We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Compare debit cards from banks with low or no foreign transaction fees
1 - 9 of 9
What is a foreign transaction fee?
A foreign transaction fee is applied by your bank whenever a currency conversion is required. For example, if you make a payment online using your UK debit card on a US website, your bank needs to exchange pounds sterling to US dollars to process the payment, so it will charge you a fee for that.
The foreign transaction fee is usually around 3% of the transaction value, which is quite high if you’re making large payments. For example, if you bought something on a US website for £300 and the bank applies a 3% foreign transaction fee, you’d be hit with a £9 fee. This may not seem like much, but if you’re making payments like these every month, it can quickly add up.
What are debit cards with no foreign transaction fees?
You usually receive a debit card when you open a current account, which lets you access your own money to make everyday purchases in-store or online and withdraw your own money from a cashpoint. Some of these debit cards come affiliated with Visa or Mastercard, so you can use them to buy things while travelling without having to pay foreign transaction fees.
What are the benefits of using debit cards with no foreign transaction fees?
Here are some of the benefits you can expect from using a debit card with low foreign transaction fees:
- Save money on international purchases made online. Debit card international transaction fees typically vary from 2-3% of the transaction value. If you often buy things from overseas online, a debit card with no foreign transaction fees could lead to significant savings.
- Save money when using your card overseas. The same applies when travelling internationally. Debit cards with no foreign transaction fees let you use your card overseas just as you would at home and won’t have to worry about transaction fees. Not only will this save you money, but it will save you the hassle of getting a travel debit card just for your trip.
- Global and easy. If you have a Mastercard or Visa debit card, you can use your card in over 200 countries and territories across the world. You can use it at cashpoints and also for online transactions on international websites from within the UK and when you’re travelling.
- No overspending and no interest accruing. Unlike a credit card, a debit card only lets you access the cash in your current account. This can help keep your spending in check as you’re only spending what you actually have available in your account.
- Keeping it simple. A debit card gives you a simple way to access your own money, no matter where you go. You don’t have to worry about loading foreign currency onto your card, you don’t have to exchange cheques for cash and you don’t have to worry about applying for a credit card.
What fees are normally involved when using a debit card for international purchases?
While using your debit card when overseas gives you quick and easy access to money, it pays to find out just how much you’ll end up paying in other fees and costs:
- Foreign transaction fee. This fee is a combination of what your card provider charges along with what the payment processor charges. You have to pay this fee when you use your card to pay in foreign currency, which your card provider converts into pound sterling. It is usually between 2% and 3% of the transaction value.
- Overseas cashpoint fees. When using your debit card to withdraw money from an overseas cash machine, the cashpoint owner charges a fee, as does your card provider. You can lower your cashpoint-related costs by withdrawing money from your provider’s international cashpoint partners, withdrawing large sums to reduce your cashpoint visits or switching bank accounts to one which charges no or low international cashpoint fees on its associated debit card.
- Foreign exchange rate margin. Banks make money by adding a margin (or a markup) on top of the real exchange rate when transferring one currency into another. Each bank will charge a different margin, so will offer different exchange rates. While this cost is not as transparent, if your bank is offering a poor exchange rate, you could be losing money when using your debit card overseas.
- International money transfer fee. If you’d like to send money to someone overseas from your regular bank account in the UK, your bank is likely to charge you a hefty fee, sometimes over £20. To avoid this, opt for a dedicated international money transfer service when sending money to someone overseas rather than using your bank.
What are the pros and cons of using a debit card with low foreign transaction fees?
Pros
- Access your own money. Since you’re accessing money from your own bank account, you don’t have to worry about repayments, paying interest or overspending.
- Low or no foreign transaction fees. If you’re outside the UK for a considerable length of time and end up using your debit card regularly, low or no foreign transaction fees can lead to noticeable savings.
- No transfers required. Since your debit card gives you direct access to money in your bank account, you don’t have to worry about transferring money from your account to another account or card.
- No conversion required. Using your debit card to pay in foreign currency is easy and does not require you to carry out complicated calculations. Your card provider does this for you using current exchange rates.
Cons
- No access to extra emergency funds. You can only access funds in your bank account, so in an emergency, a credit card could work better.
- Limited choice of providers. While a number of UK financial institutions provide debit cards, not many offer debit cards with no foreign transaction fees, so your choices remain limited.
- Conditions to meet. There may be account conditions you’re required to meet in order to enjoy no foreign transaction fees.
Bottom line
Foreign transaction fees from spending abroad or buying from foreign websites can be a pain, but it is possible to reduce these fees by choosing the right bank account with the right debit card.
A foreign transaction fee is applied by your bank whenever a currency conversion is required, and these fees can add up to as much as 3% of the transaction value.
By using the right debit cards you can spend your own money overseas and avoid foreign transaction fees, while benefiting from some of the best exchange rates on offer.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
Zopa current account review
This new account comes with cashback on direct debits, interest on the balance in your account and a regular saver with one of the best rates in the market.
-
HSBC Global Money Account review
Hold, send and manage multiple currencies with this digital account from HSBC.
-
Premium Bond alternatives
Could an alternative prize draw savings account work for you?
-
How to buy Bluesky shares when it goes public
Everything we know about the Bluesky IPO, plus information on how to buy shares.
-
Easiest and quickest bank accounts to open
Choose carefully and your bank account will be up and running the same day.
-
How much can you withdraw from an ATM?
Check out your options for withdrawing cash from an ATM and the alternatives.
-
Banking apps with savings pots
Find out which banking apps offer savings pots to help you budget.
-
How long does a bank transfer take?
Need to send a payment fast? Find out how long it might take.
-
Cashback explained: What it is and how it works
Learn more about the best ways to earn cashback and what to watch out for.
-
Can you transfer overdraft money to another account?
Paying too much interest on your overdraft? You might be able to move it to another account.