Using your Santander card abroad: Everything you need to know

If you’re travelling abroad, you may be wondering if you can use your UK-issued debit or credit card. Many banks may charge for international spending – and you’ll need to know how to make payments outside the UK.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at using your Santander debit or credit card abroad, including how much it costs to use your card and our top tips for international spending.

We’ll also show you an alternative for spending abroad – the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It’s designed for travel, letting you spend in the local currency in 150+ countries worldwide for low, transparent fees* and mid-market exchange rates.

Learn more about the Wise card

Can I use my Santander credit or debit card abroad?

You can use your Santander credit or debit card abroad, just as you would in the UK. This includes payments in shops, restaurants and ATM withdrawals.

However, you may need to tell Santander before you travel – and the bank charges additional fees and costs for using your card abroad. This includes exchange rate markups and foreign transaction fees.¹

Cash is still the main form of payment in some countries, so it’s a good idea to take some with you. This can also help you avoid ATM withdrawal fees for cash-only payments like taxi fares.

Do I need to tell Santander I’m going abroad?

If you’re planning on travelling within the EU, you don’t need to tell Santander that you’ll be using your card outside the UK.

However, if you’re going outside the EU, make sure to contact your bank to stop your payments from being flagged as fraud.

It’s easy to inform Santander of your travel plans. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Log into your Santander online banking account

Step 2. Select “Account Services”

Step 3. Click “Use card abroad”

You should enter your PIN for your first transaction abroad, rather than paying by contactless. This provides extra confirmation to Santander that it’s you making the payment.¹

How much does it cost to use my Santander credit or debit cards abroad?

Whether you choose to use your Santander debit or credit card abroad, chances are you’ll pay a fee to spend your money at global merchants.

Let’s take a look at some of the main charges for international spending.

Fee 1: Foreign exchange rate markups

Many banks and money transfer providers charge a markup on the standard exchange rate whenever you pay in a currency other than GBP. This is how they make a profit, but it can add a substantial charge to your international spending.

Santander cards use the Mastercard or Visa exchange rate. These rates can change depending on when you make your transaction – and you may not know exactly how much it’ll cost to convert your money abroad.¹

If you’re travelling overseas, look out for the mid-market exchange rate. This is the standard rate you’ll typically see on Google. Even if you’re converting GBP into a foreign currency, you won’t pay additional markups, costs or fees at this rate.

The Wise international debit card only ever uses the mid-market exchange rate for your global transactions. If you want to make your holiday money go a little further, try Wise.

Fee 2: Non-sterling fees

On top of any exchange rate markups, Santander will then deduct its cut. This is known as a non-sterling transaction fee, or what the bank calls a foreign currency conversion fee.

This is set at 2.95% for most Santander debit and credit cards. Whenever you purchase in a currency other than GBP, Santander will charge you 2.95% of the transaction.¹

A few Santander cards don’t charge foreign exchange fees, such as the Santander Edge, All in One or World Elite credit cards.² However, you’ll typically still incur interest charges when using your credit card abroad.

Fee 3: ATM fees and cash withdrawal charges

Santander charges 2.95% for ATM withdrawals using your debit card, rising to 3% for credit card transactions.¹ Plus, individual banks or ATM providers may levy a fee on top of these charges, so keep an eye out before withdrawing cash abroad.

There’s an easy way to avoid these fees, as you won’t pay a fee to Santander when using your debit card at one of their machines abroad.

You can find Santander machines in many international locations, including Spain, Germany, Mexico and the US.¹

Fee 4: Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

Dynamic Currency Conversion is when you’re asked if you want to make your purchase in GBP, rather than local currency.

Always choose to pay in local currency, as you don’t know what exchange rate will be used for your transaction – and DCC conversion rates are known for being pretty poor.

Unlike your bank, which has an interest in ensuring you’re happy with their services, a foreign provider has no such obligations and they can set their own rate.

They’ll typically mark up the exchange rate at an extra cost to you and pocket the difference. This means you’ll pay over the odds for no real benefit.

Fee 5: Credit card interest rates

As well as paying a foreign transaction fee for using your credit card abroad, you’ll also need to consider interest charges.

