Which debit cards are free for abroad?
A popular option for travelers is the High Yield Investor Checking account from Charles Schwab. Schwab debit cardholders have zero foreign transaction fees and receive ATM fee rebates at the end of each month.
- Wise - Best for multi-currency spending worldwide. ...
- Chase - Best for cashback¹ ...
- Virgin Money - Best all-round card with no foreign transaction fees. ...
- Starling Bank - Best for app-based card management.
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.
Top travel credit and debit cards – what we'd go for
Chase is our top-pick debit card – it gives 1% cashback on most spending for at least a year. You do have to open a new bank account, but it's easy to get, only requiring an ID check instead of a full credit-check.
Card Name | Annual Fee |
---|---|
SBI Global International Debit Card | Rs. 125 |
SBI Platinum International Debit Card | Rs. 250 |
InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card | Rs. 500 |
Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card | Nil/Rs. 1500 for Non-burgundy account holders |
- Use your bank network's ATMs or partner ATMs. ...
- Pay in local currency. ...
- Reduce ATM usage. ...
- Choose a bank that doesn't charge foreign ATM fees. ...
- Use a bank that reimburses ATM fees. ...
- Use your debit card to get cash back at a store. ...
- Use a travel credit card instead.
Q: Can I use my credit or debit card internationally? Yes, anywhere Visa is accepted. Visa fees will apply, and it will show on your statement as an international 1% transaction service fee.
Many banks offer credit cards without foreign transaction fees and a number of institutions offer checking accounts that do not charge foreign transaction fees for debit card cash withdrawals abroad.
On top of the margin added to the exchange rate, you might also have to pay a foreign transaction fee when you spend overseas using your Visa debit card. This is a charge for using your card in another country. It may be a flat fee, but it's usually a percentage of the amount you spend.
All you need to do is inform your bank about certain specifics, i.e. the currency, daily usage limit, time period etc. Once you have informed your bank, subject to sufficient funds available in your account, your bank will activate international usage on your card.
Is it better to use credit card or debit card abroad?
Credit card transaction fees are typically higher than debit cards. Shops may charge a fee, and banks may charge a conversion fee for the payment. If the merchant hasn't displayed fee notices, travelers should inquire with the staff. Credit cards may be subject to ghost charges or temporary holds.
Pay by debit card, not a credit card, to avoid fees and interest. Cash is helpful in emergencies, but you should make sure you have a safe place to keep it so you reduce the likelihood of losing it or getting it stolen. If you're keen to stick to a budget or want to lock in an exchange rate, cash can be useful.
Find a Card That Gets Cash Without Fees. We recommend withdrawing cash from ATMs as the cheapest way to get cash abroad if you're using a debit or credit card that's specifically geared toward international use or a travel card.
Cash machines are easy to use. They always have English-language instructions and work just like they do at home — except they spit out foreign cash instead of dollars, calculated at the day's standard bank-to-bank rate. It's best to use a debit card that charges low fees for international ATM transactions.
Does my debit card allow international transactions? While most banks provide this facility, it also depends on the type of card you opt for. You can review international transactions online or using your phone app. You can also visit your bank to check.
Visa and Mastercard both charge a fee of 1%. Regardless of the type of credit card, this fee is applied to all transactions. Issuing bank fee: Depending on the credit card you use — such as Citibank, Chase or Barclays — some issuers add a charge on top of the network fee, usually around 2%.
Essentially, an international debit card is not a separate card – it is your local debit card with global access. You need to activate your local debit card for international transactions before travelling abroad.
Sign up for a Capital One 360 Checking Account and you'll get a contactless Mastercard debit card which has no fees for overseas transactions. The card works with mobile wallets and can be used anywhere that Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Overdraft options.
Generally, you should tell your bank the locations you are traveling to and the dates/duration of your travels. This will allow you to continue using your credit cards and debit cards without the fraud detection on your accounts being triggered, preventing you from using your cards.
Credit Card | Best For |
---|---|
HDFC Bank Superia Credit Card | Travel and Dining Benefits |
Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card | Annual Rewards as Miles |
Axis Bank Titanium Smart Traveller Credit Card | For Travel Privileges |
Yatra SBI Card | Offers on travelling with Yatra |
What happens if you use your debit card abroad?
Visa exchange rate
This is the exchange rate used by Visa to convert the transaction into sterling on the day Visa processes the transaction. This might not be the same day when the transaction took place. A 2.99% fee charged by us for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds.
Not all credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee, but many do. To find out if your card does, check the “fees” section of the terms and conditions for your card.
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