Best Travel Credit Cards UK 2026
Using a standard UK credit card abroad typically costs you an extra 2.99% on every transaction. Over a two-week holiday that can easily add £50 to £100 to your costs.
Top Travel Cards Compared
| Card | FX Fee | Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Bank UK | 0% | 1% cashback | None |
| Barclaycard Rewards | 0% | 0.25% cashback | None |
| Halifax Clarity | 0% | None | None |
| Amex Preferred Rewards Gold | 0% | Membership Rewards points | £195 (free year 1) |
| Virgin Atlantic Reward | 0% | Virgin Points | None |
Best Free Travel Card: Chase Bank UK
Chase charges zero foreign transaction fees and pays 1% cashback on all purchases worldwide. There is no annual fee. For most travellers this is the best free travel card available in the UK.
Best No-Frills Option: Halifax Clarity
No foreign fees, no annual fee, Mastercard acceptance worldwide. No rewards, but for people who just want to avoid fees it remains a reliable choice.
Tips for Using Cards Abroad
- Always pay in the local currency — dynamic currency conversion always charges more
- Keep a backup card from a different network
- For cash abroad, Starling or Monzo current accounts offer fee-free ATM withdrawals
Rates are correct as of April 2026.