best travel credit card in uk

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Updated on: May 1, 2024

Written by: Michael Barton

This article has been fact checked by a member of the wallet savvy editorial team and complies with our editorial standards..

Are you a frequent traveller? Choosing the best travel credit cards for your trips can save you a significant amount of money. Michael Barton’s comprehensive guide compares the best travel credit cards in the UK, helping you make an informed decision.

This article and its facts and figures were checked and updated on  1st May 2024 . Please always check the official websites from our direct links on this article, for the most up-to-date information. We monitor all information closely.

If you’re planning to travel overseas, often the last thing you’ll think about is the best way to spend money abroad . This could be a big mistake, especially if you are taking a credit card with you.

Sure, credit cards offer extra protection, and the interest-free period could help you budget for your foreign spending.

However, many credit cards levy hefty charges when you use them abroad. These can add up rapidly behind your spending. You might not even realise just how much until you receive a nasty surprise when you open your next credit card statement.

The solution? Use a travel credit card.

In this article, I compare the best travel credit cards. I also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using them, and provide a list of the worst debit cards to use while you’re on holiday or business overseas.

Best Travel Credit Cards Summary

It can be beneficial to use a credit card abroad, but often your existing credit card won’t be the best.

The overall winner in our view is the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card , but is it the best for you?

In this article, we walk you through a seven-step process to find the best travel credit card for you. This could save you hundreds on your holiday spending. We also discuss the best travel credit cards if you want to spend on a card, withdraw cash, or earn rewards every time you spend.

What Is a Travel Credit Card?

Most credit and debit cards can be used abroad. The bad news is that many of these charge high fees each time you do.

Even if you get an almost perfect exchange rate, you could be charged a transaction fee of around 2% to 3%. You think you’ve spent £100, but it’s cost you £103.

That’s not the only charge, either. Many cards also charge a flat fee just for using your card abroad. Depending upon the card you use, this could be between 50p and £1.50. At only €5, a breakfast with coffee is exceptional value. Then the card provider takes £1.50. Ouch!

You don’t have to pay these fees. Not if you use a travel credit card designed especially for use abroad. Not only will you get a near-perfect exchange rate, but you’ll avoid all the charges, too. This could easily save you £100 or more while you’re on holiday.

A bonus with these cards is that you’ll benefit from extra protection under the Consumer Credit Act . For any purchase between £100 and £30,000, you’ll be able to seek compensation direct from the credit card provider if the product is faulty or the retailer goes bankrupt.

Spending on the Wrong Credit Card – The Real Cost

Whether you are using your card to make a purchase or to withdraw cash, you’re going to be shocked how the charges rack up.

Foreign exchange fees and transaction charges could add around £3 to a £30 lunch bill.

If you prefer to use cash, an ATM withdrawal of £200 could cost you around £6 on the foreign exchange fee and another £5 by way of a cash withdrawal fee. That’s without the interest you’ll be charged from the second you make a cash withdrawal.

Either way, you’re looking at charges of between around 5% to 10% on your spending. If you spend £1,000 while away, you will have paid the bank as much as £100.

No wonder the fat cats are on such high bonuses ─ it’s coming out of your pocket.

Sidestep the Fees with Travel Credit Cards

Cards that are designed for spending abroad don’t charge many of these fees. With most, you’ll avoid the foreign transaction charges. Many don’t charge for cash withdrawals (though you may be charged by the ATM provider).

However, most credit cards will charge interest on cash withdrawals, just as they do when you use them in the UK. My advice here: never use a credit card to make a cash withdrawal while you’re abroad or in the UK.

One thing to be aware of is that, just like standard credit cards, some travel credit cards charge a monthly fee. On the other hand, many of the cards that charge a fee also offer rewards. These may include air miles, travel insurance, and cashback.

(Note that cashback isn’t given on balance transfers, money transfers, cash withdrawals, buying currency or travellers cheques, or any cash-like transactions you make such as money orders or wire transfers.)

Best Travel Credit Cards 2023

Which travel credit card is best for you depends on how you plan to use it. Five cards stand out.

Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card

Best all-rounder.

I like this card for several reasons:

• No charge for withdrawing cash
• No foreign transaction fees
• 0.25% cashback on all purchases
• No interest on cash withdrawals providing you pay off the balance in full each month

If you’re an Apple user, you’ll also get five months of Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+ and Apple Arcade.

Halifax Clarity Credit Card

Best for new accounts.

The Halifax Clarity Card runs a close second to Barclays Rewards. Like Barclaycard Rewards, it does not charge foreign transaction fees. Also like Barclaycard rewards, you won’t get charged to make a cash withdrawal – though you will be charged interest on cash withdrawals from day one.

Virgin Money Credit Cards

Best for points.

Virgin Money offers a range of credit cards, including the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card and the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card.

You won’t pay foreign transaction fees of cash withdrawal fees for either. With the Reward card, you receive 0.75 Virgin Points for every £1 you spend. This card also rewards 1.5 points for every £1 you spend with Virgin Holidays or Virgin Atlantic, though Reward+ cardholders get double this.

Virgin points can be redeemed when buying Virgin flights or holidays, and spent at several high- street brands. If you want the Regards + card, there is an annual fee of £160.

118 118 Money Credit card

Best for bad credit.

If you currently have a low credit score, the 118 118 Money Credit Card could be the best option for you.

While the interest rate charged is highest among the five that I’ve put under the microscope, there are no foreign transaction fees, no charges for cash withdrawals, and, like the Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card, you won’t be charged interest on any transaction provided you pay off your full balance each month.

The downsides include a £12 late payment fee and 5% fee on cash withdrawals, as well as a much lower credit balance than for other cards.

Never Use These Cards Abroad

Here are six more reasons you might consider taking a travel credit card rather than a debit card to spend money abroad. Six debit cards that could cost you as much as even the most expensive non-travel credit cards.

Though some of the following charges may not apply if you are travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA), you should avoid using any of the following cards while travelling:

Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, Halifax

With a minimum 2.95% foreign exchange fee between them and a 50p spending charge, you’ll quickly rack up unexpected costs. As if these aren’t enough, these banks will also levy a £1.50 charge on ATM cash withdrawals.

Charges are even higher if you use a TSB debit card abroad. While the foreign exchange fee is the same at 2.99%, the spending charge is £1, and the ATM charge is between £2 and £4.50.

Intelligent Finance

Lower foreign exchange fees and ATM charges (at 2.25% and £1.50 respectively) than Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, Halifax, and Intelligent Finance, but the £1.50 spending fee is going to hurt you.

Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank

No foreign exchange fees! Unfortunately, it’s going to cost 2.25% every time you spend (with a minimum of £1.50), and 2.25% to withdraw cash from an ATM (with a minimum of £1.50).

What does all this mean in simple terms? At the worst, you could spend £5 for a beer in the United States, and it will cost you more than £6.50 when fees and charges are added.

Travel Credit Cards – The Good, Bad & Ugly

Even though you could reduce the charges you incur on your holiday spending, it’s not all a bed of roses. As with almost all things financial, there are always two sides to the coin. Here’s my rundown of the good, the bad, and the ugly of travel credit cards.

The overriding reason to use a travel credit card abroad is the lower fees and charges. They are cheaper to use than standard credit cards, and this will help your money go further. The further your money goes, the better your holiday will be and the lower your interest and credit card bill when you return home.

On top of these savings, some travel credit cards give rewards like cashback or points to be redeemed as discounts from high street shops. Every little helps.

With competitive exchange rates, no or low foreign exchange fees, free cash withdrawals, and purchase protection under the Consumer Credit Act, it can make sense to use a travel credit card while abroad.

Moving on from what we really like about travel credit cards to what I’d call the bugbears. The bad stuff includes that not everyone will be accepted for a credit card account.

Eligibility depends upon your credit rating. The lower yours is, the harder you’ll find it to be accepted. Cards that are specifically for people with poor credit scores tend to offer lower credit balances and charge higher interest rates.

The best travel credit cards often charge a fee, either annually or monthly. You’ll need to work out if the amount of savings you’ll make will be worth this charge.

 In fairness, the ugly side of travel credit cards is the same as it is for standard credit cards…

Firstly, if you fail to pay off your balance in full each month, you will be charged interest. This can be high. Far higher than, say, the interest on a personal loan.

Also, while some travel credit cards may allow you to withdraw cash with charges and interest free, most will levy interest from the day you withdraw your money from an ATM. This could get very expensive if you prefer to spend in cash while away.

Tips for Using a Travel Credit Card

You’ll save the most money when you use a travel credit card wisely. Here are my tips to do so:

Always Pay in the Local Currency

When you use a card abroad, you will probably be asked if you want to be charged in the local currency or in pounds. Always choose local currency. If you pay in pounds, you’ll receive a bad exchange rate. By choosing local currency, you’ll pay at your bank’s exchange rate.

Limit Your Cash Withdrawals

Even if your card doesn’t charge you to withdraw cash, the ATM might. Even if it doesn’t, most credit cards will charge interest on your cash withdrawals from the moment you take your money out of the hole in the wall.

Therefore, spending on your card is almost always better than withdrawing cash to use. This is also true for debit cards, where you’ll often still pay a transaction fee, even though there will be no interest to pay (unless you overdraw, of course).

Clear Your Balance Every Month

To take full advantage of the benefits of spending on a credit card – no fees and worthwhile rewards – you must clear your balance to zero every month. This will also help to bump up your credit score, which is key to getting the best credit offers and lowest interest rates.

7 Steps to Getting the Best Travel Credit Card for You

Rushing to apply for a travel credit card is not the best idea. You should give some thought to which you need. Indeed, even if you need one at all. Ticking all the boxes in the following process should make sure that you get the best card for you:

Step #1: Check Your Credit Score

This is easy to do using a service like Clearscore.com. This will give you a good insight into anything that might affect your application negatively, and the opportunity to correct them.

Step #2: Know Your Existing Cards

How do your existing cards measure up? Will they charge foreign exchange or cash withdrawal fees? Will they charge transaction fees every time you use your card abroad? How much will they allow you to withdraw/spend before charging you? If you make a cash withdrawal, will you be charged interest immediately?

Understanding the charging structure of your existing cards will help you compare them with travel credit cards later in the process.

Step #3: Understand How You Will Be Spending Money Abroad

Now, think about how you are likely to spend money while away. I tend to use a card for most of my spending, though I also like to have a little bit of cash in my pocket. Only carrying a small amount of money in my pocket is safer, too. Plus, I really don’t want to be hunting for an ATM when I could be enjoying myself.

Step #4: Ensure You Can Repay the Balance Every Month

The best way to spend on holiday is to only spend what you can afford. Sometimes that isn’t possible, though. If you won’t be able to repay your card balance in full each month, then you should look for a card that allows you to spread the cost interest free over a few months.

Step #5: Know what Type of Card You Need

Now you know how you are likely to spend and how much it will cost to do so on your current cards, you can make a comparison with the cards that best match your spending style.

Step #6: Consider Monthly & Annual Fees

The penultimate step is to consider if your preferred travel credit card levies a monthly or annual fee. If it does, you’ll need to consider if this fee eliminates the benefit of owning the card.

Step #7: Apply

The final step is to apply for your credit card well ahead of time. The last card I applied for was delivered within 48 hours, but I’ve also waited for more than a week.

What If a Travel Credit Card Isn’t Right for You? The Best Alternatives

Credit cards aren’t for everyone; for example, if you already have enough debt (your credit score will help you decide this), or think that a credit card will encourage you to overspend, or you can’t afford to pay off the balance each month.

Credit cards have their place in your financial armoury, but financial discipline is key to using them effectively. Without this, your balance is likely to increase, and this will cost you dearly in interest charges.

This is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, recognising that a travel credit card may not be right for you is a great sign that you are developing financial astuteness. There are always alternatives.

Finance companies like Revolut and Monzo allow you the freedom to use your card like a debit card, but with some of the features of travel credit cards thrown in. Caxton is another card provider worth considering.

Revolut allows you to hold foreign currency, exchanging it from pounds to local currency at the ‘real’ exchange rate (the interbank rate). You can exchange up to £1,000 in any month without incurring foreign exchange fees.

Over this, there is a charge of 0.5%. You can also withdraw up to £200 in cash in any single month with no charges, and at the interbank rate. However, withdraw more than this and the charge is 2%.

Monzo is more like a traditional bank account, though operated online. You can only hold a Sterling balance, but when you pay for goods and services while abroad you’ll receive the Mastercard rate.

This is not quite as good as the interbank rate, but not far off. In the EEA, cash withdrawals are free. Elsewhere you can withdraw up to £200 in any month before incurring a 3% charge.

Caxton FX has a prepaid card that covers 15 different currencies. You won’t be charged foreign transaction fees or ATM fees.

Other card providers, like Chase Bank , Starling Bank , and Virgin Money offer various cards with low or no foreign transaction fees and no ATM withdrawal fees. Each has its own terms and conditions, which you’ll need to read before you decide which is best for you.

Curve – A Possible All-In-One Solution

Curve is a financial solution that is gaining in popularity. The idea is simple: link all your existing credit and debit cards under one umbrella card, and use only this card while abroad.

When you spend money abroad, you present your Curve card and choose which card or account you wish to use. You can even redirect a payment up to 120 days after you’ve made it! With Curve, you will benefit from:

• Fee-free spending – up to £1,000 every 30 days (2% thereafter)
• Free ATM withdrawals of up to £200 per month (2% thereafter)
• Currency exchange in the app at Interbank rates

For even more benefits (including worldwide travel insurance), you could sign up to one of its premium accounts, though they cost up to £14.99 per month.

Got a Complaint About Your Travel Credit Card?

Sometimes banks and credit card companies get things wrong. This doesn’t mean you have to suck it up and take it on the chin.

If you think you’ve been charged the wrong amount, or interest has been levied when it shouldn’t have been, there are things you can do. The first course of action is to contact the bank or card company.

I did this recently. To cut a long story short, I had taken my eye off the ball and neglected to examine my credit card statements each month. When I did look at one properly, I realised I had been charged interest over several months that I thought shouldn’t have been charged.

So I complained. I stated my case, the representative agreed with me, and refunded all the interest I had been charged – almost £200. Then she put my balance onto a zero-interest rate for 12 months!

If you don’t get any joy from the provider, you can take your case to the financial ombudsman. An easy way to do this is to use a service like Resolver. It’s free and makes it simple to manage your complaint.

Wrapping Up

That’s it for now! There’s only one thing left for me to say:

Use the seven-step process to get the best card for you, and be careful with how you use it abroad. If you plan to use it while on holiday, I hope you have an incredible time and make many memories. If it’s a business trip, I wish you plenty of success.

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Compare travel credit cards

Find a credit card that's free to use abroad, compare our best travel credit cards.

Santander All in One Credit Card

• Every time you spend abroad in the local currency using your Santander debit or credit card between 18 June to 15 September 2024, you'll be entered into a prize draw to win 1 of 18 travel vouchers each worth £5,000 each. T&Cs apply.
• 0% for 15 months on balance transfers, with no balance transfer fee.
• 0% for 15 months on purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• 0.5% cashback (up to £10 a month) on all your purchases.
• £3 monthly fee
• be a permanent UK resident
• be 18 or older
• minimum income of £10,500
• have a good credit rating
• must not be an existing Santander balance transfer credit card customer
• additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Virgin Money Travel Credit Card (27.9%)

• Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
• 9 months 0% on balance transfers (2% transfer fee)
• 9 months 0% on money transfers (4% transfer fee)
• 9 months 0% on purchases
• be a UK resident
• have good credit history
• no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC

Virgin Money Travel Credit Card (29.9%)

• 9 months 0% on balance transfers ( 2% transfer fee)
• 9 months 0% on money transfers ( 4% transfer fee)
• have a good credit history

Barclaycard Rewards - Excl

Barclaycard rewards credit card.

• 0.25% cashback on all your spend
• No fees on purchases abroad as long as you pay in the local currency then you won’t pay fees on non-sterling purchases
• Register for Barclaycard Cashback Rewards and you can earn up to 15% cashback when you spend at a range of participating retailers. This is on top of the 0.25% cashback you’d get on everyday spend with the Barclaycard Rewards card. T&Cs apply.
• be 21 years or over
• not have had any Individual Voluntary arrangements, County Court Judgements and must not have been declared bankrupt
• not already hold a Barclaycard credit card
• best suited to customers with an income of £20,000

Zopa Credit Card

• App only management: An Android or iOS device is required to activate and manage card
• No annual fees
• Up to two optional credit limit increases per year
• Apply and get a response in 60 seconds
• Be a permanent UK resident (with at least 1 year of address history)
• Be 18 or older
• Have had credit in the UK before
• Have had no bankruptcies in the past year
• Additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Virgin Money Travel Credit Card (24.9%)

• 9 months 0% balance transfer ( 2% transfer fee)
• 9 months on money transfers ( 4% transfer fee)
• Accepted worldwide in all Mastercard locations

118 118 Money Guaranteed Rate Card

What is a travel credit card.

