Foreign ATM and Debit Card Transaction Fees by Bank
The fees are often 1% to 3% of the amount of a purchase or ATM withdrawal.
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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.
Foreign transaction fees by bank or credit union
Institution | Foreign debit card purchase cost* | Foreign ATM withdrawal cost** |
|---|---|---|
1% | 1% of amount Alliant reimburses up to $20 monthly for out-of-network ATM fees, including abroad | |
Up to 1% | Up to 1% of amount | |
3% | $5 + 3% of amount | |
3% | $5 + 3% of dollar amount (For balance inquiries at ATMs, it's $2.50.) | |
3% | $2.50 non-Citibank ATM fee + 3% of amount | |
0.8% or 1%, depending on whether there's a currency conversion | $1 + 0.8% or 1% of amount | |
3% | $3 | |
2% | $5 | |
*Foreign debit card purchase cost refers to foreign transaction fees — often 1% to 3% — and currency conversion fees (if applicable). **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. And people with premium checking accounts might be eligible for certain fee waivers. Research more about these banks and credit unions at NerdWallet's bank and credit union reviews. | ||
Foreign fees by institution |
Alliant Credit Union • Debit purchase: 1%. • ATM withdrawal: % of amount; Alliant reimburses up to $20 monthly for out-of-network ATM fees, including abroad. |
Ally • Debit purchase: Up to 1%. • ATM withdrawal: Up to 1% of amount. |
Bank of America • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3% of amount. |
Chase • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3% of dollar amount (ATM balance inquiry: $2.50). |
Citibank • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $2.50 non-Citibank ATM fee + 3% of amount. |
Navy Federal Credit Union • Debit purchase: 0.8% or 1%, depending on whether there's a currency conversion. • ATM withdrawal: $1 + 0.8% or 1% of amount. |
TD Bank • Debit purchase: None. • ATM withdrawal: $3. |
Union Bank • Debit purchase: 2%. • ATM withdrawal: $5. |
*Foreign debit card purchase cost refers to foreign transaction fees — often 1% to 3% — and currency conversion fees (if applicable). **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. And people with premium checking accounts might be eligible for certain fee waivers. Research more about these banks and credit unions at NerdWallet's bank and credit union reviews. |
What to do if a fee seems too expensive
You may want to consider switching to a bank with no foreign transaction fees, listed below. Travelers can also benefit from a credit card that skips these fees, especially if you go abroad frequently. (Read NerdWallet's guide on how to choose a no foreign transaction fee credit card.)
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.
» Want to earn more on your savings? Browse NerdWallet's list of best high-yield online savings accounts
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. In fact, it offers unlimited reimbursements 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.
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 55,000 Allpoint® ATMs. (There is a $2.50 charge on out of network ATMs.) The full mobile banking experience is available on both Android and iOS.