Fee‑free travel cards rollout

In early July, Co‑operative Bank announced that it would eliminate foreign transaction fees for UK customers planning holidays abroad. The move was presented as a way to reduce travel costs for card‑holders.

By early August, consumer groups and other banks were actively promoting fee‑free debit and credit cards for overseas use. Spain’s consumer organization OCU advised travelers to rely on such cards for safety and cost‑effectiveness, noting that foreign‑exchange and cash‑withdrawal fees could add up to 8 % of expenses. In the United Kingdom, First Direct launched a debit card with no overseas transaction or cash‑withdrawal fees, an interest‑free overdraft, and a sign‑up bonus. While some major UK banks still charged up to 2.99 % on foreign transactions, several institutions began offering cards with zero fees, encouraging travelers to use multiple payment methods and check fee schedules before departure.