Using your card in the UK: The complete guide
![image of a young woman standing up in a park and looking at his phne, with an n26 card and a British flag in the background.](https://images.ctfassets.net/q33z48p65a6w/67IdfsPZLFZIJVYbpk9uuc/af2b9431826dbe790a4b46e33a8f01f6/CRST3778_Using_Your_Card_SEO_Web_textmedia_centered_roundedcorners_1400x1050px_Module1_UK.png?fit=thumb&fm=png&q=80&w=360)
Can I use my debit card in the UK?
Are debit cards widely accepted in the UK?
![image of a person holding a phone showing an N26 card in the app screen and grabbing a suitcase with the other hand and with a British flag.](https://images.ctfassets.net/q33z48p65a6w/4vsfIoWBWdRMa6CsOIEGxD/7627d9fb91449c553b4c113409acd68a/CRST3778_Using_Your_Card_SEO_Web_textmedia_centered_roundedcorners_1400x1050px_Module2_UK.png?fit=thumb&fm=png&q=80&w=360)
Tips for using your debit card in tje UK
- Before traveling to the UK, notify your bank about your travel plans. This prevents your card from being flagged for suspicious activity, and you can access your funds without any fuss.
- Always carry some British pounds for small purchases, street vendors, or establishments that only accept cash.
- When using your debit card or ATMs in the UK, always opt to be charged in British pounds to avoid higher exchange fees. The exchange rate offered by your bank will usually be a better deal than the rate at the ATM or card terminal, so it’s smart to pay in local currency.
- Keep your debit card secure, and always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas, such as banks or shopping malls. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently, and try to choose ATMs with lower withdrawal fees.
- Always check your transaction receipts and monitor your account activity regularly. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank immediately.
Using ATMs in the UK
![N26 banking app showing a map with ATM locations near the user.](https://images.ctfassets.net/q33z48p65a6w/6UV2z2YpkT3YYEYREZHAHM/67863e2b9970e83da4fc0f6fa0e7e17a/ATM_EN.jpg?fit=thumb&fl=progressive&fm=jpg&q=80&w=360)
Say goodbye to exchange rate markups
![Illustration of currency exchange.](https://images.ctfassets.net/q33z48p65a6w/60ov5wll4CXMdt7SIpkbRa/4f3478971989e07c2d86b5215e59bc3b/2207_Travel_Blog_Revamp_Module5_FXRate.png?fit=thumb&fm=png&q=80&w=360)
Paying with your N26 card when traveling
N26 doesn’t hide fees or add a foreign exchange rate. We also don’t tack on extra charges for rare currencies or for paying on the weekend. Spend abroad and benefit from Mastercard's real exchange rate.
Withdrawing money abroad is free with N26 You. Anywhere.
N26 You gives you free withdrawals in currencies around the globe, saving you up to 7% on fees. That means N26 You pays for itself in just a few trips.
FAQs
- Which debit card networks are accepted in the UK?
- Is it safe to use your debit card in the UK?
- Can I use my debit card to withdraw cash in the UK?
- Are there any fees for using my debit card in the UK?
- Is it safe to use ATMs in the UK?
- What should I do if my debit card is lost or stolen in the UK?
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Save money using your debit card abroad with N26
N26 gives you the real exchange rate and won’t charge currency exchange rates when paying abroad. Sign up to save on your next trip.
How Does Foreign Currency Exchange Work? – N26
Foreign currency exchange is how you measure the value between two different currencies. Read our guide to learn more.
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Need to make a payment overseas? Check out our guide to foreign transactions and the fees that may come with them.