To avoid international transaction fees, use credit or debit cards from issuers like Capital One or Charles Schwab that waive foreign transaction fees. Always pay in the local currency to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fees, which often occur when a merchant converts the price to USD. Additional strategies include using local currency cash, using travel-friendly fintech accounts (e.g., Wise), and using bank-affiliated ATMs.
Get cash before you travel
You can avoid foreign transaction fees on your credit or debit card altogether by paying in cash when travelling abroad. Just make sure you get cash in your destination's currency before you arrive.
Cards with no foreign transaction fees
However, there are some options like Wise, UBank, ME Bank, Revolut, and more that don't charge transaction fees when making international payments. This is where choosing the right provider for your travels can make a big difference to your bottom line.
You can avoid all transaction fees by paying for your purchases in cash while you're abroad. Banks and currency exchange stores will exchange U.S. dollars for most major currencies, and you can do this before you leave.
What is a foreign transaction fee? A foreign transaction fee is a charge assessed by your credit card issuer on transactions made in any currency other than U.S. dollars (USD). This isn't just limited to brick-and-mortar locations abroad. It also includes websites based outside of the U.S.
Credit cards are likely to remain more widely accepted than debit cards, especially cross-border. However, withdrawing money from ATMs abroad and the currency exchange associated with international transfers are often much cheaper with a debit card than with a credit card.
Is Zelle free for international transfer? Zelle doesn't charge for domestic payments - however, Zelle is not available for international transfers. Both the sender and recipient of a Zelle payment must have US based bank accounts and phone numbers.
Visa is better than Amex for international travel because its credit cards are more widely accepted abroad. Visa credit cards can be used in more than 200 countries and territories, whereas Amex cards work at locations in 160+ countries/territories.
The 2/3/4 rule is a guideline, primarily used by Bank of America, that limits how many new credit cards you can get: no more than 2 in 30 days, 3 in 12 months, and 4 in 24 months, helping to prevent over-application and manage hard inquiries on your credit report. While not universal, it's a useful benchmark for responsible card application, though other banks have different rules (like Chase's 5/24 rule).
A foreign transaction fee is a charge that your credit card issuer or bank adds to your bill when you use your credit or debit card to make a purchase in a foreign currency. This fee is usually a percentage of the purchase amount and typically around 1% to 3%.
Yes, using your Visa card is a safe and easy way to pay while you're abroad. Visa's advanced security features and Zero Liability* protection mean you can pay with confidence anywhere in the world.
Major banks offering no foreign transaction fees on debit and/or credit cards include Capital One, Charles Schwab, Discover, and HSBC, with options like Capital One 360 Checking, Schwab Bank Investor Checking (which refunds all ATM fees), and Discover Debit providing fee-free international spending and ATM use, though some may have card acceptance limitations or require specific account types. Other banks like Ally, Fidelity, and USAA also offer accounts that waive these fees, making them great for travelers.
Foreign transaction fees generally range from 1 percent to 3 percent and tend to average around 3 percent of each transaction. Paying around $3 per $100 you spend may not sound that expensive, but these fees can add up if you're making a lot of purchases with your credit card.
No, standard Chase debit cards are not free to use abroad; they typically charge a 3% foreign transaction fee and a $5 international ATM fee, plus any fees from the local ATM owner, though premium accounts like Chase Private Client waive these fees, and certain Chase credit cards (like Sapphire) also have no foreign transaction fees on purchases. Using a debit card for foreign ATM withdrawals incurs the most fees, so it's best to use a no-fee Chase credit card for purchases or specific premium accounts for debit withdrawals.
It's not essential, but it helps our fraud detection systems to know in advance that you're travelling abroad. Find out how to get it at How do I get the mobile banking app?
The Zelle App is Gone. What Does That Mean? As of April 1, 2025, Zelle has officially shut down its standalone app. This decision was driven by the fact that most users already accessed Zelle through their bank or credit union's mobile app.
Private Banking Client Limits: Send $5,000 or 10 transactions per day, $10,000 or 30 transactions per week or $20,000 or 60 transactions per month. Limits are subject to change. There are no limits to the amount of money you can receive with Zelle®.
The best free travel credit cards for early 2026 include the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Discover it Miles, and Wells Fargo Autograph Card, offering flexible points, airline/hotel partners, or bonus rewards on travel/dining without annual fees, though choices depend on your spending habits (e.g., Hilton Honors for hotel stays, United Gateway for airline miles).
For debit cards with no foreign transaction fees, top choices include Charles Schwab Investor Checking (reimburses ATM fees), Capital One 360 Checking (no fees, but local ATM fees may apply), SoFi Checking, Fidelity Cash Management, and digital options like Revolut or Wise, which offer good currency exchange rates and low costs abroad, though some may have limits or weekend currency exchange charges. Always check for potential ATM fees from the local bank owning the machine, even with a no-fee debit card.