is travel card a debit card

Wise Travel Debit Card Review: Fees, Exchange Rates, Limits and How to Use It

There are many things you need to keep track of as a digital nomad, such as visas , travel documents, and accommodation , to name a few.

But one of the most important things to work out is your finances. As a digital nomad, you are likely constantly moving between countries and switching currencies, so having a travel debit card is imperative .

The Wise debit card is an easy financial solution for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and expats . So, what is the fuss about this Wise travel card? How does it work? And most importantly, should you hop on the bandwagon and sign up for it?

I have been using the Wise Travel Card for quite some time now and, in this article, I will give you my honest opinion about it.

What is a Wise Travel Debit Card?

If you travel often, you have probably used or at least heard of Wise (formerly Transfer Wise) .

This UK-based tech company was founded in 2011 by Estonian businessmen Kristo Käärmann and Taavet Hinrikus on the principle of providing fast and fair exchange rates for international transfers without any sneaky fees or below-par exchange rates.

I have been personally using their Wise multi-currency account for years now, and it is still the primary way I transfer money abroad. But, I recently started using the Wise travel card , which added an entirely new dimension to my travels.

Can I Use The Wise Card For Traveling Abroad?

The Wise travel card it's not a credit card and functions pretty much like a regular debit card. You simply add funds to the account and insert, swipe, or tap to pay for items.

The main difference? With Wise, you can hold money in more than 40 different currencies and pay like a local for items in more than 160 countries worldwide without having to worry about hefty fees or markups on conversion rates.

Your Wise Travel Card is connected directly to your Wise account, so you can spend funds from your balances.

Who is the Wise Travel Card for?

Obviously, this is a “travel” card, so its primary purpose is for spending abroad while traveling . That said, you could totally use this for your day-to-day expenses. Traditional banks aren’t really designed to cater to frequent travelers or digital nomads , and the Wise Travel Card fills this gap.

For example, my wages are paid from the US, but I live abroad permanently, so I can easily transfer from my US-based bank to Wise and then simply use my Wise card for most of my daily expenses.

You should consider using the Wise Travel Card if one or more of the following applies to you:

• You frequently transfer funds from another country that uses a different currency.
• You travel internationally often and need a card with low currency conversion fees.
• You often shop online with international retailers that sell their products in a foreign currency.
• You own a business and need a card for international expenses.
• Your current bank card has high currency conversion fees and you want to get away from a traditional bank account
• Your current bank card has high fees for using international ATMs.

Wise Card Features for Traveling Abroad

If you have used a travel prepaid card like Revolut , Chime , or Monzo in the past, you can expect similar features from the Wise Travel Card. Let's see which ones are those:

• Low fees on conversions with the mid-market exchange rate
• Hold, spend, and exchange more than 40 different currencies in your Wise account
• Available to citizens and residents of more than 30 countries , including the UK, Canada, EU, USA, and Australia
• Manage, top up, freeze, and view your card balance in the Wise App
• Use at over 2 million ATMs with free monthly withdrawals up to certain limits.
• Create up to 3 digital virtual cards for free
• Auto currency convert feature to automatically convert your funds at your set rate
• Ability to make Contactless payments
• Connect to most popular eWallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and more
• Free spending of any currency you hold in your Wise account
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly card design

Pros and Cons of the Wise Debit Card for Travel

When I first started my digital nomad journey, I quickly came to a rude awakening when I found that my bank was charging exorbitant markups on foreign exchange and fees for ATM withdrawals .

If the same is happening to you, you’ll want to get your hands on this gem of a travel card . But before you sign up, let’s go over some of the upsides and downsides of the Wise Travel Card.

Pros and cons:

What to love about the wise debit card.

For me, the Wise card's standout features are the app's user-friendliness , the multi-currency account , and the low markup on exchange rates .

Being able to hold more than 40 currencies is a game changer. Transferring funds to different currencies in their app when I travel abroad is super easy. To give you an example, I spend quite a bit of time in Europe, the USA, and New Zealand. And with Wise , I can have separate accounts for USD, EUR, and NZD, which makes my life SO much more manageable when traveling to these countries!

On top of that, while there is a small markup fee on currency exchange, it is extremely minimal compared to other banks I have used .

What Could Be Improved About the Wise Debit Card?

The obvious downsides of the Wise Travel Card lie with ATM withdrawal limits , longer card delivery timeframes , and the lack of a premium option .

I am based in the USA, and my card took more than 2 weeks to arrive. Most digital nomads don’t spend too much time in each place, so this can make it difficult to receive your card initially if you are a frequent traveler .

Also, while card transactions are becoming the norm in many countries, cash is still king in several countries I have traveled to in the past few years. The Wise card is NOT exactly the ideal card for withdrawing cash . You’ll only get two transactions for free , and then you’ll be paying a usage fee as well as a 1.75% to 2% markup . This definitely isn’t a dealbreaker, but I hope Wise will improve this in the future.

What Currencies Can You Use With the Wise Travel Card?

One of the main reasons Wise has kept me on board as a customer all these years is their multi-currency account . This is truly the crown jewel of all of Wise’s features.

You can store 40+ currencies in various wallets in your Wise account , but this doesn’t mean you are limited to spending in those currencies. In fact, you can use the Wise debit card in more than 160+ countries ! If the currency you are spending in doesn’t have a wallet option, the Wise card will simply exchange the money into the payment currency at the time of your purchase .

For example, I was recently in Guatemala, and, unfortunately, I was not able to store Quetzal (the local currency) in my multi-currency account. But when I bought something, my funds were automatically converted from USD to Quetzal at the mid-market rate (plus 0.5%).