Travel credit cards are designed for people who want the security of using a credit card when paying for goods and services abroad, but don't want to pay extra for it.

Credit cards offer extra purchase protection when you spend, at home or overseas, but most standard cards charge more when they are used abroad.

The best travel credit cards not only waive these transaction fees but offer an excellent exchange rate too.

You can also get rewards for spending - at home or abroad - with the best travel credit cards offering airline or other loyalty points as well as being free to use overseas.

Travel credit cards are one of the best ways to avoid non-sterling transaction fees when on holiday.”

What are the benefits of a travel card?

Preferable exchange rates.

If you're spending with travel credit cards you get the Visa or Mastercard exchange rate for your purchases, depending on your card provider, which is about the best you'll find anywhere.

Protected purchases

You have extra legal protection on purchases if you use a credit card, thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. It means you're covered if you buy something at home or abroad costing over £100 and up to £30,000 if goods are faulty or aren’t delivered. You’re also protected if a supplier you use goes bust such as a tour operator or airline.

Taking a large wad of cash with you on holiday can be risky. Cash is more likely to be stolen and make you a victim of crime. Taking a small amount of cash is generally a good idea but you can use a credit card for travel for the majority of your spending.

What is the best travel credit card to use abroad?

The best credit card for travel will depend on what features you want most.

Credit cards for travel are likely to offer you the best deals and value for money outside the UK. Look for travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Using your standard UK credit card or debit card when you're on a foreign holiday can be expensive. You'll usually have to pay around 3% on cash withdrawals and every time you buy something abroad.

Shop around using credit card comparison sites to compare the best travel credit card deals.

Just be aware that to get the best credit cards for travel you'll need a good credit score.

You can check which cards you qualify for using a card finder tool, like ours below, to see how likely you are to be accepted before you apply.

Find a travel credit card

Things to consider before applying for a travel credit card, how often you travel abroad.

Travel credit cards can save you money when you spend abroad.

If you don’t travel that much, paying a card fee or even taking on an extra credit account for only occasional use may not be a good idea.

Holiday checklist

Only use abroad

Travel credit cards offer about the cheapest way to spend overseas. But they probably won’t give you the best deal when you use them in the UK.

For spending at home you'll likely be far better off with a different type of credit card.

See your credit card options

Make sure you can pay in full each month

Travel credit cards won’t offer the best interest rate or the cheapest deal for long-term debt.

It’s a good idea to pay off what you owe in full when you return from holiday. Otherwise, you will have to pay high interest charges and undo the savings you’ve made while you were away.

Don't forget travel insurance for your trip

Other cards with no foreign transaction fees

Most credit and debit cards will charge you a fee for buying things or withdrawing cash outside the UK. This fee can be 3% or more every time you use the card. That is £6 for every £200 you spend. These fees can soon add up.

The best travel credit cards won’t charge you for taking out cash and making purchases overseas - but they're not the only way to do this

Here are two other options:

Travel debit cards

Certain current accounts will offer cheap - or potentially even free - use overseas. Virgin Money and Starling currently offer this, for example.

These have one clear advantage and one disadvantage over travel credit cards. The major advantage is on overseas cash withdrawals. 

With a travel credit card you'll be charged interest from the moment you take money out of a cash machine, and possibly face a transaction charge too. Travel debit cards don't charge you for this.

However, spending on travel debit cards offers less purchase protection than spending on a travel credit card.

Travel money cards

A  travel money card , or a prepaid travel card is not a credit card. You pre-load currency onto your card before you travel, allowing you to spend or withdraw cash once you’re away.

It’s safer than carrying cash if you want to avoid taking your existing credit card abroad.

Be aware of the fees that exist on some travel money cards. They can include:

Application fees 

Cash withdrawal fees

Top-up charges

Fees for getting a replacement card

You don't have to pass a credit check when you apply for a prepaid currency card, like you would when applying for a travel credit card or current account.

Top tip when using your credit card abroad

Don’t pay in pounds when you use your credit card abroad. When you’re spending overseas, you’ll often be asked whether you want to pay in pounds or the local currency. 

To get the best exchange rate, always choose to pay in local currency.

Paying in local currency means your bank will do the foreign exchange conversion for you. Paying this way with a travel credit card will give you the best possible exchange rate.

Where you pay in pounds the merchant will use its own bank to do the conversion. This will probably end up costing you a lot more.

Can I withdraw cash on my travel credit card when abroad?

Yes, you can use your credit card to take out money from an ATM overseas, but it’s best not to because you usually have to pay interest on that money even if you clear your bill in full each month.

That's because credit cards don’t offer an interest-free period for cash withdrawals, meaning interest starts racking up straightaway.

You might also have to pay a "cash transaction fee" for using an ATM, even if you don't have to pay a foreign transaction fee.

What is dynamic currency conversion?

Dynamic currency conversion is when a shop or ATM converts your purchase into your own currency (pounds sterling) rather than keeping it in the local currency. 

This sounds convenient, as you can see how much you're paying in pounds, but the exchange rate you get is unlikely to be as competitive as the one used by your own card.

Mastercard's and Visa's exchange rates are about the best you'll find anywhere, so if you’re given the choice, always stick to the local currency. 

How Uswitch compares credit cards

What does ‘most popular’ and ‘popularity’ mean.

When we use the term ‘most popular or ‘popularity’ on Uswitch in reference to credit cards, these cards are ranked by the number of clicks they have received on the site in the past 30 days.

The most clicked on cards are at the top, with the least at the bottom. This reflects how popular they are with visitors to  Uswitch.com . Consequently, this is a good table to look at if you’re interested in seeing which cards most people think are worth getting.

Does Uswitch compare all the credit cards on the market?

We compare over 100 credit cards from all of the major banks and credit card providers.

However, we do not compare all the credit cards that are available in the UK.

This is because some credit card providers have offers that are only available exclusively through their own website or branch, or through other comparison websites - in the same way some credit cards are exclusively available through Uswitch.

There are also many credit cards that are only available to people in member organisations and clubs.

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Best credit cards to use abroad in 2024

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In this guide

What is a travel credit card?

How do travel credit cards work, the fees you could incur when travelling, fee-free exchange rates, how to compare the best credit cards to use abroad, looking for a travel debit card instead, need to know when using a credit card overseas, pros and cons of using a travel credit card, bottom line, frequently asked questions, using a credit card in specific countries.

We compare the following card issuers

Airport lounge guides

Airport lounge schemes

Using your card abroad

Approval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Moneyfacts.

Choosing the wrong credit card can be incredibly costly if you get caught by expensive foreign transaction fees when you’re off catching some winter sun or shopping for some last minute gifts from an overseas business. The credit cards featured on this page are specifically designed to avoid costly conversion fees.

A travel credit card is simply a credit card that’s specifically designed for overseas use. Unlike standard credit cards, a travel credit card can help you avoid paying hefty foreign transaction fees when you spend or withdraw cash on your credit card abroad.

It’s important not to confuse travel credit cards with airline credit cards which offer rewards such as air miles.

A travel credit card works in much the same way as any other credit card. You can spend on your credit card as and when you need to, up to your set credit limit, and then you repay the amount borrowed in flexible monthly repayments. If you don’t pay off the balance in full each month, interest is usually charged.

Where they differ is that travel credit cards won’t charge a foreign transaction fee when you spend on the card overseas. Some also won’t charge a fee when you withdraw cash from an ATM. However, in most cases, interest is still charged on cash withdrawals from the moment you get your cash – even if you pay off your balance in full that month.

There are different fees you could end up paying on your credit card when you travel overseas. These include the following:

Foreign transaction fee

(charged by your card issuer)

Most credit cards in the UK market charge you a fee for every non-sterling transaction. Usually this is between 2% and 3% of the amount spent. For example, if your card had a fee of 3%, and you made a purchase for £100, this would cost you £3 in fees.

Best way to avoid this fee: Opt for a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign currency conversion fees.

Foreign cash advance fee

Withdrawing cash on a credit card at home or abroad is usually a bad idea because you’ll be charged a fee of around 3%. Even cards that bill themselves as specifically designed for travel may still charge this. When abroad, you’ll be charged this fee on top of any foreign transaction fee, which means if you withdraw £100, you could be charged a 3% fee for the cash withdrawal (£3) and a 3% foreign transaction fee (£3), bringing your total charges to £6.

Note that cash advances are also usually exempt from any interest-free days, which means you’ll be charged interest from the date of the transaction – even if you pay off your balance in full that month. Interest rates are usually higher too.

Best way to avoid this fee: Look for an ATM that won’t charge you for withdrawing cash.

Cash machine fee

(charged by the cash machine provider)

Some ATMs will also charge you a fee of around £3 for withdrawing cash so make sure you check before carrying out your transaction.

Best way to avoid this fee: Either don’t use a credit card to withdraw cash or look for machines attached to banks. If the ATM flags that it’s going to charge you a fee, consider looking for another.

Dynamic currency conversion fee

(charged by the merchant’s bank)

Ever been asked by a merchant if you’d like to pay for your goods in sterling rather than the local currency? If you have and you accept, the retailer will do the currency conversion for you but at a less competitive exchange rate. This means you’ll pay more than necessary for your purchase.

Best way to avoid this fee: Always pay in the local currency.

And a final extra “pro tip”: if you’re an Uber user and you get yourself a dedicated card with no fees on overseas spending, set it up as your default payment option before you go (because you’ll get billed in the local currency).

Here’s a section from a popular credit card’s summary box which serves as an example of how much extra you could pay to use your credit card abroad.

Underlying each credit card’s exchange rate is the network’s exchange rate. When you use a Visa card to pay for something in a different currency, Visa’s exchange rate is used. When you use a Mastercard, it’s Mastercard’s exchange rate that applies. Card issuers then normally add their own charge on top of this, but if you’re using a card that doesn’t charge non-sterling transaction fees (like those listed on this page), you’ll enjoy the network’s exchange rates with nothing added on top.

Alternatively, if you’re on Team Amex, here’s our guide to using your American Express card abroad .

If you’re looking for a credit card to take with you on holiday, you’ll need to consider the following when carrying out your comparison:

• Is there a foreign transaction fee? Look for a credit card that won’t charge you for spending on your credit card abroad. The cards we’ve listed in the table above all waive the foreign transaction fee.
• Is there a foreign cash withdrawal fee? There are a handful of credit cards that also won’t charge you for withdrawing money at a cash machine. If you think you’re likely to withdraw cash abroad, look for a card without fees.
• Will you get interest-free days on foreign transactions? Almost all cards on the UK market offer up to 55 or 56 days where you won’t pay interest on your purchases. But to enjoy this benefit, you must have cleared your balance in the previous billing cycle and you must clear your balance each month. Crucially, while almost all cards offer this benefit, not all extend it to cover non-sterling transactions. You can find this information in a card’s “summary box”
• Is interest charged on cash withdrawals? In the case of almost all UK credit cards, you’ll be charged interest on cash withdrawals from the moment you get your cash, but it’s still worth checking. The Barclaycard Rewards Visa card is the exception here.
• What’s the interest rate? Most travel credit cards do not offer 0% interest deals on purchases, so you’ll need to pay your balance off in full each month to avoid interest charges. Bear in mind that if you have bad credit, you may be offered a higher rate (or your application may be declined).
• Is there an annual fee? Double check whether your card charges an annual fee and whether this is worth paying.
• Are there any additional perks? Check whether your card offers cash back or other travel benefits such as frequent flyer points. A few credit cards might also come with travel insurance, but be aware that these cards usually charge annual fees and might have stricter eligibility criteria.

APR and foreign transaction fees

Credit card promotions have to include an annual percentage rate (APR) which all card issuers must calculate in the same way.

Credit card fee structures can get fiddly, so the APR’s designed to benchmark the yearly cost to borrow, with a view to helping consumers compare cards against one another. It takes into consideration the default interest rate plus any mandatory, regular account fees.

However, be aware that APR doesn’t take into account other fees such as those you may be charged when you travel abroad. A credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees might have a higher APR than other types of credit cards, but it will save you a lot in fees if you regularly travel abroad. Provided you clear your balance each month, the fact it doesn’t charge fees will be of more importance than the APR.

Finally, always keep in mind that credit card companies only have to offer their advertised representative APR to 51% of the people who are approved for the card. The rest may get a higher rate depending on their circumstances. That’s why it’s usually referred to as “representative” APR.

Travel credit cards aren’t for everyone and you typically need to have a pretty healthy credit rating to receive the most competitive rates. With a travel debit card, fee-free overseas spending is still possible, and you won’t have to worry about going into debt (unless you go into an unplanned overdraft).

You can use our guide to compare a range of low or no-fee debit cards.

Before you apply for a travel credit card, there are a few key points to be aware of.

For a start, while using a credit card can enable you to side-step sneaky foreign transaction fees, it can also encourage you to spend money you don’t have. If you don’t pay off your balance in full each month (or you withdraw cash on your card), the amount of interest you’ll pay can far outweigh any benefits of using the card itself. For this reason, it’s important to stick to a budget, make sure you don’t overspend and always do your best to clear your balance each month.

If you’re worried about this, you might prefer to use a prepaid currency card or a debit card instead . Some of these cards can also help you to avoid paying foreign transaction fees, but make sure you check first. Prepaid cards can be loaded up with currency before you go on holiday and you can then only spend what’s on the card, making them a good option for budgeting. A debit card lets you spend the money you have in your current account.

Technically, you can add funds to your credit card account before you go on holiday too, and then spend these funds in the same way as a debit card. This can help you to avoid paying interest.

However, card providers don’t take any responsibility for funds you add to your credit card account. So, if your card is lost or stolen and used for unauthorised transactions, you might lose out on valuable funds. Finally, be aware that while a travel credit card can offer you a good deal while you’re abroad, it might not offer the best solution when you’re back home. For this reason, you might want to keep your travel credit card for overseas spending only, and use a different type of credit card when you’re home.

• Global acceptance. If you’re using a Mastercard or Visa credit card, you’ll be able to use it in millions of locations around the world. American Express and Diners Club cards are also accepted worldwide although in fewer places than Visa or Mastercard.
• Fee-free foreign transactions. Many travel credit cards can enable you to avoid paying expensive fees for spending and withdrawing cash abroad.
• Security. A credit card can be safer than carrying around a wallet full of cash when you’re on your travels. They can also be used as a backup in an emergency if you lose your cash or debit card. Most cards also now come with an app that you can use to freeze and unfreeze your card if you misplace it or it’s stolen.
• Purchase protection. Even when spending abroad, you’ll still benefit from protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means purchases costing more than £100 and up to £30,000 are covered if something goes wrong.
• Competitive exchange rates. Many credit cards offer competitive exchange rates when you spend abroad
• Can be expensive. If you’re not careful, you could end up paying high rates of interest on your purchases, as well as any cash withdrawals you make.
• Can encourage you to overspend. It can be easy to spend more than you can afford to pay back on a credit card.
• You’ll often need a good credit rating. Most of the top deals require that you haven’t had credit problems in the past.

Compare more travel money options

Research: Price of a coffee around the world

How much brits can save on coffee in popular holiday hotspots.

All the content may be republished with a link to this page . Press enquiries

If you’re a frequent traveller or regularly shop online with international retailers, using a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees can save you a lot of money.

When deciding which card is right for you, check exactly what fees you could be charged and whether you will benefit from any perks such as cashback on purchases or reward points.

Keep in mind that even if your card doesn’t charge a fee for cash withdrawals, this type of credit card transaction is usually best avoided as you are likely to be charged interest from the date of the withdrawal.

Once you’ve done your homework, the next step is to use an eligibility checker to find out which cards you’ll get approved for. If you haven’t done so already, it’s worth checking your credit score and report first so that you know how likely you are to get accepted. The better your credit score, the higher your chances of acceptance.

Will I get Section 75 protection on overseas spending?

Yes, Section 75 applies to transactions made overseas as well as in the UK. This means that if you buy something that turns out to be faulty or the retailer goes out of business, you should get your money back.

