A globetrotter's guide to using credit cards abroad
Before you travel
Your credit card can be used in most countries around the world in the same way as you do it at home. You don't need to let us know when you plan to travel, but there are some things you might like to consider:
Credit card travel checklist
- Check your credit card is activated. Our guide on how to activate your card is here.
- Does your card expire when you are away? If your card is due to expire within 90 days, you can request a replacement card.
- You can use our app to view your PIN number if you can't remember it.
- Think about setting up a Direct Debit to cover any payments due while you’re away.
- Can you use your card in the country you’re travelling to? There are restrictions for some countries.
- Ensure your contact details are up to date. We may need to text or call you if we’re concerned there may be fraudulent activity on your account you can check and update your details online.
Foreign currency exchange rates and fees
Unless otherwise specified in your account terms and conditions, the following fees and charges apply when you use your credit card for foreign currency transactions:
Foreign currency conversions:
Credit card payments made in foreign currency will be subject to a variable exchange rate set by your payment scheme provider – that’s either Mastercard® or Visa.
Non-sterling transaction fee:
2.95% of the transaction value. If a retailer/service provider offers the option to pay in pounds sterling, they might also charge a fee, so check with them before you pay.
Cash transaction fee:
5% of the transaction value. If you use your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM, or buy foreign currency/travellers’ cheques (including bureau de change services in the UK), a cash withdrawal fee usually applies. This will be charged in addition to the non-sterling transaction fee.
Interest charges:
If you take out cash with a credit card abroad, or make purchases in a foreign currency, you may be charged interest on the transaction. Please refer to the terms and conditions of your account for details.
EEA currency conversion calculator
Compare the currency conversion costs when you use your card in the European Economic Area (EEA)
The calculator below can help assess the cost of using your credit card in the EEA. This includes a standard currency conversion charge (Non-Sterling Transaction fee) of 2.95%.
The charges are shown as a percentage mark-up over the latest European Central Bank (ECB) rate which can help compare the costs between the different credit cards you may have.
Please note: The calculator should be used as a guide only. We use Mastercard, Visa and ECB rates within the calculator which are subject to change and are updated by us every business working day.
EEA currencies other than euro will be converted to euro first and then to Pounds Sterling.
To use the calculator, please choose your card scheme, currency and transaction amount.
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Visa Exchange Rate |
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Conversion to Pounds Sterling (GBP) |
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Non Sterling Transaction Fee (standard rate 2.95%)* |
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Transaction % mark up over latest ECB rate |
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Indicative amount that you may see on your statement for purchases |
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Cash Transaction Fee Using your available credit to obtain cash (e.g. at an ATM or at an over-the-counter service), gambling transactions, using your card to make transactions at casinos, betting outlets and bookmakers, and buying online lottery tickets or gaming chips, share trading or spread betting, buying foreign currency, sending money orders or wire transfers (other than balance transfers or money transfers), buying coins, banknotes or digital currency, paying government or court fines, enforcement penalties, fees or costs, online trading such as share dealing or investments, purchasing or topping up electronic money, payment cards, mobile wallets or account dashboard services. |
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Mastercard Exchange Rate |
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Conversion to Pounds Sterling (GBP) |
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Non Sterling Transaction Fee (standard rate 2.95%)* |
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Transaction % mark up over latest ECB rate |
(##euromarkup##%) |
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Indicative amount that you may see on your statement for purchases |
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Cash Transaction Fee Using your available credit to obtain cash (e.g. at an ATM or at an over-the-counter service), gambling transactions, using your card to make transactions at casinos, betting outlets and bookmakers, and buying online lottery tickets or gaming chips, share trading or spread betting, buying foreign currency, sending money orders or wire transfers (other than balance transfers or money transfers), buying coins, banknotes or digital currency, paying government or court fines, enforcement penalties, fees or costs, online trading such as share dealing or investments, purchasing or topping up electronic money, payment cards, mobile wallets or account dashboard services. |
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For currencies not listed, you can get the latest Visa rates and MasterCard rates and historical ECB rates.
*The standard fee of 2.95% may be different for cards that have specific pricing or offers. If you’re unsure please refer to your full terms and conditions.
Secure the world over
The same protection applies to your credit card and account, wherever you make transactions. We’re always on the lookout for unusual activity and will contact you if we need to check anything. Please get in touch if you notice anything suspicious yourself - you’ll find useful information about staying safe on our security page.
Cash withdrawals abroad
As well as the fees and charges detailed above, it’s useful to know that, although you can withdraw money at ATMs displaying the Mastercard or Visa logos, limits may apply. As in the UK, these limits are set by the individual cash withdrawal service provider and country restrictions may also apply.
You can withdraw a larger amount over the counter at an overseas bank if you need to, but it’s likely you’ll need to present photographic ID (such as your passport) as well as your credit card.
Credit card payments from overseas
To make a payment when you’re travelling abroad, log in or register for Online Services. One of the quickest ways is to make a payment using your UK debit card. You can also call us using the international phone number printed on the back of your card (standard network charges may apply), but if you can’t do this, most overseas banks can to make SWIFT payments to us. They’ll need the following details:
SWIFT/BIC: LOYDGB21705
Bank sort code: 77-29-00
Bank account number: 00000000
IBAN A/C Number: GB38LOYD30675699067997
Your 16 digit card number as a reference.
SWIFT payments might take up to 5 days to reach your account.
As long as there are no restrictions on your credit card account, the value of your payment will be available for you to use from the start of the working day on which your payment is due to be completed.