Using your debit card abroad
You can use your cahoot debit card abroad to make purchases and to withdraw local currency from cash machines as and when you need it. Simply look for the Visa sign and feel secure knowing that it's a safer option than carrying large amounts of cash or traveller's cheques.
You can use your cahoot debit card to withdraw up to a maximum of £500 cash a day, depending on your available balance.
Before travelling overseas
- If you're planning a trip abroad, especially outside the EU, and want to make sure your debit card works just the same as it does at home, it's advisable to contact us by sending a secure message from the online banking 'Help & contact us' tab to let us know the dates you'll be away and the countries that you'll be visiting. We'll then know that any transactions made are genuine.
- Make sure your contact details, especially your mobile telephone number, are up to date, so that cahoot can contact you while you're abroad should we suspect fraudulent activity on your account. You can send us a secure message from the online banking 'Help & contact us' tab.
- You can also register for text or email alerts to keep you informed about your finances while you're away. Alternatively you can call us on 0330 678 2811. We’re open 8am-6pm Monday-Friday, and 9am-5pm Saturday (if calling from outside the UK please dial +44 1908 937 222).
Learn more about fraud and security
Lost or stolen cards
If you think your card has been lost or stolen, or blocked for fraud protection reasons when you’ve tried to use it, you should call us as soon as possible on 0330 678 2811 or you can call us on 0800 9 173 489 (freephone). If you’re calling from abroad or outside working hours, please contact us on +441908 937222
Fees and charges – debit card
Charges apply when you use your debit card abroad, unless we say otherwise:
| Making a purchase abroad or online in a foreign currency to buy goods or services | Withdrawing cash abroad (either in a bank or at a cash machine), or to purchase traveller's cheques or foreign currency when abroad (at another bank, bureau de change or other outlet displaying the Visa or Mastercard sign) in a currency other than pounds |
|---|---|
| You will be charged a foreign currency conversion fee of 2.95% of the value | You will be charged a foreign currency conversion fee of 2.95% of the value |
Santander cash-machine fees in Spain:
| Type of transaction | |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal from a Santander cash machine | Fee not charged |
| Currency conversion for using a Santander cash machine in Spain | Fee not charged |
Please note: If you're given the option of paying in either local currency or pounds, choose local currency unless you're certain that the exchange rate is more favourable. If you choose pounds, it means that the retailer or bank will handle the conversion and may charge you a conversion fee, a foreign usage fee, or both. Some cash machine providers may also apply an additional withdrawal fee for using their cash machine.
Using your card abroad calculator
You can use our calculator to see daily exchange rates and calculate the total cost of using your debit card abroad. For EEA currencies you’ll also be able to see how this compares to the ECB exchange rate.
Mastercard - Illustrative Cost Examples based on a €100 (Euro) transaction
| Transaction | Transaction value ^ | Foreign currency conversion fee | Foreign currency cash withdrawal fee | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debit card purchase | €100 £85.43 |
2.95% £2.52 |
n/a £0 |
£87.95 |
| Debit card cash withdrawal | €100 £85.43 |
2.95% £2.52 |
n/a £0 |
£87.95 |
Mastercard exchange rate of €1 = £0.8543 as at 1 June 2024
Tips when using your card abroad
Before you leave:
- Check the expiry date on your card.
- Make sure that you have enough funds in your account, or that your card payments are up-to-date.
- Photocopy your card and passport, but keep the photocopies separate.
- Write down the telephone numbers for our assistance call centre.
- Register for our alert service. You can register for text or email alerts to be sent to you to keep you informed about your finances.
When you get there:
- Try not to keep cards and cash in the same place - that way you won't lose everything.
- In crowded places, hold bags or wallets close to your body. A money belt can also be very useful.
- When using cash machines make sure they're secure and well lit, especially at night, and don't make it obvious that you're carrying cash.
- Memorise your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and do not write it down. If you do write it down you must disguise it so that it cannot be understood by anyone else.
- Remember to use your hand to shield PIN entry at point of sale or cash machine.
- Some cash machine providers may apply an additional withdrawal fee for using their cash machine.
- When you pay with your card, check the information on the sales voucher before you sign or enter your PIN.
- Make sure when paying with your card, that it's in sight at all times and that transactions are carried out in front of you.
- Use safety deposit boxes or room safes in hotels.
- Keep a copy of all sales receipts and check them against your statement. Contact us if there is anything on your statement you don’t recognise.
Contact us
Still can't find what you're looking for? Log on to online banking to contact us by secure message.