Beyond Using Monzo Abroad: The Best cards for spending overseas

Alright, so we’ve lived out of suitcases for what feels like a lifetime. We’ve swapped airbnbs for resort stays, street food for Michelin stars, and replaced local SIM cards more times than we can count. One thing that’s never changed? The eternal desire for the perfect travel card. Should you be using Monzo abroad as your preferred choice? Grab a drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of the best cards for spending overseas.

You really don’y want to use your regular UK bank cards when travelling overseas, they’re not designed for using abroad. So leave these cards at home. In this blog post we’re talking Monzo, Starling, Revolut, Wise, and American Express. These are the cards that have been our constant financial companions on our Digital Nomad adventures over the last 6 years. All the cards have their own unique features, so let’s break them down.

Monzo

A user-friendly card with a focus on budgeting and spending control. It’s simple, easy to use, and generally a great all-rounder. You can set spending limits, freeze and unfreeze your card with the tap of a button, and even round up your purchases to save spare change.  I love using Monzo abroad as our everyday card for budgeting and most of our online transactions. Its handy to see set financial goals and see how I am workin towards them with Monzo.  It’s like having a tiny financial advisor in your pocket.  I pay for the premium plan as it includes higher fee free withdrawls and phone insurance around the world.

ATM withdrawls: from £3 for fee withdrawls up to £200

International payments: 0.3% powered by Wise

For £7 a month, fee free withdrawals up to £600 a month

For £17 a month includes travel insurance, phone insurance, discounted airport lounge access and an annual railcard.

Starling

Starling is a digital bank with a focus on speed and efficiency. You can set up savings pots, pay friends instantly, and get paid early. It’s perfect for those who like to stay on top of their finances.  I like to use Starling mostly for withdrawing money abroad because the fee-free allowance is so generous.  There is also the option to open a Euro account to send and hold Euros which is useful if you’re potentially working with an international company.

International payments: 0.4% for international money transfer

ATM Withdrawls: No fees for up to 6 withdrawls per day abroad (up to £300 per day)

Revolut

Revolut is a versatile card packed with features, from currency exchange to trading and cryptocurrency. You can split bills with friends, set spending limits, and even get travel insurance.

They also now have accounts for kids age 6-17 which we have set up for our daughter.  It’s like having a personal finance superhero.  I use Revolut mostly as a back up card. I don’t really use it for myself but more to send money to my daughter’s account so she can spend on her card. Kids are given a bright neon card which can be designed with emojis, it’s super cute and easy to use.  I love the fact that Taji can use her card anywhere in the world now that we’re starting to teach her about money management. 

Revolut’s money transfers are fee-free for your first 3 transfers.  There are no fees inside the SEPA region.  Outside of this a small fee is charged.  If you are on their paid plans you can get discounts on the international transfer fees up to 100% with their ultra plan. 

International payments: 0.4% for international money transfers

ATM Withdrawls: 5 cash withdrawals up to £200 with no fees, 2% fee thereafter

Wise

Wise is the sensible friend who always knows the best deal. Wise is a specialist in currency exchange and international money transfers It’s all about getting you the best exchange rates so it’s perfect for sending money overseas or for those who want to avoid hidden fees.  I use Wise specifically for making international payments when I need to.  

International payments: from 0.33%  to  160 countries. 

ATM Withdrawls: 2 free withdrawals up to £200 a month then 1.75% + £0.50 after that

American Express

So, I use my British Airways American Express (Amex) card differently to the others.  Firstly, it’s a credit card and I don’t usually use this card abroad apart from sometimes to pay for accommodation. I definitely don’t withdraw cash with it. As a credit card it can come with a higher price tag, but it also comes with exclusive perks and rewards. If you’re a frequent flyer or hotel guest, it could be worth the investment.  When in the UK and making purchases online I generally try to use Amex.  The interest rates are VERY high on this card so you always want to clear the balance as otherwise it just becomes an extremely expensive bill which you don’t want. 

The main reason for using Amex is for the Avios points.  As we fly a lot to Mexico using British Airways, it makes sense to bag some rewards during the process. 

When you spend with Amex you are given points for every £1 spent.  You can also build up points when you fly with British Airways and their partners.  There are other ways to build up your points too, there’s lots to dive into.  

When you get enough points, this can be converted into money off of your next flight and/or accommodation.  In January this year my mum, sister, cousin and I were able to fly to Dubai for only £100 each because of the points we built up over the previous months.  Build up enough points and you may be able to fly for free.  That’s the dream I’m working towards.  

I currently have enough points to fly to most of Europe for only £1 per person.  It’s an awesome rewards programme but does require you to spend consistently with it and fly frequently. 

Sign up to Amex using my link and you’ll get 6000 points when you spend £2000 in your first 3 months.  

So which card is the best to use?

Well, it depends on your lifestyle and priorities.

• If you’re a budget-conscious backpacker: Monzo or Starling might be your best bet.
• If you’re a digital nomad who loves to explore: Revolut is a great all-rounder.
• If you’re sending money overseas frequently: Wise is your go-to.
• If you want to earn rewards and enjoy luxury perks: American Express is be worth considering.

Remember, you’re not limited to just one card. We carry all of these cards to cover all our bases.  It’s always worth having more than one has a back up just incase and utilise the best features of each card.  It also means that I can make large withdrawals in one day when I have more than one card.  And don’t forget to check the terms and conditions, because things can change.

Tips for Using Your Card Abroad

• Notify your bank: Let them know you’re traveling to avoid card blocks. You don’t necessarily need to do this with the cards we’ve talked about today but it can be good practice.
• Spending in shops/restaurants: If asked, always pay in the local currency, let your bank handle the conversion.
• ATM withdrawals: Opt for ATMs in banks or well-lit areas to minimise risks and always press the ‘Do Not Convert’ option.
• Currency exchange: Use your card for better rates than cash exchange bureaus.
• Card security: Keep your card safe, use contactless payments when possible, and monitor your transactions regularly.
• Multiple cards: Consider carrying a few different cards to spread risk and maximise benefits.