Travel spending
Preferred payment method for purchases abroad
Payment preferences can change when consumers travel abroad, where factors such as convenience, security, acceptance and foreign transaction costs play a greater role in decision-making. The findings provide insight into how consumers choose to pay overseas, highlighting the payment methods they trust most when spending in unfamiliar environments.
Consumers prioritise familiarity when travelling
When making purchases abroad, consumers tend to favour payment methods that offer a balance of convenience, security and widespread acceptance. While digital payment adoption continues to grow, familiarity remains an important factor when consumers are spending in unfamiliar locations and currencies.
The findings suggest that trust plays a significant role in shaping payment behaviour overseas. Consumers are often drawn to payment methods that provide reassurance through fraud protection, predictable costs and ease of use. As international travel continues to recover and evolve, payment providers have an opportunity to differentiate themselves through seamless cross-border payment experiences that reduce friction and build consumer confidence.
Findings
21%
Use cash when making purchases abroad
Key insight
Cash leads, but regional habits differ
Cash is the most commonly used payment method for purchases abroad in every UK region, ranging from 18% in the South of England to 27% in the Midlands.
However, regional differences emerge beyond cash. In Northern Ireland, 22% of consumers prefer a digital banking app/ card (e.g. Monzo, Revolut) when spending abroad, nearly double the UK average (12%). Meanwhile, London stands out for its adoption of bank transfer or app-based payments, with 5% utilising these methods, more than double the national average of 2%.