The best travel cards for 2026 with low foreign transaction fees
Financial basics · 26 March 2026Lydia Makin
The card you use abroad can affect how much you pay in fees and exchange rates. Whether you're heading to Europe or further afield, choosing the right way to pay is important for your budget.
Finding the best travel card UK means looking at providers like Revolut, Wise, Monzo, and Starling Bank. At Revolut, our mission is to be upfront about our fees and provide total clarity over your spending, so you can focus on your holiday instead of figuring out the maths.
Read this guide to discover the best travel card UK options and how to choose one that helps you avoid unnecessary costs.
The information provided is accurate as of 11 March 2026.
The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.
What is a travel card?
A travel card is a payment card designed specifically for use outside your home country. These cards usually come in 3 forms: debit cards linked to a digital account, prepaid cards you load with money before you go, or specialist credit cards.
The main purpose of a travel card is to help you avoid non-sterling transaction fees. Traditional banks often charge a fee (usually around 3%) every time you use your card abroad. A dedicated travel card may remove this fee or provide a better exchange rate than a traditional high-street bank.
With a multi-currency card, you can often hold several currencies at once. This allows you to lock in an exchange rate when the pound is strong. If you prefer simplicity, sterling-based travel cards convert your money whenever you make a payment using a specific exchange rate, such as the Mastercard or Visa rate.
Fees to watch out for when spending abroad
Understanding the mechanics of travel spending can save you a significant amount of money.
Here are the most common charges you might come across:
Fee type | What it means | How to avoid it |
Foreign transaction fee | A percentage charged on every purchase (usually 2.75–3%) | Use a card that offers no-fee spending |
ATM withdrawal fee | A flat fee or percentage charged by your provider for using an ATM | Choose a provider with a generous monthly limit for no-fee withdrawals |
Exchange rate mark-up | A fee included in the exchange rate given to you by your provider | Look for providers that offer a rate close to the mid-market rate |
Weekend mark-up | A fee applied to exchanges that take place while markets are closed (Friday evening–Sunday evening) | Exchange your currency on a weekday |
Dynamic currency conversion | When a merchant asks if you want to pay in GBP or in the local currency | Always choose the local currency to let your card handle the rate itself |
Why the exchange rate matters just as much as the fee
Many travellers search for 'no fee' cards but forget to check the exchange rate. Most providers, including ourselves, embed a fee in the rate as a form of mark-up. A card might have zero fees but give you a rate that's significantly marked-up from the mid-market rate.
We keep this embedded fee competitive and we believe in being open about our costs. That’s why our exchange rates and applicable fees are always displayed in-app before you confirm your conversion.
How the main travel card options compare
To find the best travel card UK for 2026, we've compared the top-performing providers based on their standard, most basic plans.
Provider | Subscription fee | Exchange rate | Monthly limit for free ATM withdrawals |
Revolut | £0 | Competitive rate | £200 or 5 withdrawals |
Wise | £0 | Mid-market rate | £200 across up to 2 withdrawals |
Monzo | £0 | Mastercard rate | Unlimited in the UK and EEA if Monzo is your main bank account and up to £200 per month everywhere else |
Starling | £0 | Mastercard rate | Up to 6 withdrawals and £300 per day |
The best travel cards for the UK in 2026
1. Revolut
We've designed our personal account to be the ultimate travel companion. When you sign up for a Revolut card, you get more than just a piece of plastic. You get a global finance app that handles everything from currency exchange to everyday budgeting. Here's how it works:
- Exchange rate: we use a competitive rate for currency exchange. Between Monday–Friday UK time, you get the Revolut rate and we don't charge any additional fees provided you're within your plan's fair usage limit.
- Withdrawal limits: on our Standard plan, you can withdraw up to £200 (or make 5 withdrawals, whichever comes first) every rolling month without any fees from us. We offer higher limits for customers on our paid plans. Compare our paid plans for more information. Subscription fees and Paid Plan Terms apply.
- Currency options: you can hold and exchange over 30 currencies in-app, including euros (EUR) and US dollars (USD).
- Card delivery: a small delivery fee usually applies for your first physical card, but you can create virtual cards for free and add them to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet instantly.
2. Wise
Wise is a popular money services provider, particularly for those who need to hold a variety of currencies. Here's what you need to know:
- Exchange rate: Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate. Unlike some providers, they always charge a small, upfront fee for every conversion, which usually starts around 0.33%.
- Withdrawal limits: you can make 2 withdrawals per month for free, up to a total of £200. If you take out more than that, a 1.75% fee applies, as well as a £0.50 fee per withdrawal if you make more than 2 withdrawals.
- Currency options: Wise supports over 40 currencies for holding and spending, making it a strong contender for international travel card UK needs if you're visiting less common destinations.
- Card delivery: there's a one-time fee of £7 to order a physical Wise card.
3. Monzo
Monzo is a well-known UK digital bank that offers a straightforward debit card for travel. Let's break it down:
- Exchange rate: Monzo uses the Mastercard exchange rate without adding any extra fees. This makes it a reliable choice for no foreign transaction fee card UK searches.
- Withdrawal limits: if Monzo is your main account, you get unlimited withdrawals in the UK and EEA, and up to £200 per month everywhere else. However, if Monzo isn't your main bank, your fee-free withdrawals will be capped at £400 every 30 days in the UK and EEA, and £200 everywhere else.
- Currency options: Monzo supports sending money in 38 currencies.
- Card delivery: the physical card and its delivery are free.
4. Starling Bank
Starling is often used by travellers who need access to large amounts of cash while abroad. Here's how it works:
- Exchange rate: like Monzo, Starling uses the Mastercard rate with no added commission
- Withdrawal limits: up to 6 withdrawals and £300 per day
- Currency options: Starling generally keeps your main account in GBP, though they do offer a separate EUR account
How to start using Revolut for your next trip
Ready to experience a better way to manage your holiday money? Getting started is simple and takes just a few minutes:
- Download the app: find Revolut on the Google Play or App Store
- Verify your mobile: enter your phone number and the security code we send you
- Secure your account: set up a passcode and provide your personal details
- Verify your identity: take a quick selfie and a photo of your ID (like a passport or driving licence)
- Add money: link a debit card or your existing UK account to add money to your Revolut balance instantly
- Get your card: order a physical card or set up a virtual one to start spending immediately
Frequently asked questions
Is a UK prepaid travel card better than a debit card?
Prepaid cards are great for strict budgeting because you can only spend what you load. However, modern travel debit cards from providers like us offer the same budgeting tools with more flexibility and often better protection for your money.
Can I use my travel card for car hire?
Many car hire companies require a credit card for the security deposit. While you can use your Revolut or other travel debit cards for the actual payment, we recommend carrying a backup credit card specifically for these types of deposit.
Should I pay in pounds or the local currency?
Always choose the local currency (e.g. euros in Spain or dollars in the US). If you choose pounds, the merchant uses a process called dynamic currency conversion, which almost always results in a significantly worse exchange rate.
Sources
- Wise: What is the mid-market exchange rate?
- Monzo: Understanding fees
- Wise: ATMs in the UK
- Monzo: Is Monzo free?
- Monzo: Travel
- Starling: Travel Money Card
- Starling: What limits does my card have?
- Wise: Pricing
- Wise: Card fees
- Monzo: Understanding fees
- Starling: Euro bank account
This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 11 March 2026.
You should visit their websites for confirmation of their most updated costs and charges.
Please note that actual charges and services offered may change and vary depending on individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend visiting each provider’s official website.
This article and the information provided herein are not intended to constitute legal, regulatory advice.