Best Travel Cards for Spending Abroad: Debit vs Credit vs Curve Pay

TL;DR

• Most UK debit and credit cards charge FX fees, ATM limits, or weekend markups when used abroad.
• Curve Pay avoids all of that—it works with any Visa, Mastercard, or Diners card and skips foreign transaction fees entirely.
• You also get cashback, instant spend alerts, smart card switching, and added security on every payment.

Should I Use a Debit or Credit Card Abroad?

For UK travellers, using your everyday debit or credit card abroad can be convenient—but it’s rarely cost-effective. Each comes with hidden fees and risks that can catch you off guard, especially if you’re not clear on what protections your card actually offers.

Debit cards may feel safer because you're spending your own money, but they tend to come with steep foreign transaction fees and limited purchase protection. Credit cards, on the other hand, offer stronger legal safeguards like Section 75—but they also carry the risk of overspending or unexpected interest if you’re not careful.

Fortunately, there’s a third option: travel-focused cards and digital wallets. These are built specifically for international spending, offering lower (or zero) FX fees, better control, and features tailored to how you actually use money abroad.

Debit cards

• Easier for budgeting and cash withdrawals
• Usually come with high FX fees (around 2.75%)
• Offer little to no purchase protection if something goes wrong

Credit cards

• Offer added protection (like Section 75 on purchases over £100)
• May include insurance or rewards perks
• Still carry FX fees unless you’re using a specialist travel card
• Risk of interest or debt if not repaid in full

Section 75 is a legal protection that holds your card issuer jointly responsible if a retailer goes bust or breaches a contract. Curve Pay provides this protection even when the original transaction came from a linked debit card.
(Source: UK Finance)

Comparison: Best Cards for International Travel

With so many card options out there, it’s easy to assume they all work the same abroad — but the reality is very different. Most standard debit and credit cards from UK banks still charge foreign transaction fees, apply limits on ATM withdrawals, or lack proper protections for overseas spending.

That’s where travel cards and digital wallets come in. These are built for modern travellers who want more control and fewer fees. Curve Pay, for example, combines the flexibility of linking all your existing cards with zero FX fees, smart automation, and added security — making it a powerful upgrade from traditional card setups.

Quick Answer: The best travel card for spending abroad combines low or no FX fees, strong protections, and easy app control. Curve Pay offers all three—making it a smart alternative to standard debit, credit, or prepaid cards.

Best Cards for Spending Abroad: Paid Tier Comparison

Sources: Revolut Fees, Typical UK bank FX fees based on publicly available data. See MoneySavingExpert for comparisons.

How Does Curve Pay Compare to Traditional Travel Cards?

Unlike typical travel cards that work only within their own ecosystem, Curve Pay gives you the flexibility to link any Visa, Mastercard or Diners card—and skip FX fees on all of them. It works as a smart layer between your wallet and the checkout.

You can set Smart Rules, automate which card is used where, and even switch payments after you’ve made them. And when it comes to international spending, Curve Pay gives you smarter control and better value compared to your bank.

*1% international cashback only available on paid Curve Pay subscription tiers.

What Makes Curve Pay a Good Multi-Currency Wallet?

Curve Pay isn't just a travel card alternative—it's a complete smart wallet designed to work across currencies, countries, and cards. Whether you're abroad for business or a long-haul trip, here's how it protects your money.

If you're managing multi-currency spend while travelling, having a digital wallet like Curve Pay makes it far easier to control, switch, and track your payments across different accounts. 

• One-Tap Wallet Locking – Lock all your cards instantly if your phone is lost or stolen. No need to contact multiple banks.
• Tokenised Transactions – Your real card details are never shared with merchants.
• Section 75 Protection – Purchases over £100 are legally covered—even on debit cards.
• Go Back in Time – Move past purchases to a different card up to 120 days later.
• Instant Fraud Alerts – Get notified the moment something looks off.
• Regulated & Secure – Powered by Mastercard infrastructure, Curve is fully licensed in the UK and EEA.

Download Curve Pay

Download Curve Pay

Travel Smart: Final Tips

Avoiding FX fees and spending smart doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience. With just a few simple habits and the right tools, you can protect your money, stay in control, and spend like a local—no matter where you go.

If you're planning a trip abroad, it pays to know exactly how to avoid foreign transaction fees, especially the hidden ones that can quietly drain your holiday budget.

Here are key takeaways for UK travellers:

• Skip cards that charge FX fees—use one with real rates
• Don’t rely on just debit or credit; combine them with Curve Pay
• Always pay in the local currency when asked
• Say no to DCC (dynamic currency conversion) at checkout
• Use mobile alerts to monitor your spend
• Know your ATM withdrawal limits ahead of time
• Travel with tools that work across currencies, not just one

FAQs

Should I use a debit or credit card abroad?
Debit cards help manage spending, credit cards offer purchase protection. Both can carry FX fees. Curve Pay gives you the best of both—control, rewards, and zero foreign transaction fees.

How does Curve Pay compare to traditional travel cards?
Curve Pay links to all your cards and avoids FX fees on them. You can switch payments after purchase, earn rewards, and control everything from one app.

What makes Curve Pay a good multi-currency wallet?
Curve Pay supports all your cards, offers real-time FX at zero fees, and protects your purchases—even if your original card doesn’t.

 

Read more about Curve Pay plans.