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Using a credit card abroad
Tips and information to help you make the most of your time away.
A quick summary
- You’ll usually have to pay fees if you use your credit card abroad.
- Take a little time to check the fees which apply to your credit card account, just so you know what to expect. Also check your cards expiry dates before you travel.
- It’s wise to take multiple payment methods with you while travelling, in case of emergencies.
- Even while you’re outside the UK, a credit card offers you protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
Credit cards are very useful when you’re abroad or travelling. You can use them just as you would at home as a way of paying for things. Plus, if you need to, you can take out a cash transaction at an ATM or use to obtain local currency.
- At Lloyds Bank you don’t need to tell us in advance about where and when you’re going (this may vary depending on your credit card provider).
- In case of any travel emergencies, it’s worth bringing a few different ways to pay.
- You might pay foreign transaction fees for using your credit card abroad
Understanding the cost of using your credit card abroad
Most credit card providers charge you a fee for currency conversion when you’re abroad – and for withdrawing cash abroad you may also be charged a cash withdrawal fee. Your exchange rate will be set by your payment scheme provider – either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
How fees work in practice
The exchange rate used below is for illustrative purposes only. We also assume that you convert the currency from euros to sterling. Depending on the provider you choose to convert your currency, there may be an additional charge added and they may use a different exchange rate, which could cost you more.
Should I pay in sterling or local currency?
When using your credit card abroad, you’ll often be given the option to pay in local currency or convert to sterling. To make an informed decision, you’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions to see all of the costs in detail.
If you choose to pay in local currency...
- Your credit card provider will use a conversion rate offered by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. This will usually be better than the rate you would get from the retailer or ATM.
- Expect a small currency conversion fee and, if you’re withdrawing cash, a cash transaction fee.
If you choose to pay in sterling...
- This means the retailer or ATM will convert the currency to sterling for you. This will usually be at a less competitive exchange rate than you’d get from your credit card provider.
- You may also be charged a fee by the retailer or ATM for this service
Things to do before you go
Let’s look at the details
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You can, but this will incur a cash transaction fee and interest. We recommend only doing this in an emergency.
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There is no quick answer to this question. It depends on what you’re using your card for.
Withdrawing cash will, most likely, be more expensive with a credit card.
To limit your interest costs in addition to any transaction fees, you may want to pay off your balances as soon as possible. For this, there are a range of different ways to pay your card.
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If you can’t find your card, there’s no need to worry.
If you’re registered for Internet Banking or our Mobile Banking app you can report it lost or stolen online.
We’ll cancel the existing card straight away and send you a new one.
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