Saving on International Payments: Credit Card Rewards and Moving Money Abroad

July 10 2025

Relocating overseas is one of life’s biggest transitions; full of excitement, opportunity, and, inevitably, a fair bit of paperwork and planning. While shipping your belongings and securing accommodation are top of the to-do list, it’s just as important to think about how you’ll manage your money abroad. For British expats, using the right financial tools can lead to significant savings, particularly when it comes to spending overseas.

At Anglo Pacific, we support thousands of clients making big moves around the globe. Whether you’re heading to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or beyond, this guide will help you understand how rewards credit cards and other specialist tools can help you make the most of your international purchases.

Why Financial Planning Matters When Moving Abroad

Moving abroad involves a multitude of financial decisions, like setting up a local bank account and choosing the best credit card for international use. With fluctuating exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, and high international booking costs, these decisions can have a real impact on your bottom line.

By planning ahead and using the right financial products, British expats can avoid unnecessary charges and even earn valuable perks along the way.

The Benefits of Rewards Credit Cards for Expats

Rewards credit cards are designed to offer benefits such as cashback, air miles, hotel discounts, and loyalty points in exchange for regular use. For expats, this can be an excellent way to get more out of everyday spending, especially in the early stages of settling in.

Top advantages include:

Air miles and travel rewards – Earn points towards future flights or upgrades, ideal if you plan to visit home or travel frequently.
Hotel discounts and perks – Many cards partner with major hotel chains to offer discounts, free nights, or room upgrades.
No foreign transaction fees – This is key. Some cards waive the standard 2–3% charge on overseas purchases, helping your money go further.
Purchase protection – Essential when buying expensive items abroad, or booking international travel.

Top Rewards Programmes to Consider

While offers change regularly, here are some of the best-known rewards schemes available to UK residents that are popular among expats:

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card – Great for frequent travellers, offering Membership Rewards points, travel insurance, and no foreign exchange fees in the first year.
Barclaycard Rewards Card – No fees on overseas spending and cash withdrawals, plus 0.25% cashback on all purchases.
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Card – Ideal if you frequently fly Virgin, with generous air mile bonuses and companion ticket perks.

Always compare cards based on your personal spending habits and relocation plans, and be sure to check eligibility if you’re planning to move shortly after applying.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

To make the most of rewards and avoid costly surprises:

Watch out for dynamic currency conversion – Always pay in the local currency when abroad to avoid poor exchange rates from merchants.
Set up alerts and budgeting tools – Many cards offer online tools or apps to help track your spending in real-time.
Pay off your balance each month – Interest charges can quickly outweigh any rewards you earn.

Financial Tools Beyond Credit Cards

Credit cards aren’t the only option. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, and Starling Bank offer multi-currency accounts, low-cost international transfers, and competitive exchange rates often better than the banks.

These are particularly useful when:

Opening a local bank account takes time
You need to transfer large sums (e.g. property deposits or tuition fees)
You want to avoid currency conversion charges when paying local expenses

Planning for a Smooth Transition

At Anglo Pacific, we understand that relocating abroad is about more than just moving boxes; it’s about moving your entire life. From international removals to helpful advice on settling in, we’re here to support every step of your journey.

Managing your money wisely from the start can ease the transition and unlock value that lasts well beyond your first few months abroad. With the right credit card, savvy financial tools, and a bit of planning, you can make your money work harder – no matter where in the world you land.