Can you use Monzo abroad? Everything you need to know

If you've got a Monzo card and a trip coming up, you're probably asking the same question as thousands of other UK travellers: can you actually use it abroad — and how much will it cost?

The short answer is yes. Monzo works in any country where Mastercard is accepted — which is pretty much everywhere. You can pay in local currency with no Monzo foreign transaction fees. Spend in euros, US dollars, Thai baht — Monzo passes Mastercard's exchange rate directly to you with nothing added on top.

But there are limits on free ATM withdrawals, and the conditions depend on whether Monzo is your main bank account. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go — and compares Monzo to what Revolut offers for the same trips.

This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 17 April 2026.

You should visit their websites for confirmation of their most updated costs and charges.

Using your Monzo card abroad

Monzo works at any ATM or merchant that accepts Mastercard. No foreign transaction fee is charged on card payments abroad in any currency. Monzo applies Mastercard's exchange rate directly — no markup, no hidden costs.

You don't need to tell Monzo you're going abroad. Just use your card as normal. You'll get an instant notification with the local currency amount and the sterling equivalent every time you pay.

Monzo ATM withdrawals abroad and limits

Card spending is fully fee-free. Cash withdrawals are where Monzo's limits kick in. Here's the full breakdown:

Some ATMs charge their own fee which Monzo does not receive or control. Always check if the ATM is free to use.

What counts as Monzo being your main bank?

To qualify for the "main bank" perks on the free plan (like unlimited EEA withdrawals), you must meet one of the following criteria in a rolling 35-day period:

• At least £500 is paid into your account and you have at least one active Direct Debit.
• You receive a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Department for Communities payment into the account.
• You have received a student loan payment in the last 8 months.
• You share a Joint Account with someone who meets any of the criteria above.

Monzo exchange rate

Monzo uses Mastercard's exchange rate — not the mid-market rate. Mastercard updates its rate daily. The rate is competitive, but it isn't the same as the rate you see on Google (which is the mid-market rate). Monzo doesn't add any markup or fee on top of the Mastercard rate.

If an ATM or merchant offers to charge you in sterling instead of local currency (called Dynamic Currency Conversion), always decline. Their conversion rate will almost always be worse. Pay in local currency every time.

Monzo international fees

Monzo works seamlessly across all EU and EEA countries, including popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands.

• EEA spending: card payments are 100% fee-free. Monzo passes the Mastercard exchange rate directly to you with no added markup. ATM withdrawals are unlimited and fee-free if Monzo is your main bank or if you're on a paid plan.
• Worldwide: card spending remains completely fee-free everywhere else, utilising the same no-markup Mastercard FX rate. Monzo works at any Mastercard-affiliated merchant or ATM globally. Outside the EEA, your free ATM limit is capped (£200 for free plans and Extra, £600 for Perks/Max).

Monzo vs Revolut abroad — how do they compare?

Both are strong travel cards. But there are some important differences worth knowing before you decide which to take on your next trip.

¹Exchange and global transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

²If you exceed these limits, we charge a 2% fee on the withdrawal, with a minimum fee of £1.

³eSIM T&Cs and fees apply, subject to fair-usage policy. eSIM services are provided by 1Global. Revolut acts for 1Global, the service provider

Plan fees and T&Cs apply.

Start travelling with Revolut

Choosing between Revolut or Monzo for your next adventure ultimately comes down to your personal travel style. Revolut offers a great way to manage your money across borders and you can get started in minutes:

1. Download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play and sign-up in minutes
2. Choose the plan that suits your needs, from our free to sign up Standard plan to our paid plans with even more features and limits
3. Add money to your account and start exploring instant transfers, multi-currency wallets, and smart budgeting tools straight away

18+, T&Cs apply

Sources:

• Monzo - Taking out cash with your Monzo card
• Monzo - Where Monzo cards are accepted
• Monzo - Travel
• Monzo - Fee Information
• Monzo - How much can you withdraw from an ATM?
• Monzo - The Mastercard exchange rate
• Monzo - Understanding fees for using your Monzo card abroad
• Monzo - Should I pay in local currency or pounds (GBP) when I use Monzo abroad?
• Monzo - Plans
• Monzo - Deposit protection (FSCS)
• Monzo - What fees are charged for receiving international transfers?

This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 17 April 2026 and is aimed at customers in the UK.

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 advice.