What exchange rate will I get?

When you use your credit card to pay for something in a different currency, your provider will exchange at the Visa, Mastercard or American Express wholesale rate. These are usually close to the rates used by the currency markets.

Can I get a travel credit card with poor credit?

Possibly, yes. Although you won’t have access to every credit card on the market, some providers are more lenient and will accept borrowers with lower credit scores. Bear in mind that the interest rate offered is likely to be higher, making it more important to clear your balance each month.

Do I have to tell my bank if I'm going abroad?

Although its not always required, it’s always good to let your credit card provider know incase they decide to block your card. You can usually do this through your provider’s app or contacting customer services.

• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United States

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.

Chris Lilly

Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio

Rachel Wait

Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time. See full bio

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4 Responses

Can I use a prepaid Post office card in Barbados?

Thanks for getting in touch! Hope you are doing well.

As a prepaid post office card is a Mastercard, yes, merchants that take card payments will more than likely accept it. You can’t load it up with Barbados dollars, however, so there are likely to be currency conversion charges involved. Although Barbados dollars is pegged to US dollars, merchants will by default try to charge customers’ accounts in Barbados Dollars.

I hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.

Which credit card would you recommend for travel to Australia?

Hello Linda,

Thank you for your comment.

Please note that we can’t recommend which credit card is the best for you to use in Australia. When comparing credit cards, especially if this is going to be used overseas, you’ll need to watch out for these fees:

– Foreign transaction fees – Annual fees – ATM withdrawal fees

Also, consider choosing a card with rewards. You may compare credit cards on this page . Please make sure though to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the card, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the card before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.

Regards, Jhezelyn

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Business | Money

Best travel credit cards for overseas spending

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Planning a long-awaited holiday this year? There are a number of credit cards designed specifically for use while travelling, which help to avoid often-unexpected fees when you get there.

These deals can come and go according to the market, and their terms can change. But – as foreign holidays arrive back on the agenda – we carried out some research ( October 2022 ) to find some of the top deals. We’ve listed the ones we found below.

It’s worth noting before you start, however, that not all applicants will qualify for these cards. The best travel credit card for you will depend on your own circumstances – for example your credit history and income.

However, you can always use an eligibility checker to find out your chances of being accepted. This doesn’t show up on your credit score, so you’ve nothing to lose.

What are the best travel credit cards?

1. Barclaycard Reward Credit Card

Overseas fees: None

Representative APR: 25.90% (variable)

Foreign purchases fee: None

Our verdict

No fees lurk under this plastic if you take it abroad. This means there’s no charge even for withdrawing cash from an ATM and, unusually, no interest payable on that amount (so long you clear the balance at the end of the month).

As the name implies, the card offers rewards too. In this case it’s 0.25% cashback on spending – at home or abroad. It’s only 1p for every £1 spent, but there’s nothing to lose.

As ever, you will need to repay your balance every month to avoid paying interest, which is priced at a representative 25.90% APR (variable). You’ll need to be 21 or over with a minimum four years’ credit history and an income of more than £21,000 to be considered.

2. Halifax Clarity

Representative APR: 22.94% (variable)

This card has been a long-standing go-to for overseas travellers, charging no fees for making purchases or even withdrawing cash abroad.

However, a representative 22.94% interest (variable) will apply from the outset if you use the card to withdraw local currency from an ATM (even if you clear your balance in full). If you opt to withdraw sterling, interest is higher.

A good rule of thumb anywhere in the world however, is to keep credit cards and ATMs well apart.

3. NatWest Credit Card

Overseas fees: 3% cash withdrawal fee

Representative APR: 12.9% (variable)

The NatWest Credit Card is something of an all-rounder, offering a low representative APR and no fees abroad. The exception is a percentage-based charge if you withdraw currency from an ATM while abroad. In this case, interest will be charged with immediate effect at a heady 26.9% APR, even if you pay off your balance at the end of the month.

But the biggest drawback with this card is that it’s only available to existing NatWest customers (this means with a current account, savings account, credit card or mortgage).

In the event you do pay interest, the 12.9% is only representative and you could be offered 15.9% or 19.9% APR (variable) instead, depending on your circumstances.

4. Virgin Money Travel Credit Card

Representative APR: 22.90% (variable)

Steer clear of cash machines on your travels and you can spend totally fee-free while overseas with Virgin Money’s Travel Credit Card. However, if you use the card at an ATM, there’s a 3% charge, plus a loaded APR of 28.90% (variable) on the sum, until it’s paid off.

The card also offers nine months 0% interest on purchases, balance transfers (2% fee) or money transfers (4% fee), should you need it.

Overseas fees: £3 cash withdrawal

Representative APR: 34.90% (variable)

This card from Zopa charges no fees on foreign purchases, aside from a flat £3 fee for withdrawing cash at ATMs in any currency.

But, while you could be offered a less, the representative APR which applies to the majority of successful applicants, stands at a considerable 34.90% APR (variable). This makes it even more important to take the best from the card and clear your balance every month.

How did we rank the cards?

The cards are ordered primarily on their overseas fees, with the best offerings at the top. We’ve also considered representative APR and any other features, such as 0% spending on purchases or balance transfers.

Find out more about travel credit cards and how to use them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why use a travel credit card.

While you’re on holiday abroad, using plastic to pay is a hassle-free option – it means you don’t have to carry cash or get your head around foreign currency.

But, if you use your regular cards on holiday, you’re likely to pay for this convenience through fees.

Most standard credit and debit cards charge a non-sterling transaction fee. This is typically around 2.99%, meaning you’ll pay an extra £2.99 for every £100 you spend.

Some card providers may also charge you an additional fee every time you use your card outside of Europe.

Taking currency from an ATM with your credit card becomes very expensive. You’ll be charged a withdrawal fee – either a percentage or fixed amount – as well as immediate interest, even if you clear the balance that month.

Withdrawal fees are likely to apply to your debit card too.

In short, even if you only make a couple of transactions, fees can soon add up.

Specialist travel credit cards are designed for overseas spending and eliminate some or all of these charges.

What other benefits are there?

If you spend more than £100 and up to £30,000 on any credit card , you’ll benefit from protection under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means if something is wrong with your purchase, or the company you buy goods or services from goes bust, the card provider will reimburse you even if the retailer doesn’t.

Some travel credit cards also throw in incentives such as cashback, rewards or travel insurance. Plus, you may benefit from competitive exchange rates when using your card overseas.

What are the pitfalls of a travel credit card?

Here are some pitfalls to avoid when shopping around for the best travel credit card:

• Using your card to withdraw cash – even if withdrawals are fee-free, interest may apply immediately and sometimes charged at an inflated rate. Handing over your plastic to pay will be cheaper 
• Paying in sterling – if you’re asked whether you’d like to pay in sterling or the local currency, opt for the latter. This avoids dynamic currency conversion, where the retailer sets the (often unfavourable) exchange rate
• Carrying over a balance – it’s natural to let your hair down on holiday and spend more than usual. But, make sure you have cash over to clear your balance each month. Unless you have a 0% deal, you’ll have to pay interest, and credit cards tend to come with high APR.
• Being caught out by fees – despite eliminating many fees when spending abroad, some travel credit cards may charge monthly or annual fees, so be sure to check

What’s the best travel credit card for you? 

 The first step is to check what you’ll be charged to use the card/s you already have. If you need to, contact the provider to find out. Then you’ll know how much a travel credit card could save you.

Then get onto a credit card comparison service to see the travel options available. Most card providers now offer eligibility checkers which allow you to see if you would be accepted for a card without officially applying.

As ever, the most competitive deals are only offered to applicants with good credit scores.

When looking at the travel credit cards listed, pay attention to the following fees:

• Non-sterling transaction fee – what you’ll pay, per purchase, to convert the currency 
• Non-sterling cash fee – what you’ll be charged to withdraw money from an ATM 
• Interest on cash withdrawals – what APR will apply and from when?
• The representative APR – the annual percentage rate shows how much you’ll pay back in interest and factors in all fees. But bear in mind that if the APR is ‘representative’, it only has to be offered to 51% of people who successfully apply for the card with the remaining 49% potentially being offered a higher rate

On the plus side, look for any cashback or rewards. If the card carries an annual fee, weigh up whether the perk is worth it.

What are the alternatives to a travel credit card?

There are some alternatives to a travel credit card to consider, too.

You could take out some foreign currency before your trip. If you choose to do this, make sure you shop around to find the most competitive rates online and that your travel insurance covers you for lost or stolen cash.

You could also apply for a prepaid currency card which you load with currency in advance and spend on as you would a debit card. Prepaid cards are a good way of budgeting but they may still charge fees for spending or withdrawing cash, so always check.

There are also a number of debit cards designed for overseas use, but you may need to open a new bank account to qualify.

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In focus: American Express Platinum Card

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Paying in the UK: the Best Credit Cards and More

For Americans payment may seem so universal that it’s a shock to go overseas and experience difficulty in paying. My wife and I recently spent a month in the United Kingdom, especially in Scotland. Paying in Scotland and England is essentially the same experience, but it might not work the way you’d expect. This guide is to help you avoid extra fees and frustration while traveling to the UK. Most of this advice will apply to world travel and EU travel especially, but there are some country-specific exceptions.

1. Find Your Best Credit Cards for Travelers

Before you do anything, make sure you have the right credit card. The card should have the following features:

• No foreign exchange rates ! This is very important, because otherwise you’ll end up paying 3% or more on top of every single transaction. Depending on rate charts this can actually end up costing more than 3% Do not assume your card has no foreign transaction fees just because it’s made for travelers. Many miles/travel cards will charge 3% for anything on a foreign currency.
• Wide acceptance : Visa and MasterCard are usually best. American Express has surprisingly wide acceptance, but moreso in tourist areas.
• Chipped : Most US cards now have chips, which is a huge improvement over swipe-only cards for travelers. This is a must have , as some retailers will no longer even accept a card without a chip.
• High rewards, low interest : As always, you should use a card that maximizes rewards. If you won’t be paying the card off right away make sure you get a card with a low interest rate. Pro tip for those carrying a balance: call your card company and tell them you’re considering canceling if they can’t give you a lower interest rate temporarily. Larger banks will sometimes give you 2.9% or similar on new transactions for 6+ months.
• Rental car coverage : Waiving the damage waver from the rental company and using the card for all rental expenses will cover you for insurance on the car if the card offer this feature. It is preferable that the card offers primary, rather than secondary, insurance.
• Other benefits: Many cards offer additional insurance-like benefits on travel-related purchases. These vary by card and are discussed below.

Make sure to sign your card with something that won’t rub off. Otherwise you’ll be required to pull out a photo ID with a signature on a regular basis. Unlike in the US, your signature will be checked regularly.

Some cards may also offer a chip and PIN functionality. This PIN is a transaction pin, and shouldn’t be confused with a cash advance PIN. It’s more like the PIN people used to use with debit cards before everyone realized you can just run a debit card as credit. In fact, debit cards work fine for this except you miss out on rewards. Chip-and-PIN cards are very rare in the US, and will almost exclusively be marketed as international travel cards. These cards will allow you to act more like a local and use your PIN at the terminal without having a receipt printed and signed. Unless you plan to travel in this region a lot, it’s probably not worth applying for a new card just to get chip and PIN functionality — especially when you can just use Google or Apple Pay to accomplish the same thing (see #2).

Make sure to inform your credit card company of any travel plans to avoid getting locked out. Some have online forms in the members’ section for this, and some you will have to call.

The Best Credit Cards for Traveling

Without further ado, here are the best credit cards for US travelers. None of these cards have foreign transaction fees , as that’s an instant deal-breaker for a travel credit card. Interest rates will depend on your credit and payment history, so you will need to check on that yourself with your existing cards. We have no financial incentives or partnerships regarding any of these cards or banks. It’s just here for your information.

Amazon Prime Visa

You don’t see the Prime card come up often because it’s not marketed as a “travel” or airline credit card. It is a surprisingly versatile card with good travel benefits, though, especially if you don’t like being locked into a specific airline or hotel chain. The “points” translate directly into dollars on Amazon.com. You must be an Amazon Prime member, but if you already are there is no additional annual fee . It’s also probably the easiest cards on this list to obtain. You get 5% back at Amazon, making it an obvious card to get anyway for regular Amazon shoppers. Benefits also include 2% on gas stations, restaurants, and drug stores, and 1% on everything else. Auto rental coverage varies, but in the UK ours included primary coverage: another huge benefit we didn’t even know we had. We got the card to save on Amazon, but we were very impressed using this card abroad. Do note it’s especially important to inform Chase (who administer the Amazon card) about any travel plans. If you do fly a lot and usually fly with the same airline, you may want to look at some of the options below.

Best card for Amazon shoppers who travel 1-2 times per year (or not at all)

Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa

If you’re not a Prime member, don’t travel regularly, and want to avoid an annual fee, this is the next card we’d recommend. It’s also a good one for people taking vacations they might not be able to pay off right away, as it offers 0% interest on new purchases for the first 12 cycles (about a year). Rewards are higher than some at 1.5 points per dollar spent, or about 1.5%. The airlines are not listed other than the card being “not tied to any particular airline,” but in practice Alaska and Virgin appear to be the most reliable partners. Rental car coverage varies, and is mostly unlisted. You’ll need to call to see what coverage is like for the country or countries you’re visiting. This is always a good idea, but we can’t guarantee any benefits in this realm. All told it’s a well-balanced travel card for people who don’t like recurring fees.

Best card for infrequent travelers who use different airlines and want to avoid annual fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa

This card is for frequent travelers who use multiple airlines. It’s a travel card designed to be used by travelers, especially for travel expenses. Cardmembers earn 1 point (essentially 1%) per dollar spent and 2x the points on any travel and dining expenses. Points can be transferred into other rewards programs at hotels (IHG, Hyatt, Marriott, Ritz Carlton) and airlines (United, JetBlue, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Southwest, and some smaller airlines). When booking directly through the Chase Rewards site you earn an additional 25%. The resulting rewards on hotel, airline, and dining expenses is as high as 2.5 points (essentially 2.5%). Further benefits include auto rental coverage as primary insurance without any additional fee, making it a good card to rent a car with. There are some additional benefits with baggage delay insurance and trip insurance, but the terms are painfully complex. The worst thing about the Sapphire Preferred card is the $95 annual fee that kicks in after the first year. This makes it mostly desirable for someone who travels a lot and wants a few different airlines.

Best card for frequent travelers who want to maximize rewards across cards

CapitalOne Venture Rewards Visa

This travel card from CapitalOne is a fantastic option for people who love to travel and don’t want to manage swapping cards for every occasion to earn an extra percent here or there. You earn 2 points (2%) on every purchase, period. There are no limits or purchase types to manage, but you can earn quite a bit more (up to 10%) when booking through a qualifying hotel on the Hotels.com CapitalOne partnership portal. Airline partnerships include Aer Lingus, Air France/KLM, British Airways, Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore, Southwest, United, Virgin Atlantic, with more partnerships in the works. These rewards are similar to some of the best non-travel credit cards, and only the $95 annual fee (waived the first year) makes this more restricted to a traveler.

