{"id":182125,"date":"2019-03-27T12:53:49","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T12:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=182125"},"modified":"2026-03-30T10:15:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T09:15:58","slug":"using-barclaycard-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/credit-cards\/barclaycard\/using-barclaycard-abroad","title":{"rendered":"Using Barclaycard abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you already have a Barclaycard or are thinking of getting one, it\u2019s smart to check what fees will apply before you use a Barclaycard for non-sterling transactions. So, what should you watch out for?<\/p>

The potential fees when travelling<\/h3>
  1. Non-sterling transaction fees<\/strong>
    Most Barclaycards are on the Visa network, which is great because if a merchant takes card payments, it probably takes Visa. It also means that currency conversion takes place at Visa\u2019s exchange rates<\/a>, but depending on the Barclaycard you use, you\u2019ll be charged a \u201cnon-sterling transaction fee\u201d on top of this for each purchase. This is usually a percentage of the amount spent (see table below). Business Barclaycards<\/a> are issued on the Mastercard network, in which case, currency conversion uses Mastercard exchange rates.<\/li>
  2. Merchant currency conversion fees (DCC)<\/strong>
    If you\u2019re paying at a merchant overseas, and they offer to charge your card in pounds rather than in the local currency, it means that the merchant\u2019s exchange rates and fees rules will apply rather than your own card issuer\u2019s. If you\u2019ve carefully selected a card with favourable terms for overseas usage, accepting \u201cdynamic currency conversion\u201d (DCC) risks undoing all your hard work.<\/li>
  3. Cash advance fees<\/strong>
    As a general rule of thumb, withdrawing cash using a credit card is an expensive choice and best avoided. These transactions can incur a fee, a higher rate of interest and your regular     interest-free days each billing cycle<\/a> may not apply. Some cards which are marketed for overseas use may offer favourable terms on cash advances at ATMs abroad, but don\u2019t forget that even then, the cash machine provider may still charge you for using their machine.<\/li>
  4. Merchant hidden fees<\/strong>
    These are rare but still worth looking out for. In some non-EU countries, merchants will simply add a percentage-based surcharge when you pay using a credit card. If in doubt, just ask the merchant before you hand over your card.<\/li><\/ol>

    Barclaycard non-sterling transaction fees<\/h3>
    Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first<\/div>
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