Travel money: The no-fees travel debit card - Starling Bank (2024)

Great escapes, meet your match. Spend and withdraw cash with your Starling current account anywhere, with no fees from us.

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Why Starling’s current account is great for travel

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Instant alerts when you spend.

In real time. And in both currencies.

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Spend fee-lessly.

Pay on card or withdraw cash abroad anywhere, with no fees from us.

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Great rates.

We pass Mastercard’s real exchange rate onto you, and don’t add anything on top. So you’ll get more for your money - whatever currency it’s in.

Apply now

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Holiday spending. But better.

Benefits of travelling with Starling’s current account

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Friendly human help.
If you’re awake, so are we. Get support in-app 24/7.

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Lost your card?
Lock it in the app, or order a new one to be sent out to you, wherever you are.

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Settle payments.
Paid together? Pay friends and family - or get paid back - with Nearby Payments and Split the Bill.

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Flight next week?
Start spending from your digital wallet straight away.

Apply now

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Trustpilot reviews

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How far can £100 take you?

Use our travel tool to see how far £100 can take you in the world’s top tourist destinations.

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How does Starling’s current account stack up against other banks when it comes to travel?

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Compare current accounts. Data correct as of 27 May 2024.

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Starling Bank

Travel

Debit EU £100 cost

With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to use your debit card for purchases while in Europe. If you pay in the local currency we will convert that cost to Sterling using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate.

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£0

ATM EU £100 cost

With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to withdraw foreign currency from a cash machine while in Europe. We will convert the cost of any money you withdraw using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate. Just like in the UK though some ATM providers might charge you a fee for withdrawing cash from their machines.

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£0

Debit world £100 cost

With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to use your debit card for purchases worldwide outside of Europe. If you pay in the local currency we will convert that cost to Sterling using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate.

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£0

ATM world £100 cost

With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to withdraw foreign currency from a cash machine while anywhere in the world outside Europe. We will convert the cost of any money you withdraw using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate. Just like in the UK though some ATM providers might charge you a fee for withdrawing cash from their machines.

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£0

Data correct as of 27 May 2024.

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Not just for travel

Get more from your money with Starling’s simple, award-winning current account. With features such as instant notifications, Spending Insights and Saving Spaces, money management has never been easier. Apply in minutes from your phone.

  • Find out more

Use Starling for your travel money.
Apply for a current account today and enjoy app-based banking at its best.

Start your application

Currency calculator

Need to convert GBP to USD or EUR? Use our currency converter to calculate the exchange rate. We won’t charge you for spending overseas – but do bear in mind that some ATM providers may charge their own fee.

Calculating rate...

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need to let you know that I’m going abroad?

    No - just carry on using your card as usual! That’s one fewer piece of admin to get through before you head off abroad. If you do want to add a layer of security, you can instantly lock your card within the app from the Card Management section, then unlock again when you’re ready.

  • What’s your exchange rate?

    We use Mastercard’s exchange rate and don’t add anything on top. Like all banks, we’re now required to show the European Central Bank (ECB) published exchange rate and any additional fees or charges. This is so you can compare exchange rates between banks and decide what’s best for you in a fair and transparent way.

  • Will I be charged for using my debit card abroad?

    We don’t charge you for using your debit card abroad, but some ATM providers overseas may charge their own fee (which is sadly out of our control).

  • How do I work out the exchange rate I’m going to get?

    When you use your Starling card for your travel money, you’ll receive a notification from us in pound sterling and the foreign currency of the country you’re in. You can also use our currency calculator to work out the daily Mastercard and ECB rate used, every day up to a year before. We won’t charge you for spending your money overseas, but just a heads-up - some ATM providers may charge their own fee.

Read our blog posts on travelling with Starling

How to avoid card charges abroad13th June 2023
Making the most of your holiday money5th May 2023
Converting a campervan to travel the world16th March 2023
Travel money: The no-fees travel debit card - Starling Bank (2024)

FAQs

Travel money: The no-fees travel debit card - Starling Bank? ›

If you pay in the local currency we will convert that cost to Sterling using Mastercard's globally accepted exchange rate. With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to withdraw foreign currency from a cash machine while anywhere in the world outside Europe.

Does Starling debit card have foreign transaction fees? ›

At Starling, we don't charge our customers for using their debit card abroad. This means you can use your card to pay for your morning croissant in Provence or co*cktail in Barcelona without being clobbered with additional fees from your bank.

