The wrong card can quietly add a few percent to everything you buy abroad. Most of these cards avoid foreign transaction fees, and a few add lounge access. Pick the region you live in.
This is not financial advice. We describe cards in general terms only. Fees, interest rates and benefits change often and depend on your country of residence and creditworthiness. Always check the current terms and conditions with the issuer for your country of residence before you apply.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you apply through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. This never decides which cards we list.
Category 01 · 4 picks
Cards for people living in Germany.
Always choose to pay in the local currency when a card terminal or ATM abroad asks. Paying in euros through the terminal's conversion is usually more expensive.
Credit card · Germany
Pay and withdraw abroad without foreign currency fees.
No annual fee, no current account needed, and free ATM withdrawals above a minimum amount. Set up full monthly repayment, otherwise interest gets expensive.
Visit easybank →Credit card · Germany
A free card for paying and withdrawing abroad.
No annual fee and no foreign currency fee. Works without switching your bank account. Pay the full balance each month to avoid interest.
Visit Hanseatic Bank →Debit card · Germany
For people who want card and current account at one bank.
No foreign currency fee and free withdrawals abroad above a minimum amount. Requires a DKB current account and has a small monthly fee.
Visit DKB →Premium card · Germany
Premium travel perks for frequent flyers, including lounge access.
Comes with airport lounge access and travel insurance benefits. It has a high annual fee and Amex charges a fee on foreign currency payments, so many travellers carry it alongside a fee-free card.
Visit American Express →Category 02 · 3 picks
Cards for people living in the UK.
Credit card · UK
The long-standing UK favourite for spending abroad.
No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and no cash withdrawal fee. Interest on cash starts from day one, so pay it off quickly.
Visit Halifax →Credit card · UK
Fee-free card spending abroad with a little cashback.
No foreign transaction fee on purchases. Cash withdrawals do carry fees, so use it for paying, not for the ATM.
Visit Barclaycard →Debit card · UK
A free app-based account that is easy to use abroad.
No fees on card spending abroad. Handy as a second card next to your main bank.
Visit Chase UK →Category 03 · 3 picks
Cards for people living in the US.
Credit card · USA
The classic first travel rewards card.
No foreign transaction fees, flexible travel points and travel protections. It has an annual fee, so it suits people who travel at least once or twice a year.
Visit Chase →Credit card · USA
A premium card with airport lounge access.
No foreign transaction fees, travel credits and access to airport lounges, including Priority Pass. Higher annual fee, best for frequent flyers.
Visit Capital One →Credit card · USA
Simple miles on everything, without a premium fee.
No foreign transaction fees and easy-to-use travel miles. A modest annual fee.
Visit Capital One →Category 04 · 2 picks
App-based cards available in many countries.
Read: Travel essentials: eSIM, VPN and lounge access →Multi-currency card
Hold and spend many currencies at the real exchange rate.
Transparent conversion fees shown upfront, and handy for paying local bank accounts abroad. Available in many countries.
Visit Wise →App-based card
A travel-friendly card and app for everyday spending abroad.
Exchange at good rates within your plan's limits, with instant notifications and card freeze in the app. Check the weekend and plan limits.
Visit Revolut →Before you apply: this page is general information, not financial advice. Check the current terms for your country of residence with the card issuer. Credit cards charge interest if you do not repay the full balance.
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