When traveling abroad, taking money from an ATM is a convenient way to exchange currency. Unfortunately, depending on your bank, this could be expensive if you're charged additional fees, like an ATM fee and a foreign transaction fee.
The good news is that some banks won't charge you to use an ATM in a foreign country, and others reimburse ATM transaction fees. If you're a jet setter looking for a bank that won’t charge you fees when you use your debit card outside of the United States, my list will help you find the right financial institution that won't cost you an arm and a leg when you travel.
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Banks with no international ATM fees
Here are the best banks and best checking accounts that don't charge ATM foreign transaction fees:
- Betterment
- Charles Schwab
- Capital One
- Alliant Credit Union
- Fidelity
- USAA
Betterment
The Betterment no-fee checking account lives up to its name with its reimbursement of any ATM fees worldwide, plus reimbursement of the 1% currency conversion fee Visa charges for foreign transactions, purchases, and ATM transactions. With Betterment, you get free ATM access anywhere you travel.
Other notable features of the Betterment Checking account include:
- Robust mobile app to manage your account
- Pays cash back rewards for purchases from your favorite brands
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
Read our detailed Betterment Checking review to learn more.
Charles Schwab
The Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account offers unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals using the Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card, which is a great way to save on fees while traveling abroad.
However, there’s a catch.
They don’t reimburse Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which is a service that displays your withdrawal options in U.S. dollars, versus the local currency. This service is optional, so you can decline it and still get free ATM withdrawals abroad.
This account also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees for using your debit card abroad.
These are two perks that make it one of the best banks in the U.S. for foreigners and residents alike.
Other great features of the Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account include:
- No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements with a linked Schwab One brokerage account
- An APY of 0.45% (as of 06/26/24)
- Full-featured mobile app that allows you to manage your account from anywhere
Capital One
The Capital One 360 Checking Account allows the use of your debit card abroad without foreign transaction fees or a currency conversion fee. However, they do not reimburse any fees an out-of-network ATM provider charges.
The Capital One 360 checking account also offers:
- No monthly maintenance fees or account minimums
- Access to 70,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
- An APY of 0.10% (as of 06/26/24)
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. They also offer up to a $20 rebate on ATM fees, including foreign ATMs.
However, please note that 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.
Alliant checking accounts also offer:
- No monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirements
- An APY of 0.25% (as of 06/26/24)
- Free overdraft protection if you have a linked Alliant savings account
Fidelity
Fidelity's Cash Management Account comes with ATM reimbursement, allowing you to 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. However, they still charge a 1% foreign transaction fee for foreign transactions.
Other great features the Fidelity Cash Management account offers include:
- No account fees or minimums
- Automatic transfers to help reach your savings goals
- Real-time spending insights to help you stay on track
USAA
USAA's Classic Checking account is open only to eligible military members, veterans, and their families. If you qualify for an account, you can access 100,000 USAA-preferred ATMs nationwide fee-free. If you use your debit card at a foreign ATM, they’ll refund you up to $10 per month.
Please note that USAA charges a 1% foreign transaction fee for withdrawals made abroad.
Other features of USAA's Classic Checking account include:
- No monthly service fees and no minimum balance requirement
- Early access to direct deposit
- Access to USAA spending plan tools
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FAQs
How can you avoid international ATM fees?
You can avoid international ATM fees a couple of ways. The easiest is to have a bank account that offers free worldwide ATM access or reimbursement for ATM fees. If that’s not possible, 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 little 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
- 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 where you’re traveling and whether your bank's network is compatible with ATMs abroad. If you have a Visa or Mastercard debit card, chances are you'll likely be able to use it abroad.
Before your trip, call your bank and let them know you'll be traveling. Ask about ATM usage abroad and any fees incurred if you use your debit card during your trip. This will offer peace of mind and allow you to account for ATM or foreign transaction fees in your travel budget.
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Bottom line
Traveling is expensive enough, and adding international ATM fees to your costs can make it even more costly. If you travel abroad often, it’s worth checking out banks with no international fees or at least one that reimburses some foreign transaction fees monthly. Instead of spending your vacation dollars on ATM withdrawal fees, you can spend the extra U.S. dollars on something fun to make your trip even more memorable.