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What Banks Charge for Debit Foreign Transaction Fees
The fees are often 1% to 3% of the amount of a purchase or ATM withdrawal.
Spencer Tierney is a consumer banking writer at NerdWallet. He has covered personal finance since 2013, with a focus on certificates of deposit and other banking-related topics. His work has been featured by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, among others. He is based in Berkeley, California.
Jeanne is a former NerdWallet writer focusing on credit, debt and loans. She has covered financial topics for more than 20 years, including stints at Fortune and Money magazines.
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Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
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. 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.
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 55,000 Allpoint® ATMs. (There is a $2.50 charge on out-of-network ATMs.)
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
1%.
1% of amount.
Alliant reimburses up to $20 monthly for out-of-network ATM fees (withdrawal fees only; does not apply to 1% fee), including abroad.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
2%.
$5 + 2%.
*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.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
0.8% or 1%, depending on whether purchase was made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
3.2% (3% for transaction and 0.2% for currency conversion).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
1.1% (0.9% for the transaction plus 0.2% for currency conversion).
1.1% of amount.
For eligible accounts, LendingClub reimburses all fees incurred from ATM usage, including internationally (but does not include foreign exchange fees).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
3%.
$5.
Institution
BMO Bank • Debit purchase: 2.8%. • ATM withdrawal: $3 + 2.8% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Citizens Bank • Debit purchase: 3%, depending on whether purchase made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency. • ATM withdrawal: $3 + 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Connexus Credit Union • Debit purchase: Up to 1.5%. • ATM withdrawal: Up to 1.5% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Consumers Credit Union • Debit purchase: 0.8% or 1%, depending on whether purchase was made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency. • ATM withdrawal: 0.8% or 1%
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Fifth Third Bank • Debit purchase: 3.2% (3% for transaction and 0.2% for currency conversion). • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3.2% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
LendingClub Bank • Debit purchase: 1.1% (0.9% for the transaction plus 0.2% for currency conversion). • ATM withdrawal: 1.1% of amount; for eligible accounts, LendingClub reimburses all fees incurred from ATM usage, including internationally (but does not include foreign exchange fees).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
M&T Bank • Debit purchase: 50 cents or 3%, whichever is greater. • ATM withdrawal: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
PenFed Credit Union • Debit purchase: Up to 2%. • ATM withdrawal: $1.50 + up to 2% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Regions Bank • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Truist • Debit purchase: Up to 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + up to 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
U.S. Bank • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $2.50 + 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Click here to expand and compare fees at nearly 15 more national and online banks
Institution
BMO Bank • Debit purchase: 2.8%. • ATM withdrawal: $3 + 2.8% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Citizens Bank • Debit purchase: 3%, depending on whether purchase made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency. • ATM withdrawal: $3 + 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Connexus Credit Union • Debit purchase: Up to 1.5%. • ATM withdrawal: Up to 1.5% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Consumers Credit Union • Debit purchase: 0.8% or 1%, depending on whether purchase was made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency. • ATM withdrawal: 0.8% or 1%
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Fifth Third Bank • Debit purchase: 3.2% (3% for transaction and 0.2% for currency conversion). • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3.2% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
LendingClub Bank • Debit purchase: 1.1% (0.9% for the transaction plus 0.2% for currency conversion). • ATM withdrawal: 1.1% of amount; for eligible accounts, LendingClub reimburses all fees incurred from ATM usage, including internationally (but does not include foreign exchange fees).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
M&T Bank • Debit purchase: 50 cents or 3%, whichever is greater. • ATM withdrawal: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
PenFed Credit Union • Debit purchase: Up to 2%. • ATM withdrawal: $1.50 + up to 2% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Regions Bank • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Truist • Debit purchase: Up to 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + up to 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
U.S. Bank • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $2.50 + 3% of amount.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.
What to do if a fee seems too expensive
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.
4.20%SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 1.20% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.20% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in checking and savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 04/24/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
4.75%Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 05/09/2023. APY is variable and subject to change at any time without notice. No monthly service charge. No minimum balance requirement. Must fund with 15 days of opening account.
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
4.50%Annual percentage yield (variable) is as of 5/8/23. 5.00% APY with a $75K deposit or 4.75% APY with a $25K deposit. New customers only with qualifying deposit. Terms apply.
Min. balance for APY
$0
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
3.30%Your annual percentage yield can be as high as 3.30% based on the following combined rate rewards: direct deposits (not including intra-bank transfers from another account) totaling $1,500 or more each month will earn 0.40%. A qualifying direct deposit is required for the remaining interest rate qualifications to apply. Ten (10) point-of-sale transactions per month using your Rewards Checking Visa® Debit Card for normal everyday purchases with a minimum of $3 per transaction, or enrolling in Account Aggregation/Personal Finance Manager (PFM) will earn 0.30%; maintaining an average daily balance of at least $2,500 per month in an Axos Self Directed Trading Invest account will earn 1.00%; maintaining an average daily balance of at least $2,500 a month in an Axos Managed Portfolio Invest account will earn 1.00%; and making a monthly payment to an open Axos Bank consumer loan (commercial and business loans excluded) via transfer from your Rewards Checking account will earn a maximum of 0.60%.
Monthly fee
$0
Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features.
Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features.
