We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.
When you're traveling abroad, taking money out of an ATM is a convenient way to exchange currency. Unfortunately, depending on your bank, using this method to access local currency could also be an expensive option if you're charged additional fees, like an ATM fee and a foreign transaction fee.
The good news is, some banks won't make you pay to use an ATM in a foreign country — and others provide reimbursem*nt for ATM transaction fees. If you're a jet setter and looking for a bank that won’t charge you fees when you use your debit card outside of the United States, this list will help you find the financial institution that's right for you.
Featured High Yield Savings Accounts
Customers Bank - 5.26% APY1
High-yield savings account. $1 minimum deposit. FDIC insured.
Open Account
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Earn 4.60% APY2 and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits.3 FDIC Insured.
Open Account
Barclays Online Savings - 4.35% APY + $200 Bonus (Terms Apply)
High-yield savings account. No minimum balance. Now through 5/3/2024 get a $200 Bonus after depositing $25,000.4 FDIC insured.
Open Account
In this article
- Key takeaways
- Banks with no international ATM fees
- FAQs about international ATM fees
- Bottom line on international ATM fees
Key takeaways
- Banks with no international ATM fees include Betterment, Charles Schwab, and Capital One.
- Not having international ATM fees ensures you have access to cash when you're traveling.
- To choose the right financial institution, consider monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and ATM fee rebates.
Banks with no international ATM fees
Here are the best banksand best checking accounts that don't charge ATM foreign transaction fees:
- Betterment
- Charles Schwab
- Capital One
- Alliant Credit Union
- First Republic Bank
- Fidelity
- USAA
Betterment
You can use your Betterment Checking account debit card at any ATM worldwide where Visa cards are accepted, and Betterment will reimburse any associated fees. It will even reimburse the 1% currency conversion fee from Visa that applies to foreign transactions, purchases, and ATM transactions. That means you can get free ATM access anywhere you travel.
Other features of a Betterment Checking account include:
- A robust mobile app that lets you manage all aspects of your account
- Contactless payment
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
Read our detailed Betterment Checking review.
Charles Schwab
The Schwab Bank high-yield investor checking account is an ideal choice for frequent travelers who want to save on ATM fees. With the investor checking account, you won’t be charged for using an ATM abroad and Charles Schwab will reimburse you whatever the local bank charges. You also won't pay any foreign transaction fees when you use your debit card abroad.
In addition to these great benefits, this Charles Schwab bank account also offers:
- No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements as long as you've linked your account to a Schwab One brokerage account
- An APY of 0.45% (as of May 23, 2023)
- A full-featured mobile app that enables you to deposit and transfer funds from your phone
Capital One
Capital One's 360 Checking Account allows you to use your debit card at more than 39,000 Capital One or Allpoint ATMs without paying ATM fees. This includes ATMs outside of the U.S. With this account, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases either.
In addition to these perks for travelers, account holders also benefit from:
- No monthly maintenance fees or account minimums
- A top-rated, full-featured mobile app to enable you to manage accounts and deposit checks
- An APY of 0.10% (as of Jan. 10, 2024)
Alliant Credit Union
Alliant credit union members with an Alliant Checking or Teen Checking account can make fee-free cash withdrawals at more than 80,000 ATMs worldwide. Plus, account holders are also eligible for a rebate on ATM fees. This rebate maxes out at $20 per month, but it covers withdrawals at foreign ATMs. You will still be charged a 1% Visa foreign transaction fee if you use your debit card to make a withdrawal outside of the U.S., though.
Debit cardholder benefits vary depending on the kind of Alliant checking account you open. The $20 ATM rebate is available on Alliant's high-rate checking account, which also offers:
- No monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirements
- An APY of 0.25% (as of May 23, 2023)
- A free Visa debit card upon account opening
- Alliant's mobile banking app, which includes mobile deposit
- Free overdraft protection if you have a linked Alliant savings account
First Republic Bank
First Republic's ATM Rebate Checking offers a rebate for withdrawal fees charged by other banks, so you can use your debit card to take money out anywhere without worrying about ATM fees. And you won't have to pay foreign transaction fees either, though you aren't reimbursed for foreign currency conversion charges.