For example, you won’t be charged foreign exchange fees for using your Santander Edge Credit Card abroad. However, you’ll incur a purchase rate of 23.9% p.a. (variable) on any international purchases, as you would in the UK.³

Don’t forget, there’s no interest-free period on cash withdrawals. Santander will start charging interest from the date of your withdrawal.¹

Santander debit card

Here’s your at-a-glance look at the fees for using your Santander debit card abroad.

Fees	Purchases	ATM withdrawals
Non-sterling transaction fee	2.95%	2.95% when using non-Santander ATMs¹

Santander All in One Credit Card

Let’s take a look at how much it costs to use your Santander All in One Credit Card abroad. Although you won’t pay a foreign purchase fee, you’ll incur interest for using your card overseas.

Fees	Purchases	ATM withdrawals
Non-sterling transaction fee	0%	0%
Non-sterling transaction fee for cash withdrawals	N/A	3% (minimum 3 GBP)¹

Most other Santander credit cards

Let’s take a look at the fees for using other Santander credit cards abroad, such as your Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card or Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card.

Fees	Purchases	ATM withdrawals
Non-sterling transaction fee	2.95%	2.95%
Cash withdrawal fee	N/A	3% (minimum 3 GBP)¹

What if my Santander credit or debit card gets lost or stolen while I’m overseas?

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare, but it’s worth thinking about how you’ll cope if you lose your card while you’re on holiday.

If you lose your Santander debit or credit card while you’re overseas, make sure to contact the bank as soon as possible. You can call Santander to report your lost or stolen card. Here are the numbers you’ll need:

• For debit cards: +44 1908 237 963
• For credit cards: +44 1512 648 725⁴

Santander may block your old card and send you a new card in the post. However, if you need to access your money in the meantime, you should be able to use your Santander digital wallet to make payments.⁴

Santander will send you a replacement card within 4 to 5 working days and you can typically use the same PIN as your old card. If you requested a new PIN, you’ll receive it in a separate letter.⁴

How to freeze a Santander credit or debit card?

If you have a Mastercard debit or credit card with Santander, you can freeze it using the Santander mobile app. This gives you time to look for your card without leaving your money unprotected.

For Visa card holders, there are options to report or freeze your stolen card via online banking. If you find your card, you can unfreeze it at any time.⁴

Is it better to use debit or credit cards abroad?

Whether you want to use your debit or credit card will depend on your personal preference and spending habits.

It may be better to use a debit card if you want to withdraw cash from an ATM. The Santander non-sterling cash withdrawal fee is lower for debit cards – and you won’t incur interest charges.

However, if you want to spread your holiday costs over a longer period, a credit card could be the best choice. Paying for your holiday by credit card can also give you extra protection under Section 75, as you may be entitled to a refund from Santander if something goes wrong.²

You may also be eligible for discounts on additional services such as travel insurance if you use a credit card, but you’ll need to keep an eye out for interest charges.

What are some good tips for using a Santander credit or debit card abroad?

There are a few ways to make the most of your Santander credit or debit card abroad:

• Tell Santander about your plans if you’re travelling outside the EU
• Keep your contact details up-to-date – if the bank sees suspicious activity on your account, such as spending abroad, they may call you to check everything’s okay
• Always pay with local currency and use a Santander ATM to avoid added international costs
• Take another debit or credit card with you as backup and keep some cash on hand for emergencies
• Set a daily spending limit to manage your holiday spending

Low-cost spending abroad with the Wise card

That’s it - pretty much everything you need to know about using your Santander card abroad.

If you’re a customer of Santander, using your card abroad is an easy way to make international payments on holiday. However, it’ll cost you to convert your money into other currencies. You’ll also need to consider how much the bank charges in non-sterling transaction fees.

Looking to do some travelling and need a convenient and cost-effective card? Order a Wise card and you can spend at the mid-market exchange rate in 150+ countries, whenever you want.

Open a Wise account online and you can get a Wise card for a one-time cost of just £7. Your card automatically converts currency whenever you spend, so you don’t need to worry about preloading foreign currency to your account or converting cash. There’s only a small conversion fee* to pay.

And if you need cash, your Wise card has you covered. You can withdraw up to £200 a month (max 2 withdrawals) from ATMs for free (although double-check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fee).

Sign up with Wise today 💰

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Sources used:

1. Santander - Travelling

2. Santander - Helping you when travelling abroad

3. Santander - Credit cards

4. Santander - Lost or stolen cards

Sources last checked on date: 19-Aug-2024