Is Starling a good travel card? ›

We've covered all the main fees, plus exchange rate info. It's great that Starling Bank doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it a decent option for holiday spending. But if you're after potentially better exchange rates, consider an alternative such as the Wise card instead.

Can I use a Starling card in the USA? ›

You can use your Starling card in a whole load of countries – almost anywhere you see the Mastercard logo, in fact! Unlike a lot of other banks, we don't add fees or charges when you use your card overseas. It's also free to withdraw cash from ATMs outside the UK.

Do Starling banks charge fees? ›

Personal Current Accounts and Joint Current Accounts We will not charge a fee for having a Personal Current Account or Joint Current Account with us.

Is Monzo or Starling better for travel? ›

Winner: Starling. Although neither Starling nor Monzo charges for using a card in shops or restaurants abroad, it's hard to beat Starling's totally free cash withdrawals overseas.

Which debit cards don t charge foreign transaction fees? ›

Best banks for spending abroad
ProviderAccount nameFees to use debit card abroad
ChaseCurrent AccountNone
LloydsSilver and PlatinumFree (from 1 July 2024)
Virgin MoneyM PlusNone
Cumberland Building SocietyCumberland PlusNone
3 more rows
6 days ago

What are the downsides of Starling Bank? ›

Cons
  • Interest of 15% to 35% EAR (variable) on arranged overdrafts.
  • No cash switching offer.
  • No cashback, perks or discounts.
Apr 3, 2024

What is the best bank card to use when Travelling? ›

Here are six low-fee travel debit card accounts:
  • Bankwest Easy (Platinum)
  • Macquarie (Platinum)
  • Suncorp Carbon Insights.
  • Suncorp Everyday Options.
  • Ubank Spend.
  • Up Everyday.
Jan 10, 2024

How to get cash in Europe without fees? ›

  1. Use a travel credit card instead.
  2. Choose a bank that doesn't charge foreign ATM fees.
  3. Use a bank that reimburses ATM fees.
  4. Use your bank network's ATMs or partner ATMs.
  5. Pay in local currency.
  6. Reduce ATM usage.
  7. Use your debit card to get cash back at a store.
May 17, 2024

What countries can you not use Starling? ›

There are certain countries and territories we cannot accept payments from, these include:
  • Afghanistan.
  • Belarus.
  • Burundi.
  • Central African Republic.
  • Cuba.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Gaza Strip (State of Palestine)
  • Guinea.

Can I pay US dollars into my Starling account? ›

For just £5 a month, you can hold, send and receive USD, and manage them with our award-winning app – plus you can spend from your business USD account using your regular Starling business card, too.

How to avoid transaction fees abroad? ›

3 tips to avoid foreign transaction fees
  1. Get a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card. Though most credit cards do charge foreign transaction fees, there are a number that don't. ...
  2. Use a debit/checking account with no foreign transaction fees. ...
  3. Pay in the local currency.

Does Starling charge for international transactions? ›

We won't charge you for spending overseas – but do bear in mind that some ATM providers may charge their own fee.

Is Starling Bank really free? ›

Our online bank accounts for individuals

Free to open and easy to manage, with instant notifications, spending insights and no monthly fees.

Who is Starling Bank owned by? ›

100% independent. We're not owned by any other bank. We're part-owned by our founder Anne, employees and an employee benefits trust with investment from Harry McPike, a global private investor, Chrysalis Investments Ltd, Fidelity, Railpen, Qatar Investment Authority, Millennium Management and Goldman Sachs.

Is Starling Bank good for international payments? ›

Transfer money abroad without leaving your banking app or using an extra transfer service. It's competitive. Our exchange rates and fees are some of the best on the market – and we're always transparent, so you know exactly how much you're spending. It's fast.

Do you pay foreign transaction fees on debit card? ›

Foreign transaction fee: Sometimes called a currency conversion fee, this applies for foreign transactions made with a debit card. It usually ranges from 1% to 3% of the purchase amount. Foreign transaction fees for credit cards work similarly.

Do any debit cards not have foreign transaction fees? ›

Banks that have no foreign transaction fees on at least some credit card purchases, ATM withdrawals and debit card transactions include Capital One and HSBC.

What card can I use abroad without charges? ›

Top travel credit and debit cards
  • Chase – fee-free + 1% cashback.
  • Halifax Clarity – fee-free + £20 cashback.
  • Barclaycard Rewards – fee-free + 0.25% cashback.
  • Currensea – links to your bank account + £10 cashback.

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