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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 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.

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Foreign transactions and debit card charges - Important information


Debit Card Charges (foreign currency or sterling)
Transaction type Charges
Transactions in the UK
Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
Cash withdrawals in Sterling:
  • at a UK cash machine (ATM)
  • No charge*
  • in any UK Royal Bank of Scotland branch
  • No charge
  • In any Royal Bank of Scotland branch on the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar
  • no charge
  • using your Visa Debit card in any other bank, travel agent, bureau de change or other outlet displaying the Visa logo
  • no charge
Purchase of foreign currency or traveller's cheques using a Visa Debit card**:
  • in any Royal Bank of Scotland branch
  • No charge
  • in any other bank, travel agent, bureau de change or other outlet displaying the Visa logo
  • no charge
Foreign currency withdrawal from cash machines
  • 2% (minimum £2, maximum £5)
Transactions abroad
Cash withdrawals
  • 2% (minimum £2, maximum £5)
Purchase of currency or travellers' cheques using a Visa Debit card
  • 2% (minimum £2, maximum £5)
Point of sale transactions
  • £1.25 per transaction


Exchange Rate Transaction Fee
Any transaction in a foreign currency is converted into sterling at our prevailing exchange rate and a transaction fee of 2.75% is subsequently applied for debit card transactions. This fee is known as the Exchange Rate Transaction Fee (ERTF).

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

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If your RBS Visa debit card is ever lost or stolen call us immediately on 0870 600 0459 (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.

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Find a cash machine

    Lost debit cards

  • UK 0870 600 0459
  • Abroad +44 1268 500 813
  • Minicom 0800 404 6160

Lines are Open

Open 24 hours a day.

Max call charge from a BT landline is 8p plus 8p per minute. Calls from other networks may vary. Calls may be recorded.

Best Personal Finance Innovation - Emergency cash

Emergency Cash - Winner of the Best Personal Finance Innovation 2011/2012

Winner of the Best Personal Finance Innovation 2011/2012