Holiday spending. But better.
Benefits of travelling with Starling’s current account
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13th June 2023
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5th May 2023
Converting a campervan to travel the world
16th March 2023
Great escapes, meet your match. Spend and withdraw cash with your Starling current account anywhere, with no fees from us.
Why Starling’s current account is great for travel
Instant alerts when you spend.
In real time. And in both currencies.
Spend fee-lessly.
Pay on card or withdraw cash abroad anywhere, with no fees from us.
Great rates.
We pass Mastercard’s real exchange rate onto you, and don’t add anything on top. So you’ll get more for your money - whatever currency it’s in.
Friendly human help.
If you’re awake, so are we. Get support in-app 24/7.
Lost your card?
Lock it in the app, or order a new one to be sent out to you, wherever you are.
Settle payments.
Paid together? Pay friends and family - or get paid back - with Nearby Payments and Split the Bill.
Flight next week?
Get your card in days – or start spending from your digital wallet straight away.
How does Starling’s current account stack up against other banks when it comes to travel?
Provider 1:
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Provider 2:
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 Starling Bank | ||
|---|---|---|
Travel | ||
Debit EU £100 cost With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to use your debit card for purchases while in Europe. If you pay in the local currency we will convert that cost to Sterling using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate. |  £0 | |
ATM EU £100 cost With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to withdraw foreign currency from a cash machine while in Europe. We will convert the cost of any money you withdraw using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate. Just like in the UK though some ATM providers might charge you a fee for withdrawing cash from their machines. | £0 | |
Debit world £100 cost With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to use your debit card for purchases worldwide outside of Europe. If you pay in the local currency we will convert that cost to Sterling using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate. | £0 | |
ATM world £100 cost With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to withdraw foreign currency from a cash machine while anywhere in the world outside Europe. We will convert the cost of any money you withdraw using Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rate. Just like in the UK though some ATM providers might charge you a fee for withdrawing cash from their machines. | £0 |
Data correct as of 18 September 2023.
Use Starling for your travel money.
Apply for a current account today and enjoy app-based banking at its best.
Start your applicationCurrency calculator
Use our currency calculator to work out the exchange rate. We won’t charge you for spending overseas – but do bear in mind that some ATM providers may charge their own fee.
Calculating rate...
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to let you know that I’m going abroad?
No - just carry on using your card as usual! That’s one fewer piece of admin to get through before you head off abroad. If you do want to add a layer of security, you can instantly lock your card within the app from the Card Management section, then unlock again when you’re ready.
What’s your exchange rate?
We use Mastercard’s exchange rate and don’t add anything on top. Like all banks, we’re now required to show the European Central Bank (ECB) published exchange rate and any additional fees or charges. This is so you can compare exchange rates between banks and decide what’s best for you in a fair and transparent way.
Will I be charged for using my debit card abroad?
We don’t charge you for using your debit card abroad, but some ATM providers overseas may charge their own fee (which is sadly out of our control).
How do I work out the exchange rate I’m going to get?
When you use your Starling card for your travel money, you’ll receive a notification from us in pound sterling and the foreign currency of the country you’re in. You can also use the currency calculator above to work out the daily Mastercard and ECB rate used, every day up to a year before. We won’t charge you for spending your money overseas so you can guarantee that you’ll get the best price. Just a heads up, some ATM providers may charge their own fee.