When you’re traveling abroad, the last thing you want to worry about is extra charges on your credit card for making purchases in foreign currencies. Unfortunately, many UK credit cards impose foreign transaction fees of 2.5% to 3% on every purchase made outside of the UK. While this might not seem like much at first, these fees can really add up, especially on longer trips.
Luckily, there are credit cards available that offer no foreign transaction fees. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options available in the UK for 2025, highlighting their benefits and why they’re great for international travel.
Why You Should Choose a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees can be a huge pain when traveling, and they can turn a seemingly cheap purchase into something more expensive. If you’re someone who travels often or shops online from overseas retailers, it makes sense to avoid these extra costs. With a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, you’ll be able to spend freely abroad without any surprise charges.
Here’s why getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a smart move:
- Save Money: You’ll avoid those pesky fees, which can add up quickly.
- Earn Rewards: Many of these cards offer cashback or rewards points, which means you can get something back for every pound spent.
- Convenience: No need to carry around loads of cash or stress over exchange rates when you’re using your card abroad.
- Bonus Perks: Some cards offer additional travel benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and more.
Top 5 Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees in the UK (2025)
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 1x point on all other purchases
- Bonus points when you meet the spending requirement
- Travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation coverage
- Why It’s Great for Travelers: This card is ideal for frequent travelers, offering double points on travel and dining. Plus, the added travel insurance makes it a solid choice for anyone looking for extra peace of mind while traveling.
2. Halifax Clarity Credit Card
- Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases
- 0% interest on overseas cash withdrawals for up to 56 days (if you pay the balance in full)
- 0.5% cashback on all purchases
- Contactless payments for easy transactions
- Why It’s Great for Travelers: The Halifax Clarity Credit Card is one of the best cards for international spending. Not only does it offer zero foreign transaction fees, but it also provides 0% interest on overseas cash withdrawals if you pay off the balance in full. This makes it super flexible for travelers.
3. Barclaycard Rewards Card
- Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- 0.25% cashback on all purchases
- 6 months interest-free on purchases (if paid off within the billing cycle)
- Exclusive offers and discounts
- Why It’s Great for Travelers: If you’re looking to earn cashback while you travel, the Barclaycard Rewards Card is a great option. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, it’s a cost-effective way to shop internationally while also benefiting from a cashback program.
4. Santander All in One Credit Card
- Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn cashback on all purchases: 0.5% on all purchases, 1% on overseas spending
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 26 months (if paid in full)
- 24/7 customer service and fraud protection
- Why It’s Great for Travelers: Santander’s All in One Credit Card offers a nice bonus of 1% cashback on overseas spending. This, combined with the 0% interest on purchases for up to 26 months, makes it a solid card for both everyday spending and international purchases.
5. Virgin Money Travel Credit Card
- Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- 0.5% cashback on overseas purchases
- Free travel insurance (subject to terms and conditions)
- Earn Virgin Atlantic loyalty points with specific purchases
- Why It’s Great for Travelers: Virgin Money’s Travel Credit Card is perfect for frequent flyers. Not only does it offer cashback on overseas purchases, but it also provides access to travel insurance and Virgin Atlantic loyalty points. If you’re planning on flying frequently, this card can help you earn rewards while avoiding foreign transaction fees.
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for International Travel
Choosing the right credit card for traveling involves looking at a few key factors:
- Rewards: If you want to earn rewards, look for cards that offer points or cashback on overseas purchases.
- Additional Travel Benefits: Consider cards with perks like travel insurance, extended warranties, and lounge access.
- Interest Rates: If you’re not paying your balance off right away, check the interest rates to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Annual Fees: Some cards charge an annual fee, so make sure the benefits outweigh the cost if you’re opting for one of these.
Conclusion
A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a must-have for anyone who frequently travels or shops internationally. The cards we’ve highlighted above are all great options for 2025, offering various benefits, including cashback, rewards, and travel-related perks.
By choosing one of these cards, you can avoid the extra charges that come with foreign transaction fees and make your travels smoother and more affordable. Just remember to pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges, and always read the terms and conditions before applying.