Zable logo
Apply now

Travel credit card

  1. Enjoy using your credit card abroad with zero transaction fees. 

  2. Check if you’re eligible without impacting your credit score.

  3. If approved, you could get access to a virtual card immediately.

Representative 29.9% APR (variable). Subject to eligibility. If you don't qualify, we may offer you a different card with its own terms.

Apply online

Representative example:

Based on assumed borrowing of £1200 at an interest rate of 29.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR will be 29.9% (variable).

Illustration of a person sat on the earth leaning back against a credit card
Illustration of a person sat on the earth leaning back against a credit card

Why travel with a Zable credit card?

  1. No overseas fees

    Zable doesn’t charge fees for using your card abroad.

  2. No advance notice needed

    You don’t need to let us know when you’re leaving the country.

  3. Track your spending

    View your balance and total spending in real time, and get instant transaction notifications.

  4. Repay instantly

    You can repay any balances straight from your app by connecting your bank or debit card.

  5. Compatible with Google Pay and Apple Pay

    And if approved, you can start using your virtual card right away.

What are travel credit cards?

A travel credit card works in the same way as a regular credit card, but offers benefits that make it ideal for using abroad, such as zero transaction fees.

Standard credit cards that aren’t intended for use abroad may add a ‘non-sterling transaction fee' of about 3%. So if you were to spend £100, it would cost you £103.

Travel credit cards are different to prepaid travel cards, which function more like debit cards that you pre-load with the amount of money that you anticipate spending.

How to apply for a Zable travel credit card

  1. Download the Zable app or apply online

  2. Check your eligibility

    Find out if you could be approved for a credit card instantly, without impacting your credit score.

  3. Complete your application

    If eligible, you'll be asked to provide some more details. We'll review your information, usually within a few seconds.

  4. Start spending immediately

    Most customers can start spending right away, if eligible, using Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Apply online

Tips for using your credit card abroad

  1. When given the choice, always choose to pay in the local currency, not sterling, to get the best exchange rate.

  2. Use contactless payments via your phone for extra security and convenience.

  3. Take a second payment method as a backup when travelling, in case your card is stolen, lost, or isn’t accepted.

  4. Avoid using your card to withdraw money if you can help it, as a 3% transaction fee will apply (£3 minimum fee) and interest begins the second you withdraw the money.

Profile image of Chris Meurice
"The golden rule of spending abroad is to always pay in the local currency. If a card machine asks if you want to pay in Pounds or the local currency, choose the local one. Your card provider will almost always give you a better exchange rate than the shop or restaurant will."
Chris Meurice

6 years with Zable

What are the alternatives to travel credit cards?

Prepaid travel cards 

These let you load them up in advance and don’t require hard credit checks. They work more like a debit card than a credit card, in that you can’t go over the amount you have pre-loaded. Always check for monthly fees or inactivity fees before deciding if this is the right option for you.

Debit cards

Some debit cards allow fee-free spending abroad. Regardless, some people prefer to use credit cards as they often offer better protection thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, even outside the UK. 

Cash

Before you travel, you can obtain cash in the appropriate currency from currency exchange bureaus, major Post Office branches, high street banks, and supermarket travel money counters.

FAQs about your travel credit card

Can I use my credit card abroad?

Yes, you can use your Zable credit card to pay for goods and services abroad. 

Though your Zable card can be used in most places around the world, you won’t be able to use it in the following countries: 

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo (DRC), Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, North Korea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Russia, Samoa, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Ukraine, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

What exchange rate does my credit card use?

Your transactions will be converted to GBP using the daily Mastercard exchange rate. You can see the current rates using our exchange rate conversion tool.

Can I use my credit card to buy foreign currency?

No, you cannot use your Zable credit card to buy foreign currency. 

Can I use my credit card to withdraw cash abroad?

You can use your Zable credit card to withdraw money abroad, however a 3% fee will apply (minimum fee of £3). It’s typically best to avoid using a credit card to withdraw cash.

Can I get a travel credit card if I have bad credit?

Yes, you may be able to get a travel credit card if you have bad credit. This is because we use Open Banking to make an application decision based on your wider financial circumstances, rather than on your credit score alone. Read more about our credit cards for bad credit.

Can I use my travel credit card for flights and hotel deposits?

Yes. In fact, a credit card is a good choice here due to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which may protect you if your airline or hotel goes bust before you travel (so long as an individual ticket costs over £100).  

Ready to apply?

Apply online