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, and 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.
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
Foreign debit card purchase cost* |
Foreign ATM withdrawal cost** |
|
---|---|---|
$5 + 3% of dollar amount. |
||
$2.50 non-Citibank ATM fee + 3% of amount. |
||
3.2% (3% for transaction and 0.2% for currency conversion). |
||
Navy Federal Credit Union |
||
*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. |
Click here to expand and compare fees at more national and online banks
BMO Bank • Debit purchase: 2.8%. • ATM withdrawal: $3 + 2.8% of amount. |
Citizens Bank • Debit purchase: 3%, depending on whether purchase made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency. • ATM withdrawal: $3 + 3% of amount. |
Connexus Credit Union • Debit purchase: Up to 1.5%. • ATM withdrawal: Up to 1.5% of amount. |
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% |
Fifth Third Bank • Debit purchase: 3.2% (3% for transaction and 0.2% for currency conversion). • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3.2% of amount. |
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). |
M&T Bank • Debit purchase: 50 cents or 3%, whichever is greater. • ATM withdrawal: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater. |
PenFed Credit Union • Debit purchase: Up to 2%. • ATM withdrawal: $1.50 + up to 2% of amount. |
Regions Bank • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + 3% of amount. |
Truist • Debit purchase: Up to 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5 + up to 3% of amount. |
U.S. Bank • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $2.50 + 3% of amount. |
Wells Fargo • Debit purchase: 3%. • ATM withdrawal: $5. |
Click here to expand and compare fees at nearly 15 more national and online banks
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.
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.