Using Nationwide debit card abroad: Fees, Rates and Tips (2024)

Using a credit or debit card while you travel is convenient and may feel safer than carrying around foreign currency - but you could end up paying extra fees. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the costs of using your Nationwide cards abroad - and introduce an alternative which may be able to help you save - the Wise travel money card.

Can I use my Nationwide debit card abroad?

The good news is that your card should work, no matter what Visa terminal type the merchant has. Nationwide debit and credit cards are issued on the Visa network. This means you can use them to pay or withdraw cash anywhere you see the Visa logo.¹

Charges for using debit card abroad with Nationwide

If you use your Nationwide card abroad, you can expect to pay some fees for the service. The amount will differ depending on the card used and the transaction type - foreign purchases or foreign cash withdrawals. Here’s what you need to know.

Fee 1: Foreign exchange rate mark-ups

The Nationwide exchange rate used to convert your foreign purchase will actually be set by Visa, and may include a small mark-up compared to the mid-market rate. That said, using Visa debit abroad usually will get you a decent exchange rate.

It’s also good to know that the rate used will be the one available when the purchase is processed by Visa - which may be a day or two later than when you actually make the transaction. You can get the current or historic Visa exchange rate using the handy Visa rate calculator.²

Fee 2: Non-sterling transaction fee

Whether you’re paying for something in a shop or making a cash withdrawal in a foreign currency, you may also need to pay non-sterling transaction fees. This is usually a percentage of the transaction value. Some Nationwide cards waive this fee, while others have a fee of 2.5% - 2.75% or a minimum cost of £3.³ Detailed fee information follows this section.

Fee 3: ATM Fees

When making a cash withdrawal in a foreign currency you may be charged an ATM fee by your own bank, or the operator of the ATM. If you’re using an ATM abroad, check your card terms and conditions to see if Nationwide adds an ATM fee. You’ll also need to watch out for the messages on screen when using an ATM which usually give you warning of any extra fees, before you confirm the withdrawal.

Fee 4: Dynamic Currency Conversion

A final fee - and a big headache for travellers - is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This is where you’re asked if you’d like to pay in pounds rather than the local currency wherever you are.

It’s always best to pay in the local currency. Choosing to pay in pounds means the ATM operator or merchant can choose the exchange rate they give you - and this will seldom be as favourable as the Visa rate.

Nationwide debit card abroad

There are several different debit cards available from Nationwide - here are the fees you’ll pay to use them abroad.³ For this comparison we’ve excluded the specialist FlexStudent Debit Card and FlexGraduate Debit Card.

FlexBasic Debit Card FlexAccount Debit Card FlexDirect Debit Card FlexPlus Debit Card FlexOne Debit Card
Non-Sterling Transaction Fee 2.75% of transaction value 2.75% of transaction value 2.75% of transaction value No fee Foreign purchases not available
ATM Fee (non-sterling cash fee) * £1 + 2.75% of withdrawal value £1 + 2.75% of withdrawal value £1 + 2.75% of withdrawal value No fee No fee

*ATM fee based on foreign cash withdrawal outside of the UK.

Let’s take an example, to show how the pricing works when using a Nationwide debit card abroad. Let’s say I share a meal with friends in a Paris restaurant, and foot the bill, which comes in at €200.
At the time of writing**, this converts to around £169.57 using the Visa exchange rate. Assuming you’re paying with your Nationwide FlexAccount Debit Card, there will then be an additional fee of 2.75% of the transaction value added - another £4.66. This brings the total cost to around £174.23.

** Fees and exchange rates correct at time of research (29/01/2020). For full details of Nationwide pricing and charges, see the Nationwide site directly.

Going abroad? Save with a Wise debit Mastercard

Using a card when you travel is convenient and safe. However, you can get a nasty surprise after your holiday if you’re hit with fees you didn’t expect. This is where Wise can help.

Save when you spend abroad - Get started with Wise.

You can open a Wise multi-currency account online for free, order your linked debit card and get started right away. Hold multiple currencies in the same account, and switch between them whenever you want to, using the mid-market exchange rate, and for just a small fee.

Let’s see the costs of the borderless card compared to Nationwide Flex Account debit cards, as a comparison.

