Best travel cards for EU and European travellers in 2026

European residents have excellent travel card options. N26 and bunq are purpose-built digital banks available across the EU/EEA. Wise and Revolut are also widely available. For Eurozone residents, spending in EUR has no conversion cost on any of these — the benefit shows up when travelling outside the Eurozone.

N26: the German-origin digital bank

N26 is licensed as a full bank in Germany and operates across the EU/EEA. The standard account is free with zero foreign transaction fees on spending. ATM withdrawals in the Eurozone are free up to a monthly limit; outside the Eurozone, N26 charges a small percentage fee on non-EUR withdrawals on the free plan. The N26 You and N26 Metal paid plans add travel insurance, higher ATM allowances, and more. For EU residents who want a full bank account with travel credentials, N26 is the top pick.

bunq: the Dutch challenger bank

bunq Travel Card is designed specifically for international spending — it uses the mid-market rate with no foreign transaction fee. bunq operates across the EU/EEA and offers strong sustainability credentials alongside its travel features. ATM withdrawals have a monthly free allowance. The app is excellent and bunq's multi-currency features are competitive with Wise. For environmentally conscious EU travellers who want a local EU-licensed bank, bunq is a strong choice.

Wise: the multi-currency benchmark

Wise operates across the EU and offers the same mid-market rate product available globally. For EU residents spending outside the Eurozone — in the UK, USA, Southeast Asia, or anywhere non-EUR — Wise's multi-currency account and true mid-market rate delivers consistently the best exchange rate available. Two free ATM withdrawals per month up to €200. Available in all EU countries.

Revolut: the super-app

Revolut is widely used across Europe and offers zero forex fees on weekdays (0.5–1% weekend markup on the free plan). The app integrates banking, savings, crypto, and travel. Available across the EU. Paid plans add higher ATM allowances, travel insurance, and airport lounge access. For EU residents who want a financial super-app, Revolut's paid tiers are competitive.

Spending in EUR vs outside EUR

EU residents spending within the Eurozone on any of these cards pay nothing in forex fees — there's no conversion at all. The value of a zero-forex card becomes apparent when travelling to the UK (GBP), Switzerland (CHF), Scandinavia (NOK/SEK/DKK), Eastern Europe (PLN/CZK/HUF), or outside Europe entirely. Standard EU bank cards typically charge 1.5–2.5% on non-EUR transactions. Over a year of mixed-currency travel, that's a significant saving.

Country-specific considerations

Germany: N26 is the obvious choice for its German bank licence and reputation. France: Wise and Revolut have the strongest French user bases. Netherlands: bunq is a Dutch bank and has its best service there. Spain/Italy: Wise and N26 are most used. Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary): these destinations use non-EUR currencies, making zero-forex cards especially valuable for EU Eurozone residents visiting them.

Key takeaways