# Fee‑free travel cards rollout

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/feefree-travel-cards-rollout
> Updated: 2026-08-02T15:54:55.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Fee‑free travel cards recommended by OCU and First Direct

OCU and First Direct recommend fee‑free cards for travel, warning that some banks charge up to 2.99% on foreign transactions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/feefree-travel-cards-recommended-by-ocu-and-first-direct

### 2026-07-08: Co-operative Bank drops foreign transaction fees for UK holiday spenders

Co-operative Bank will eliminate its 2.75% foreign transaction fee on debit cards abroad after a poll showed UK holidaymakers lose over £100 per trip to hidden fees.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/co-operative-bank-drops-foreign-transaction-fees-for-uk-holiday-spenders

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Cite as: Fee‑free travel cards rollout. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/feefree-travel-cards-rollout