Spending Abroad? Earn Cashback and Perks With These Top Cards

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When heading abroad, it pays to spend smart – literally. With the right card, you can not only avoid sneaky fees but actually earn cashback on your holiday spending. After researching dozens of options, we’ve found that Trading 212 and Vanquis currently offer the best overseas cashback options. Here’s how to make the most of both 👇

1. Trading 212 Card – Interbank Rate + 1.5% Cashback

If you're after the fairest exchange rate possible, look no further than Trading 212. The card uses the interbank rate – the same rate banks use when trading with each other – and doesn’t add hidden fees. That’s rare, and as far as we can tell, they're actually sticking to their promise.

But there's more than just a good rate...

Cashback Details:

• 1.5% cashback on all spending at Non-Excluded Merchants

• Paid daily to your Invest Account

• Maximum of £15 per month in cashback

• Cashback appears as “income” in your Pie, but can be manually withdrawn and moved to your ISA if needed (this will count towards your annual ISA limit)

⚠️ You must use the Trading 212 Invest account and activate the Trading 212 Card to start earning. Certain merchant categories are excluded (like financial services and gambling), so check the full list on their website.

2. Vanquis Summer Cashback Offer – 5% Cashback Abroad

If you have a Vanquis credit card, you might be in luck this summer. Between 21 July and 31 August 2025, they’re offering 5% cashback on foreign (non-UK) spending – with no foreign transaction fees during the offer window.

Cashback Highlights:

• 5% cashback on eligible international card transactions

• £20 cashback cap across the full promo

• Paid as a credit to your card within 14 working days

• No extra charges for foreign card purchases (though ATM withdrawals still cost £3 or 3%)

⚠️ Only applies if you were personally invited to the offer – check your inbox or account messages from Vanquis to see if you're eligible.

Why You Should Have More Than One Travel Card

While Trading 212 and Vanquis are currently our top picks for cashback, it’s smart to carry more than one card when travelling. Here's why:

• Backup: If one card fails or is flagged, you're not stuck

• Perks: Other cards like American Express offer free airport lounge access, travel insurance, or exclusive deals

• Optimisation: You can tailor your card usage — e.g. use Trading 212 for day-to-day purchases and a credit card for big bookings or protection

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sipping sangria in Spain or buying souvenirs in Santorini, the right payment card can help you earn a little back every time you tap. Between Trading 212’s daily cashback and zero markup rates, and Vanquis’s summer 5% cashback promo, you’ve got strong options for spending smart abroad.

Always check for updated terms before travelling, and make sure you know what counts as an eligible transaction.