Best for travelers who want to use one card for all purchases earning travel rewards

Your Preferred Airline’s Card

It’s not a bad idea to use a travel card specifically for the airline you most often fly with. Not only do you often get free benefits like waived baggage fees, but you’ll qualify for reduced rates and free upgrades on some flights. For example, a Delta flight with Delta’s American Express cards might cost something like $1,457, but only cost 124,000 miles plus $48 in taxes and fees. This was a real example, and translates into a roughly 12% bonus for using miles. This creates a strange market where buying miles with things like the mileage booster actually makes sense. And every time you use the card you get closer to a higher tier, which means additional benefits and a higher chance of free upgrades. Of course there are downsides that vary per card. Generally there are annual fees and some of these cards (like AmEx) have spotty coverage outside the US requiring a backup. Here are the cards and some quick info for each:

• American offers multiple Citi Mastercards with varying fees, rewards, and annual fees. The Executive card charges up to $450 as an annual fee, and attempts to compensate with free access to the Admiral’s Club lounge, increased rewards, and general prestige. The best card is probably the business card, which offers 2% back on all purchases. There’s also an option with fewer benefits and no annual fee which will be better for all but the most regular traveler.
• Delta only offers American Express cards, which makes them a little less useful overseas. The Blue card has foreign transaction fees and no annual fee: you might use it in the US and to book flights, then leave it at home when you actually travel. Benefits and annual fees go up from there, but the Gold is probably the most popular. Delta’s reward system is probably the most needlessly complex with MQMs, MQDs, and MQSs to track towards earning a higher status. Miles don’t expire, but status must be re-earned each year like most airlines. These cards can be great if you fly Delta often, but definitely take some time to understand the pros and cons.
• Southwest has a few Chase Visa cards. The Plus card may be the worst travel card in existence, with poor benefits and a $49 annual fee. The Priority, Premier, and Business cards may make sense for travelers who fly Southwest often. Rewards are essentially 1% back and more with travel partners. Southwest seems a little confused in its marketing, especially between the Priority and Premier cards, so take some time to investigate elsewhere.
• United has a wide variety of Chase Visa cards. The cards are significantly different and tailored to a specific demographic. The card with the highest rewards at 1.5% also carries a $450 annual fee and some exclusive benefits, making it more worthwhile for high-spending regular travelers.
• Alaska is always interesting in that it works with other airlines, including United airlines. This make Alaska’s Band of America Visa function more like a general airline card than some of the larger carriers. There is only be one card option returning 1% on purchases and 3% on Alaska-booked flights. There’s a $75 annual fee, and like most cards it includes a free checked bag when you use the card to book. Sign-up bonuses vary, but right now it’s a pretty sweet deal for a buy-one-get-one-free ticket up to $.
• JetBlue has some Barclays Mastercards, and the $0 annual fee card actually isn’t bad with no transaction fees. Of course it lacks some of the mileage bonuses that the $99 annual fee plus card has, which you’ll make back if you’re a big spender or a big traveler.

As a final thought, do use the benefits on these cards, but use them responsibly. If you’re going to spend the same amount of money, not using a credit card with rewards is throwing money away. However, after selecting the best card(s), try your best to ignore the rewards and spend like you’re spending cash while avoiding rolling balances. Even if you get 5% back, you’re still spending 95% of the money. Spending more to earn more or reach higher status is a fool’s errand. Watch out for annual fees, and beware the fleeting sense of prestige carrying a different color of card might give you.

2. Use Google Pay and Apple Pay

I highly suggest using Google Pay as much as possible. In the UK this worked about 95% of the time and it made everyone’s lives much easier. This does require your phone have NFC (near-field communication) turned on, but that’s almost universal for phones made in the last 5 years. Paying by phone saves a tremendous amount of time, and the people you’re buying from will prefer it. Most merchants are not used to having you sign. Only Americans have to sign, and it’s a little annoying for them each time to gather the signature, check it, then store the receipt. Locals pay quickly with a contactless card or by entering their PIN into the terminal instead of signing. You’ll know you can pay with Google almost every time you see this icon on a credit card terminal:

If paying with a phone seems insecure to you, remember that you can turn on fingerprint verification on supporting phones, or you can always use PIN verification. A very few merchants will not allow you to pay by phone for large transactions, but every time I saw this icon I was able to pay with Google Pay. Here’s how you do it.

• Make sure you have a shortcut to Pay. Many phones come with a default icon for Send, but that’s actually a shortcut within the Pay app and not what we’re looking for. On Android phones you can switch cards by pressing and holding on the shortcut.
• Choose the card (from step 1) that you want to pay with, and set it up well before you need to pay . Some card companies want to verify the card with temporary transactions, which can take up to a week. Most will verify the card with the same login you use to pay and access your card online.
• Make the card your default terminal payment method by clicking the contactless icon (the same as above).
• Make sure your NFC is on and your phone is unlocked. Most phones will show a N next to the WiFi icon. The Pay apps will also give you an alert that NFC is off when you open them. You do not usually need to have the app open to pay.
• Consider practicing before you leave, or practice somewhere friendly where the lines aren’t too long. It should go smoothly if you follow these steps, but it’s nice to be sure.

Important: Some merchants will tell you that contactless is only allowed on payments under 30-35 pounds. This is not true for the phone if you see the icon above. Some terminals will turn off the NFC functionality if the amount is higher, but this is store specific and rare. I was able to pay bills exceeding 1,000 pounds with my phone. This happened to me many times:

“That’ll be 75 pounds, please.”

I’d see the terminal in front of me with the icon displayed, open my phone and touch it to the terminal. I got the blue check mark, so I knew it had worked.

“Oh, I’m sorry sir that only works on transactions under thirty…. wait a minute… huh, it went through.”

“Yeah, the limit’s higher when you pay by phone.”

“Oh, I never knew that!”

This is technology with few early adopters so far, so be patient. If you don’t have a terminal in front of you and staff tells you it only works for under 35 pounds, don’t argue . Just give them your card and your thanks. Not only is this conflict unnecessary, but you may end up feeling like an ass if the store you’re in a store with one of the rare point-of-sale terminals that lock down card and phone payments on larger transaction.

Important : Even though you’re using Google pay, which has near-universal acceptance on all but the oldest systems, the type of card you’re using must still be accepted by the merchant. You cannot use your Discover card with Google Pay and expect it to work. Fees will still apply, so it’s very important to get a card without foreign transaction fees as discussed in step 2.

3. (Avoid) Exchange Rates and Cash

Cash businesses are rare these days, but they still exist. At this point it’s mostly stubborn old-school businesses that won’t take a card, but there were a few very rural businesses that don’t want to pay for a slow satellite connection. It’s also nice to have cash on hand for things like tips. In the UK we only went through about $100 per week, and that was with a lot more tipping than was necessary.

The first thing to know is that exchanging cash is a bad idea, period . Everyone will tell you not to change in the airport. It’s true that the exchange rates at airports are worse, but what no one tells is is they’re not really good anywhere. It’s often hard to tell if you’re getting a good deal because rates are giving in confusing non-standard buy-and-sell terms rather than in a simple exchange rate. Banks may give you a fair rate with a small fee, but it’s unlikely your bank has an international branch where you can exchange. Most UK and European banks will only change currency for you if you’re a member of the bank, which means you have to be a resident. You’re therefore limited to commercial currency exchange, which you’ll only find around tourist destinations.

Instead, find an ATM from a legitimate bank and withdraw cash after arriving . You’ll usually pay a fee, so it’s best to do this all at one time if you feel comfortable carrying that much money around. In almost every scenario (basically anything over $50) it’s much better to pay a one-time fee than to lose a fifth of your money to a shady currency exchange business. You can store the cash along with your passport and other valuables back in a hotel safe if you have one. Otherwise, just use your credit card with your Pay app as much as possible.

If you absolutely must exchange cash for some reason, look up exchange rates and make sure you understand how much you’re about to lose. 2-3% is fair profit, but 10-20% is much more common. Losing 20% before even buying anything should never be plan A.

4. Understanding Payment and Etiquette

First, let’s discuss tipping . As you may know, tipping in most of the world is not like tipping in the USA. In the States some professions make pathetic hourly wages with the justification that it’ll be made back on tips. In Europe and the UK tipping really is optional. People are paid a fair hourly wage. Tips are always appreciated, but you should never exceed 10%. Acceptable “good tips” are 5% or 1-2 pounds per person in your party. You might think tipping 20% is nice, and it will of course be accepted with thanks, but it will also make you look more ignorant than generous.

Many Americans are shocked by what they perceive as “poor service” in Europe. They’ll often blame this on the fact that tips are a smaller part of the transaction. There may be some truth, as many restaurants are not so highly staffed, but it has more to do with culture. Don’t assume people are unfriendly if they’re not smiling nonstop. Endless smiles are an American thing, and seen as fake in most of the world. Don’t assume you’re being ignored if someone isn’t checking on you to refill water and take any orders every 2 minutes. What Americans do when we eat out would be called speed dining in most of the world. It would be considered rude in much of Europe for a server to constantly ask if they needed anything. The table would be thinking, “No, now would you stop interrupting us every five minutes?” People are not in as much of a rush. It’ll take a little longer, because it’s just assumed you’re not impatient and in a hurry. If you are in a hurry to eat quickly by all means let your server know. Otherwise, try to dial it back. Take your time, and let the food and drink sit in your mouth a while. Enjoy the company and the conversation. If you really want something it’s not rude to get a server’s attention. Don’t snap or call. Eye contact with a an eyebrow raise is best and usually met with a single nod that says “I’ll be right there.” Then you double-nod back, “I am happy to wait.” This shouldn’t be all that foreign as American fine-dining restaurants are similar. Just don’t have a tantrum if you need to hydrate and your water isn’t always full.

Finally, you may want to understand some things about checks (more commonly and accurately called bills), especially in restaurants. You will need to ask for the bill . Otherwise you’ll be sitting around for hours while the staff wonder why you’re content to hold the table and look annoyed rather than pay and leave. Once you ask your bill will be presented. Usually this is just so you can check it. If paying by card you can put it down, just like in the states. Or, you can just tell your server the bill looks fine, thank you. They will then bring out the terminal so you can pay. They (or the manager) will bring the terminal around anyway, as this eliminates the need for a back-and-forth trip just to get your signature and retrieve your card. I’m also a fan of this method because it reduces the risk of identity theft. Many credit card numbers are stolen between the table and the till in the US, which is far less likely if the card never leaves the table.

5. Plan Your Trip, Call Your Credit Card, and Have Fun

You can use our site to determine the best times to travel . We recommend calling your credit card to verify your trip dates and locations. If you don’t have one of the cards above make sure you won’t be paying a foreign transaction fee. You should also take some time to understand your rental car benefits if you plan on renting. Does the card provide a damage waiver? Is it primary or secondary insurance? Chances are good you have to waive the (usually) overpriced damage waiver from the rental car company. Make sure you understand any additional benefits, such as lost baggage or travel insurance. Don’t forget to use your best card for travel expenses when booking, and check whether they have a rewards portal to book through for extra savings.

That’s it. You’re set. Leave behind any payment methods you definitely won’t be using, and enjoy your destination.

Helping you make the most out of your money

Searching Money Mentor . . .

The best travel debit and credit cards to use abroad, avoid hefty fees when you spend abroad with a top travel card.

Updated August 8, 2024

In this guide

If you’re heading overseas on holiday or on a business trip, getting a travel credit or debit card could be one of the cheapest ways to spend while abroad.

Often, a regular bank account debit card will charge you hefty fees and a poor exchange rate if you use it abroad for a transaction or cash withdrawal. However, there are lots of cards out there that do away with these fees.

In this article, we outline the best payment cards to use when you’re abroad plus whether it is better to use a credit card or debit card, plus the top prepaid travel money cards.

We explain:

• Best debit cards to use abroad

Best credit cards to use abroad

• Top prepaid travel cards to use abroad
• Should I use a credit or debit card abroad?
• Is it a good idea to withdraw cash on a credit card abroad?

Read more: Best rewards credit cards

The best travel debit cards

Here we list two banks which offer debit cards that might be worth considering if you’re travelling abroad:

Chase current account

Best debit card to use abroad

First Direct current account

A Times Money Mentor award-winning current account

Starling Bank current account

Another good travel debit card

Wine bars are out, bottle shops are in! Find your trendy local one

Bottle shops are the new wine bars. Think intimate settings, boujee food, and, of course, walls full of tasty bottles to drink. Find your nearest one here .

Below we list a number of credit card providers that might be worth considering if you’re heading abroad:

NatWest – Credit Card

• Foreign Purchase Fee Within Europe: £0.00
• Account Fee: £0.00

Coutts & Co. – Silk Card

• APR: 19.99%

Halifax – Clarity Credit Card

Virgin Money – Travel Credit Card (24.9%)

Nationwide Building Society – Member Credit Card (All Rounder Offer) Ex/C

Best prepaid travel cards.

A prepaid travel card, also known as a currency card, lets you load money and exchange different currencies before you go away. You can then use this card to spend or withdraw cash while abroad.

You can’t spend more than you have loaded onto the card. It effectively works like a debit card that doesn’t have an overdraft.

However, unlike a debit card from a FCA registered bank, prepaid travel cards don’t benefit from FSCS protection. So if your provider goes bust while you’re abroad, it might be difficult to reclaim your funds.

Out of goodwill, some companies like Wise and Revolut have specific safeguarding practices in place to keep your money secure – which makes their services better than others.

Below we explain why Wise may be worth considering if you’re heading abroad.

Another good option for people looking for a prepaid travel card

Is it better to use a credit card or debit card abroad?

As long as you find the best – and cheapest – credit card or debit card to use abroad, it’s often a matter of personal preference. It’s worth bearing in mind that using a credit card abroad does give you Section 75 protection, which can get you your money back when things go wrong.

In other words, if your goods are faulty, aren’t delivered or a supplier goes bust, you will get your money back under this piece of legislation. Section 75 doesn’t only apply to purchases made in the UK, but transactions made abroad too.

The scheme only covers purchases between the value of £100 and £30,000, o ur guide explains in further detail.

However, you’ll need to go through a ‘hard’ credit check when you apply for any credit card, so if you have a poor score it can limit your options.

Current accounts, meanwhile, may have less strenuous requirements and may be a better option for these applicants.

Read more: Best travel insurance providers

How much does it cost to use a regular card abroad?

The costs when using a typical debit or credit card abroad, and not a specialist travel card, can add up. High-street providers typically charge a 3% transaction fee for using your card abroad, which means a £100 bill will incur a £3 fee.

Read more: Best premium bank accounts

Looking for holiday inspiration?

Plan your next trip with the help of our award-winning travel writers.

Visit Times Travel

What exchange rates are used for travel cards?

When you pay on most debit and credit cards, the Visa or Mastercard exchange rate is used. This is very close to the market rate – so you should not be caught out inadvertently paying extra because you have been  given a poor exchange rate . 

Read more:  What’s the best way to transfer money internationally

Watch out for credit cards and ATMs

Unless you opt for a bank that offers fee-free current accounts that do not charge for using a debit card in Europe, which include Chase Bank and Starling Bank , you need to be wary when using an ATM with a debit card.

You can expect even bigger charges when withdrawing cash from a machine using a credit card and that is before interest is applied. Some will charge interest from the day the money leaves your account – even if they may boast of fee-free withdrawals.

Other cards, like Barclaycard Rewards, offer a grace period without charging interest, meaning that you shouldn’t pay any cash withdrawal fees or interest if you clear your balance in full each month. 

Earn more with American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

New Cardmembers earn 20,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend £3,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership.

Learn more and apply

Terms Apply. 18+, subject to status. 88.8% APR variable

Exchange your money for foreign cash

Sometimes you’ll need cash for your trip abroad. Not all merchants accept card payments and cash can offer a degree of flexibility. That’s why you might want to consider exchanging some of your holiday budget into foreign currency.

Leaving this to the last minute is often a mistake, especially if you use the bureau de change in the airport. These providers typically hike their fees and charge a premium because your options are limited at this point, so give yourself time beforehand to research the best currency exchange offers around.

Read more: The best and cheapest travel money providers

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

Our best current accounts

Current accounts have different perks, and these ultimately benefit different people. So, to help you compare the best ones, we’ve listed our top six current accounts below. We use our current accounts daily, from buying coffee to travelling to work. Therefore, it’s important that we properly consider the different options before choosing one.  There are […]

American Express explained: Which card is right for you?

After entering the UK market in the late 19th century, American Express now offers a string of different credit cards. So which one is best for you? If you’re looking for a way to maximise your spending, American Express offers some of the best credit cards on the market. While its offers aren’t tailored towards […]

Top credit cards to use this Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024

Last Black Friday was the busiest day for transactions on record for Nationwide. Other banks and building societies saw similarly high figures with their customer spending. If you plan on taking part, we outline the best ways to finance your discounted purchases. Black Friday is the annual discount shopping event that originated in the US […]

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God Save The Points

Elevating your travel

The 5 Best Credit Cards For Points And Perks For UK Travellers

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From backpacker to people with bag packers…

Credit cards scare people, annual fees scare people – but like many things in life, it’s all about how you use them. Regardless of how steep the annual fee, the best travel credit cards can help travellers come out far ahead on their annual travel expenses while opening up new levels of service and luxury too. Here are the best UK travel credit card options in 2019, whatever type of traveler you are.

Best All-Around – American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Not sure whether you need airline miles or hotel points? This card is one of the most flexible on the UK market, with the ability to create Amex, Virgin, Emirates, Hilton and other points instantly, but with the added safety of being able to transfer your points to many different airline or hotel programs, rather than commit to one.

Amex Gold cardmembers earn 3x points when they book with Amex Travel, 2x points when they book flights directly with an airline and earn 2 lounge passes each year.