Wise⁴ Nationwide*²
Spend £100 on debit card in EUR £0.37 £2.75
Withdraw £100 / month cash in EUR £0.37 - £2.37. Cash withdrawals free up-to 100 GBP, with 2% fee after this.** £3.75 if made in one single withdrawal - multiple smaller withdrawals may cost more.

It’s always free to spend currencies you hold in your account - and you can use your card anywhere you see the Mastercard logo. Just switch your pounds to the currency you need and spend like local.

*Figures based on FlexBasic Debit Card from Nationwide, fees may vary depending on the card used. Figures taken from the Nationwide site, correct on 8 January 2020.
**ATM withdrawals with Wise debit MasterCard are free up-to £200 in a 30-day period, after this there is a 2% withdrawal fee applied. For details of see Wise account and card pricing.

Nationwide credit card abroad

Here’s what you’ll pay when using any of Nationwide’s 5 credit cards overseas. It’s worth noting that the Cash Reward, Gold and Classic Credit Cards are no longer available to new customers - details included for information and existing customers only.³

Nationwide Credit Card Select Credit Card Cash Reward Credit Card Gold Credit Card Classic Credit Card
Non-Sterling Transaction Fee Up to 2% of transaction value, depending on commission free allowance earned No fee No fee in the Visa Europe region - 1% of transaction value elsewhere No fee in the Visa Europe region - 1% of transaction value elsewhere No fee in the Visa Europe region - 1% of transaction value elsewhere
ATM Fee (non-sterling cash fee) * Non sterling cash fee of 2.5% of transaction value (minimum £3) Non sterling cash fee of 2.5% of transaction value (minimum £3) Non sterling cash fee of 2.5% of transaction value (minimum £3) No fee in the Visa Europe region + non sterling cash fee of 2.5% of transaction value (minimum £3) No fee in the Visa Europe region + non sterling cash fee of 2.5% of transaction value (minimum £3)

*ATM fee based on foreign cash withdrawal outside of the UK.
** 1% of transaction value elsewhere.

How do I tell Nationwide that I’m going abroad?

There’s no need to inform Nationwide of your plans to travel. If their fraud team are concerned about any unusual spending, they’ll get in touch with you - just make sure your contact details are all up to date.

Nationwide also recommend you use your chip and PIN card in an ATM or store at an air or sea port before you travel, so the fraud detection software can see you may be leaving the country.⁵

What if your Nationwide card is lost or stolen overseas?

You can report your card as lost or stolen using the Nationwide banking app. Alternatively you can call the service team to report the issue and discuss how to get a new card, using the phone numbers available online.⁶

Is it better to spend on a debit or credit card abroad?

There are pros and cons to both credit and debit cards when you travel. A debit card typically incurs lower charges, because there is no interest to pay, and you won’t be charged a cash advance fee when using an ATM.

However, if you want to spread the cost of your break over a few months, or have a credit card with a great introductory offer or which earns you specific perks you want to use, credit might be the way to go. Plan your spending in advance, and check all the terms and conditions - as well as the small print relating to fees - so you don’t end up paying more than you expect for your well deserved holiday.

No matter where you’re headed, you’ll have more fun if you don’t need to worry about travel money. Do some homework before you head off to see which of your cards will serve you best while you travel. Or - even better - get yourself a Wise debit Mastercard to spend like a local all over the world.

Sources used:

  1. Nationwide FAQs: Using cards abroad
  2. Visa Exchange Rate Calculator
  3. Nationwide Support: Fees and Charges
  4. Wise account and card pricing
  5. Nationwide Support: Useful Travel Information
  6. NationWide Support: Contact Us

Sources checked: 29-January 2020.

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

Using Nationwide debit card abroad: Fees, Rates and Tips (2024)

FAQs

Do I get charged for using my debit card abroad? ›

Visa exchange rate

This is the exchange rate used by Visa to convert the transaction into sterling on the day Visa processes the transaction. This might not be the same day when the transaction took place. A 2.99% fee charged by us for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds.

How do I avoid foreign transaction fees on my debit card? ›

Foreign Transaction Fees: What To Know And How to Avoid Them
  1. Types of Transactions Subject to Fees. ...
  2. Get a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees. ...
  3. Get a Checking Account or Debit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees. ...
  4. Don't Use International ATMs Without Checking Fees First. ...
  5. Exchange Cash Before Leaving the U.S.
Sep 23, 2021

What is nationwide non sterling transaction fee? ›

All our cards carry a fee when you withdraw cash, whether that's in Pounds Sterling or a foreign currency. The fee is 2.5% of the value of the withdrawal or £3, whichever is greater.

