How to use any credit card abroad with no FX fees
The best credit card to use abroad isn't actually a card at all – it's a wallet. With a Curve Wallet, you can use any credit card abroad, and kill foreign exchange fees with their "Killer FX" feature.
Use your Credit card abroad like a local
Curve is the only mobile wallet that allows you to use your credit card abroad like a local – with 0% FX. This can save you up to 3% on every purchase abroad. When you use Curve abroad, you can pay with any of your cards without incurring foreign transaction fees. Traditional credit cards often charge currency conversion fees, also known as non-sterling transaction fees, which can add up to 3% on every transaction and up to 5% on every ATM withdrawal. Curve kills these fees before they get a chance to sting, offering a cost-effective way to use credit cards abroad with no fees.
- Download the Curve Wallet app
- Link your credit cards
- Select your credit card as your payment card in the Curve Wallet app
- Use your virtual or physical Curve card to spend abroad and stop fees
Using your credit card abroad: FX comparison chart
| Bank/Card Provider | Foreign Transaction Fee | ATM Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Barclays | 2.99% | 3% |
| Santander | 2.95% | 3% |
| Lloyds Bank | 2.99% | 5% |
| Capital One | 2.99% | 3% |
| NatWest | 2.75% | 3% |
| Nationwide | 2.75% | 3% |
| Royal Bank of Scotland |
2.75% | 3% |
| Halifax | 2.99% | 3% |
| HSBC | 2.99% | 2% |
| Tesco Bank | 2.75% | 3% |
| Sainsbury's | 2.75% | 3% |
| First Direct | 2.99% | 2.75% |
| Virgin Money | 2.99% | 3% |
Use your credit card abroad to maximise points and rewards
With no fees, you have no reason not to use your credit card abroad and cash in on those extra rewards! Not only do you save by using your credit card abroad with Curve – you can earn too! Curve offers 1% cashback on all foreign spending outside EUR and GBP with any premium plan, from as little as £5.99/month. That's on top of any air miles or points you already earn with your credit card abroad.
Why use your credit card abroad with Curve?
- No fees abroad on any linked card (limits apply)
- Free cash withdrawals abroad (up to £1000/month with Curve Pay Pro+)
- Avoid cash advance fees on your credit card abroad when withdrawing cash
- 1% cashback on all spend outside Europe
Free ATM withdrawals from your credit card abroad
Credit cards are notorious for charging cash advance fees hen you withdraw cash from ATMs, and charging additional foreign ATM fees when you want to take out cash abroad. With Curve Pay Pro+, you can withdraw up to £1000 monthly from ATMs around the world without paying any fees.
Curve uses the Mastercard exchange rate without any hidden markups. So you're always getting the mid-market exchange rate, understood to be the fairest rate. It’s the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies. By using this rate, Curve ensures you get the best possible deal when spending abroad and withdrawing money from your credit cards.
Other credit cards with no fees abroad
There are credit cards on the market that don't charge fees abroad, but only one mobile wallet that allows you to use any credit card abroad with no fees. Below is a list of credit cards you can get to avoid fees abroad.
| Credit Card | Features | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card | No foreign transaction fees, cashback on every purchase | 0.25% cashback on purchases, no fees for withdrawals abroad |
| Halifax Clarity Credit Card | No foreign transaction fees, no fees for cash withdrawals | Competitive interest rates on purchases abroad |
| Virgin Money Travel Credit Card | No foreign transaction fees on purchases | Low interest rates on overseas spending, Virgin points |
| Santander Zero Credit Card | No fees on overseas purchases or withdrawals | Interest-free purchases for up to 56 days |
| Creation Everyday Credit Card | No foreign transaction fees, no cash withdrawal fees | Competitive interest rates on domestic and overseas purchases |
| Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card for Purchases | No fees on foreign transactions, Tesco Clubcard points | Earn Tesco Clubcard points on foreign purchases |
| Lloyds Bank Platinum Mastercard | No fees for up to 62 days after opening, extra Avios points | Extra Avios points, good for airline partners |
| Aqua Advance Credit Card | No fees on foreign purchases after 3 months of good management | Helps build credit with foreign spending benefits |
| Nationwide Select Credit Card | No foreign transaction fees (for Nationwide current account holders) | Access to cashback and offers, competitive APR |
More Tips for Spending Abroad with no fees
- Pay in Local Currency: When given the option, always choose to pay in the local currency. This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fees, which are typically higher.
- Monitor Your Spending: Use the Curve app to keep track of your expenses and set budgets if necessary.
- Know Your Limits: Be aware of your card limits for ATM withdrawals to avoid additional charges.
Curve makes travel credit cards obsolete. Why look for a special travel card to use abroad when you can eliminate fees from every card simply by linking your cards to Curve – making your everyday cards, your everywhere cards. By eliminating foreign transaction fees and simplifying currency conversion, Curve allows you to travel smart and spend wisely. So, next time you plan a trip abroad, leave the hassle of hidden fees behind and enjoy the convenience of Curve as your travel wallet.