Good for: Non to semi-frequent travellers who don’t often book business class flights outright.

Annual fee: Waived for the first year. £140 after that.

Sign up Bonus: 20,000 American Express Membership Rewards Points after £2k in the first 3 months . 10,000 bonus points each year you spend £15,000 in a year, for at least 25,000 points a year ongoing. Plus, earn 9,000 points for every friend you refer.

Earning: 1x points on everything, 2x on flights booked with airlines, 3x with Amex Travel.

Key benefit: 2 Airport VIP lounge passes annually, doesn’t matter what airline you’re flying.

Best Value Miles Earner – HSBC Premier World Elite

This is a card that competes with Amex Platinum, with half the annual fee and greater acceptance. The benefits are clever, the earnings are powerful and most importantly, it looks great. Half kidding about that being the most important part, of course.

This is a brilliant card if you’d like to earn flexible points, which are convertible to a variety of airlines or wish to simply redeem for a great travel rebate, good toward any purchase. If you can get approved with the strict criterion, it’s a no brainer.

Good for: High net worth spenders who enjoy lounge access when flying a variety of airlines, and want options when they cash in their points via multiple airline choices. Read criterion here .

Annual fee: £190, with an option to add up to three supplementary cardholders for £60.

Sign up Bonus:   40,000 HSBC Points when you spend £2k in the first 3 months of card opening, plus an additional 40,000 when you spend £12k in the first 12 months. 80,000 HSBC Points equal 40,000 airline miles with British Airways, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Singapore and Etihad.

Earning:  2x points (1 airline mile) per £ on everything, 4x (2 airline miles) on foreign transactions.

Key benefit: Unlimited annual airport lounge visits, iPass wifi subscription (in-flight wifi too).

Best For Points Nerds – Starwood Preferred Guest Amex

Have you read some blog posts about obscure frequent flyer programs, where there’s no way to create points other than actually flying, or by converting SPG/Marriott Bonvoy Points? If so, this is your card. Even though SPG is now Marriott Bonvoy, all the brilliant ways to use your points from this card remain intact.

You can do incredible things with SPG (nor Marriott Bonvoy) Points, from hotel stays with Marriott to priceless experiences to converting these points into airline miles with more than 35 airlines! Here are the coolest airline tricks you can only unlock with SPG, in case you’re curious!

Good for: Points nerds looking to use the fewest points for the greatest flying experiences, and people who want a strong earning card for free hotel stays. The more you spend, the better.

Annual fee:  £75 per year.

Earning:  3 Marriott Points for every £1 spent on the card. 3 Marriott points = 1.25 airline miles when you redeem 60,000 points at a time. Earn additional points at all Marriott and Starwood properties.

Sign up Bonus: 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points after £1000 in spending in the first 3 months . Earn Marriott Gold elite status after £15k per year in spend, and a free night award after £25k in spend per year.

Key benefit: Convert points to airline miles with 35 airlines, all from one card.

Best For Luxury Travel – American Express Platinum

With an annual fee of £450 a year, you’ll undoubtedly be expecting a lot from this card. And if you travel frequently, and enjoy luxury travel – you’ll get it. The Amex Platinum is the Swiss Army Knife of luxury travel, unlocking hotel upgrades, a fast track to amazing frequent flyer status, discounts and flight benefits, all while offering perks like airport lounge access.

Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts unlocks buy 2 get 1 free offers, dining credits with each stay and other perks which can more than offset the annual fee in a single transaction. The card also comes with complimentary Marriott Gold Status, Hilton status and a Shangri La status you can parlay into Star Alliance Gold frequent flyer status.

Good for:  People who spend money on luxury hotels, enjoy instant, complimentary elite hotel guest status and enjoy airport lounge access, regardless of airline or cabin.

Annual fee:  £450 per year.

Earning: 1x points on everything, 2x with Amex Travel. 18,000 points per card referral.

Sign up Bonus: 30,000 American Express Membership Rewards Points after £2k in the first 3 months . These points can be converted into hotel points or airline miles, with a variety of choices.

Key benefit: Fast track to Star Alliance Gold, lounge access, hotel discounts and upgrades.

Best For Free Flights – Virgin Atlantic Premium Mastercard Or British Airways Premium Amex

British Airways or Virgin Atlantic? For the easiest route to unlock free flights from the UK, both cards offer great value and a very similar proposition. The benefits are slightly different, but each card offers an opportunity to earn the most points with each respective airline for each purchase, including your morning coffee.

In addition, you can unlock 2 for 1 offers where two people can travel for the miles needed for just one, upgrades and other perks . If you’re a loyalist to either airline these cards make a lot of sense. If you travel across tons of airlines, perhaps one of the above.

Good for: Loyalists of either airline, who stick (as much as possible) to the program.

Annual fee:  British Airways Amex is £195 per year. Virgin Atlantic Premium is £160.

Sign up Bonus: The British Airways Premium Amex offers 25,000 Avios points after £3k in spending within the first 3 months . The Virgin Atlantic Mastercard offers 15,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles after your first purchase , within 90 days of card opening.

Earning: The British Airways Premium Amex offers 1.5 Avios per £ on all purchases and 3 on British Airways purchases.The Virgin Atlantic Premium Mastercard also offers 1.5 Flying Club Miles per £, and 3 miles on Virgin Atlantic purchases.

Key benefit:  Both cards offer a 2 for 1 voucher when you spend £10,000 in a year. The British Airways version is good for any cabin, whereas the Virgin Atlantic version is only good for economy, unless you’re a Silver or Gold Virgin flyer. The Virgin Atlantic card however also offers more choice for rewards, like an upgrade to Premium, or lounge passes, if you don’t need a companion.

What’s your favorite UK Travel credit card?

Featured image courtesy of the St. Regis Bora Bora.

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

Join the Conversation

You missed Amex Rewards Credit Card which is very similar to the Amex Gold Charge Card but doesn’t have the annual fee… Good for starters but also brilliant if you want to keep your MR points after the first free year on Amex Gold but yacht decided where to transfer them to!

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Guide to Travel Credit Cards

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

Travel credit cards operate as credit cards but don’t carry a fee abroad. Our guide to travel cards will break down everything you need to know to decide if a travel credit card is right for you.

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards  are cards that do not carry a fee for use abroad but still operate as standard credit cards in the UK. The main difference with a travel credit card is that they do not have that non-sterling transaction fee , which means you pay less while spending abroad.

Typically, credit cards carry a charge for ATM withdrawals, which could be anything from 2.50% to 2.99%. But some travel credit cards have no fees for cash withdrawals made abroad and often waive the cash advance fee for withdrawals made outside the UK.

While some of our favourite credit cards for travel are actually called ‘travel’ cards by the credit card issuer, not all of them are. In fact, some of our top picks for spending abroad are not labelled ‘travel’ cards, but are simply great all-round type cards that also have no non-sterling transaction fees.

How does a travel credit card work?

What’s great about travel credit cards, is that there’s nothing particularly special that you need to do to get the main benefit of no foreign transaction fee.

Here’s the main thing you need to remember when travelling: Pay as you normally would,  in the local currency . That last bit is critical. Often, merchants in other countries will give you the option of paying in sterling. If you have a travel card, don’t do it. Choose to pay in the local currency.

While it may seem nice that merchants would offer the option to pay in sterling, the exchange rates they give you usually aren’t very good. When you pay in local currency, your bank will exchange at the network’s exchange rate (that is, the wholesale exchange rate for Visa, Mastercard or American Express, depending on your card type). And those exchange rates tend to be very good and very close to the ‘spot’ exchange rate.

This works similarly if you’re overseas and take a  cash advance  at an ATM. If you take out local currency from that ATM  and  have a travel card that doesn’t charge a foreign currency fee on cash advances, then you’ll get that currency without an added fee on top.

When you have this fee-free cash advance option open to you, it can be a helpful option in a pinch. But only in a pinch. Here’s why: When you pay for a purchase with your credit card, you don’t pay any interest on that amount as long as you pay off your balance at the end of the month. But if you take out a cash advance, you start paying interest on that money right away. So, if you have a travel card with no non-sterling transaction fees on cash advances, then you may not have to pay fee for your ATM withdrawal, but you will end up paying interest.

Fees on travel credit cards

There are three main types of charges that may apply when using a travel credit card:

• Non-sterling transaction fee  – This is a percentage of each transaction, often up to 2.99%. However,  most  specialist travel credit cards waive this fee.
• Non-sterling cash fee  – You will often pay a fee of around 3% when you withdraw money from a cash machine.
• Interest on cash withdrawals  – When using a credit card – even a travel credit card – you will usually pay interest on cash withdrawals, which can be at a much higher rate than the interest on purchases.

Types of travel cards

There are three main types of travel cards. They are:

Airline credit card

An airline credit card is a type of travel credit card that allows you to accumulate airline miles and other rewards with a particular airline every time you use the card to make a purchase.

Hotel credit card

With a hotel credit card, you earn points when you use the card for purchases. Points can be exchanged for free nights in the hotel chain, discounted rates and upgrades, and often the opportunity to climb the ranks with the hotel’s loyalty scheme. Also, most hotel credit cards add on bonus points for transactions in some spending categories, such as hotel spending, dining, or airfare.

Prepaid travel card

While not a credit card, a prepaid travel card is a card that you pay money onto prior to your travels, and then use for your holiday spends. Prepaid travel cards allow you to carry less cash and, unlike a credit card, there is no risk of overspending or accumulating interest on debt.

Please note that prepaid travel cards do not offer protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means that if you don’t receive something, or the item is faulty, or the company you’ve bought from goes under, your prepaid card provider is not jointly responsible with the retailer.

What rewards can I get with a travel credit card?

The rewards depend entirely on the travel card you select. Some travel credit cards offer nothing beyond having no foreign transaction fees, but several cards on the market offer something for your spending.

• Cashback cards  – These cards offer you cashback as a percentage of how much you spend. For example, a card might offer 0.5% cashback on your spending. Therefore, if you were to spend £100, you would earn yourself 50p in cashback. The thing to check with travel cards that offer cashback is whether there is a cap on how much cashback you can earn over a period of time.
• Reward cards  – These cards offer you reward points for your spending that you can then convert into spending or perks with specific companies. With schemes such as this, just be aware of any spending requirements in order to earn the points, and whether the card carries an annual fee.
• Travel discounts  – Some travel cards offer travel discounts as part of their package. This could be anything from discounts on holidays with a specific travel operator to money off travel insurance policies.

The benefits of a travel credit card

Whether you travel for business or are just looking for some R&R, using a credit card abroad can be a convenient way to manage your overseas spending. But what are the real benefits of choosing a travel credit card over a standard credit card?

• No foreign transaction fees  – This is the big winner with a travel credit card. It means that you can use your card abroad without any additional fees piling on. While 3% may not sound like much, when you do the math across all your spending while on holiday, it really adds up!
• Rewards when you spend  – Some travel credit cards offer additional rewards such as cashback, travel discounts or vouchers based on your spending. Combine that with no foreign transaction fees, and you’re earning on your spend whether at home or overseas.
• Preferable exchange rates  – The exchange rates offered on travel credit cards are typically competitive, and almost always better than the rate that an overseas merchant or exchange office will offer.
• Protected purchases  – Using your credit card to make purchases means that anything that costs between £100 and £30,000 is covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means that if you don’t receive something, or the item is faulty, or the company you’ve bought from goes under, your credit card provider is jointly responsible with the retailer. Please note that prepaid travel cards do not provide protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
• Fee-free cash withdrawals  – To be clear, we generally don’t recommend getting cash advances from credit cards. That’s because you start getting charged interest as soon as you pull that cash out, and often face cash advance fees. But if you’re overseas and in a pinch, a travel card that doesn’t charge additional fees for withdrawing cash from an overseas ATM can take some of the sting out of grabbing some emergency cash.

Potential disadvantages of a travel credit card

While travel cards may seem like the most sensible option if you’re planning to go away, there are still things you should be aware of before you apply.

• You may not be accepted  – Not everyone is guaranteed to be accepted for a credit card, and travel cards typically require you to have a ‘good/excellent’ credit score.
• High interest rates  – Many travel credit cards have higher APRs. If you do not pay off your balance each month, you will incur interest charges, and the higher APRs could potentially erase any savings you’ve made with the fee-free card. Additionally, any cash withdrawals made abroad that sit on your balance will also be charged at the card’s cash advance APR, and will start accruing immediately.
• Annual fees  – We’ve tried to select cards that do not carry an annual fee. Some travel cards that offer higher travel rewards do, but sometimes require you to pay an annual fee.
• Sterling transactions  – You may be charged fees by the retailer if you do not use the local currency when using your card abroad. If you were to make a sterling transaction with a foreign retailer, that retailer may charge you a transaction fee to cover the cost of converting sterling into the local currency. Therefore, be sure to always make purchases or withdrawals in the local currency.
• Card acceptance  – While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, there may be some places where cards in your card network will not be accepted and therefore your card won’t work. It is best to have some sort of backup when travelling, so in addition to your travel credit card carry some cash in the local currency, traveller’s cheques or a debit card.

Which credit card is best for travel?

The best credit card for travel will depend on which features are most important to you. Take time to compare the best travel credit cards on the market.

Ideally, search for a travel credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

Using your standard UK credit card when you’re abroad can become expensive. You will often pay around 3% on cash withdrawals and for each transaction in a foreign country.

What to consider when comparing travel credit cards:

It’s important to know how to compare travel cards on your own, so you can choose the best travel credit card for you.

Here are a few things to consider when comparing travel credit cards:

• Foreign transaction fees:  The biggest difference with travel credit cards is that they don’t charge a foreign transaction fee. If you’re looking for a card for overseas travel, confirm that it definitely doesn’t charge this fee.
• Annual fees:  While some cards do charge an  annual fee , there are plenty of travel cards available that do not. All else the same, it’s better to avoid an annual fee, but be sure to consider all aspects of a card, as sometimes it comes with a deal that makes the fee worth it.
• Rewards, cashback and other perks:  Once you’ve (ideally) found a card that has no foreign transaction fees, charges no annual fee and has a reasonable APR, then you can narrow down your choices further by opting for a card that provides rewards on your spend, discounts on your travel or that offers an introductory 0% interest period.
• Required credit rating:  If you have a high credit score, you should be able to qualify for most or all of our top picks. But if you’re still establishing your credit or rebuilding your credit, there are a few cards on our list that don’t charge foreign transaction fees  and  accept applicants with lower credit scores.

Should I get a travel credit card?

A credit card for travel can be a good option for spending abroad, but is not for everyone. Here are three things you should ask yourself to determine if a travel card is the best card for you:

• Do you travel abroad at least once a year?  If you travel abroad at least once per year, you’ll get the most use out of a travel card. If you don’t travel abroad very often, you won’t benefit from features such as no foreign transaction fees.
• Is your credit score good or excellent?   Most travel cards require applicants to have a ‘good/excellent’ credit score. All our reviews have guidance on what level of credit score is required for each card. If you don’t know your credit score, you can find it out using free services such as Noddle or Experian.
• Do you pay your credit card bill in full?  Something to bear in mind with travel cards is that they typically don’t offer any introductory 0% interest period on purchases. Therefore, any purchases you make will be subject to interest charges if you don’t pay off your bill in full. Similarly, any cash withdrawals made abroad will be subject to interest charges, so make sure that you can pay off whatever you put onto your card.

If a travel credit card doesn’t seem the right fit for you, then consider the other options available. For example,  prepaid travel cards  are great if you prefer to set aside a spending budget before you go away – you can load the card with this before you travel.

Alternatives to a travel credit card

If you’d rather not apply for a travel credit card, consider instead using one or more of the options below:

• Prepaid cards : Prepaid travel cards are a great alternative as you can pre-load them with money before you travel, and then spend abroad without the risk of getting into debt. Be aware that some prepaid cards charge an application fee and sometimes charge for withdrawing cash.
• Cash : Cash is an easy option with no chance of technical difficulties or overspending. However, try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, in case you lose it or it’s stolen.
• Debit cards : You can use most debit cards in many countries around the world. However, there are usually fees for using your debit card in a foreign country, and you may be charged fees for withdrawing cash, and foreign currency fees on all transactions.

How to pick the best travel credit card

The main feature to look for in a travel credit card picks is the absence of foreign transaction fees.

