NATWEST is scrapping charges for spending abroad on some of its credit and debit cards – but there's a catch.
Debit and credit card users won't have to pay non-sterling transaction fees on purchases abroad until September 2.
The fee is usually 2.75% -so it means you could save a fair amount if you are flashing the plastic while on holiday this summer.
NatWest’s deal doesn't apply for ATM withdrawals and local fees may still apply, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before you start spending.
But there’s a catch – to qualify for the deal you have to register your trip on the NatWest app.
Here's what you need to know.
Read more about travel
I’m a money expert – five costly mistakes to avoid with your holiday cash
I’m a travel expert – make sure your luggage isn’t lost with my go-to $30 product
How to register your card
To take advantage of the offer, you will need to register your card for travel in the app 24 hours before you go abroad.
To do this you should:
- Enter the details of your trip inthe "Home" section of the app
- Choose your account
- Go to "Manage my card & Google Pay"
- Then click the "Going Abroad" and the "Register card" section of the mobile app.
You can only register one trip at a time – so if you've got more than one holiday lined up, you'll need to repeat this each time.
Most read in Money
FIT FOR A PM 
Amazing London home could be yours for just £9-a-month – but there's a catch
Pot Noodle brings back controversial flavour after NINE years
We can't sit in our garden anymore as our neighbour's extension blocks the sun
Cheapest UK supermarket revealed – where a big shop costs£25 less
It can include up to seven countries and last 90 days, but you’ll need to register each country you are visiting.
What other cards can you use abroad?
Many standard debit and credit cards will charge you an extra fee for spending abroad.
But specific travel credit cards work by not charging fees when converting foreign currency into pound sterling.
You can shop around for the best deals using price comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket or Confused.com.
Some examples of cards without fees include Halifax’s Clarity Credit Card Mastercard which has a Non-sterling transaction fee and a 0% Non-sterling cash withdrawal fee. This card has a representative APR of 19.9%
And the Virgin Money Travel Credit Card Master has a Non-sterling transaction fee and a 0% Non-sterling cash withdrawal fee. This card has a representative APR of 21.9%.
Remember, if you are spending on a credit card, be sure to clear the balance in full at the end of the month or you'll be charged interest.
How else can I save money when spending abroad?
If you prefer to use cash when abroad, make sure you buy your currency in advance.
Buying your dollars, euros or any other currency at the airport will always be more expensive.
This is because exchange rates are much worse if you leave it until you’re in the departure lounge.
You can use MoneySavingExpert’s website TravelMoneyMax to find the best exchange rates.
Read More on The Sun
I’m a mum – my water bottle hack lets you fill up paddling pools with warm water
I ended up in a wheelchair after being too embarrassed to fart with my boyfriend
Another tip is that if you're taking money out of the ATM while abroad, make sure you've checked what the charges are.
And always watch out for is which currency you choose to pay in – select the local currency rather than sterling if you're asked to avoid extra fees.
Source: Read Full Article
