5 Best Banks for International Travel
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Using the right bank can save you money when traveling abroad. When researching the best banks for international travel, features we considered included:
Low wire transfer charges.
Decent currency conversion rates.
International ATM fee reimbursement.
Foreign currency delivery to your home.
Here are our favorite banks for international travel.
- + See a summary of our best banks for international travel
Charles Schwab Bank: Best for using ATMs.
Capital One 360: Best on foreign transaction fees.
HSBC Bank: Best for expats with high balances.
Citibank: Best for wiring money.
Revolut: Best for nonbank multicurrency account.
Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to make sure our coverage is fair and accurate, so you can choose the financial accounts that work best for you. See our criteria for evaluating banks and credit unions.
Best Banks for International Travel
Our pick for
Using ATMs
Our pick for
Foreign transaction fees
Our pick for
Expats with high balances
Our pick for
Wiring money
Our pick for
Nonbank multicurrency account
More top choices for best banks for international travel
BECU: No foreign transaction fee (read full review).
Axos Bank: ATM foreign currency conversion fee reimbursements with World Checking account (read full review).
Navy Federal Credit Union: Branches in just under 10 foreign countries (read full review).
Varo: No foreign transaction fee (read full review).
Wise (formerly TransferWise): Multicurrency account with a debit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees (read full review).
More strategies to keep banking costs down while traveling
Using money abroad can incur costs, but switching banks isn’t your only way to avoid them. Here’s a breakdown of different approaches and accounts to consider:
When spending money abroad:
Try a multicurrency account: Spend and hold different currencies in one account. This option is usually best if you live or work outside the U.S. for extended periods. Two mainstream providers are the financial tech firms Wise and Revolut.
Find a credit card with no foreign transaction fees: For everyday purchases when you can use physical cards or mobile wallets, a travel-friendly credit card can be useful.
When dealing with cash abroad:
Use a debit card with no foreign transaction or ATM fees: This is especially good for cash withdrawals, especially in countries where cash is heavily used. Generally, these debit cards, and the checking accounts they’re connected to, don’t have foreign transaction fees either.
Take advantage of currency exchange services from your bank: For cash you’ll bring on your next trip, see if your bank or credit union has this service since it’s cheaper than using kiosks at the airport.
When sending money abroad:
Consider nonbank money transfers: If you're sending a wire overseas while still in the U.S., companies such as Wise and OFX offer stand-alone transfers internationally that have competitive rates and low to no fees.
When managing wealth abroad:
Look into private banking: Private banking offers a personalized experience for high-net-worth individuals, which can include overseas considerations.
Open an offshore bank account: If you need help managing international business or investments, or if you'll be traveling long term, consider the merits of an offshore bank account.
Last updated on November 15, 2023
Methodology
We took a close look at over 90 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable and/or emerging players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.
Financial institutions and providers surveyed are: Affirm, All America Bank, Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amalgamated Bank, America First Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Associated Bank, Axos Bank, Bank of America, Bank5 Connect, Bank7, Barclays, Bask Bank, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, BMO, BMO Alto, Boeing Employees Credit Union, Bread Savings, BrioDirect, Capital One, Carver Federal Savings Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase, Chime, CIBC U.S., CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens, Citizens Bank, City First Bank, Climate First Bank, Commerce Bank, Community First Credit Union of Florida, ConnectOne Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Current, Delta Community Credit Union, Discover Bank, E*TRADE, EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank), Fifth Third Bank, First Foundation, First National Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, FNBO Direct, Global Credit Union, GO2bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Greenwood, Hope Credit Union, Huntington Bank, Industrial Bank, Ivy Bank, KeyBank, Lake Michigan Credit Union, LendingClub Bank, Liberty Bank, Live Oak Bank, M&T Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC, One, OneUnited Bank, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, PNC, Popular Direct, Quontic Bank, Regions Bank, Revolut, Salem Five Direct, Sallie Mae Bank, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Self-Help Credit Union, Service Credit Union, SoFi, State Employees’ Credit Union of North Carolina, Suncoast Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB Direct, Upgrade, USAA Bank, Varo, Vio Bank, Wells Fargo and Zynlo Bank.
NerdWallet's Best Banks for International Travel
- Schwab Bank: Best for Using ATMs
- Capital One: Best for Foreign transaction fees
- HSBC: Best for Expats with high balances
- Citibank, N.A.: Best for Wiring money
- Revolut: Best for Nonbank multicurrency account
Frequently asked questions
- Which bank is best for international travel?
Banks that don’t make it expensive for you to use your debit card when you’re out of the country are best for international travelers.
Here are NerdWallet’s picks for best banks for international travel:
Charles Schwab Bank: Best for using ATMs.
Capital One 360: Best on foreign transaction fees.
HSBC Bank: Best for expats with high balances.
Citibank: Best for wiring money.
Revolut: Best for nonbank multicurrency account.
- Can I open an international bank account?
Some banks offer international bank accounts that U.S. citizens can open. International bank accounts generally require a high minimum balance.
- What banks have no foreign transaction fees?
Some banks allow you to make purchases and perform other transactions in other countries without charging a fee. Banks that don’t charge foreign transaction fees include Capital One 360, Discover Bank, HSBC Bank and Schwab Bank.