Here’s a look at some of the specific elements to consider:

• Overseas usage fees  – As mentioned, this is key for a travel credit card. If a credit card has a foreign transaction fee, it shouldn’t appear on your list of the top travel cards.
• Reward offers  – Whether it’s rewards points or cashback, getting rewarded for spending at home and abroad is a nice plus in any credit card.
• Travel discounts  – Some travel cards offer discounts for travel-related spend, while a few offer deals when purchasing foreign currency.
• Introductory 0% offers  – These cards may not be focused on balance transfers or 0% purchases periods, but it doesn’t hurt to have that thrown in, right?
• Standard APR  – If you end up having to pay interest on a balance, a lower  APR  is naturally better.
• What is a credit score?
• How many credit cards should you have?
• How to apply for a credit card
• Credit card charges and fees explained

The 7 Best UK Travel Credit Cards for Airline Miles

Ever thought about leveraging your credit cards to earn free flights? It might sound too good to be true, but an airline miles credit card allows you to cash in on your day-to-day spending for endless travel perks. Yet, with so many to choose from, you might be wondering which is the best card for you.

Travel credit cards are usually linked to a particular airline loyalty scheme where customers can bag points for flights they’ve taken and other money spent with certain retailers. These points can then be cashed in for rewards like priority boarding, lounge access , flights, and upgrades. While the fares might be free, it’s important to note you’ll still have to pay airline taxes, but you could save a fortune with the right card.  

You want to have your credit situation in order first because high-interest rates can outweigh the perks if you’re not on top of your spending. Nevertheless, there’s a loyalty scheme out there for everyone and our guide contains all of the best credit cards for airline miles on the market. Let’s get into it. 

Table of Contents

American Express Preferred Reward Gold Credit Card

Clinching the number one spot, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card is one of the most versatile travel credit cards available, coming with a host of key benefits and rewards. A ‘Welcome Bonus’ applies, with American Express offering 20,000 points for customers who spend £3,000 in their first three months of membership and no annual fee for the first year.

The best thing about this American Express card is getting to choose the rewards you want based on your spending. You can use points whenever you want, pay with points, and transfer your points to other travel programs. 

Gold Cardmembers can earn 1x points for every £1 spent and 2x points for all airline and foreign currency purchases on your card. You can then use your points against anything you’ve purchased with your card, or redeem them with a range of American Express travel, retail, and lifestyle partners.  

An exclusive benefit with this card is the Deliveroo loyalty scheme which allows Gold Cardmembers to claim £5 cashback on all eligible delivery orders, twice every month. Users also get two free lounge visitors a year at over 1,300 worldwide airport lounges. 

Representative APR : 61% APR variable

Annual Fee : £140 after your first year

Credit Limit : Assumed credit limit of £1,200

Purchase Rate : 25.3% variable for purchases

British Airways American Express Credit Card

Partnered with British Airways, this card allows members to collect Avios with no annual fee on day-to-day purchases already being made. Avios is British Airway’s exclusive reward currency for members of the British Airways Executive Club. There’s a 5,000 Avios bonus when you spend £1,000 in your first three months and 4,000 Avios up for grabs when you invite a friend and they get approved. 

This British Airways American Express card also offers 1x Avios for every £1 that’s spent on purchases across the board. Members can also earn a Companion Voucher when they spend £12,000 per membership year, allowing you to bring a friend on the same flight and cabin, or receive a 50 percent discount on the Avios used for paying for the flight if you’re traveling alone. Vouchers are only redeemable through British Airways when you book with the airline. 

Add a family member or partner to your account to earn Avios faster. Around 10,000 Avios is enough for a one-way economy flight to over 25 destinations, while 30,000 Avios can amount to an off-peak return from London to over 50 destinations, with an added fee of just £1 per passenger. You can also use your Avios against upgrades to business and first class, as well as priority boarding.    

Representative APR : 25.3% APR variable

Annual Fee : No annual fee

Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card 

Exclusively tied to Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays, with a Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card you can earn 0.75x Virgin Points for every £1 you spend every time you shop whether it’s a coffee, the weekly groceries, or a train ticket you’re buying. You’ll also get 1.5x points for every £1 spent on Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays and every point earned goes toward flights, upgrades, and other airline rewards.

On top of Virgin Points, your card can also be used to get up to 15 percent cashback with selected UK retailers. 

There’s a 0 percent representative APR variable for the first six months and a 22.9% p.a. variable thereafter. Virgin Atlantic offers no annual fee and if you spend £20,000 in one year you can unlock rewards of your choosing from companion tickets to bumping yourself up to first class on your next flight. 

Representative APR : 22.9% APR variable

Purchase Rate : 22.9% variable for purchases

American Express Nectar Credit Card

If you’re a keen Nectar point collector or regular shopper in Nectar point partnership stores, then this is the travel credit card for you. When you spend at Nectar partners using the American Express Nectar Credit Card and Loyalty Card, you can earn a minimum of 3x points for every £1 spent, and 2x points for every £1 on other purchases. 

As a welcome gift, American Express will waive the £25 annual fee for your first year and offer 20,000 bonus Nectar points if you spend just £2,000 in your first three months. When you invite a friend and they get approved for their own card, you’ll also earn 5,000 points, with a maximum of 90,000 points per year – that’s 18 possible friend referrals. 

When it comes to redeeming your Nectar points, 20,000 points amount to at least £100 to spend with Nectar partners. Nectar has a number of travel-related UK partners, including British Airways, Eurostar, Expedia, and Nectar Hotels. 

You can also collect even more points with complimentary supplementary cards which can be requested for anyone over the age of 18 on your Nectar Card. You will be responsible for any spending made on your account by a supplementary card member. 

Representative APR : 30.7% APR variable

Annual Fee : £25 after your first year

Virgin Atlantic Rewards Plus Credit Card

This Virgin Atlantic Rewards card is similar to the one mentioned above but packs even more rewards. It might come with a £160 annual fee and a 63.9 percent representative APR variable, but you’ll earn 15,000 bonus points if you make any purchase using your Reward+ card in the first three months. That’s with no minimum spend. 

This card also offers 1.5x Virgin points for every £1 spent on everyday purchases and 3x points for every £1 spent with Virgin Atlantic and Virgin holidays – twice as many reward points as the Virgin Atlantic Reward Card. You only need to spend £10,000 a year to unlock exclusive benefits like upgrades, companion flights, and solo-travel discounts too. 

Cardholders also get to make use of free Boingo Wi-Fi which can be found at 1 million hotspots worldwide. Other Virgin perks include Apply Pay secure payments and no charges for foreign currency transactions. 

Representative APR : 63.9% APR variable

Annual Fee : £160 annual fee

Barclaycard Avios Credit Card and Credit Card Plus

With a Barclaycard Avios card you can cash in on points earned from spending to claim them against flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, car hire, and more. New customers to Barclaycard will collect 5,000 Avios for spending £1,000 or more in your first three months on your Barclaycard Avios Credit Card, and Barclaycard Avios Plus members get 25,000 points for spending £3,000 in the same time frame, with a £20 monthly fee. 

Collect 1x Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases with Barclaycard Avios, but 1.5x points with Barclaycard Avios Plus. Spend £20,000 within 12 months on your Barclaycard Avios to received a British Airways cabin upgrade voucher to use on an Avios Reward Flight booking, and spend just £10,000 on your Barclay Avios Plus in one year for the same reward. 

All Barclaycard Avios Credit Cards come with five months of free Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade. If you don’t have a British Airways Executive Club account, Barclaycard will set one up for you when you’re approved and transfer all Avios to your account. 

Representative APR : 23.9% APR variable / 72.4% APR variable

Annual Fee : £0 annual fee / £240 annual fee

Purchase Rate : 23.9% variable for purchases

British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card

Bigger deals, even bigger rewards. American Express partners with British Airways again with this card to bring their Premium Plus Credit Card offering even greater benefits for big spenders and real travel buffs. You’ll earn 1.5x Avios for every £1 spent on daily purchases and as many as 3x Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways and British Airways Holidays. 

Companion Vouchers or 50 percent solo travel discounts come with just £10,000 of spending each membership year on your Premium Plus card. Premium Plus Cardmembers also get access to additional reward flight seats within Club World (business) when using a Companion Voucher. 

With 30,000 Avios, you could cash in your points earned on the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card for a Club Europe (business class) off-peak return from London to destinations like Milan, Amsterdam, and Geneva at just £1 extra per person. Invite a friend and if they get approved you’ll collect a 9,000 bonus Avios to put towards food on board, upgrades, and flights. 

Representative APR : 102.5% APR variable

Annual Fee : £250 annual fee

Are travel credit cards for airline miles worth it?

If you’re a frequent flyer and tend to spend a lot, especially with specific retailers and airlines with which credit card companies have partnerships, then a travel credit card could definitely be worth it. For example, if you use Virgin Atlantic for regular business flights overseas, a Virgin Atlantic Reward or Reward Plus Credit Card could harness great benefits for you. Likewise, if you shop with Argos, Sainsbury’s, and eBay regularly, then an American Express Nectar Credit Card could get you savings with Eurostar, British Airways, and Expedia. 

However, travel credit cards, like any credit cards, are only rewarding if you have your credit under control and can rely on yourself to make regular repayments. Some cards come with very high representative APR variables, and if you aren’t able to meet repayment deadlines, your card will end up costing you more than it saves. 

What is the difference between credit card rewards and airline rewards?

Simply put, credit card rewards can cover a range of retailers, incentives, discounts, and subscriptions across the board, while airline rewards are more travel-specific. Some cards allow you to convert airline points into other rewards, bridging the gap. However, while you can earn points from spending with both types of cards, you can generally only earn points from your air miles with an airline rewards card. 

Are there any debit cards that earn airline miles?

There are a few remaining debit cards that offer airline rewards for uncredited payments. The PayPal Business Mastercard, the Chase Disney Visa, and the UFB Direct Airline Rewards all give their members miles, points, and cashback for spending, but on a much smaller scale than with credit cards, and rewards can take longer to accumulate. 

I'm Jamie, your travel enthusiast and trusted source for all things related to travel gear and travel credit cards.

As someone who's always had an insatiable wanderlust, I've explored numerous corners of the globe, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene landscapes of Patagonia. Along the way, I've learned that the key to a successful trip often lies in the gear you bring and the financial choices you make.

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Best Travel Credit Card UK, Airport Lounge Access And More

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These Travel Credit Cards Just Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction

The ranking includes cards that have an annual fee as well as ones that don't

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Deciding on a credit card for the best travel perks may have just gotten easier thanks to a new study.

According to J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study , Southwest's cards by Chase reigned supreme in first and second place in the co-branded credit card category.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card, which has a $99 annual fee, took the No. 1 spot and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card, which has a $149 annual fee, followed. A major perk for Southwest cardholders includes its coveted Companion Pass which can be earned just by spending on the cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express card took the third spot in co-branded credit cards thanks to its benefits that include priority boarding, a domestic companion certificate each year after renewal, and a free first checked bag on Delta flights. The card has an annual fee of $350. In a separate category of cards without an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express card received the second-highest customer satisfaction rating mainly due to its popular bonuses and earning rates. Cardholders earn 7X points per $1 spent at a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio, 5X points per $1 spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3 points per dollar for other purchases. Cardholders also enjoy Hilton Silver Elite status and purchase and travel insurance. The Apple Card and Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi rounded out the top three for co-branded cards with no annual fee. The study included 38,852 credit card customers who were surveyed between June 2023 and June 2024. Customers were asked to rate their satisfaction with credit cards based on seven factors: account management, benefits, customer service, new account, rewards earning, rewards redeeming, and terms.

Travel + Leisure also recently released a list of credit cards perfect for frequent fliers, according to experts.

Related Articles

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

Travel credit cards allow you to earn points and miles you can redeem for flights, hotel stays and more.

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You'll maximize the value of your rewards by using your issuer's travel or shopping portal instead of a third-party site.

Key Takeaways

• Travel credit cards offer rewards that can save you money on the likes of flights and hotel stays, plus perks for the traveler.
• Co-branded cards apply to specific airlines or hotel chains, while general cards offer flexibility.
• Travel credit cards may come with annual fees, but higher fees may mean more rewards and perks.

Transitioning from cash back credit cards to travel credit cards can feel a little daunting. But once you get the hang of it, it's almost as straightforward. Almost.

Types of Travel Credit Cards

General travel credit cards.

These are your regular travel cards that offer rewards within a card issuer's benefits program. Say you have the American Express® Gold Card . You would redeem your rewards using the American Express Membership Rewards program. This can all be done in the app, so it's less complicated than it sounds.

These types of travel cards are best for consumers who don't have any kind of allegiance to a particular hotel or airline. These cards also have flexible redemption options, so depending on the issuer, consumers can transfer rewards to a number of travel partners.

Hotel Credit Cards

You might have seen these being called co-branded cards. That's because these cards are a partnership between a hotel chain and an issuer. Points can be redeemed for hotel perks, like free stays and room upgrades. Consumers also earn the most rewards when they use their card at their preferred hotel chain.

For example, consumers with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earn 14 Hilton Honors Bonus Points for every dollar they spend at Hilton hotels and resorts. It's worth noting, though, that cards with high earning rates often charge higher annual fees. Such is the case with the Aspire Card, as it charges an annual fee of $550.

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

Airline Credit Cards

Also considered co-branded cards, airline credit cards cater to the consumer who frequents a specific airline. Many offer introductory bonuses in the form of miles and provide perks like award flights, free checked bags and priority boarding.

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , for example, has a welcome offer of 10,000 miles after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months as a cardholder. And cardholders earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide. ( See Rates & Fees )

Common Travel Credit Card Perks

These benefits will vary depending on the type of travel credit card you have, but many perks include:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip cancellation and/or trip delay insurance
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit
• Baggage delay or lost baggage insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Airport lounge access

How Travel Credit Cards Work

Cardholders can earn points and miles in the same way they'd earn cash back. Just use your travel credit card for purchases that help you get the most rewards. Once you're ready to spend them, it's best to use your issuer's travel or shopping portal instead of a third-party site. Your rewards will have a slightly higher value that way.

Miles earned on an airline credit card get deposited into your airline frequent flyer program, usually when your statement closes. Similarly, hotel points earned on a hotel credit card get deposited into your hotel loyalty account.

Rewards earned on general travel cards have a bit more flexibility. Many have travel partners, allowing you to transfer rewards to multiple airlines, hotels and car rental companies.

How to Redeem Rewards

Rewards programs typically use a 1-to-1 conversion rate – this means one point is worth 1 cent. So 100 points are worth $1. But some issuers offer higher redemption values if you use their travel portal.

For example, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , one point is worth 1.25 cents when you redeem through the Chase Travel portal. Chase Sapphire Reserve® has an even higher redemption rate of 1.5 cents per point.

Another way to maximize your rewards is to transfer points or miles to a travel partner with a loyalty program you participate in. You can do this through the issuer's portal. It's worth noting, however, that once you transfer your rewards to a travel partner, you can't transfer them back to the issuer.

Once you've made the transfer, your credit card issuer is no longer part of the booking process. You then book your trip through the airline or hotel loyalty program.

How to Pick the Right Travel Card

There are a plethora of travel credit cards out there. Here's what to consider when choosing the one right for you:

• Travel preferences. Picking the right travel card means figuring out how you travel. For instance, if the airline or hotel doesn't matter to you, then a general travel card is a good starting point. But if you consider yourself, say, a Delta die-hard, a co-branded airline card would be a better option.
• Introductory bonus. When you apply is almost as important as the type of card you apply for. Issuers often change their welcome offers on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict when an issuer will increase its welcome offer. But compare these offers and determine if you're able to comfortably meet the requirements before deciding on a card.
• Annual fee. There are plenty of travel credit cards with no annual fee for the budget-conscious traveler. But remember, the higher the fee, the better the perks (usually).
• Essential perks. That TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit can go a long way. Or maybe you know you're an over-packer and need that first-checked-bag-free credit. Make sure the travel card checks all your boxes.

After learning how to get the most out of your new travel card, you'll be able to pay for whole trips with just rewards. They're essential for those consumed with wanderlust.

Tags: credit cards , Travel Credit Cards

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

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Yahoo Finance

Natwest and visa launch credit card to support and reward uk customers.

NatWest Group has collaborated with Visa to launch a new travel reward credit card, available now in the UK for NatWest customers.

The card offers a range of features. These features include 1% back on eligible travel spending, including on planes, trains, car rental, ferries, buses, hotel accommodation, travel agents, cruises, campsites and more, as well as 1% to 15% at selected partner retailers.

