How to avoid First Direct fees abroad

Say goodbye to First Direct foreign transaction fees with Curve Pay, the mobile wallet that eliminates foreign charges for good. Save 2.99% on every purchase made with your First Direct card abroad, without needing to switch your bank.

Like many traditional UK banks, First Direct’s fees abroad can add up quickly. The bank charges a 2.99% fee on every foreign transaction, also known as a non-sterling transaction fee.

Additionally, you’ll incur extra First Direct foreign transaction fees when withdrawing cash from an ATM. These fees usually appear as a foreign ATM withdrawal fee on your bank statement. The charges are even higher if you use a First Direct credit card for ATM withdrawals, with a 2.99% cash advance fee, meaning a fee of almost £30 for every £1,000 withdrawn abroad.

Luckily, you don’t have to accept these charges as an unavoidable part of travelling overseas. You can escape them without changing your bank—simply change your wallet.

How to stop First Direct foreign transaction fees with Curve Pay

Avoid First Direct foreign transaction fees by using Curve Pay. It’s like Apple Pay or Google Pay, but with the added benefit of removing foreign exchange fees from every card in your wallet – including First Direct. Why use a specialised travel card when you can link almost any debit or credit card to Curve and dodge these fees? Turn your everyday cards into everywhere cards.

1. Download the Curve Wallet

2. Link your First Direct card and set it as your payment card in the app

3. Pay using your physical or virtual Curve card, which can be added to any mobile wallet

4. Watch those foreign fees disappear

Curve Pay vs. Apple Pay / Google Pay

Curve functions like Apple Pay and Google Pay but with a crucial advantage: it eliminates foreign exchange fees from all your linked cards. This means you can spend freely around the world like a local, no matter which card you’re using. Whether it’s a First Direct card or a Barclays credit card, every card becomes a fee-free travel card.

Even if you're at the airport, you can eliminate those First Direct foreign transaction fees before your flight. Simply download Curve from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, add your First Direct card, and start saving instantly.

Travel smarter with First Direct

Your First Direct card is safe in your Curve Wallet. In fact, using your First Direct card with Curve may be even safer. It allows you to leave your physical card at home while still accessing your First Direct account globally. Curve creates an invisible shield around your money, ensuring your underlying card numbers are never exposed. If you notice unusual transactions, suspect fraud, or lose your Curve card, you can lock it instantly in the app with a simple tap.

Another key benefit of using your First Direct card with Curve, compared to Apple Pay or Google Pay, is that Curve consolidates all your cards into one physical card. You can carry all your cards in one sleek wallet and access funds from any account, while enjoying easy cash withdrawals or payments where contactless isn't available.

Most banks, including First Direct, charge fees for foreign ATM withdrawals, but Curve eliminates these fees too. This way, you won’t pay extra to withdraw your own cash abroad. If you prefer paying via your phone, simply add Curve to your Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet. Curve Pay is also coming soon to Huawei phones for both Android and iOS users.

How to add your First Direct card to Curve

1. Download the Curve Wallet

2. Scan your First Direct card into your digital wallet

3. Tap your First Direct card to set it as your payment method

With Curve Pay, First Direct foreign transaction fees are a thing of the past. Travel smarter, spend more freely, and keep your money safe.