also need to provide proof of income and evidence of your current debts and expenses so the card issuer can assess your creditworthiness and set a credit limit. Generally providers state that your application will take 10 minutes or less to complete and you can get an instant approval or answer, depending on your eligibility status.

Advantages and disadvantages of using credit cards overseas

The advantages of using a credit card overseas can include:

• Choose between many different card options to find the right one for you

• Get travel and lifestyle perks and rewards as you spend

• Spread the costs of payments over several months

• Use your card as a payment guarantee when hiring a vehicle or checking into a hotel

• Build credit history with responsible card use

The downsides however, can include:

• Eligibility criteria apply to all cards including minimum income rules or credit checks

• Interest and penalties can apply if you don’t repay your bill in full and on time

• Annual or monthly fees can be high on some cards

• Getting cash at an ATM with a credit card is particularly costly

Weigh up the pros and cons for your own usage to decide if a credit card is right for you. An international debit card from a provider like Wise gives you flexibility for spending, with no ongoing charges and no foreign transaction fee to pay. Get the mid-market rate on currency conversion and set your travel budget in advance to keep down your overall costs.

How to use credit cards internationally

You’ll be able to use credit cards when travelling overseas in the same way you do at home. Travel credit cards are usually issued on major global networks like Visa and Mastercard so you just need to look out for the network logo at the checkout or on an ATM to check if your card can be used. Once you’re ready to pay, tap to make a contactless transaction or use your physical card for a Chip and PIN payment.

Before you travel, make sure you know what your spending and withdrawal limits are. You’ll also need your card PIN for some transactions, so having this is handy.

Generally, card issuers don’t need you to tell them before you travel but if your card’s transactions are flagged as suspicious on the provider’s monitoring systems it may be temporarily blocked. Check all your personal and contact details are up to date with the card issuer so they can talk to you if there’s anything amiss with your card.

Conclusion: Best card for overseas spending - the UK

Travel credit cards can offer some great perks, but they may also have fairly high fees. Even if you select a no foreign transaction fee credit card, you might still have to pay to get cash at an ATM or cover annual or monthly costs.

As an alternative you may want to consider travel debit cards from providers like Wise and Revolut, or the travel prepaid card from Travelex. These cards are cheap to get and use, and can help you minimise the costs of spending abroad. Use this guide to compare the features of each card and choose the one that best fits your personal needs and spending habits.

Best card with no overseas transaction fees (UK) FAQs

How do I avoid foreign transaction fees?

You can avoid foreign transaction fees when you travel with a no foreign transaction fee credit card, or by using an alternative international debit card from a provider like Wise or Revolut. Providers like Wise and Revolut have cards linked to multi-currency accounts you can use to hold foreign currencies and then spend for no additional fees when you travel.

Which banks charge no foreign transaction fees?

Banks and card issuers like Halifax, NatWest and Barclays have travel optimised no foreign transaction fee credit cards. Check if your bank has a no foreign transaction fee card, or take a look at alternative options like Wise and Revolut for debit cards linked to multi-currency accounts which have no foreign transaction fee to pay.

Is it better to pay in local or foreign currency with my card when travelling?

Always pay in local currency wherever you are and let the card handle the conversion, to get the lowest cost. This helps to avoid dynamic currency conversion which is when a merchant or ATM operator adds extra fees to your purchase to convert it to GBP for you.

What is the most cost effective way to exchange currency?

The most cost effective way to exchange currency depends on your specific situation. You could get money before you travel at a local money changer, or you could wait until you’re abroad and just spend and withdraw with a low cost travel debit card from providers like Wise and Revolut, instead.

Is it better to buy currency for the country you are visiting?

You may want to buy some travel money before you leave the UK but it’s not usually absolutely required. Instead you can make a cash withdrawal on arrival in your destination, using a local ATM. This is secure and convenient and can be cheap if you pick an international debit card with some free ATM use, like the Wise card.

How do you avoid exchange rate fees?

Exchange rate fees can vary a lot. Using a no foreign transaction fee card from a bank or alternative provider like Wise and Revolut can help you minimise the fees you pay, and put you back in control of your foreign currency spending.