This launch is the latest in a long-term collaboration between Visa and NatWest Group to offer customers access to Visa’s debit and credit cards to help them manage their spending with greater ease, security, flexibility and control.

The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad

As part of this partnership, NatWest launched a campaign that leveraged the energy between its sponsorship of Team GB and Visa’s sponsorship of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Existing NatWest customers who expressed an interest in the card were offered a chance to win a pair of tickets to a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony and an exciting Olympic event, courtesy of Visa.

Salim Secretary, Head of Payment Schemes and Partnerships at NatWest Group, said: “Our new Travel Reward Credit card is rewarding our customers with one percent back on their travel spend. It is through our long-term collaboration with Visa that we have been able to further extend the choice of cards available to our customers.”

Mandy Lamb, Managing Director, UK & Ireland, at Visa, also commented: “As part of our long-term collaboration, we’re delighted that NatWest will launch this new credit card in the UK, helping to deliver seamless, secure and flexible payment experiences. Together we’ll bring our world-class capabilities to millions of NatWest’s customers with all our products and services underpinned by our global commitment to be the best way to pay and be paid.”

"NatWest and Visa launch credit card to support and reward UK customers" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International , a GlobalData owned brand.

The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?

Editor's Note

When searching for a hotel, what matters most to you? Price? Location? Amenities?

Here's a valuable tip: If you're not booking through hotel loyalty programs, you're missing out on great deals and leaving money on the table. These programs offer free upgrades, complimentary breakfast , access to exclusive lounges and even free nights once you accumulate enough points. Now the question is, which hotel program suits you best?

We've examined nine worldwide hotel rewards programs:

Marriott Bonvoy

Hilton honors, world of hyatt, wyndham rewards, ihg one rewards, accor live limitless, choice privileges, best western rewards, radisson rewards.

Let's review each program briefly so you can more easily decide which one(s) to invest in.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Marriott is an international hotel megachain. Its portfolio features over 30 brands and more than 8,800 properties across 141 countries and territories. No matter where you're going, there's bound to be a Marriott hotel nearby.

A key perk of the Marriott Bonvoy program is its fifth-night-free benefit. You'll receive the lowest-priced night for zero points when you book five consecutive reward nights. This can save you a ton of points on expensive stays, especially if you redeem your points in a high-end destination like the Maldives .

Another notable benefit is that Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer points to its 39 airline partners , which include some of the hardest airline currencies to earn , like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Asiana Airlines Asiana Club .

Marriott Bonvoy members can get even more from the program if they reach one of the five elite status tiers . Some benefits include room upgrades, lounge access and Nightly Upgrade Awards (formerly Suite Night Awards).

There are several cards you can use to earn Marriott Bonvoy points , but six are available to new applicants — three from American Express and three from Chase:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Marriott is also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards , giving you plenty of ways to earn points.

Marriott Bonvoy is good for travelers who:

• Aren't sure where in the world they plan to travel
• Want a huge collection of luxury properties
• Want a selection of unique, non-cookie-cutter hotels
• Frequently redeem points in five-night increments
• Want to book extended-stay hotel rooms
• Want to turn their points into airline miles

Related: When does it make sense to transfer Marriott points to airlines?

Hilton is another global hotel chain, with over 7,800 properties across 24 brands and 126 countries and territories. Couple its size with the relative effortlessness of earning Hilton Honors points , and the Hilton Honors program may be the most all-around convenient hotel rewards option.

Like Marriott, Hilton offers the fifth consecutive award night free — but you must have at least Hilton Honors Silver elite status to unlock this benefit. Thankfully, you can achieve this simply by holding a Hilton credit card . The Hilton Honors American Express Card provides complimentary Silver status, and the following cards provide Gold status (enrollment is required) for as long as you keep your card account open:

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Additionally, those with the Hilton Honors American Express Card can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the following calendar year by spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year.

Hilton is also an Amex Membership Rewards transfer partner . For every Amex point you transfer, you'll get 2 Hilton Honors points — or more if you find a transfer bonus .

Hilton Honors is good for travelers who:

• Collect Amex Membership Rewards points
• Frequently stay in five-night increments
• Are satisfied with a modest collection of (amazing) luxury hotels
• Are road warriors

Related: I transferred Amex points to Hilton — a notoriously bad idea — to book one of the best hotels in the world

World of Hyatt is a favorite hotel loyalty program among TPG staff, largely because it still uses an award chart and its award rates are relatively cheap compared to other hotel brands like Marriott and Hilton. For example, Hyatt's most upscale hotels cost at most 45,000 points per night, while a luxury Hilton property may cost up to 150,000 points.

The downside is that Hyatt's footprint is relatively small. More than 1,300 hotels in over 70 countries participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program — including 700-plus Mr & Mrs Smith properties and 13 Under Canvas glamping sites — but most are in popular destinations and cities. If you often visit rural areas, World of Hyatt points likely will not serve you.

Not to mention, since World of Hyatt only offers two cobranded credit cards, points aren't quite as easy to accrue as in the Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy programs. However, you can transfer points to Hyatt from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Here are some great credit card options for travelers focusing on World of Hyatt:

• World of Hyatt Credit Card
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees )

TPG staff and readers have repeatedly proven Hyatt Globalist status to be the most valuable hotel elite status. With free breakfast, waived resort fees and parking fees on award nights, and consistent suite upgrades, among other perks, the status provides just about as close to a VIP experience as you can get in the hospitality world.

World of Hyatt is good for travelers who:

• Collect Chase Ultimate Rewards points or Bilt Points
• Want luxury stays in popular destinations
• Don't often book hotels in smaller cities or remote locations
• Want a ton of all-inclusive hotel options

Related: World of Hyatt elite status: What it is and how to earn it

For stays in small-town America, there's no better hotel points currency than Wyndham Rewards. Wyndham has the most properties of any chain on this list, with over 9,000 hotels across 24 brands in 95 countries. Many of these are budget brands — such as Super 8, Days Inn and Microtel — ubiquitous in areas where you won't find a Hyatt or Marriott. If your travel goals involve getting off the beaten path or road-tripping through towns with populations under 10,000, the Wyndham Rewards program is a great one to focus on.

Wyndham offers three cobranded credit cards , all issued by Barclays, to help you earn free nights. Each card offers a bonus of between 7,500 and 15,000 points for every card anniversary.

Additionally, you can transfer Capital One miles and Citi ThankYou Rewards points to Wyndham Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Beyond Wyndham's impressive portfolio of hotels, you can also redeem Wyndham Rewards points at Vacasa vacation rentals starting at 15,000 points per bedroom, per night. If you look hard enough, there are some absolute steals.

Wyndham Rewards is good for travelers who:

• Collect Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou Rewards points
• Travel to small towns
• Aren't interested in luxury stays
• Want to book Vacasa vacation rentals

Related: How to earn Wyndham points for your next redemption

IHG refreshed the IHG One Rewards program in 2022, making it more competitive with the most popular hotel programs. Due to dynamic pricing , IHG hotels are often a poor value for the points. However, IHG One Rewards points are easy to use, and IHG has properties in almost as many locations as Hilton, including some Six Senses resorts that are bookable with IHG points. These are extremely sought-after properties and a great win for IHG points collectors.

IHG offers three cobranded credit cards , all of which let you book a fourth consecutive award night for free . That's unique among loyalty programs and a better value than Marriott and Hilton's fifth-night-free policies.

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Rewards points to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, and you can often buy IHG points at a steep discount.

The program recently revamped its elite status tiers, meaning top-tier Diamond Elite members now get additional perks like free breakfast and a dedicated support line. Elite members can also earn Milestone Rewards — like annual lounge membership , bonus points and confirmed suite upgrades — by staying a certain number of nights in a calendar year.

IHG One Rewards is good for travelers who:

• Collect Chase Ultimate Rewards points or Bilt points
• Are satisfied with a small collection of luxury hotels

Related: How to maximize redemptions with the IHG One Rewards program

Accor's portfolio includes 50-plus hotel brands, with a slew of upscale and luxury options. Points in the Accor Live Limitless program are some of the most valuable — and straightforward — hotel rewards. For every 1,000 points you redeem, you'll get 20 euros (roughly $22 at the time of writing) off your hotel bill. That comes out to a value of over 2 cents per point.

Although the simplicity of this program may appeal to many travelers, there are two areas in which ALL underdelivers:

• The vast majority of its properties are concentrated in Europe or Asia.
• Accor does not offer a cobranded credit card to help you earn points quickly.

Though Accor is a transfer partner of Capital One and Citi, both offer an underwhelming transfer ratio of 2:1. Still, Accor can be a great place to earn your hotel points if you're primarily traveling in Asia or Europe.

The program has four status tiers, with the top-tier Diamond elite level offering free breakfast on weekends (or every day in the Asia-Pacific region), suite night upgrades and executive lounge access. You'll also find brand-specific benefits at each status tier, which may include perks like complimentary bike rentals at Fairmont properties.

Accor Live Limitless is good for travelers who:

• Travel to Europe and Asia often
• Want a huge selection of luxury properties
• Prefer a straightforward points redemption process

Related: The dark horse of the hotel world: Why it's time to pay attention to Accor

With over 7,400 properties worldwide, Choice's footprint rivals that of more well-known points chains like Hilton and Marriott. However, the Choice Privileges program can serve you similarly to Wyndham Rewards in that its participating hotels are more prolific in smaller towns. It has now integrated properties from the Radisson Rewards Americas program into its portfolio as well.

Choice is famously valuable for anyone staying in Scandinavia, as its award rates remain extremely reasonable despite hotels in the region often being costly. There are also many properties to choose from, and the program regularly offers discounted redemption rates through its Sweet Spot Rewards promotions.

In terms of earning points, Choice now offers two cobranded credit cards . You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points and Capital One miles to Choice at a 1:1 ratio, but Citi ThankYou Rewards points transfer to Choice at a better 1:2 ratio, halving the price of your Choice redemptions.

Unfortunately, Choice Privileges' elite status tiers don't bring much to the table. There are limited room upgrades and only a handful of brands that offer complimentary breakfast to top-tier elite members.

Choice Privileges is best for travelers who:

• Collect Citi ThankYou Rewards points
• Travel to Scandinavia and small-town America
• Aren't concerned about free stays in luxury hotels
• Don't value extensive elite status perks

Related: The ultimate guide to redeeming Choice points

With around 4,000 hotels ranging from budget to boutique, Best Western's portfolio is in the middle of the pack. The Best Western Rewards program doesn't get much attention in the points and miles world, partly because it has no transferable points currency partners, but it's worth exploring if you often stay at Best Western properties.

One of the highlights is Best Western's status match program, which makes it easy to earn top-tier elite status if you have even mid-tier status with a competing hotel chain. However, like Choice, Best Western's elite status tiers offer relatively small benefits.

Best Western currently only offers one credit card , issued by First National Bank of Omaha.

Best Western Rewards is good for travelers who:

• Want free breakfast without elite status
• Don't care about free luxury hotel stays
• Don't earn points with any of the major credit card rewards programs

Related: The best no-annual-fee hotel credit cards

Radisson Rewards used to be an incredible loyalty program, but many changes, including a move to dynamic pricing , have stripped much of its value over the years.

The good news is that Choice Hotels acquired Radisson's Americas operation in 2022 (including all properties in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, South America and the Caribbean) and integrated them into Choice Privileges , so you can earn and redeem Choice points at these hotels. The rest of Radisson's portfolio still uses the Radisson Rewards program.

This international bend means Radisson Rewards no longer offers a U.S. cobranded credit card and has no transfer partners. You can only earn these points by staying at Radisson hotels outside of the Americas. This has made it difficult for many U.S.-based travelers to get much value from Radisson Rewards.

Radisson Rewards is good for travelers who:

• Frequently stay at Radisson properties
• Limit their travels to destinations outside of the Americas

Related: TPG's favorite hotels in Latin America

Bottom line

A hotel can be far more than just a place to rest your head. Hotel loyalty programs can dramatically enhance your vacation — and even make it practically free.

We encourage TPG readers to sign up for all hotel loyalty programs, as there's generally no cost to join. Even if you don't think you'll stay at a certain hotel chain, circumstances may dictate otherwise, and you'll be glad you enrolled beforehand.

For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here . For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here .

Money blog: Has the Nike trainer bubble burst?

Welcome to the Money blog, a hub for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Read our weekend feature on the fortunes of Nike below and let us know your thoughts in the comments box. We'll be back with live updates after the bank holiday.

Saturday 24 August 2024 12:28, UK

Essential reads

• Has the Nike trainer bubble burst?
• What you need to know from Money this week
• 'Who is Gail?': Our favourite reader comments of the week
• Gold reaches record highs - what's going on?
• Which supermarket pays staff most and offers best perks?

Tips and advice

• Best mortgage rates for first-time buyers right now
• How to spend less on school uniform
• How to get money back when purchase over £100 goes wrong
• Cheap Eats : Top Yorkshire chef shares Yorkshire pudding secrets

Ask a question or make a comment

By Mark Wyatt , Money blog reporter

The trainer market is now more diverse and competitive than ever before, and its biggest player has felt the pinch.

While new brands have been popping up and taking market share, Nike suffered its biggest single day drop in share price on record in late June.

A whopping $28bn (£21.6bn) was shaved off in market capitalisation overnight after the company's management reported an expected sale drop in early 2025.

But why has this happened?

Nike remains the largest sports retailer in the world and still has the biggest slice of market share. However, analysts say strategic decisions at boardroom level have contributed to a downturn in its fortunes - with consumer concerns and the emergence of new competition also in play.

Shift in strategy

John Donahoe became Nike's new CEO in January 2020 and was tasked with updating the company's online operation and bringing in more digital revenue.

Mr Donahoe arrived from one of the world's biggest ecommerce companies, eBay, and quickly began shifting Nike's focus towards its digital sales efforts and away from the high street.

Shortly after, the COVID pandemic hit, and the world's shoppers were forced online whether they liked it or not.

With people not going into offices to work, there was no need to buy smart, formal footwear. Comfortable, everyday shoe sales rose, and Nike's profits surged past projections.

Everything looked to be going well, so Mr Donahoe doubled down, accelerating the digital strategy and moving Nike out of hundreds of bricks-and-mortar stores. 

Soon, Nike had severed a third of its relationships with sales partners.

"The consumer today is digitally grounded and simply will not revert back," said Mr Donahoe on an earnings call in 2020.

Nike believed they were the ones best able to deliver their vision straight to consumers, and they didn't need retailers like FootLocker and JD Sports diluting that as middle men.

But as lockdowns ended across the world, people returned to stores and online sales slowed, and the decisions that had been made started to be questioned.

"I think they underestimated the cultural aspect of brick-and-mortar shopping as part of the social life of young consumers," Daniel Herval, who worked at Nike between 2017-20 on some of its biggest trainers including Air Max, Jordan and Air Force 1, told the Money blog.

"Nike thought people had shifted to online, and they'd left the brick-and-mortar experience behind. 

"But as soon as things started reopening, the social aspect of shopping, the community bonding aspect of shopping, returned, and Nike weren't really there."

Competition and innovation

Nike's rivals weren't going to stand still while this was happening, and sure enough, retailers that had once had Nike shoes front and centre on their shelves looked for other brands to fill the space.

Newer brands like Asics, Deckers Outdoor's HOKA and Roger Federer-backed On emerged, taking a steadily growing portion of the market share.

And those companies quickly began to show off new ideas, notably in a corner of the market that Nike has long dominated - performance running.

HOKA's thick foam soles are a huge draw for runners, while On's well-marketed (and now patented) cushioning system technology has proved popular for casuals and professionals alike.

Nike, it is perceived by some, has lagged behind in the sports lifestyle scene, too. Adidas's Samba and Gazelle lines, and New Balance's 990s, have grown in popularity - even then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak owned a pair of Sambas ...

So where has Nike's innovation been during this time? 

The air cushioning inside the soles of trainers - known as the Air Max bubble - debuted all the way back in 1978.

The last major innovation from Nike trainers, according to Mr Herval, was the introduction of their new signature material Flyknit back in 2012. 

A survey of US teenagers by Piper Sandler earlier this year backed up the idea that while Nike remains the favourite, it has been losing "mindshare" to innovative brands like Hoka and On.

Nike appears to have acknowledged the problem, announcing a "multi-year innovation cycle" in April.

Two key complaints from the streets

To find out how consumers feel about Nike's shoes in 2024, there are few better places to go searching than The Basement.

