Travel Tips Travelling to the UK

La Banque Postale pound sterling fees: withdrawals, payments, and transfers explained

Soufiane Baba
Soufiane Baba
11.11.25
Read time 2 minutes

How much do withdrawals, payments, and transfers in pounds cost at La Banque Postale? Here’s the full breakdown — plus some tips to help you reduce fees when using your account from France or abroad.

If you frequently make transactions in pounds sterling, consider opening a Wise account. You’ll benefit from the mid-market exchange rate, not the marked-up rate banks typically use, which can help you save on every transaction.

You can also hold 40+ currencies and get account details in 8+ different currencies, including pound sterling.

More information on the Wise account

Pound sterling transactions at La Banque Postale: fees and commissions

Payments and withdrawals: current rates

Here are the fees charged by La Banque Postale for main card operations in pounds sterling:¹

Card typeATM withdrawal (other banks)Payment
Visa Platinum, Visa Infinite2.30% + €3.301.15% (max. €6)
Other cards2.30% + €3.302.30% (max. €6)

Withdrawals at branches of other banks are charged 2.30% + €6.¹

Note: Some foreign ATMs may also charge their own fee, which La Banque Postale cannot control.

Transfers to or from the UK

Online transfers to the UK are charged at 0.10% + €10 (currency exchange commission), with a minimum of €9.90 and a maximum of €70.¹

If done at a branch, the same rate applies (0.10% + €10), but the total fee ranges from **€15.50 to €70.**¹

For incoming transfers, a flat fee of €13.50 applies per transaction.¹

💡 Receive your pound sterling transfers for free with Wise!

What exchange rate does La Banque Postale use for pounds?

La Banque Postale applies a marked-up exchange rate when converting euros to pounds.²

For card payments, it uses the Visa rate.
Within the European Economic Area (EEA), the bank uses the ECB rate but adds a margin.¹

The result: you’ll always pay more than the real market rate — meaning indirect commission is included in every transaction.

In contrast, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, offering transparent and fair pricing for all your foreign currency payments.

Can you buy pound sterling at La Banque Postale?

Previously, La Banque Postale partnered with Travelex to offer foreign currency exchange. However, this service is no longer available following Travelex’s bankruptcy.

If you need cash, visit a currency exchange office instead — but avoid those in airports, train stations, or shopping malls, as their rates are usually much higher.

Beware of offers claiming “no commission”: the fees are hidden in the inflated rate.
To save money and stay secure, use the Wise card instead. It lets you withdraw pounds at the mid-market rate with no hidden markup.

How to save on pound sterling fees with La Banque Postale

La Banque Postale adds margins to the exchange rate for both card transactions and transfers. There’s no way to negotiate these rates directly — but you can reduce the impact by using an alternative provider like Wise.

Here are a few practical tips to reduce fees:

  • Prioritize card payments over withdrawals: This helps you avoid flat withdrawal commissions.
  • Send a transfer to a pound-denominated account (for example, Wise), then withdraw locally.
  • Refuse dynamic currency conversion (DCC): When offered to “pay in euros or pounds,” always choose the local currency. Paying in euros will apply an even worse rate.

wise_debit_card

Other ways to reduce fees on pound transactions

Depending on your bank, you might also:

  • Subscribe to an international banking option to get free or discounted withdrawals abroad.
  • Use Global Alliance or Global Network ATMs (free for BNP Paribas customers).³
  • Open a multi-currency account in pounds sterling to avoid conversion margins.
  • Get a multi-currency card: this lets you spend in pounds like a local.
  • Open a bank account in the UK if you regularly receive or spend pounds. This eliminates conversion, reception, and withdrawal fees.

Choose a Wise account for your pound sterling transactions

The Wise account and Wise international debit card are designed for anyone traveling to or living in the UK.

For a one-time €7 card delivery fee — with no monthly charges — you’ll benefit from:

  • Mid-market exchange rate on withdrawals and payments.
  • Zero payment fees when you already hold the transaction currency.
  • UK account details to receive GBP transfers for free.
  • 2 free withdrawals per month (up to €200). Beyond that, 1.75% + €0.50 applies.

Open your Wise account

Sources:

  1. La Banque Postale Fees
  2. La Banque Postale Bank Cards
  3. BNP Paribas Partner ATMs

Last verified on October 12, 2025.

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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