Foreign transaction fees can add up fast when using your debit card abroad. The fees are often 1% to 3% of the amount of a purchase, and many banks also apply the fee to ATM withdrawals.
Below, we compare the amount financial institutions charge to make an international ATM withdrawal or debit card purchase.
Banks with no debit card foreign transaction or ATM fees
Capital One 360
Capital One’s online bank stands apart from many banks because it doesn’t charge a currency conversion fee or a fee for using a foreign ATM network. If an out-of-network ATM operator charges you a fee, however, it won’t be reimbursed by Capital One 360.
Charles Schwab Bank
This brokerage firm’s banking unit doesn't charge a fee when you use its debit card at an ATM overseas, and it offers unlimited reimbursem*nts for ATM fees from cash withdrawals worldwide, regardless of the network used. And it doesn't charge currency conversion fees for debit card transactions.
Discover® Bank
Discover doesn’t charge foreign ATM network or foreign transaction fees. But Discover card acceptance can be limited outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean nations.
HSBC
With an HSBC Premier Checking account, customers pay no foreign transaction fees. HSBC also has a worldwide network of ATMs.
Varo Bank
The mobile-only banking app Varo joins the ranks of other travel-friendly banks. It charges no foreign transaction fees or ATM fees at over 40,000 Allpoint® ATMs. (There is a $3.50 charge on out-of-network and international ATMs.)
Foreign transaction fees by bank or credit union
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| Foreign debit card purchase cost* | Foreign ATM withdrawal cost** |
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Navy Federal Credit Union | | |
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*Foreign debit card purchase cost refers to foreign transaction fees — often 1% to 3% — and currency conversion fees (if applicable). These fees will typically show up on your monthly statement. **Foreign ATM withdrawal cost refers to out-of-network ATM fees plus any foreign transaction fees (if applicable). Note: Some ATM owners tack on their own fee in addition to what your bank may charge. People with premium checking accounts might be eligible for certain fee waivers. |
How do I avoid foreign transaction fees on my debit card?
You may want to consider switching to a bank with no foreign transaction fees. Travelers can also benefit from a credit card that skips these fees, especially if you go abroad frequently.
And no matter where you bank, let your financial institution know where you'll be traveling before you depart to avoid any unwarranted fraud alerts on your account.
Deposits are FDIC Insured
FAQs
Credit card foreign transaction fee chart
| Issuer | Issuer fee | Total foreign transaction fee |
|---|
| Chase | 2% | 3% |
| Citi | 2% | 3% |
| Discover | – | – |
| Wells Fargo | 2% | 3% |
3 more rowsOct 20, 2023
The best debit cards to take abroad
- First Direct. When you were abroad, First Direct used to charge a 2.75% conversion fee every time you used your card to buy something or withdraw cash. ...
- Starling Bank. The Starling Bank current account is free. ...
- Chase. ...
- Monzo. ...
- Virgin Money. ...
- Kroo Bank. ...
- Cumberland Building Society.
Discover® Bank
Discover doesn't charge foreign ATM network or foreign transaction fees. But Discover card acceptance can be limited outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean nations. With an HSBC Premier Checking account, customers pay no foreign transaction fees. HSBC also has a worldwide network of ATMs.
How to avoid international transaction fees on debit card? ›
The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to acquire a no-foreign-transaction-fees credit card, if you qualify for one. Next in line are checking accounts or debit cards with no foreign transaction fee. It is also possible to avoid the fee by paying in the local currency for purchases.
Which debit cards are free to use abroad? ›
Here are your best options for fee-free foreign transactions and other benefits.
- Wise - Best for multi-currency spending worldwide. ...
- Chase - Best for cashback¹ ...
- Virgin Money - Best all-round card with no foreign transaction fees. ...
- Starling Bank - Best for app-based card management.
Chase foreign transaction fees
The Chase debit cards that they show on their website charge a fee of 3% on every transaction you make in a currency that isn't US dollars. That covers ATM withdrawals, cash transactions away from ATMs, and purchases you make with your card.
Which cards avoid foreign transaction fees? ›
Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards 2024: Comparison
| Card name | Foreign transaction fees | Annual fees |
|---|
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | None | $0 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | None | $695 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $0 | $95 |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | None | $0 |
4 more rowsIt's possible to get a foreign transaction fee waived, but it isn't easy. Call your credit card issuer's customer service department and request that they waive the fee. It works best if you've had the credit card for many years, but even then, there's no guarantee the issuer will waive the fee.
Which bank has no international transaction fee? ›
| Name | Monthly fee | Card type |
|---|
| HSBC Everyday Global Account Finder AwardApple Pay Google Pay10 Currencies | Monthly fee $0 | Card type Visa |
| Suncorp Everyday Options Account Apple Pay Google Pay | Monthly fee $0 | Card type Visa |
| Ubank Spend Account Apple Pay Google Pay Samsung Pay Fitbit Pay Garmin Pay | Monthly fee $0 | Card type Visa |
3 more rowsSome of the Best U.S. Bank Cards with No Foreign Fees
- Best for Ongoing Rewards: U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card.
- Best for Initial Bonus: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.
- Best for Air Travel: SKYPASS Visa® Signature Credit Card.
- No Annual Fee: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card.
Best International Debit Cards Offered by Indian Banks
- SBI Global International Debit Card.
- ICICI Bank Sapphiro International Debit Card.
- Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card.
- HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card.
- Yes World Debit Card.
- HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card.
A Bank of America International Transaction Fee of 3% will apply when converting your currency. 8 • If you have any issues with your cards while traveling, please call the number on the back of your card. Please visit locators.bankofamerica.com/international.html for a complete and current listing before you travel.
How do I avoid charges on my debit card abroad? ›
A good rule of thumb when traveling is to select the local currency during payment to avoid conversion fees and to use a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Cash withdrawals from international ATMs are also subject to fees.
What bank doesn't charge international fees? ›
HSBC doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or foreign ATM fees, plus it has international ATMs. USAA international ATM fees don't exist, either (though a 1% foreign transaction fee still applies). Chase international ATM fees vary depending on what type of checking account you have.
Which bank doesn't charge abroad? ›
With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to withdraw foreign currency from a cash machine while anywhere in the world outside Europe.
Which bank does not charge international fees? ›
Many banks offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, including the HSBC Low Interest Rate Credit Card and the Westpac Lite Credit Card for example. Or as an alternative, check out a non-bank provider like Wise or Revolut for a no foreign transaction fee card with low overall fees.
What is the best bank to use for international travel? ›
Bank Trustworthiness and BBB Ratings
| Institution | BBB grade |
|---|
| Capital One 360 | A+ |
| Charles Schwab | A+ |
| SoFi | A+ |
| Revolut | NR |
2 more rowsMay 30, 2024
There are five cards that do not charge a foreign transaction fee. They are the Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card, Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card, RBL World Safari Credit Card, Club Vistara IndusInd Explorer Credit Card, and IDFC First Wow Credit Card.
Can banks waive foreign transaction fees? ›
Many credit cards waive foreign transaction fees during your first year as a perk but you might incur these fees once the promotional period ends.