Launched on Facebook over a decade ago, the online group of streetwear fanatics has just over 150,000 members from across the globe and is a go-to authority on all things street fashion, including trainers.

Need to check if the hoodie you just bought on eBay really is a vintage Ralph Lauren? Ask The Basement. Want to launch your own line of bespoke sunglasses but need advice starting a small fashion business? Ask The Basement.

Looking for consumers to tell you why fewer people are buying Nike trainers in 2024? You get the picture.

When we asked The Basement's members for their thoughts on Nike, there were two issues that came back with almost every response.

The first of those is the price point, which is now largely unaffordable for the exact demographic who historically have bought Nike's trainers in droves.

Have a look on Nike's website, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a new-release trainer costing less than £120. Most of the "hotly anticipated" shoes sit between the £150-£200 mark.

For the classic products, like the Air Max 95, a new pair starts at £174.99. Some traditionally cheaper options, like the Air Jordan 1s, are now around £130 on retailers including JD Sports, Size? and ASOS.

"£200 isn't an accessible price point," said one member of The Basement. "People have got older and smarter."

"I worked for a footwear retailer for four years," said another. "Nike's biggest killer was easily their price hikes.

"When I started collecting Jordan they were £105, within 10 years the same model is £190 - you can't justify that!"

The testimonies go on and on. As do those raising consumers' second-biggest gripe with Nike trainers - quality control.

Anecdotal reports of botched products are not hard to find, with many buyers frustrated that, after spending a lot of money on new shoes, they've received trainers covered in glue stains, with mismatched logos, missing patterns, misshaped heels and more among the complaints.

Quality control is a hands-on process that involves both manual and automated procedures, and as such it is not foolproof.

But the sheer number of reports of errors indicates this is not just a few faulty Air Forces.

There are tens of millions of hits on TikTok for the term "Nike quality control" and - spoiler alert - most videos aren't of people sharing how delighted they are with their new trainer purchases.

"Why would I spend £200 on a pair of Nike trainers that will probably arrive covered in glue stains and break after a month, when I could get a perfect pair of New Balance for £150?" asks a member of The Basement.

"Quality has taken a dive. Anyone who has ever worked for somewhere stocking Nike knows that glue smell off the pallet far too well," says another.

Bouncing back via Paris

But it's not all doom and gloom for Nike. There was a golden marketing ace up its sleeve this summer - Paris 2024.

The world's biggest brands see the Olympics as an opportunity to get in front of a global audience, and Nike is no different. Good publicity and brand image can instil customer confidence and improve share price - getting things right in Paris was key.

The sportswear giant announced prior to the Games that it would be spending more on it than it had for any previous edition.

"This will be the most investment and the biggest moment for Nike in years," Heidi O'Neill, Nike's president of consumer, product and brand, told Reuters in April.

Nike secured itself as an official sponsor for Team USA, meaning so long as the athletes performed as expected, the swoosh would be on top of the podium.

And so it was. Simone Biles won three golds in gymnastics, Noah Lyles took 100m glory and swimmer Katie Ledecky featured on the podium four times.

Lifetime Nike endorser LeBron James laced up some very on-the-nose metallic gold style trainers from his own custom LeBron 22 signature line on his way to a gold medal.

And it's not just while competing that the Nike tick gets its moment. Every US athlete received a special package containing 50 items of apparel, footwear and accessories, including "interview wear" and "village wear" to keep branding visible at every moment possible in Paris.

That was important, because Paris 2024 broke records for its worldwide audience. In the UK, BBC Sport's coverage of the games was streamed 218 million times, more than double the number recorded in Tokyo.

Across the pond, NBCUniversal's multi-platform coverage drew in record advertising money and averaged 30.6 million daily viewers. 

What did that all mean for Nike? In the opening week of the Olympics, from 26 July to 1 August, it managed to increase visits to its websites, while its direct rival Adidas saw its visits decline compared with the week prior.

Importantly, data from Similarweb also showed that Nike was able to convert a lot of visits to its website into sales. And it did that more than its rivals.

"(Nike is) still a struggling brand overall," said Drew Haines, the merchandising director at retailer StockX.

"But the Olympics, it definitely drives interest in these things. Nike is the one that's really winning there."

The marketing boost provided by the Olympics won't suddenly end all Nike's perceived and real problems, but it's clearly a step in the right direction.

Even now, the share price has slowly started to recover, gaining around 14% in the last month following recent investment from US billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.

"Nike's ability to just go beyond the pure product conversation, the ability to connect to consumers, is second to none," says Mr Herval.

"It's going to take a couple of years. But I truly, firmly believe that the brand is still able to rebound."

Nike did not respond to a request to participate in this article.

By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor

A lot of people have been scratching their chins and wondering whether the new government might be overstating the economic mess left by the previous regime.

The accusation, from the right, is that a narrative is being built to justify tax rises motivated not by necessity but ideology.

Data that's trickled in over the weeks since Rachel Reeves stepped into Number 11 - GDP growth, inflation remaining low - hasn't always helped the Labour story.

But this week, in the words of data and economics editor Ed Conway , "we had the latest public finances numbers and here the picture is considerably closer to the Reeves version than those other bits of data".

Government borrowing for July overshot expectations - and the consequences for public services and the tax burden in the October budget now look "grim", Conway wrote .

He discussed all of this in an episode of the Daily podcast, which you can listen to here or wherever you enjoy podcasts ...

Despite warning about the budget, Conway's sources suggest another route is still being considered by the chancellor, one that involves changing how the public finances are measured and judged. You can read about this here...

We also learned this week of the timeline for new EU visa rules.

UK citizens will need to pay a €7 visa-waiver charge to travel to Europe from next year. The additional charge, which is similar to the US ESTA, is part of a series of new border checks and entry requirements the EU is bringing in.

They'll apply when entering the Schengen area, which includes EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 

People under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the charge - as will those travelling to Ireland or Cyprus.

The waiver will last for three years or until your passport expires.

Its official title is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), and its implementation will follow the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). The latter will require people to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken on arrival to airports.

Addressing the rollout, EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said the EES will enter into operation on ­10 November while the ETIAS will follow shortly after that in 2025 - likely May.

However, it is thought there could be a six-month grace period before the visas become compulsory - taking it to November next year.

On Friday morning, it was confirmed that the energy price cap would rise in October, with another hike expected in January.

"Unfortunately, a volatile wholesale market, and a country heavily reliant on imported energy has created a perfect storm for fluctuating household bills," said Dr Craig Lowrey, principal consultant at Cornwall Insight.

He argued that there may be a case for re-examining the price cap system given it's not protecting households from global energy trends.

A typical annual bill will now be £1,717 from the autumn, with £45 forecast to be added to that in the new year.

Here in Money, we examined football shirt prices as the new Premier League season got under way...

For a fuller understanding of this story, watch this explainer put together by our digital video team...

Three more essential reads from Money that are worth checking out are...

We're signing out of regular updates now until after the bank holiday weekend - but do check out our weekend read from 8am on Saturday. This week we're examining whether the Nike trainers bubble has burst.

Lots of stories we've covered in Money over the last week or so prompted a flurry of comments. We'll start with the multiple updates we've done on Gail's...

Some readers were on board with the backlash but more couldn't see what the fuss was about...

Surprised the faux posh in Walthamstow 'village' would baulk at pricey offerings from Gail's. They already seem quite happy to pay up market prices at their existing Spar store without complaint. Pack of sausages with la-de-da ingredients nearly 6-quid. I ask you! Keith

Most places would be thrilled to have Gail's opening. Their food and bread is excellent as is their coffee, they have very attractive décor and bring a touch of class to any high street. Petalin

We also had a fair few who wondered why we were covering this story at all...

Who or what is Gail? Alangillie

When did Walthamstow become a 'leafy suburb'. Thought it was home to East17? And why does this constitute national news? Shops open and close all the time in areas all over the country. Does one of your editors live there and opposes it? I don't see how this is news at all. City boy

Sometimes our posts prompt questions rather than comments - such as the one below following our feature on Section 75 consumer rights...

I want to buy a car for £7,000 from a dealership. Have I got credit card consumer protection if I pay half cash and half on a credit card? Clive Blackpool

The answer is that, yes, you would be protected - even if you just pay 1p of it on credit card. Everything you need to know is here...

Lots of you got in touch following our Saturday feature on how couples split their finances...

Readers shared how they and their partners split things...

We divide all bills more or less equally. He earns a lot more than I do and keeps his money/savings to himself after 50 years of being together. I have absolutely no idea how much in savings he has and he won't share anything. Yes you are reading this correctly! CP

100% all money going into one account for bills, disposable income etc - we manage it all on one spreadsheet! Never had a disagreement ever after 13 years and we're only 30! Can't ever imagine going for dinner and someone saying 'I'll get this' - how do people do it? abbie s

My partner and I are discussing purchasing a property together. Our rule will be 50% of the mortgage each regardless of income as we are both 50% owners of the asset. Other bills we'll just decide based on income. Adam

I earn a lot more than my partner, so once our relationship was mature enough I put the difference into shared savings. Since having a child all money goes into a joint account except for a small allowance each. Financial equality is so important for a happy relationship. Linda

It's simple. I do not know what my wife earns, she does not know what I earn, we have separate [accounts]. We buy what we need and want, when we go out she pays one time I pay next, we do not even look at the bill. That way you have no problems. Cozy Powell

My partner earns around £60k more than me per year and we split our bills down the middle, however, he buys all the food for us and the pets and generally pays when we go out. I couldn’t ask him for extra, I manage just fine with the current arrangement. LHam

All outgoing were paid from a joint bank account which we paid into from our personal accounts, salary split at the start was roughly 60/40 so I would pay 60% of the total and my wife 40% (plus 10%), any money left in our individual accounts was our own. 58mprl

The post that led to the most consternation this week concerned the hiking of fines for parents taking kids out of school...

You said...

Why are the government not looking at the travel agents? My partner and I both work in a school. We have no children at school but we have to pay extortionate prices for our time away as we have to go in school holidays. Tony

If I choose to take my children out of school to go on holiday, because let's face it parents can save a lot of money when the holiday season is over. I am a single parent with two kids, I'm holding down two jobs. Andy Henderson

As a teacher, I understand the frustration many parents feel about the extortionate prices of holidays. It's disheartening to see families AND teaching staff not being able to afford a holiday. I also understand how difficult it is for a child to catch up on missed work. Mikki

Highly disagree with the term time holiday penalty. There are countries where parents can authorise up to five days of leave per year. A long weekend here and there, or a week-long trip once a year is not going to hinder a child's prospect! TermTimeTravel

Starbucks' incoming chief executive, Brian Niccol, is under fire over the company's offer for him to commute around 1,000 miles by private jet.

Social media users were quick to criticise the world's biggest coffee shop chain over the move in light of its sustainability efforts elsewhere, such as banning plastic straws.

Mr Niccol's job offer said he will not have to relocate to the company's headquarters in Seattle, Washington, from his family home in Newport Beach, California, when he takes up his new role on 9 September.

Read more here...

Storm Lilian is causing disruption to travellers and festival-goers ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

Two stages at Leeds Festival have closed for the day, the BBC Radio 1 Stage and Aux Stage.

British Airways has cancelled 14 flights from Heathrow and delayed others, while two flights from Leeds Bradford Airport were cancelled and three morning arrivals diverted to Liverpool.

The energy price cap increase has led to renewed calls for a winter fuel payment U-turn.

The government plans to means test the payment for pensioners, making it available only to those receiving pension credit.

But Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said this was "reckless and wrong" and "spells disaster for pensioners on low and modest incomes" after the latest bad news for energy costs.

Shein found two cases of child labour in its supply chain last year, the fast fashion retailer has said.

The company's 2023 sustainability report, published yesterday, said it suspended orders from the suppliers that had employed children under 16.

Both cases had been "resolved swiftly", it said, with remediation steps including ending underage employees' contracts, arranging medical check-ups, and facilitating repatriation to parents or guardians as necessary.

"We remain vigilant in guarding against such violations going forward, and in line with current policies, will terminate any non-compliant suppliers," Shein said in the report.

Shein has stepped up audits of manufacturers in China to assuage criticisms of its low-cost business model ahead of a planned flotation.

It tightened its supplier policy last October after the child labour cases were found, so that any severe breaches - called "Immediate Termination Violations" - would result in ending the relationship with the supplier immediately.

Previously, suppliers such as those that employed minors had 30 days to resolve the issue, failing which Shein would cut ties.

It's time to check if you have any Tesco Clubcard vouchers close to expiring, as £14m worth are due to run out on Saturday.

Vouchers are only valid for two years from the date they were issued, so it's worth making sure you don't have any hidden away in your account.

To check online, go to the Tesco Clubcard website and select "Clubcard account" and then "Vouchers". 

 You should then be able to see a table listing your available vouchers and their expiry dates.

If you're using the Tesco app, open it up, go to "Clubcard" and then to the "Vouchers" section.

What to do with your vouchers?

You can spend your hard-earned vouchers either online or in person. 

Alternatively, you can double the value of your vouchers by spending them at Tesco's reward partners , including Disney+, RAC and Zizzi.

By James Sillars , business reporter

It's a tentative start to the day's trading on financial markets with the focus firmly on the United States. Jackson Hole in Wyoming, to be exact.

That is where the chair of the US central bank will make an eagerly anticipated speech in which he is widely expected to signal that the first interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve will come next month.

Jay Powell is, however, expected to temper market expectations for several rate cuts by the end of the year.

That could hamper recent progress against the US currency by the pound, which is currently trading at one-year highs versus the dollar at $1.31.

It could also hurt a rate-sensitive stock market, which is desperate for lower borrowing costs.

As such, the FTSE 100 is trading 0.2% up in early deals at 8,304.

Miners and energy stocks are leading the way on upticks in prices.

Brent crude oil stands at $77 a barrel.

The energy price cap limits what utility companies can charge customers for a daily standing charge and each kilowatt-hour of gas and electricity they use.

Regulator Ofgem releases the cap quarterly and estimates how much the average household would typically pay over a year at the new unit price.

This figure, £1,717, assumes a household with 2.4 people living in it consuming 2,700 kWh for electricity and 11,500 kWh for gas.

The real annual cost per customer will be different depending on how much energy you actually use. If you use more gas and electric than £1,717 buys, you will pay more.

With prices fluctuating significantly at each quarterly release over the last four years, the use of a yearly figure is also quite an imperfect basis for medium-term household budgeting.

Here's what is actually capped: 

• Each unit of electricity: 24.5p per kWh (up from 22.36p)
• Each unit of gas: 6.24p per kWh (up from 5.48p)
• Electric standing charge: 60.99p (up from 60.12p)
• Gas standing charge: 31.66p (up from 31.41p)

Ofgem's price cap only applies to people in England, Scotland and Wales on standard variable or default tariffs.

This is most households, whether you pay by direct debit or a prepayment meter.

It doesn't apply to the small numbers of people still on fixed-rate tariffs.

Another quarter, another energy price fluctuation to contend with - another change to make to your household budget.

But there are fixed deals available cheaper than the new price cap, according to Uswitch.

The average household can save £125 against October's price cap with the cheapest 12-month fixed tariff, said Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.

At £1,592 typically per anum, it would also stave off another small increase expected in January, he said. 

It is worth pointing out that it is in Uswitch's favour for people to move, and a fixed tariff could always end up costing you more if the price cap were to drop below that fixed rate in April and June next year.

"Customers staring down the barrel of winter might question whether the current price cap system is really the best way to put real pricing pressure on suppliers," said Mr Neudegg.

"It's important for households looking for certainty to run a comparison to see what's available to them and see personalised prices based on how much energy they are likely to use."

Here are the top 10 fixed energy-only tariffs that could help you beat the price rise, according to Uswitch:

Pensioners are being urged to check if they are eligible for the winter fuel allowance after universal payments were scrapped by new Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month.

Previously, the money was available to everyone above state pension age, but now it will be limited to people over state pension age who are receiving pension credit or other means-tested support.

It means the number of people entitled to the money will drop from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million.

The payment is £200 for households where the recipients are all under 80, and £300 where they are over 80.

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving pension credit, there are up to an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim, the Department for Work and Pensions says.

The government's awareness drive will help identify households not claiming the benefit, and encourage pensioners to apply by 21 December - the last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

It will focus on "myths" that may stop people applying, such as how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving pension credit.

More information on applying for pension credit can be found on the  government's How to Claim page .

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