Travel Credit Card
This one helps you manage spending at home or abroad.
Zero foreign transaction fees
on overseas transactions*.
Visa SmartDelay
Free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.
AirRefund
Claim flight compensation quickly and easily.
£250 – £2,500
personalised credit limit.
Representative
35.9% APR
(variable)
Please note some benefits are provided by third parties and the benefits and providers could change.
Your APR, credit limit and promo offer may vary based on your circumstances – see the summary box for more info.
To understand how we use your personal information, see our privacy notice.
Benefits of the Vanquis Travel Credit Card
*No foreign transaction fees on overseas transactions.
When you spend or withdraw cash on most credit cards abroad, you’re usually charged a foreign transaction fee of around 2–3% of the transaction amount.
The Vanquis Travel Credit Card doesn’t charge this fee on cash and purchase transactions made abroad, helping keep your travel spending down. Other fees may still apply. For example, withdrawing cash abroad is charged at 3% (or £3, whichever is higher). These fees will be listed in your credit agreement.
Be careful withdrawing cash using a credit card as this can impact your credit score.
Free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed
Your Vanquis Travel Credit Card comes with Visa SmartDelay. This gives you and up to four guests free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for more than 90 minutes. Visa SmartDelay covers over 1,600 airport lounges and lounge alternatives in more than 500 airports across more than 100 countries. So, you can relax in comfort while you wait for your departure.
Quick and easy flight compensation
Our travel credit card comes with AirRefund. It helps you claim compensation if your flight is delayed.
Widely accepted
You can use your Vanquis Credit Card in over 24 million shops, restaurants, and retailers worldwide. Just look for the Visa sign.
Advantages of using a travel credit card
Using a travel credit card abroad has several benefits. These include:
Flexibility
One benefit of using a credit card is that you can buy things on holiday and pay for them later. This flexibility allows you to manage your travel budget more effectively.
Save on currency exchange rates
When you buy currency with cash, you often get uncompetitive exchange rates at currency exchange counters. When you use your Vanquis Travel Credit Card, you get Visa's base exchange rate for every transaction. This could potentially save you money compared with the rates you might get when converting cash.
Peace of mind while travelling abroad
A travel credit card gives you flexibility to pay for things abroad while reducing the risks of carrying lots of cash. If it gets lost or stolen, you can usually freeze it right away – Vanquis customers can do this in the Vanquis app.
Purchase protection
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects UK consumers for credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000. This means, if there's a problem with your purchase or any fraud, it might be easier to get your money back. Regular debit card purchases and cash purchases aren’t protected by Section 75.
No foreign transaction fees
The Vanquis Travel Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This helps you avoid this extra fee on overseas purchases and cash withdrawals, usually 2-3% of the transaction amount. Other fees may still apply. For example, when you withdraw cash abroad we’ll charge a ‘cash transaction fee’ of 3% (or £3, whichever is higher).
Cash can still come in useful when travelling abroad. Some places – small cafés, markets, or rural areas – might not accept cards or might add extra fees for card payments. Read your card’s terms and conditions carefully. This way, you won’t run into any surprises while travelling.
For more info, read our dedicated guide on holiday credit cards.
If you’re curious about credit and debit cards compare more generally, our guide on the credit card vs debit card differences breaks it down.
Am I eligible for a Travel Credit Card?
Check your eligibility with no impact on your credit score. Once you’re confident you’ll likely be accepted, you can apply in a few steps.
You can apply if you are 18 years old or over, have a regular income and are a permanent UK resident.
You’re not eligible if you are currently bankrupt, have an active Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), have a card or open application with us or have been declined by us in the last 6 months.
We’ll need your:
- Address details for the last 3 years
- Your bank details
- Your annual income and your monthly outgoings.
How do I use a Vanquis Travel Credit Card?
The Vanquis Travel Credit Card works in millions of places around the world. This makes it a handy option for paying while you travel.
Before you travel, check we have your up-to-date mobile number. This way, we can reach you if necessary.
Also, always have a backup payment method for emergencies. Check your card hasn’t expired and sign the back of it. Some countries still need a signature instead of a PIN or contactless payment.
Good to know
- As well as the 3% (minimum £3) ‘cash transaction fee’ for withdrawing money, some ATMs may also charge their own separate fee.
- When paying abroad, there may be extra processes. In America, you might need a signature. In other countries, tips are often added automatically.
- Always check the payment terminal before tapping to pay.
Understand how your credit card calculates interest rates before travelling.
Can a Vanquis Travel Credit Card boost my credit score?
