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The savviest international travelers carry with them both ano foreign transaction fee credit cardand a debit card that also lacks foreign surcharges. The former allows them to take advantage of thelow currency conversion ratesthat VISA and Mastercard are known for as well as thesuperior fraud protectionsthat credit cards provide. A no foreign transaction fee debit card enables foreign travelers to access cash from ATMs on an as-needed basis, thereby minimizing the risk of carrying lots of cash and being the target of pickpockets.
Compare the checking accounts offering no foreign fee debit cards below to find the best option for you. In our Expert’s Answers, you can learn everything you need to know about using your debit card abroad.
Foreign Transaction Fee
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Foreign Transaction Fee
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Updating Debit Cards
HSBC Premier Checking
APY
0.01%
Monthly Fee
$50
Signup Bonus
Up to $4,000
No ATM FeesNo Overdraft FeeNo Foreign Fee
Apply Now
Chase Private Client
APY
0.01%
Monthly Fee
$35
Signup Bonus
Up to $3,000
No ATM FeesNo Overdraft FeeNo Foreign Fee
Apply Now
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Heritage Bank Payroll Plus Checking Account
APY
4.04%
Monthly Fee
None
Signup Bonus
None
No ATM Fees
More Details
Heritage Bank eCENTIVE Checking Account
APY
2.02%
Monthly Fee
None
Signup Bonus
None
No ATM Fees
More Details
The Schwab Bank Investor Checking
APY
0.45%
Monthly Fee
None
Signup Bonus
None
No ATM FeesNo Overdraft FeeNo Foreign Fee
More Details
Capital One 360 Checking Account
APY
0.10%
Monthly Fee
None
Signup Bonus
None
No ATM FeesNo Foreign Fee
More Details
Capital One Money Teen Checking
APY
0.10%
Monthly Fee
None
Signup Bonus
None
No ATM FeesNo Overdraft FeeNo Foreign Fee
More Details
RBC Bank U.S. Business Checking
APY
0.00%
Monthly Fee
$150
Signup Bonus
None
No ATM FeesNo Foreign Fee
More Details
Santander Bank US Select Checking
APY
0.00%
Monthly Fee
$25
Signup Bonus
None
No ATM FeesLow Overdraft FeeNo Foreign Fee
More Details
Chime Checking Account
APY
0.00%
Monthly Fee
None
Signup Bonus
None
No Overdraft Fee
More Details
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How Can I Use My Debit Card Abroad?
As long as your debit card is branded with a VISA or Mastercard logo, you can use it to pay for purchases from any merchant location in the world and any ATM where that credit card network’s logo is displayed. To avoid other complications using your debit card abroad, follow these tips:
- Bring Identification: Many foreign merchants will request your ID if you make a purchase with your debit card. And some of them won’t accept a foreign ID that isn’t government-issued, so carry your passport with you if you plan to use your debit card for purchases.
- Keep Your PIN Short: In many countries, some older cash machines will only accept four-digit PINs. If your current PIN is longer, you should change it to four numbers before departing for your trip to avoid withdrawal issues.
- Notify Your Bank Of Your Travels: To be certain that your card will work abroad, before departing you should tell your bank which countries you will be visiting. Otherwise, your bank may block purchases and withdrawals they regard as suspicious. You may be able to set a travel notification in your bank’s online banking system. If not, give them a call or stop by a branch.
- Request A Contact Number: Ask for your bank’s toll-free or collect-call number to reach them in case you encounter problems during your travels.
Questions & Answers
Comparing Debit Cards can be tough. But you've got the knowledgeable WalletHub community on your side. Other consumers have a wealth of knowledge to share, and we encourage everyone to do so while respecting our content guidelines. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not the financial institution's responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered.
Most Popular
Which banks have no foreign transaction fees?
2
Upvotes
Reply
2
Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
Banks that have no foreign transaction fees on at least some credit card purchases, ATM withdrawals and debit card transactions includeCapital OneandHSBC. There are also plenty of banks that offer no foreign transaction fees on certain types of financial products, but not others. Below, you can see what each major bank offers.
Banks with No Foreign Transaction Fees
- American Express: Certain credit cards
- Bank of America: Certain credit cards
- Barclays: Certain...
show more
1
Should I get an international debit card?
35
Upvotes
Reply
35
2
John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
It's a good idea to get an international debit card before traveling abroad, in addition to the best international credit card for your needs. You won't be able to use plastic for every purchase. So you're going to need some cash. And while you could convert hard currency at a bank or airport kiosk, both options are far more expensive than using a Visa or Mastercard debit card to withdraw cash as needed.
You just need to find one with no foreign transaction fee and...
show more
8
1
How do I avoid foreign transaction fees?
25
Upvotes
Reply
25
Christie Matherne, Credit Card Writer
@christie_matherne
The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a debit or credit card that waives foreign fees when you're traveling abroad or making online purchases from international retailers. About 25% of credit card offers don't have foreign transaction fees, so there's no reason to pay the extra charge.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees
- Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fee
- Understand that foreign fees can...
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3
Should I get a credit card or debit card for international travel?
17
Upvotes
Reply
17
WalletHub
@WalletHub
To decide whether you should get a credit card or debit card for international travel, it's important to consider aspects like fraud protection and costs associated with purchases and cash withdrawals.
All major-issuer credit cards and debit cards come with $0 liability guarantees, meaning you won't be held liable for any unauthorized charges. However, credit cards domake fraud easier to deal with.
Having said that, our suggestion is to use international credit cards for purchases and international debit cards for cash withdrawals...
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2
Which bank does not charge foreign exchange fees?
23
Upvotes
Reply
23
Milvionne Chery Copeland, Writer
@milvionne_copeland
One of the major banks that do not charge a foreign exchange fee on their credit cards and debit cards is Capital One. A foreign exchange fee is typically a 1% fee that is charged when making a purchase while in a foreign country or when doing business with a foreign merchant while in the U.S. You can also incur the fee when you are transferring funds from a U.S. bank to one that's overseas. It...
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