What Banks Charge for Debit Foreign Transaction Fees

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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.

» Looking for information about credit cards? See how to avoid credit card foreign transaction fees.

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

Institution	Foreign debit card purchase cost*	Foreign ATM withdrawal cost**
Bank of America 3.5 NerdWallet rating	3%.	$5 + 3% of amount.
Chase 3.5 NerdWallet rating	3%.	$5 + 3% of dollar amount.
Citi 4.0 NerdWallet rating	3%.	$2.50 non-Citibank ATM fee + 3% of amount.
Citizens Bank 4.0 NerdWallet rating	3%.	$3 + 3% of amount.
Fifth Third Bank 3.5 NerdWallet rating	3.2% (3% for transaction and 0.2% for currency conversion).	$5 + 3.2% of amount.
Navy Federal Credit Union 4.5 NerdWallet rating	1%.	$1 + 1% of amount.
TD Bank 3.5 NerdWallet rating	3%.	$3 + 3% of amount.
Wells Fargo 4.0 NerdWallet rating	3%.	$5.
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. Learn more about these banks and credit unions in NerdWallet's bank and credit union reviews.

What Banks Charge for Debit Foreign Transaction Fees - NerdWallet (1)

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.

» See NerdWallet's picks for the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards.

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.

What Banks Charge for Debit Foreign Transaction Fees - NerdWallet (2024)