It used to be that traveling and using a bank card meant a ton of extra fees. Thankfully that is no longer the case, with a number of travel bank cards that not only do not punish you but often reward you for your travels.
And while the whole world has yet to fully catch up, in the UK at least there is now a plethora of travel bank cards and credit cards all eager to take your business. So which out of them all are the best?
Here is the YPT guide to the best travel bank cards for British people, as well as links to sign up for them.
Best for cheap withdrawals – Wise and Revolut
Revolut and Wise, formerly TransferWise, were the original trendsetters that essentially forced other banks to change their policies. Revolut offers a multi-currency account with zero fees on overseas withdrawals up to a certain limit each month, instant currency exchange at the interbank rate, and budgeting tools that make managing money abroad a breeze. It also has features like disposable virtual cards and travel insurance add-ons that are handy if you are constantly on the move.
Wise, meanwhile, specialises in sending and spending money internationally with minimal fees. Its multi-currency account allows you to hold dozens of currencies and spend as if you were a local, avoiding nasty conversion charges. While it is slightly less flashy than Revolut, it is extremely reliable and transparent, which is why both of these are staples for cost-conscious travellers.
You can sign up for wise via this link
Best Card for Lounge Access – American Express
When it comes to lounge access, insurance, and overall travel customer service, you cannot beat the American Express Platinum Card. This card opens the door to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide, often including partner lounges that you could not access otherwise. On top of that, it comes with comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection, and a concierge service that can help with hotel bookings, dining, and last-minute flights.
The Platinum Card also offers generous points on all spending that can be redeemed for flights or upgrades. While the annual fee is high, frequent travellers will find the perks easily offset the cost. For anyone who values comfort and security at the airport, it is the go-to card.
You can sign up via our affiliate link here
Best Travel Credit Card for Perks – Yonder
Yonder is a relatively new fintech company that has quickly built a reputation for premium travel credit cards. Their metal card is designed for frequent travellers who want more than just cashback. The card comes with airport lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services, along with a rewards program that lets you earn points on every purchase. Yonder also offers a premium subscription service that adds benefits such as hotel upgrades, global Wi-Fi access, and discounted flight tickets.
The pricing is transparent with a monthly fee for the premium tier, but the benefits outweigh the cost if you travel regularly. And while the company is still new, additional perks and features are being added regularly, meaning the value of the card is only likely to increase over time.
You can join via our affiliate link here
Best Travel Bank Cards for International Business
There are now dozens of fintech companies offering UK bank accounts for business purposes, such as Tide and Wise, but by far the standout is Revolut. Revolut offers multi-currency business accounts with team card options, allowing businesses to spend and manage finances internationally with ease. It is particularly useful for SMEs or freelancers who invoice clients in multiple currencies, as it reduces conversion fees and makes expense management simple.
Other fintech providers like Wise also offer business accounts with multi-currency functionality, but Revolut’s ecosystem, including budgeting tools, team cards, and instant transfers, makes it the most flexible option for international business travel. If you regularly spend or receive money abroad, having a Revolut business account can save significant costs and provide greater visibility over your finances.
You can sign up for them here
Which websites to use for international travel
Whether you are a blogger or not, it is possible to sign up for Travelpayouts and get affiliate accounts on Booking, Agoda, 12Go, AirAlo, and many others. This means you can earn a payout for booking your own services through these platforms.
Combine this with any flight loyalty program and points on your cards, and you can essentially get a triple payout on the same booking. It is an often-overlooked way to maximise the value of your travel spending while also covering your own costs.
You can sign up for Travelpayouts here
Note none of these can be used in North Korea, yet anyway. You can though open a bank account in the country.
About Post Author
