Using Cards in London: What You Need to Know

London is one of the most card‑friendly cities out there, but it can still feel confusing the first time you pull out a plastic. From bus fares to coffee shops, most places accept contactless, chip‑and‑pin, and mobile wallets. Below you’ll find the basics that will keep you moving without hunting for cash.

Everyday payments made easy

Almost every shop, restaurant, and market in central London takes contactless cards. That means you can tap your Visa, Mastercard, or even Apple Pay and walk away. The biggest perk is that you don’t have to worry about currency conversion – your bank does the math for you. Just check if your card has foreign transaction fees; many travel‑focused cards waive them, which can save you up to 3 % on each purchase.

If you prefer chip‑and‑pin, you’re still fine. Most terminals let you insert the card and enter your PIN, especially for larger purchases like train tickets. A quick tip: always have your PIN handy, because some older machines still ask for it even if they support contactless.

Cash is still accepted in a few places – small market stalls, some taxis, and a handful of older pubs. Keep a modest amount (around £20–£30) just in case, but you’ll rarely need it if you plan ahead.

Travel cards you should know

The Oyster card is the go‑to for tube, bus, and rail travel in London. You can load it with credit or buy a weekly travelcard that covers unlimited rides. The good news? You can add an Oyster card to most contactless bank cards, so you don’t have to carry a separate plastic. Just tap your debit or credit card at the gate and the system will treat it like an Oyster.

If you’re staying for a short visit, consider a Visitor Oyster or a Travelcard. Both give you discounted fares compared to cash tickets, and you can reload them online before you even land.

When you need cash, ATMs are everywhere – at banks, on the tube, and on high streets. Look for machines that belong to your bank’s network to avoid extra charges. If you can’t find one, use a fee‑free ATM locator app; they often point out spots that don’t add a surcharge.

Finally, don’t forget about mobile wallets. Google Pay and Apple Pay work on the same terminals as physical cards, and they’re a handy backup if your card gets lost or stolen. Just make sure your phone is charged before you head out.

Bottom line: London loves cards. Keep an eye on foreign fees, load a little credit onto an Oyster, and you’ll breeze through the city without a hitch.