Using your Card Abroad

American Express Cards are accepted around the world, so you can easily use your Card to make purchases while you are overseas. Here are some useful pre-travel tips:

• You don’t need to call in to tell us you are traveling. Your Card will work across the globe wherever American Express is accepted.  This is subject to potential disruptions due to credit and fraud concerns.

• Download the American Express mobile app to help you stay on top of your spend.

• Set up automatic Card payments for while you’re away to avoid extra interest charges through missed payment.

• Save your insurance company phone number and your policy number into your phone in case you need to easily find them.

• Remember that American Express charges a currency conversion fee of 2.99% for every purchase you make in a foreign currency.

• If you withdraw cash abroad, there is also a cash fee of 3% of the withdrawal amount or £3 (whichever is greater) in addition to the non-sterling transaction fee.

For the need-to-know essentials, plus on-the-ground information and reviews of your favourite cities, check out the American Express Destination Guides.

With  American Express Travel you can book your flights and accommodation and earn extra Membership Rewards points.

Discover American Express Travel

Certain Cards provide complimentary domestic and international travel protection, when you book and pay for your trip with an eligible American Express Card. 

The Platinum Card

Comprehensive worldwide travel insurance benefits for you, your immediate family, your Supplementary Cardmembers and their immediate family, from the moment you book with your Card. Annual Fee £575. Terms apply. 

The Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our Travel Inconvenience and Travel Accident protection benefit for you and your family: Protection for you, your Supplementary Cardmembers, their respective partners and dependent children under the age of 23 whether travelling together or alone, on business or pleasure trips. Travel Inconvenience protection covers flight cancellations, delays and delayed luggage when you pay with your Card. Travel Accident protection of up to £250,000 on public transport when you buy your ticket with your Card. Annual fee £140 (£0 in first year). Representative 57.6% APR variable. Terms apply. 

The British Airways Premium Plus Card

Global Assist^® provides help when you travel outside the UK, in your own language, 24/7 Travel Inconvenience insurance covering flight cancellations, delays and delayed baggage when flights are purchased on your Card Travel Accident Insurance up to £250,000 on public transport when you buy your ticket with your Card Automatic enrolment into the British Airways Executive Club including priority on standby waiting lists. Vital when you most need it. Representative 76.0% APR variable. Terms apply. 

The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card

Now you can take one more thing on your travels; total piece of mind, with the security of booking through American Express Global Assist^® provides help when you travel outside the UK, in your own language, 24/7 Travel inconvenience insurance covering flight cancellations, and delayed baggage when flights are purchased on your Card. Travel Accident cover up to £150,000 on public transport when you buy your ticket with your Card. Representative 39.7% APR Variable. Terms apply. 

The American Express Card

Enjoy your travels. We’re there if you need us with Travel Inconvenience and baggage protection, so you’re taken care of if your flight is delayed or the airline loses your bags. And Travel Accident protection cover up to £75,000, with emergency help 24/7 anywhere in the world if you need it. Annual Fee £60. Terms apply. 

An added benefit of using an American Express Credit Card is that you can pay for your travel or holiday expenses how you choose, over several months or all at once. Remember if you do decide to spread the cost of your purchases you will be charged interest on your outstanding balance.

Many American Express Cards come with introductory Frequent Flyer or Membership Rewards points offers for new Cardmembers which can help you reach your destination faster.

There are also other travel benefits to consider like complimentary flights, travel insurance and lounge access, which can make your travel experience more enjoyable. Terms apply.