Barclays gives standard fees' alert when taking cash out abroad

Barclays has explained some of the rules around transaction fees while abroad after a customer was surprised to have to pay an extra amount.

The person contacted Barclays over social media claiming they had seen advice on the Barclays website stating that there were no cash fees for withdrawals at Deutsche Bank in Spain, yet they had been charged €5 (£4.37) for the service.

They also shared a link to information on the Barclays website about Barclays being part of the Global ATM Alliance, which means customers do not have to pay the additional £1.50 withdrawal fees when using a cash machine that is part of the network.

This guidance page also mentions a 2.75 percent non-sterling transaction fee that applies to all cash withdrawals. Responding to the confused customer, Barclays said: "There is a standard 2.99% non-Sterling transaction fee for each withdrawal, and some ATM providers charge for the use of their machine."

There is other guidance on the Barclays website about charges when using your debit card abroad, which mentions a 'Barclays Debit Card Fee' for business and corporate banking customers of 2.75 percent, and of 2.99 percent for non-business and corporate banking customers.

The information also explains how this would apply for different currencies. The guidance states: "If you use your debit card abroad or pay in a currency that's not sterling, we'll charge you a 2.75% or 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee.

"This includes cash withdrawals in a foreign currency outside the UK, debit card payments in a foreign currency, refunds and shopping online on a non-UK website. If you're withdrawing cash, the cash machine provider may apply other charges."

Barclays also shared some practical advice for the customer while abroad. The bank said: "We do always recommend making sure your mobile number is up to date on our systems just in case we need to message you when you're abroad just as part of our safeguarding your account."

You can change your contact details such as your email or phone number using Barclays Online Banking or through the Barclays app.

Another way to update your mobile number is to call Barclays on 03457 345 345 or you can visit a Barclays branch.

It's important to have your mobile number up to date, as Barclays will text you if a suspicious or unusual transaction is made using your card, to make sure the transaction is genuine.

When planning your trip, you may want to find out where the nearest cash machine is to where you are staying. You can check this using the global ATM locator tool on the Visa website.