Travel Smart: Your Guide to No-Fee Spending & Rewards Abroad

TL;DR

• Travel cards are built for international use and can help reduce fees, track spending, and earn rewards
• You can choose from debit, credit, prepaid cards, or digital wallets, depending on how you spend
• Be aware of foreign transaction fees, ATM costs, and exchange rate markups
• The best travel cards offer features like multi-currency support, mobile wallet integration, and real-time controls
• Tools like Curve combine multiple cards into one smart wallet to simplify your spending abroad

What Is a Travel Card and Why Do You Need One?

A travel card is a debit, credit, prepaid, or app-connected payment method built for international use. Unlike regular bank cards, these are designed to reduce foreign transaction fees, improve spending visibility, and often include rewards. They're a solid choice for anyone spending time abroad—whether you’re away for a week or a year. If you're comparing options, the best travel cards will help you avoid hidden charges, manage multiple currencies, and keep your money secure.

When evaluating your options, it’s worth focusing on a few key features:

• Fee-free foreign transactions
• Compatibility with mobile wallets
• Real-time spending alerts
• Cashback or loyalty rewards.

Understanding these features is important—but just as important is knowing what kinds of fees you might encounter while using your card abroad

What Fees Do Travellers Face Abroad and How Can You Avoid Them?

Most UK debit and credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 2.75% to 3% on every payment made abroad (HSBC). It’s one of the most common—and costly—charges international travellers face, along with ATM fees, inflated exchange rates, and dynamic currency conversion (DCC) markups.

• To avoid unnecessary charges:
• Use a travel card or digital wallet that waives FX fees
• Always pay in local currency instead of GBP
• Decline DCC at checkout to avoid poor exchange rates
• Look for tools offering real-time alerts and fair mid-market rates
  
  

Even a small fee on every purchase can add up quickly—choosing the right payment method can mean significant savings over the course of your trip.

What Types of Travel Cards Are Available?

There’s no universal “best” travel card—it depends on your needs. Common types include:

• Debit cards: Simple and familiar, but may come with FX or ATM fees.
• Credit cards: Often include strong rewards and protections, but may charge interest or annual fees.
• Prepaid cards: Good for budgeting, though features and acceptance may be limited
• Digital wallets: Offer maximum flexibility by letting you manage multiple cards through a single app

Travel Card Type Comparison

If you’re looking for a more flexible option that combines features from debit, credit, and prepaid cards into one, a smart travel card like Curve Pay could streamline your spending while keeping fees low.

Travel Rewards Card: Are They Worth It?

Many travellers overlook just how valuable travel reward cards can be when used strategically. If you travel more than once a year, rewards can quickly add up. The most common formats include:

• Cashback (flat-rate or category-specific)
• Loyalty points or miles
• Tiered reward structures tied to spend volume

Some cards let you earn rewards while still using your existing debit or credit accounts, which makes it easier to benefit without changing how you spend. This kind of setup can turn everyday purchases abroad into meaningful savings—without the need to juggle multiple apps or accounts. And while rewards are a great bonus, the best travel cards also make life easier with features like real-time spend tracking, security controls, and multi-currency support.

Find out how to make the most of your travel rewards card before your next trip.

What to Look For in a Smart Travel Card

A smart travel card offers more than just low fees. It’s designed to give you control, convenience, and peace of mind when spending abroad. Unlike traditional cards, travel-focused options prioritise multi-currency flexibility, real-time alerts, and mobile integration.

When weighing up travel cards vs traditional credit cards, it’s worth looking beyond interest rates and cashback to see how a card supports your day-to-day travel spending.

Look for features like:

• Multi-currency support with competitive exchange rates
• Instant transaction alerts and in-app security tools
• Integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Backup card options in case of loss or theft
• Built-in rewards or cashback

Choosing a card with these features means smoother travel and fewer financial surprises.

Download Curve Pay

Download Curve Pay

Final Words

Smarter travel spending starts with knowing what to look for—and choosing tools that work for you, not against you. From avoiding fees to earning rewards and managing your money on the move, the right travel card can make every trip more rewarding. If you're looking for a flexible solution that brings all of this together, Curve Pay offers a simple, secure way to pay abroad without the usual hassle.

FAQs

Can I travel with just one card?
Yes—if your card supports multi-currency spending and is accepted globally (like Mastercard or Visa), one is often enough. Just make sure it has backup and freeze features in case of loss or theft.

What happens if I lose my travel card abroad?
You should be able to freeze the card instantly through your provider’s app and continue using a digital wallet if supported. Many cards now offer emergency replacement options, even internationally.

Can I earn rewards when spending in foreign currencies?
Yes. Many travel-focused cards offer cashback, points, or airline miles on international purchases—though some may exclude foreign spending, so check the terms.

Do I need a special card for multiple currencies?
Not necessarily. Some cards and digital wallets automatically support multi-currency payments and let you pay in the local currency without manual conversions.

What’s the best way to avoid foreign transaction fees?
Choose a card that explicitly waives FX fees and always pay in the local currency when prompted. Watch out for dynamic currency conversion at checkout—it often adds hidden charges.

Explore more about Curve Pay plans.