Brexit and the EEA
If you have an address outside the UK, but within the European Economic Area (EEA), you may face changes to your banking and investment products and services in the future.
Helping you to prepare for the end of the transition period
The Brexit transition period – during which the UK has continued to follow many of the EU’s rules and regulations – is due to end on December 31, 2020. To help you to understand what this could mean for you and your finances, we’ve brought together a wide range of information detailing what might change and how it could affect you.
To keep you fully informed, we’ll update the resources available on these pages as more details become available.
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If you have an address outside the UK, but within the European Economic Area (EEA), you may face changes to your banking and investment products and services in the future.
The steps you need to take will depend on the type of account you want to close.
If we’ve written to you to let you know we’re closing your savings or current account because you have an address in the European Economic Area (EEA), you should now make alternative banking arrangements, withdraw any money in your account and close it.
Articles, tips and links to help you get ready for whatever happens.
Business planning for the end of the Brexit transition period.
Our answers are correct at the time of writing but things may change, so always look out for the most up-to-date information.
Will I still be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
Yes, your savings and current account balances with us will continue to be covered in the same way they are today. To find out more, visit the FSCS protection checker.
Is my money safe?
Yes, your money is safe. As mentioned above, you’re still covered by the FSCS and we’re still regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Will I need a new passport to travel to Europe?
You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling after the Brexit transition period ends. To travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland), on the day of travel, your passport will need to both
This information may change so always read the government's passport rules before travelling, and check the foreign travel advice for the country you’re visiting.
What will happen to the pound after the Brexit transition period?
While we can’t predict the impact the end of the Brexit transition period may have on the pound or other currency exchange rates, we’ll still be able to help you exchange currency as we do today.
What impact will it have on data protection and GDPR?
We don’t expect there to be any immediate changes to GDPR or data protection in the UK after the Brexit transition period. As always, we’ll treat your personal data with the utmost care and will continue to protect it as we do today.
Will I still be covered by E111 or European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC)?
You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad. After the Brexit transition period ends, E111 or EHIC may not be valid – it’ll then be even more important that you make sure your travel insurance has the cover you need, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. This information may change, so please always read the government’s guide to visiting Europe from January 1 2021 before travelling.
Can I use my debit or credit card in Europe?
Yes, you’ll still be able to use your debit card and Barclaycard in Europe to withdraw cash and pay for things in the same way you do today.
Will I be charged more for purchases or cash withdrawals abroad using my debit or credit card?
We don't expect there to be extra charges for using a card in EU countries. Any existing charges will still apply and we’ll tell you if this changes.
Will I still be able to make payments to Europe and receive payments from Europe?
Yes, you’ll still be able to make and receive payments to and from Europe as you do today.
Will I still be able to use my app and Online Banking when I’m in Europe?
Yes, you’ll still be able to use the Barclays app, Barclaycard app and Online Banking to manage your money on the go as you do today. This will depend on having internet access through your provider, and they may charge you for using the internet or data abroad.
Will I still be able to exchange euros into sterling, and vice versa?
Yes – the way you exchange currency won’t change.
Will my Barclays Travel Pack still cover me on holiday?
Yes, your travel insurance will still cover you for trips to Europe as it does today. Before travelling you should always check our Travel Pack guide [PDF, 5.1MB] to make sure you have the level of cover you need.
I have a Barclays Travel Pack – can I still use an airport lounge on my way home from a holiday?
Yes, you’ll still be able to use an airport lounge the same way you do today. Download the Traveller Plus app from your phone’s app store to check availability before you travel.
I have a Barclays Travel Pack – will my European breakdown cover still be valid?
Yes, you’ll still be covered in the same way you are today. You may also need some additional documents if you’re planning to drive in Europe after the end of the Brexit transition period. To find out more about what you’ll need, read the government’s guide to visiting Europe from January 1 2021.
What happens if I’m a victim of fraud when travelling in Europe?
If you’re a victim of card fraud in the UK or in Europe, you should always contact us straight away. Please call 0800 3891 652 (+44 160 452 9410 from abroad) for Barclays, or 0800 151 0900 (+44 1452 828 309 from abroad) for Barclaycard. After the end of the Brexit transition period, we’ll continue to protect you from fraud as we do today.
I still have a question – how can I get in touch?
The quickest way to speak to us is using ‘Live Chat’ in our app. It’s fast and secure, and our team are available 24/7. You must be 16 or over to use the app. Terms and conditions apply.
Can I still make payments to my Barclaycard from countries in Europe?
Yes, you’ll be able to pay your Barclaycard from Europe as you can today.
Will my fee-free abroad credit card now have fees?
We’re not currently planning to add any new fees, but any existing fees that apply to your card will still be valid.
Will there be any changes to the balance-transfer and money-transfer features on my Barclaycard?
No, these features will work exactly the same way they do today.
Will I still need to pay back what I owe on my loan or Barclaycard if I need to move to Europe?
Yes, you’ll still need to pay back what you owe in line with the terms and conditions of the product you have.
Will my ISA still be tax free?
If you’re a UK resident there will be no change to how your ISA works. If you’re residing in the European Economic Area (EEA), please check our guide to EEA changes.
If you’re in, or heading towards, financial difficulty, please get in touch and speak to us. We know it can be tough to talk about, but we’re here to help. Whether it’s due to Brexit or any other change in circumstances, give us a call on 0345 734 5345 and let’s see what we can do to help. We’ve also got lots of practical advice on how to manage your money.
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