A travel credit card can improve your credit score by helping you build a positive borrowing history. Each time you use the card and pay back on time, the card provider tells the credit reference agencies.
To boost your credit score, keep your credit utilisation ratio low too. This is the percentage of your total available credit that you’re using. Keeping this low shows lenders you handle credit well and can lead to an improved credit score over time.
Why choose Vanquis?
We're the bank that's got your back.
We lend to a much wider range of customers than the high street banks
Our eligibility checks give you confidence you’ll only be accepted for a credit card if you can afford the repayments and the APR is right for you
All our credit cards are easy to apply for and simple to manage through our app
We've helped over 5 million people and we're ready to help you
Check out our Trustpilot reviews to read what our customers say. Why not join them and apply online today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What standard Vanquis Credit Card features come with the Travel Credit Card?
You can expect the following standard features with your Vanquis Travel Card:
- A credit limit to suit you
- No annual fee
- An easy way to manage your card with the Vanquis app
How do I apply for the Vanquis Travel Credit Card?
Applying for a Vanquis Travel Credit Card is quick and straightforward. You can check your eligibility in just four simple steps, with no impact on your credit score.
Representative 35.9% APR (variable)
How am I protected when spending at home and abroad?
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects UK consumers for credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000. This means you can claim your money back if something goes wrong with a product or service. For example, when you travel abroad, these protections can help if a hotel closes or your airline won’t give a refund.
How much will I be charged for using ATMs abroad?
With the Vanquis Travel Credit Card, there are no foreign transaction fees, keep an eye out for other charges like the 3% ‘cash transaction fee’ for withdrawing cash.
Is a travel credit card right for me?
The Vanquis Travel Credit Card is a good option if you travel and want to save on foreign transaction fees while benefitting from additional travel linked features.
Some credit card providers charge a foreign transaction fee for overseas spend, usually 2-3%. But our travel credit card doesn’t. This means you can save this fee on every cash transaction (for example, cash withdrawals) and purchase transaction made abroad. But it’s important to be aware of other charges you may encounter for using your card, like the 3% (minimum £3) ‘cash transaction fee’ when you withdraw money from an ATM.
As well as zero foreign transaction fees, the Vanquis Travel Credit Card also offers Visa SmartDelay and AirRefund. See above section for more on these.
What exchange rate does the Vanquis Travel Credit Card use?
Visa sets the base exchange rate used to calculate the conversion of your foreign transaction. It’ll be the rate on the date the transaction’s processed (this may be different to the actual transaction date). To see previous and current exchange rates, head to visaeurope.com and then the cardholders section. Please note, this is subject to change at the discretion of Visa.
Do I need to inform Vanquis before spending abroad?
You don’t need to tell us where or when you’re going abroad. But it’s important we have your correct mobile number before you travel in case we need to contact you. Update it in the Vanquis app or give us a call. Always check your credit card’s expiry date before your trip. Also, make sure you’ve signed the back of your card.
Should I spend in local currency or sterling?
It’s recommended to spend in the local currency when you’re abroad. When you’re offered a choice, picking the local currency usually helps you avoid extra conversion charges added by the shop or ATM.
Is it worth getting a credit card just for travel?
A travel credit card can be a good choice. It mainly depends on how often you travel and what you aim to save on. The Vanquis Travel Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees for international transactions. You’ll also benefit from:
- Visa SmartDelay – free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed
- AirRefund – claim flight compensation quickly and easily
Our other credit cards
Credit Builder Credit Card
This one’s designed to build your credit score
Build your credit rating
by paying on time and staying within your limit.
£250 – £2,500
personalised credit limit.
Representative
42.9% APR
(variable)
Balance Transfer Credit Card
This one’s for paying off other balances
0% interest on balance transfers
made within 60 days of account opening.
Pay 0% for up to 19 months
on balance transfers, subject to eligibility.
Up to 3.9% balance transfer fee
Representative
33.9% APR
(variable)
Take control with Vanquis
What are credit card charges?
Knowing about credit card charges can help you avoid them while enjoying the benefits of a credit card. Read more to understand potential fees....
What is a credit card minimum payment?
Trying to decide how much to pay when making a credit card payment? Read our guide on making the minimum credit card payment and what you need to know....
Understanding the advantages of a credit card
Credit cards can offer real advantages – like increased buying power, cashback and purchase protection – while also helping you spread costs or build your credit score....
Do late payments affect credit scores?
Read our handy credit score guide to understand the effects of a late payment on your credit score....
How do contactless payments work?
Contactless payments have become the norm in recent years, especially with many businesses going completely cashless. But how do contactless payments work?...
