Using credit and debit cards abroad

It's safe and easy to use your Tesco Bank cards overseas. There are just a few things to be aware of before you go, like fees, charges and security.

  • There's no need to ring us to let us know you're going - your card will work automatically while you're abroad
  • Remember, choosing the option to pay in local currency when using your card abroad is likely to be cheaper than paying in your own currency
  • If you need to log on to Online Banking from a new device, make sure your mobile phone will be with you and capable of receiving text messages, as we will send you a one-time access code (network charges may apply)
  • Check your account for any unfamiliar transactions, and give us a call immediately if you see anything suspicious
  • Take a note of the overseas customer service number from the back of your card or from our 'Contact us' page


      What are the costs of using my credit card abroad?

      You can use your credit card to make purchases, withdraw cash and other cash transactions in both the UK and overseas. Cash transactions include gambling and purchasing non-sterling currency outside of Tesco. For a full list of transactions that qualify as cash, see your credit card terms and conditions.

      • Making purchases: We'll charge you an additional 2.75% of the cost of your purchase on each transaction in a foreign currency. Clubcard Plus Credit Card holders will not be charged the additional 2.75% Foreign Exchange fee on any transactions.
      • Withdrawing cash: In addition to any foreign exchange fees, we will charge you 3.99% of the value of the transaction (minimum £3 fee applies to cash withdrawals).

      There is no interest-free period on cash withdrawals.

      Gambling transactions are subject to a 3.99% handling fee, but there is no minimum charge. This is on top of the 2.75% foreign exchange fee.

      We don't add a mark-up to the exchange rates applied by VISA and Mastercard. All fees are calculated based on the exchange rate on the day the transaction is posted to your account, which may be later than the date the transaction took place.

        What are the costs of using my debit card abroad?

        • Making purchases: We’ll charge you a Foreign Exchange Fee of an additional 2.75% of the cost of your purchase on each transaction in a foreign currency.
        • Withdrawing cash (excluding Euros): We’ll charge you a fee of 1% of the amount you withdraw, along with the 2.75% Foreign Exchange Fee.

        You can withdraw a maximum of £400 within a 24 hour period with your debit card.

        We don't add a mark-up to the exchange rates applied by VISA. All fees are calculated based on the exchange rate on the day the transaction is posted to your account, which may be later than the date the transaction took place.


          Compare the cost of using your debit card and credit card abroad

          Making a purchase abroad

          VISA exchange rate on 6 June 2022 was €1 = 0.858618

          Mastercard exchange rate on 6 June 2022 was €1 = 0.859118

            Tesco Bank card type

            Amount

            €100 at exchange rate

            Foreign Exchange Fee

            Cost to you

            Clubcard Plus Credit Card (Mastercard)

              €100

                £85.91

                  £0.00

                    £85.91

                      All other Mastercard credit cards

                        €100

                          £85.91

                            £2.36

                              £88.27

                                VISA debit card

                                  €100

                                    £85.86

                                      £2.36

                                        £88.22

                                          The exchange rate is used for illustrative purposes only.

                                          Withdrawing money abroad

                                          VISA exchange rate on 6 June 2022 was €1 =0.858618

                                          Mastercard exchange rate on 6 June 2022 was €1 = 0.859118

                                            Tesco Bank card type

                                            Amount

                                            €100 at exchange rate

                                            Foreign Exchange Fee

                                            ATM withdrawal fee

                                            Cost to you

                                            Clubcard Plus Credit Card (Mastercard)

                                              €100

                                                £85.91

                                                  £0.00

                                                    £3.43

                                                      £89.34

                                                        All other Mastercard credit cards

                                                          €100

                                                            £85.91

                                                              £2.36

                                                                £3.43

                                                                  £91.70

                                                                    VISA debit card

                                                                      €100

                                                                        £85.86

                                                                          £2.36

                                                                            £0.00

                                                                              £88.22

                                                                                The exchange rate is used for illustrative purposes only.

                                                                                Use our calculator to find out the cost of using your card abroad

                                                                                Feel right at home when you're away

                                                                                • credit card
                                                                                  Your card will work in the same way abroad as it does at home - just remember your PIN
                                                                                • mobile phone
                                                                                  Use the Mobile App to keep track of your spending (network charges may apply)
                                                                                • desktop computer
                                                                                  Log in to Online Banking to manage your money (network charges may apply) How to log in
                                                                                • email message
                                                                                  Switch off or manage your text alerts to save on roaming costs How to manage alerts
                                                                                • protection tick
                                                                                  Need to block your credit card? You can block and unblock your card on our Mobile App

                                                                                More information on our products that can help you on your holiday

                                                                                Important information

                                                                                For impartial advice on using your card abroad, visit the Money Advice Service