Overseas Card Fees Calculator
Compare a fee-free specialist card, a typical everyday debit card and a typical credit card for the same trip spending and cash withdrawals — and see exactly what each one costs you.
Estimate only. Card fees vary by provider and change over time — the figures here are illustrative, based on typical UK card terms. Always check your own card's current fees before you travel.
Enter your trip spend or ATM withdrawals
Add what you'll spend by card and any cash you'll withdraw to compare the three card types.
Where card fees actually come from
Most UK cards charge a 'non-sterling transaction fee' — typically around 2.99% — on anything you spend in a foreign currency, whether that's a card purchase or a cash withdrawal, because both involve converting your Pounds. ATM withdrawals then usually carry an extra fee on top of that: a flat charge per withdrawal on many debit cards, or a percentage with a minimum charge on most credit cards, where it's also classed as a 'cash advance' that starts accruing interest immediately. A fee-free specialist card removes both charges, using close to the real interbank exchange rate.