Banks stand accused of failing holidaymakers and international travellers, a poll claims.
A total of 91% of 856 respondents said that the fees for using their debit card overseas were “unacceptably high”.
The survey was conducted by international financial consultancy deVere Group to coincide with the introduction of a global e-money app.
Founder and chief executive, Nigel Green, said: “As schools break-up for summer, millions of families are looking forward to some quality time together overseas.
“What they will not be looking forward to are the charges their banks slap on them every time they use their debit cards overseas for purchases or withdrawing cash.
“Nine out of 10 people told us that they found the fees for using their cards overseas were ‘unacceptably high.’ You can see why – 6% for accessing your own money when outside your country of origin is a scandal.
“In today’s increasingly globalised, connected world, you should be able to access, manage and use your money free of charges, wherever you are in the world.
“Traditional banks are failing holidaymakers, expats and internationally-mobile individuals in this regard.”
Green added: “The banking sector is dragging its feet. It is looking increasingly archaic due to its failure to adapt to an ever-more mobile population who want, need and expect free, borderless financial solutions.
“The telecommunications industry have recognised this far-reaching, fundamental shift by reducing or scrapping their roaming charges in many countries.
“However, the arrogance of traditional banks is such that they believe that they don’t have to change with the times and meet evolving client expectations so are continuing to impose ridiculously high charges for using your bank card abroad.”