A three million-customer high street bank will begin charging fees TODAY for the usage of debit cards overseas. As of right now, Metro Bank is charging 2.99% for any debit card purchases made outside of the country, including in well-known travel locations.

It covers places like Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and other vacation spots within the European Union. The levy has been applied to each and every transaction made outside of the UK, potentially raising the cost of your vacation considerably.

"Debit card payments made in a foreign currency outside the UK will be charged 2.99% on the converted British Pound value of the transaction after August 29, 2024," stated the email sent on June 27. Cash withdrawals made outside of the UK using your debit card in a foreign currency after August 29, 2024, will incur an ATM fee of £1.50 in addition to 2.99% of the converted British Pound value.

"This charge is applicable for each transaction you make." A spokesperson for Metro Bank said: "Over time we’ve seen our customer’s needs and expectations evolve and the demand for this service has been declining over a number of years."

It comes just weeks before Metro Bank axes all consumer credit cards on September 10. Metro Bank's business credit cards and all overdraft offers will be unaffected. A spokesperson for Metro Bank told The Sun: "Withdrawing the retail credit card is the next step in Metro Bank's commitment to simplify its operations and streamline lending activity.

"Retail cardholders will continue to be able to use their cards until September 10, 2024." The personal credit card offered by the bank, which had a single 18.9% interest rate and no fees, is no longer available for new applicants. Starting on September 10, all current credit cards will no longer be valid.

This implies that your card won't be accepted and you won't be able to use it to pay for products or services either in-person or online.