What is the euro rate at Nationwide? ›

NATIONWIDE UK POUND & EURO EXCHANGE RATES
NATIONWIDEMIN. TRANSFER*GUIDE RATES
GBP £ - to EURNO MINIMUM€1.141
EUR € - to GBPNO MINIMUM£0.808
BROKER RATESMIN. TRANSFER*GUIDE RATES
GBP £ - to EURFrom £100€1.18
1 more row

Which debit cards are free for abroad? ›

The best debit cards to use abroad
  • Starling Bank current account. ...
  • Metro Bank Current Account. ...
  • Virgin Money M Plus Account. ...
  • TSB Spend & Save Plus. ...
  • The Nationwide FlexPlus account. ...
  • Monzo current account. ...
  • Halifax Clarity Credit Card Mastercard. ...
  • Barclaycard Rewards Visa.
Aug 28, 2021

Is it better to exchange money or use debit card? ›

When you exchange cash, you get a significantly worse exchange rate than when you use a card. The difference can be as much as 6%. This is why using a card is better. However, you should not use a credit card to get money out of ATMs.

Is it better to use credit or debit card abroad? ›

Debit cards vs credit cards while abroad

As debit cards usually charge more fees for usage and the exchange rate tends to be uncompetitive. Credit cards do come with higher interest rates however, so it's best to pay off your balance regularly and fully which is usually due on a monthly basis.

Is it better to take euros or use debit card? ›

The main advantage of using a debit or credit card overseas is that you won't pay foreign transaction fees every time you spend. While many also won't charge fees for cash withdrawals, you will still usually be charged interest from the date of the transaction if you use a credit card.

Which banks do not charge international ATM fees? ›

The Best Checking Accounts to Avoid International ATM Withdrawal Fees
  • 1) Chase Bank. ...
  • 2) Ally Bank® – Interest Checking Account. ...
  • 3) Aspiration – Plus Account. ...
  • 4) Capital One 360 Checking Account. ...
  • 6) Citibank. ...
  • 7) Discover Bank. ...
  • 8) Fidelity Cash Management Account. ...
  • 9) First Republic Bank's ATM Rebate Checking Account.
Apr 26, 2021

Which banks have no foreign transaction fees? ›

Here are the best banks and best checking accounts that don't charge ATM foreign transaction fees:
  • Aspiration.
  • Betterment.
  • Charles Schwab.
  • Capital One.
  • Alliant Credit Union.
  • First Republic Bank.
  • Fidelity.
  • USAA.
Jun 21, 2022

Which bank does not charge international transaction fee? ›

Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® account

It also doesn't tack on foreign transaction fees, monthly fees or have minimum balance requirements.

Which card is best to use abroad? ›

If you're planning an overseas trip, or regularly buy from overseas websites, a specialist travel credit or debit card is one of the cheapest way to spend as it gives near-perfect exchange rates worldwide.

Do I need to tell Nationwide Im going abroad? ›

How do I tell Nationwide that I'm going abroad? There's no need to inform Nationwide of your plans to travel. If their fraud team are concerned about any unusual spending, they'll get in touch with you - just make sure your contact details are all up to date.

What is the best way to take money abroad? ›

Prepaid currency card

Prepaid currency or travel cards are the modern version of travellers' cheques – and arguably the safest way to carry money abroad. Before you travel, you can load your prepaid currency card with local currency so you can withdraw cash from an ATM on holiday.

Which bank has no foreign transaction fee? ›

1) Chase Bank

Chase Sapphire Checking customers do not incur any fees, including foreign transaction fees, for withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad.

Do I need to tell Nationwide I'm going abroad? ›

How do I tell Nationwide that I'm going abroad? There's no need to inform Nationwide of your plans to travel. If their fraud team are concerned about any unusual spending, they'll get in touch with you - just make sure your contact details are all up to date.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Europe? ›

key takeaways. European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. Credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities; but check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.

Does Nationwide do foreign currency? ›

Nationwide does not offer a foreign exchange service, so you won't be able to visit a branch and get foreign currency before you travel. However, there are a couple of ways you can use your Nationwide account to fund your trip.

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