Can I buy euros with a credit card?

What fees should I expect? 

Most credit cards charge extra when you use them to buy cash or cash-like items, including foreign currency. These fees can include: 

• Cash advance fee – usually 3% to 5% of the amount you spend
• Interest charges – which often start straight away, even if you pay off your balance in full 

Other things to consider when using your credit card to buy foreign currency 

• Poor exchange rates – especially at high street bureau or airport kiosks
• You might also lose out on any rewards or cashback your credit card usually offers, as these transactions don’t always count towards them. 

Will it affect my credit score? 

Buying euros on your credit card won’t harm your credit score by itself. Even if it’s treated as a cash advance, it won’t show up separately on your credit report. But it could have an impact if: 

• You go over your credit limit
• You don’t pay the money back on time
• You build up a large balance that takes a while to clear 

Using a large chunk of your credit limit (known as your credit utilisation) can lower your score, so it’s worth keeping an eye on. 

Is it safe to use a credit card to buy euros? 

Yes, it’s safe — as long as you’re using a trusted provider.  

But unlike regular card purchases, buying currency usually isn’t covered by Section 75, which is a type of legal protection that helps you get your money back if something goes wrong with a purchase between £100 - £30,000. That’s because it’s treated more like withdrawing cash than buying goods or services. 

Are there better ways to get euros? 

In most cases, yes. You might want to look at: 

• A debit card, which may come with lower fees than credit cards
• A prepaid travel card that lets you load euros in advance and use it like a debit card abroad
• Buying in advance with your bank as this sometimes offers better exchange rates
• A travel credit card that can often be used abroad with no fees 

Try to avoid buying euros last minute at the airport — the rates there are usually much worse. 

Should I ever use a credit card to buy euros? 

It can make sense in some situations, like: 

• You’ve got a specialist travel credit card with no fees
• You’re facing an emergency and have no other way to pay
• You’re confident you can pay the balance off quickly 

Just make sure you know the charges before you go ahead, so there are no surprises later. 

Is using a credit card the best way to get euros? 

Buying euros with your credit card might seem convenient, but it often comes at a cost. With added fees, interest charges, and limited protection, it’s rarely the best way to get travel money. 

If you can plan ahead, using a debit card, prepaid travel card or buying euros in advance could save you money and stress. If you’re still thinking about using your credit card, just double-check the terms first so you know exactly what to expect.