By Charlotte Beugge

Spending on Norwich & Peterborough (N&P) Building Society's Gold Classic account debit card abroad doubled last year.

The debit card has no overseas debit card transaction charges, unlike some cards which can charge fees for withdrawing cash overseas and also impose a conversion charge of up to 2.99%.

N&P says that this can mean it costs nearly £12 to withdraw the local currency equivalent of £250 from a foreign cash machine.

Ewan Edwards, head of current accounts at N&P, which is part of the Yorkshire Building Society, says the card's free benefits are popular with customers.

He adds: "It is particularly useful for those who travel abroad and want the flexibility and security of using their debit card instead of taking a large amount of local currency with them.

"Customers have used their debit cards and saved money everywhere from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and even in Timbuktu."

However, if you want a credit rather than a debit card for overseas travel, look at Nationwide Select, which also has 18 months at 0% on purchases as well as 0% on balance transfers for 17 months. It has 0.5% cashback on sterling purchases plus unlimited commission-free purchases abroad.

Alternatively, the Post Office Platinum card has 0% on balance transfers for 14 months and three months at 0% on purchases. There is no commission charged on overseas purchases and no cash advance fee if you use the card to buy travel money through the Post Office.