Brits heading abroad this summer should be wary of credit card fees from their provider or consider taking out a card that does not charge fees for carrying out transactions overseas.

Research from Post Office Credit Card revealed that almost half (49 per cent) of holidaymakers use their plastic abroad, but only a quarter (24 per cent) are aware of how much they are charged.

With many providers taking as much as 2.99 per cent from holidaymakers every time they make a purchase and Brits spending an average of £463 on their credit cards while away, the fees can rack up.

On average, £12 in credit card fees is charged to travellers, but there is a great difference between age gaps. Savvy over 55s are more sensible with their money, only incurring fees of £5, while the free spending 18-34-year-olds rack up an average of £23.

"As millions of people prepare for their summer getaway, we urge them to play their cards right and make sure they are not stung by hefty credit card charges," said Az Alibhai, head of credit cards at the Post Office.