How to Avoid International ATM Fees: 6 Easy Ways
Many banks offer checking accounts that won't charge fees for using foreign or out-of-network ATMs.
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Assigning Editor Withdrawing cash abroad can get expensive fast. When you take out money in a foreign country, you may face multiple charges at once: fees from your home bank, surcharges from the ATM operator and sometimes extra conversion costs that get buried in the exchange rate.
The good news is that most of these charges are predictable and, with a little preparation, often avoidable. Knowing how foreign ATM fees work can help you plan ahead, choose the right card and make withdrawals in a way that keeps more money in your pocket.
Here's what you should know about the different types of ATM fees you may face and steps you can take to minimize them or even avoid them altogether.
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Types of foreign ATM fees
When you use your debit card at an ATM overseas, you could be hit with several fees. Here are the main charges to watch for:
- Foreign transaction fee: Some banks charge a foreign transaction fee whenever your withdrawal requires currency conversion. This fee is usually a percentage of the total amount you take out, often between 1% and 3%. You’ll pay it not only at ATMs but on any debit card purchase made abroad.
- Out-of-network ATM fees: If you use an ATM that isn’t part of your bank’s network, your bank may charge an additional out-of-network fee. This is typically a flat amount per withdrawal, commonly $2 to $5.
- ATM operator surcharges: The ATM owner may add its own surcharge for using the machine. This fee varies by country and operator, and it can often be higher in more popular destinations.
- Currency conversion fees: Some ATMs offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency before completing the transaction. This dynamic currency conversion often comes with a poor exchange rate or extra markup, which can make the effective cost significantly higher. In some cases, the added cost can reach as high as 13%.
» Learn more: What banks charge for debit foreign transaction fees
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6 ways to avoid international ATM fees
Foreign ATM fees are avoidable with a little preparation. The right card, the right bank and a few smart habits can help you keep more of your money for actual travel spending. Here are practical ways to cut down or eliminate ATM fees on your next international trip.
1. Use a travel credit card instead
One of the easiest ways to avoid ATM fees is to skip ATM withdrawals whenever possible. A travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees lets you pay for purchases directly, which means no ATM charges and no need to keep large amounts of cash on hand. Many travel cards also offer rewards and travel protections that can make international spending more cost effective.
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If you prefer to avoid annual fees or only travel occasionally, there are also several no-fee credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
2. Choose a bank that waives or reimburses out-of-network ATM fees
If you travel regularly, it may be worth choosing a bank account designed for international use. Some banks don’t charge foreign transaction fees or foreign ATM fees, while others reimburse some or all of the charges you incur. Here's a handful of examples:
| Account | Out-of-network ATM fee | Out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement | Foreign transaction fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliant Credit Union checking accounts | None. | Up to $20 per month. | 1%. |
| Ally Bank | None. | Up to $10 each statement cycle (domestic only). | Up to 1%. |
| Capital One 360 Checking | None. | N/A. | None. |
| HSBC checking accounts | None. | N/A. | None.* |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | None. | Unlimited. | None. |
| LendingClub LevelUp Checking | None. | Unlimited (international rebates may not apply automatically). | None. |
| Schwab Bank Investor Checking | None. | Unlimited. | None. |
| USAA checking accounts | None. | Up to $10 per statement cycle. | 1%. |
| Wells Fargo Prime Checking | None. | One U.S. and one international per fee period. | 3%. |
| Wells Fargo Premier Checking | None. | Unlimited worldwide. | None. |
*Premier Checking only
Before you go on a trip abroad, review your bank’s fee schedule to know exactly what you’ll pay.
3. Use your bank's ATMs or partner ATMs
If your bank operates ATMs internationally, using those machines can help you avoid additional charges. HSBC and Citibank, for example, have a global network that can reduce or eliminate fees for account holders.
If your bank doesn’t have overseas branches, check whether it participates in an international ATM partnership — Bank of America is just one example of a bank that does. These networks may offer reduced or waived fees for withdrawals abroad.
4. Transact in local currency
Some foreign ATMs will ask whether you want the withdrawal amount charged to your account in U.S. dollars or in the local currency.
This doesn’t mean the machine can dispense U.S. dollars. Instead, it’s offering to convert the withdrawal into dollars before sending the transaction to your bank — a process called dynamic currency conversion.
Choosing dollars often comes with extra markups via an unfavorable exchange rate. If you see this prompt, choose to be charged in the local currency. Your bank will handle the conversion on its end, which is usually much cheaper.
» Learn more: How to order foreign currency before you travel
5. Keep your withdrawals to a minimum
The fewer withdrawals you make, the fewer fees you’ll pay. If it feels safe to do so, take out a larger amount of cash at once and store what you don’t need immediately in a secure place. This can help minimize repeated ATM charges.
6. Use your debit card to request cash back at a store
While not every retailer allows cash back on debit purchases, some do. If the option is available, asking for cash back during checkout can help you avoid ATMs and their fees.
Just make sure the debit card you use doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, and don't forget to request that they charge you in the local currency.
The bottom line
International ATM fees can be a pain, but they aren’t inevitable. Once you understand how the fees work and how your bank handles foreign transactions, you can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary costs. Choosing the right travel credit card and managing your cash withdrawals strategically can make paying abroad far more affordable and convenient.
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