Five highly rated debit cards to use abroad

Spending money abroad can get expensive if you’re not using the right current account or debit card. Fees and charges can all add up, but choosing a travel-friendly provider can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

In this article, we’ve shared five highly rated current accounts for spending abroad, reviewed by our Smart Money People community.*

1.       Chase: 4.94 out of 5

Chase doesn’t have any spend abroad limits, and you’re allowed to withdraw up to £1,500 each month when you’re overseas. You can get free cash withdrawals of £500 a day and £1500 per calendar month. Chase also has a handy calculator that tells you the currency conversion rate you’ll get if you use your Chase card. You can read a full Chase review on our sister site, Be Clever With Your Cash.

Chase is popular with our Smart Money People community, currently holding the top spot in current account rankings.

One reviewer said:

“I just find the Chase account so versatile and easy to use. It’s also perfect to take on holiday with near perfect exchange rate and no fees, even at the ATM. Moving money around couldn’t be easier either. It’s such a flexible and user-friendly app!”

2.     Starling: 4.94 out of 5

Starling is a popular option to use abroad. You won’t be charged fees no matter how much you spend with all limits (including ATM withdrawals) the same as when you’re at home. Our colleagues at Be Clever With Your Cash have written a detailed review about the Starling account.

With more than 27,000 reviews and an average score of 4.94, Starling is a well-liked current account.

One reviewer said:

“I love that there are no fees abroad; this has been helpful. The instant notification of spending also helps along with the spaces that help with savings. The customer service has been excellent with all concerns answered online. Excellent Customer Service: Prompt and helpful support available 24/7.”

3.      Monzo: 4.92 out of 5

Monzo allows you to spend fee-free all around the world. With the ‘main account’, there’s no cap on cash withdrawals in Europe. If not, you may find that there are limits in EEA and non-EEA countries plus fees. Zoe from Be Clever With Your Cash has written an in-depth Monzo review, so you can weigh up the pros and cons.

One Smart Money People reviewer said:

“Very easy to navigate the app, offers cashback and pots, which I enjoy using, and their customer service is brilliant. Also, I appreciate paying abroad without any extra fees, as I travel a lot.”

4.      Kroo: 4.87 out of 5

With Kroo you can spend up to £10,000 each month using your card abroad and withdraw up to £300. You can check out a full account review on our sister site, Be Clever With Your Cash. The Kroo account is popular with our Smart Money People community with over 4000 reviews and an average score of 4.87.

One reviewer said:

“Excellent customer service with generous interest paid on positive balances the app is excellent with easy transfer of finances in and out. I would recommend Kroo bank to any prospective bank customer with easy links to other bank accounts. The app is very easy to use with the account.”

5.     First Direct: 4.69 out of 5

First Direct don’t charge fees for debit card payments in a foreign currency and there’s no fees for cash withdrawals in a foreign currency either. The £500 ATM limit is the same whether you’re at home or overseas. The Be Clever With Your Cash First Direct review will give you all the additional info you need about this account.

Scoring an average of 4.69%, one Smart Money People reviewer said:

“They are with you 24/7 at the end of a phone line with a UK based call centre. On the rare occasion when I need to talk to a real person my problems are simply dealt with and I feel like I am talking to a friend. I have been with them almost since the start and have no intention of leaving.”

In a nutshell

Spending money abroad can be more expensive than it needs to be without the right current account and debit card. Spend some time researching the providers you’re considering so you can find the one that delivers the service you expect and the features that avoid unnecessary costs.

*All ratings and quotes are based on feedback left up to the end of June 2025.