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Help and guides
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Useful information
Using your debit card
Make sure you get the most out of your debit card.
Visa Debit
With an RBS Visa Debit card, you can pay for goods and services and withdraw cash worldwide.
So whether you are paying for a meal in London, or enjoying some shopping in Paris, you'll find that using your debit card is an easy and convenient way to pay.
When using Visa cards abroad remember to look out for the Visa logo.
Plus
With an RBS Plus card you can access cash at over 1 million cash machines at home or abroad.
So, whatever you need cash for, you will always have quick and easy access.
Safe and convenient
Using a Visa Debit card abroad couldn't be more convenient and safe. All we do is simply convert the foreign currency amount you're paying or withdrawing into sterling, and apply transaction charges.
Then, the total amount is automatically debited from your account. Details of the transactions you make will appear on your statement so it really couldn't be easier.
Touch to pay
We are now issuing Visa Debit cards with contactless technology to all eligible customers. Contactless allows you to pay for everyday essentials like a coffee, lunch, travel or a newspaper - in less than a second.
So, no more hassle looking for a cash machine or rummaging around for loose change. Contactless technology allows you to make payments of £20 or less, wherever you see the contactless symbol 
Give it a go next time you're away
To use your debit card, just look for the logos in retailers or on cash machines next time you are abroad, then use your card as normal.
Please remember that to be able to use your card abroad, you need to ensure you have enough funds in your account to cover your transaction - just as you would back home.
Foreign transactions and debit card charges - Important information
| Debit Card Charges (foreign currency or sterling) | |
|---|---|
| Transaction type | Charges |
| Sterling cash withdrawals from any uk cash machine (ATM) | No charge* |
| Sterling cash withdrawals from any Royal Bank of Scotland branch in the UK, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar | |
| Sterling cash withdrawals in the UK in any bank, travel agent, bureau de change or other outlet displaying the Visa logo | |
| Purchase of foreign currency or travellers cheques in the UK** | |
| Foreign currency withdrawal from any cash machine (ATM) in the UK | We will charge a Foreign Cash Fee of 2% of the value of the transaction (minimum £2, maximum £5). We will also charge a Non-Sterling Transaction Fee of 2.75% of the value of the transaction. If you elect for the transaction to be converted into Sterling at the point of sale or withdrawal, we will not charge a Non-Sterling Transaction Fee, however the transaction handler may charge you a separate fee. |
| Cash withdrawals or the purchases of currency or travellers cheques outside the UK | |
| Purchases made outside the UK (for example, purchasing goods in a shop) | We will charge a Foreign Purchase Fee of 2.75% of the value of the transaction (minimum £1). |
| Purchases made anywhere in a foreign currency (for example, online/telephone purchases made in or outside the UK) | |
| Visa Payment Scheme Exchange Rate | |
|---|---|
| Any transaction made in a foreign currency using your Debit card or ATM card is converted by us into Sterling using the Visa Payment Scheme Exchange Rate. To see the up-to-date rates used for Debit cards and ATM cards visit www.visaeurope.com and click on the Cardholders section. | |
Where a charge in the table above is stated as a percentage, this is a percentage of the sterling transaction amount.
*We will not charge you for using your card at an ATM in the UK but other companies may charge a fee. You will be advised on screen about any charges before you withdraw cash.
**Standard commission rates apply
back to topIf your RBS Visa debit card is ever lost or stolen call us immediately on 0870 513 3550 (minicom 0800 404 6160). Even without your card you can still get access to the money in your account by using our 24 hour Emergency Cash service.
You can access up to £300 if you are an digital or telephone banking customer and if you aren't we'll still give you up to £60 to tide you over. Remember you'll need to have the money in your account before you can withdraw it - you'll need to have at least £25 available in your account.
All you have to do is answer a few quick security questions; we'll then give you a code that will allow you to withdraw your money from any RBS or NatWest cash machine in the UK.
Best Personal Finance Innovation - Emergency cash
Winner of the Best Personal Finance Innovation 2011/2012