To help you plan, we’ve put together some top tips for you to consider to help you get ready for your travels.
Before you travel
Travelling outside of Europe? You can let us know before you go through Online Banking – choose ‘Account Services’ then click ‘Use Card Abroad’. This helps us better protect you.
Don’t forget, if you book your holiday on a credit card, you could get extra protection. For example, if your holiday gets cancelled or the travel company goes out of business, with Section 75 (which is part of the Consumer Credit Act), you could be entitled to a refund from your credit card provider, even if the company itself can’t refund you. Explore our range of credit cards
Top tips for travelling
No foreign exchange fees
Using a card with no foreign exchange fees means you won’t be charged extra when the currency is converted. If you want to find out more about our charges, visit our travelling page
Pay using local currency
We use a conversion rate offered by Mastercard. This will often be better than the rate you’d get from the retailer or cash machine, with no hidden extra charges.
Santander debit card withdrawals at a Santander machine are free
You’ll find them in Spain, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and the USA. Remember to select the local currency. Local banks may charge their own fees. There would be a charge for credit cards when using cash machines from the date of withdrawal.
30% discount on travel insurance for Santander customers
When you apply online for our award-winning travel insurance, provided by Chubb.
Cards with no foreign exchange fees
We have the following cards that don't charge foreign exchange fees.
- Santander Edge, All in One or World Elite credit card
- Santander Edge or Santander Edge Up current accounts
- For customers who have a 1|2|3 credit card, a Zero credit card or a Zero current account, you can also make the most of no foreign exchange fees.
The APRs for our Edge and All in One credit cards are 29.8% APR representative (variable). A monthly fee applies to these credit cards. Santander World Elite is 49.8% APR representative (variable). A monthly fee applies. Credit subject to status.
Using your card abroad
You can choose to pay for your goods in the local currency or pounds sterling when you use your debit, credit or cash card abroad. This includes taking cash out too. Our currency calculator shows how much it might cost you to pay in the local currency.
Keep a check on your spending
Mobile Banking is an easy way to track what you're spending during your trip. You can check your latest transactions, balances, transfer money and much more.
Spot something suspicious? With our app you can freeze or unfreeze your card and report a lost or stolen card 24/7.
You can also connect to local Wi-Fi hotspots when using Mobile Banking abroad to avoid roaming data charges.
Don’t have our mobile app? You can download our app if you haven’t already.
Please remember to spend only what you can afford. If you need any tips or support with your finances view our Help With Managing Your Money | Support | Santander UK page.