There are some other fees you could potentially be hit with though, as well as some benefits for account holders:
- The minimum opening balance is $500
- You must maintain a $3,500 average balance or will incur a $25 monthly service fee
Fidelity
Fidelity's Cash Management Account comes with ATM reimbursem*nt, as do Fidelity brokerage accounts. As an account holder, you can withdraw money from more than 1 million ATMs worldwide with your debit card, as long as the ATM has a Visa, Plus, or Star logo. And ATM reimbursem*nt is available no matter where in the world you make your ATM withdrawal. You will owe a 1% foreign transaction fee for foreign transactions, though.
Fidelity also offers:
- No account fees or minimums
- Bill pay
- Mobile check deposit
USAA
USAA's Classic Checking account is open only to eligible members of the military, veterans, and their families. If you qualify for an account, you can get access to 60,000 USAA-preferred ATMs worldwide with your debit card, and you won’t incur any fees. If you are charged fees at a foreign ATM, you'll be refunded for up to $10 per month. However, you will owe a 1% foreign transaction fee for withdrawals made abroad. A $25 initial deposit is required to open an account.
Other features of USAA's Classic Checking account include:
- No monthly service fees and no minimum balance requirement
- Overdraft protection when you link your account to a USAA savings account or credit card
- Access to USAA spending plan tools
Featured Checking Accounts
Discover®️ Cashback Checking - Earn Cash Back
Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.5 No minimum deposit or balance. FDIC Insured.
Open Account
Earn up to $400
When you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through April 3, 2024. Member FDIC. Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
Open and fund your account to earn up to $400
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Earn 4.60% APY2 and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits.3 FDIC Insured.
Open Account
FAQs about international ATM fees
How can you avoid international ATM fees?
If you want to avoid paying international ATM withdrawal fees, you have a couple of options. Those that appreciate the convenience of being able to withdraw money from an ATM may benefit from opening an account that offers free worldwide ATM access or reimbursem*nt for ATM fees.
Alternatively, you can exchange currency before you travel and use a credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees for the bulk of your spending abroad.
Which bank card is best to use abroad?
The best bank card to use abroad is one that offers easily accessible ATMs and few to no fees for withdrawing money or making purchases. Some accounts with ATM or debit cards that may be convenient and inexpensive to use abroad include:
- Schwab Bank High-Yield Investor Checking
- Betterment Checking
- Capital One 360 Checking
- Alliant Checking
- First Republic ATM Rebate Checking
- Fidelity Cash Management Account
- USAA Classic Checking
Can I use my debit card internationally?
Whether or not you can use your debit card internationally depends on certain factors, like where you'll be traveling and whether your bank's network is compatible with ATMs abroad. If you have a Visa or Mastercard-branded debit card, chances are you'll likely be able to use it abroad.
Before your trip, be sure to call your bank and let them know you'll be traveling. Ask about ATM usage abroad and any fees you might need to pay if you use your debit card during your trip. Taking this step will offer you some peace of mind and allow you to account for ATM or foreign transaction fees in your travel budget.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply now.
Bottom line on international ATM fees
International ATM withdrawal fees can really add up, especially if you travel often and pay as much as $5 per ATM withdrawal. But with the accounts listed above, you won't have to worry about wasting your money on international ATM fees just to withdraw cash while you travel. So instead of spending your vacation dollars on ATM withdrawal fees, you can spend that extra couple of bucks of U.S. dollars on something fun to make your trip even more memorable.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Over 50? Take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Benefits
Card Details
- Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
- Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
- No foreign transaction fees
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
4.1
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
+ -
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
- Apply Now
