Credit cards for travelling and using abroad

How to open the best credit card for traveling?

The best credit card to use abroad is the one that will meet your requirements as much as possible for the least cost. We offer step-by-step instructions that will help you find such an offer:

1. Assess your needs. When choosing any financial product, it all starts with determining the purpose - why it is needed. Therefore, first of all, it is worth evaluating where and how often you plan to travel. For example, if you travel abroad often, you should look into cards with great travel rewards. If you rarely plan to travel, it's a good idea to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees. In addition, you should decide on a list of rewards and features that are more important to you (travel insurance or free access to waiting rooms at the airport, etc.). It is equally important at this stage to check your credit history to assess your options. After all, the credit rating affects the possibility of issuing one or another credit card, for example, with a bad credit history, it is impossible to issue a tourist card with premium benefits.
2. Compare credit cards. On this page, Bankchart analysts have compiled a catalog of credit cards with air miles, avios credit cards, credit cards from British Airways, and other credit cards to travel. Therefore, you can compare all offers and choose a credit card no foreign transaction fee or credit cards with low interest. Be sure to factor in the card's annual percentage rate (APR) and any annual fees.
3. Collect the necessary information and documents. To apply for a tourist credit card, you must provide the following personal information: name, address, date of birth, and contact details. You will also need to provide details of your income, employment status, and any existing credit obligations. The standard list of documents includes an identity card and proof of address (utility bill).
4. Apply for a credit card. You can do this online by clicking on the "More" button on our website. After that, you will be redirected to the official website of the financial company or bank, where you will need to fill out a special form. An alternative way to apply is at a bank branch or financial company office, or by phone.
5. Wait for approval
6. Activate your card in case of a positive decision. 

As an alternative, you can also take out a personal loan. Your possible expenses:

Personal loan calculations for 1 year (example)

In the UK, several credit cards offer rewards in the form of Air Miles, which can be redeemed for flights or travel-related expenses. These cards are ideal for frequent travelers who want to accumulate points or miles for their spending. Here are some of the notable credit cards offering Air Miles or similar travel rewards:

1. British Airways American Express Credit Card
2. American Express British Airways Accelerating Business Card
3. Tesco Clubcard Credit Card
4. HSBC Premier World Elite Credit Card
5. American Express Platinum Card
6. Barclaycard Avios Credit Card
7. The Platinum Card from American Express

Several credit cards in the UK allow you to earn Avios, the loyalty points used by British Airways and its partners. These cards are ideal for frequent travelers looking to accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards.

Here are some of the main providers offering Avios credit cards:

1. British Airways American Express Credit Card
2. American Express British Airways Accelerating Business Card
3. Barclaycard Avios Credit Card
4. British Airways American Express Centurion Card
5. American Express Platinum Card

See the similar FAQ about UK banks: 

• What is an HSBC APR rate for a credit card?
• What should I do if I have lost a bank card from Clydesdale Bank?
• What should I do if I lost my card in Bank of Ireland?
• What should a client do if he has received a suspicious fraud text message or scam email letter?
• Where do I find my HSBC application status?
• Where do I find the Lloyds bank card security code?
• Why a Lloyds bank card transaction can be declined?

Details of companies offering the financial services:

118118MONEY

Head office’s address: London

Contact center: 02920-548-118

Web-site: https://www.118118money.com/

AmEx Europe

Head office’s address: Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Rd

Web-site: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/

Barclays Bank

Head office’s address: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP

Contact center: 0800-400-100

Phone: +44 (034) 5734 53 45

Web-site: http://www.barclays.co.uk/

Swift code: BARCGB33

Reference number: 122702

Stock code: BARC

ABN: 01026167

BSB: BARC

HSBC Bank

Head office’s address: Unit 8, Canada Square, Retail, London E14 5AH

Phone: +44 345 740 4404

Web-site: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Swift code: HBUKGB4B

Reference number: 114216

Stock code: HSBA

ABN: 00014259

BSB: HBUK

NatWest Bank

Head office’s address: 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA

Contact center: 0800-88-11-77

Phone: +44 345 788 8444

Web-site: https://www.natwest.com/

Swift code: NWBKGB2

Reference number: 121878

Stock code: GBP1

ABN: 00929027

BSB: NWBK

Royal Bank of Scotland

Head office’s address: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2YB

Contact center: 0345-600-2230

Phone: +44 (070) 3597-88-42

Web-site: https://www.rbs.co.uk/

Swift code: ROYCGB2LCLS

Stock code: NWG

ABN: BR000548

BSB: ROYC

Santander

Head office’s address: 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London, NW1 3AN

Contact center: 0800-389-7000

Web-site: http://www.santander.co.uk/

Swift code: ABBYGB3E

Reference number: 106054

ABN: 02294747

BSB: ABBY

Ulster Bank

Head office’s address: Block B Central Park, Carmanhall And Leopardstown, Dublin, D18 N153

Phone: +44 (012) 6850 08 13

Web-site: http://digital.ulsterbank.co.uk/

Reference number: 122315

Stock code: Bk. 11.75 (FAP)

ABN: R0000733