You can use your Santander debit and credit cards abroad to make purchases and to withdraw local currency from cash machines as and when you need it, simply look for the Visa or MasterCard signs, and feel secure knowing that it's a safer option than carrying large amounts of cash or traveller's cheques.
Cash card customers can use their card to withdraw local currency from cash machines abroad wherever you see the Cirrus sign.
Before travelling overseas
If you would like more information on managing and accessing your accounts if you move abroad, then please click here.
Lost or stolen cards
If you think your card has been lost, stolen or blocked for fraud protection reasons when trying to use your card, you should call us as soon as possible on:
* Calls may be recorded and monitored for training and security purposes.
Fees and Charges
Please choose one of the following types of cards to learn more about the fees and charges associated with that type of card:
Debit Card Credit Card Cash Card
Click here for Illustrative cost examples based on a 100 Euro transaction
_______________________________________________________________________________
Debit Card
|
Scenario |
Fees or charges |
|
Making a purchase Making a purchase abroad or online in a currency other than sterling to buy goods or services |
You will be charged a non-sterling transaction fee of 2.75% of the value plus a non-sterling purchase fee of £1.25 for each transaction |
|
Withdrawing money (foreign currency) and purchasing traveller's cheques Withdrawing cash abroad (either in a bank or at a cash machine), or purchasing traveller's cheques or foreign currency when abroad (at another bank, bureau de change or other outlet displaying the Visa sign) in a currency other than sterling |
You will be charged a non-sterling transaction fee of 2.75% of the value plus a non-sterling cash fee of 1.5% of the value (at least £1.99) |
No fees will be charged to Zero debit card holders (which we are currently not offering to new customers).
Please note: If given the option of paying in either local currency or sterling, ensure you choose local currency unless you are certain that the exchange rate is more favourable. If you choose sterling, it means that the retailer or bank will handle the conversion and may charge you a conversion fee, a foreign usage fee, or both.
Credit Card
|
Scenario |
Fees or charges |
|
Making a purchase Making a purchase abroad or online in a currency other than sterling to buy goods or services |
You will be charged a non-sterling transaction fee of 2.95% of the value of the transaction. |
|
Withdrawing money (foreign currency) and purchasing traveller's cheques Withdrawing cash abroad (either in a bank or at a cash machine), or purchasing traveller's cheques or foreign currency when abroad (at another bank, bureau de change or other outlet displaying the MasterCard/Visa sign) in a currency other than sterling |
You will be charged a non-sterling transaction fee of 2.95% of the value plus a non-sterling cash fee of 3% of the value (at least £3) Please note there is no interest free period on cash withdrawals and interest will be charged from the date of withdrawal |
No cash fees or non-sterling transactions fees will be charged to Santander Zero credit card holders (please note, the Santander Zero Credit Card is not currently on sale to new customers).
Please note: If given the option of paying in either local currency or sterling, ensure you choose local currency unless you are certain that the exchange rate is more favourable. If you choose sterling, it means that the retailer or bank will handle the conversion and may charge you a conversion fee, a foreign usage fee, or both.
Cash Card
|
Scenario |
Fees or charges |
|
Withdrawing money (foreign currency) and purchasing traveller's cheques Withdrawing cash abroad (either in a bank or at a cash machine), or purchasing traveller's cheques or foreign currency when abroad (at another bank, bureau de change or other outlet displaying the Cirrus/Plus signs) in a currency other than sterling |
You will be charged a non-sterling transaction fee of 2.75% of the value plus a non-sterling cash fee of 1.5% of the value (at least £1.99) |
Illustrative Cost Examples based on a €100 (Euro) transaction
|
Transaction |
Transaction value |
Non-sterling transaction fee |
Non-sterling purchase fee |
Non-sterling |
Total cost |
|
Debit card purchase |
€100 ^ |
2.75% |
£1.25 |
n/a |
£84.24 |
|
£ 80.77^ |
£2.22 |
£1.25 |
£0 |
||
|
Credit card purchase |
€100^^ |
2.95% |
n/a |
n/a |
£83.28 |
|
£80.89^^ |
£2.39 |
£0 |
£0 |
||
|
Debit card and Cash card cash withdrawal |
€100* |
2.75% |
n/a |
1.5% (min £1.99) |
£84.98 |
|
£80.77^ |
£2.22 |
£0 |
£1.99 |
||
|
Debit card cash withdrawal at Santander cash machine in Spain ^^^ |
€100^ |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
£80.77 |
|
£80.77^ |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
||
|
Credit card cash withdrawal |
€100^^ |
2.95% |
n/a |
3% (min £3) |
£86.28 |
|
£80.89^^ |
£2.39 |
£0 |
£3.00 |
^Visa exchange rate of €1 = 0.807689 as at 04 June 2012
^^ MasterCard exchange rate of €1 = 0.808948 as at 04 June 2012
The exchange rates reflect the rate applicable when the scheme processed the transaction and not the date on which the transaction took place.
^^^ For adult current account customers paying in at least £500 each month
|
Top Tip If you're given the option of paying in either local currency or sterling, it's usually best to choose local, unless you are certain that the exchange rate is favourable. If you choose sterling, it means that the retailer or bank will handle the conversion and may also charge a higher conversion fee or a foreign usage fee (or both). Some cash machine providers may also apply an additional withdrawal fee for using their cash machine. |
Tips when using your card abroad
Before you leave:
When you get there:
You are here: