Travel Credit Card Comparison

Q: What is a foreign-transaction fee?

It is a charge that some card providers add when a transaction is processed in a foreign currency. The fee is usually calculated as a percentage of the transaction.

Q: Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score?

No. Eligibility checks use soft credit searches carried out by Experian and/or participating lenders. A soft search may appear on your own credit report, but it is not visible to other lenders and does not affect your credit score. If you apply, the lender may carry out a hard credit search.

Q: Are all travel credit cards available here?

No. We compare a range of travel credit cards from lenders and providers on our panel, but we do not compare every card available in the UK.

Q: What’s a representative APR?

A representative APR is an APR at or below which the lender reasonably expects at least 51% of credit agreements resulting from the promotion to be entered into. The APR you are offered may be different depending on your circumstances.

Q: Can I hold more than one credit card?

Yes. You might keep a travel card for use abroad alongside an everyday card, but several applications in a short period can lead to multiple hard searches and may affect your credit score or future applications. Quotezone is a credit broker, not a lender. Fees, charges and benefits vary between travel credit cards. Before applying, check any foreign-transaction fees, cash-withdrawal costs, exchange-rate terms, fees and interest, and the terms and exclusions applying to any travel benefits. You can also compare purchase credit cards, rewards credit cards, cashback credit cards and balance transfer credit cards, or browse all credit cards. About this online comparison service Quotezone provides this information only comparison service for credit cards. Our eligibility checker service uses a ‘soft credit search’, which will not harm your credit score, to show your likelihood of acceptance by the lender. Quotezone acts as a credit broker, not a lender, which means we show you and distribute products offered by a range of lenders. Quotezone does not offer advice or recommendation, so you must decide which product is right for you based on your needs. We do not charge you a fee for our service, but we will receive a payment, directly or indirectly, from the product provider if you select one from the product table (based on either a flat fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow). The payment we receive does not influence the information we provide to you. You should check with your selected provider to find out what fees may be applicable to you. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 and over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility. More information about our service can be found in our FAQs, Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Compare travel credit cards

Compare travel credit cards from UK providers on our panel
Check eligibility using a soft search that does not affect your credit score
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Illustration of a person holding credit cards, with icons for low APR, 0% purchases, rewards, balance transfers and fee-free spending abroad.

What is a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is designed for spending abroad, often with low or no fees on purchases made in a foreign currency. Our comparison shows travel cards from UK providers on our panel. Compare foreign-transaction fees, cash-withdrawal costs and any travel rewards before you apply. Checking your eligibility uses a soft search that won’t affect your credit score.

What you need to consider when reviewing your travel credit card options

Usage

Think about where you travel, how often you spend abroad, and whether you plan to use the card for purchases, cash withdrawals, bookings, or emergencies. Different fees can apply to each type of transaction.

Representative APR

The representative APR (Annual Percentage Rate) helps show the potential annual cost of borrowing. The APR offered to you may differ, and interest may apply to cash withdrawals from the transaction date.

Introductory Offers

Some cards provide introductory purchase rates, travel rewards, or welcome offers. Check the duration, qualifying conditions, and rate that applies afterwards.

Fees and Charges

Look for foreign-transaction fees, cash-withdrawal fees, annual fees, interest on cash, and any charges made by overseas cash machine (ATM) operators. MoneyHelper notes that standard cards are usually expensive to use abroad, so travel cards aim to offer better exchange rates and little or no foreign-currency charge.

Rewards and Benefits

Travel cards may include cashback, points, miles, travel insurance, or lounge access. Eligibility, exclusions, limits, and separate activation requirements may apply.

Eligibility

Each lender sets its own criteria. Your income, credit history, existing borrowing, and recent applications may affect the products and limits available.

How does the travel credit card comparison process work?

Our comparison shows a range of travel cards from UK lenders and providers on our panel, with transparent information about overseas fees, rates, features, and eligibility before you apply.

Your Information

You will be asked for details about your circumstances, credit history, finances, and intended use of the card.

We search our panel of lenders

Our panel includes UK banks, card issuers, and other credit providers. Experian and/or participating lenders assess your eligibility for cards available through our comparison service.

Personalised results

You can review travel cards available through our panel, with an indication of acceptance likelihood where available. Eligibility checking uses a soft search carried out by Experian and/or participating lenders, and does not affect your credit score.

Apply with confidence

If you choose to apply, you will be taken to the lender’s website. The lender makes the final decision and may carry out a hard credit search.

What types of travel credit cards can I compare?

No Foreign-Transaction-Fee Cards

Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Airline Credit Cards

Travel Cards with Cash-Withdrawal Features

Travel Credit Cards with Additional Benefits

Worked example

Example: spend £1,000 abroad on a standard card charging a 3% non-sterling fee and you would pay about £30 extra in fees. A travel card with no non-sterling fee would avoid that £30.

Tips that can help to increase the chances of being accepted for a travel credit card

Travel cards are assessed like any other credit card, so it helps to prepare before you apply.

Credit Report

Check your credit report and correct any inaccurate information before applying.

Electoral Register

Make sure you are registered to vote at your current address where eligible.

Pay Your Bills

Pay bills and existing credit commitments on time.

Level of Borrowing

Keep borrowing manageable in relation to your income and available credit.

Eligibility Checking

Using an eligibility checker before applying can help you understand your likelihood of acceptance. Soft searches do not affect your credit score.

Should I pay in pounds or the local currency?

When given a choice, pay in the local currency, such as euros or dollars. This stops the retailer or cash machine operator from setting the exchange rate, which can add a large mark-up. Check the rate and any charges first, as your card’s own foreign-currency fees vary by provider.

Is withdrawing cash abroad free with a travel card?

Not necessarily. The card provider may charge a fee or interest, and the ATM operator may apply a separate charge.

Frequently asked questions

What is a foreign-transaction fee?

Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score?

Are all travel credit cards available here?

What’s a representative APR?

Can I hold more than one credit card?

Quotezone is a credit broker, not a lender. Fees, charges and benefits vary between travel credit cards. Before applying, check any foreign-transaction fees, cash-withdrawal costs, exchange-rate terms, fees and interest, and the terms and exclusions applying to any travel benefits.

You can also compare purchase credit cards, rewards credit cards, cashback credit cards and balance transfer credit cards, or browse all credit cards.

About this online comparison service

Quotezone provides this information only comparison service for credit cards. Our eligibility checker service uses a ‘soft credit search’, which will not harm your credit score, to show your likelihood of acceptance by the lender. Quotezone acts as a credit broker, not a lender, which means we show you and distribute products offered by a range of lenders.

Quotezone does not offer advice or recommendation, so you must decide which product is right for you based on your needs. We do not charge you a fee for our service, but we will receive a payment, directly or indirectly, from the product provider if you select one from the product table (based on either a flat fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow). The payment we receive does not influence the information we provide to you. You should check with your selected provider to find out what fees may be applicable to you.

To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 and over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

More information about our service can be found in our FAQs, Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.