There are also 11 currencies for which you get account details to make bank transfers . This means you can transfer funds in the following currency balances directly from your Wise account to another bank account.

This is a feature of Wise that I use often. If I need to transfer funds from my US bank account to one in another country, I almost always use Wise as a “middleman” in order to avoid unexpected transfer fees .

While you won’t be able to make bank transfers in other currencies, you can hold them in your Wise account and spend with your travel card.

How Does the Wise Card Exactly Work?

As you can see, the Wise Travel Card is a wise decision for any traveler (see what I did there?), but how does it exactly work?

As with any new bank account or credit card, there is a bit of a learning curve when first using your Wise travel card . That said, using this card isn’t rocket science, so you’ll be saving money on exchange fees in no time!

How to Use the Wise Travel Card Abroad

The Wise travel card is specifically designed for spending money outside of your home country, so as you would expect, it is pretty easy to use abroad.

All you need to do is order your card , activate it, create a PIN, add money to your account, and you will be all set to use the card in a different country!

The Wise App

There is nothing more annoying than an app that is built for developers and not for the general public. Your banking and financial app should be easy to navigate and access.

I personally find the Wise app to be extremely user-friendly and intuitive . All features are easy to find, and when navigating through the app, I rarely got stuck or failed to find a setting.

I was easily able to change personal settings, connect bank accounts, exchange money, and send transfers from the app.

How to Order Your Wise Travel Card

Ordering your Wise Travel Card can take some time (mine took more than 2 weeks to arrive), so I recommend getting on this as soon as possible to ensure you have the card for your next trip!

These are the 3 simple steps you will need to go through:

Step 1: Create a Multi-Currency Account

If you don’t have one already, your first step will be to sign up for a Multi-Currency Account with Wise

Step 2: Start Using Your Virtual Card Immediately

After making an account and verifying your details, you will then be directed to choose a digital/virtual card or a physical card . Digital cards are free and can be added to Google/Apple Pay or used for online payments immediately!

Step 3: Order a Wise Debit Card (Recommended)

If you want instead a physical card, you can do so by clicking on the “Card” tab on the main page and then click on “ Order a Debit Card ”. Physical cards cost a one-off fee of 7 GBP/7 EUR/10 USD , and it will take 7 to 21 business days for the card to arrive, based on your location.

If you'd like to visualise the entire process, watch the instructional video below:

How to Activate Your Wise Card

Once your Wise travel card arrives, it is time to activate it and start spending ! Luckily, for most Wise account holders, you won’t need to take any steps to activate the card, simply make a chip and PIN payment, and the card is ready to go !

Activate Your Wise Card (for US and Japan Customers Only)

As I mentioned above, Wise customers in the USA or Japan must activate the card separately . This isn’t too much of a headache, just don’t forget you need to be in your home country .

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of activating your card if you are a US and Japan customer.

• Log into the Wise app and tap on “ Card ”.
• Then tap on “ Activate Card ”.
• You’ll then be prompted to enter a 6-digit code that you’ll find on your card.
• After entering the code, you’ll create your PIN .

If you'd like to visualise the steps to activate your Wise card for your region, watch the instructional video below:

How to Change the PIN for Your Wise Card

Did you forget your PIN? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!

Luckily, if you are a US card holder, you can easily change your PIN in the Wise app :

• Tap on “ Card ” in the Wise app
• Select “ Change PIN ”
• Enter your new PIN 2 times, and you are all set!

If you are a non-US Wise card holder , you cannot change your PIN in the app , unfortunately. Instead, you’ll need to change it using an ATM that supports PIN changes .

My best advice? Choose a PIN you’ll never forget, or keep it written down somewhere secure.

How to Add Money to Your Wise Travel Card

Your Wise travel card is linked to your Wise Multi-Currency account , so you’ll need to top up your Wise account with funds before using the card.

This is a pretty straightforward process:

• Logging into your account
• Choose which currency balance you want to add money to.
• Click “ Add ”.
• Choose which currency you want to use to top up the account.
• Type in the amount of money you want to add.
• Choose your payment method (bank transfer, debit card)
• Confirm the top-up and verify the money arrives in your balance.

Watch the instructional video below to visualise how to top up your Wise balance:

How to Freeze/Unfreeze Your Wise Card

One of the downsides of constant travel is that you put yourself at risk of fraud or losing your card. If you notice potential fraudulent transactions from your Wise card, or you believe your card is lost/stolen, you should freeze your card immediately . This way, you’ll avoid more fraud on your account.

Here are the steps to take to freeze your Wise Travel Card.

• After logging in to your Wise account, tap on “ Card .”
• Then simply click “ Freeze Card ”, or if you want to unfreeze, “ Unfreeze Card .”
• Fill out this transaction dispute form and contact customer support right away. They will be able to help you determine what to do next.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Wise Card

If you can confirm that your card has been lost or stolen, you’ll want to cancel the card and then order a new one.

• Log in to your Wise account and click on “ Card .”
• Tap “ Replace Card .”
• You’ll then be prompted to answer why you need a replacement card.
• Wait for the new card to arrive.

How to Use an ATM with Your Wise Travel Card

As mentioned above, ATM withdrawal is not the strongest feature with the Wise card, but you can definitely still use the card to take out cash. Spending with your Wise card is simple since the card can make contactless, chip, and swipe payments and is eligible for Google, Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin Pay. But how do you use an ATM with the Wise card?

Using an ATM with the Wise Travel Card is the same as using any other bank card. Simply insert your card into the machine, enter your PIN, determine how much cash you want to withdraw, and take your cash. Don’t forget to take your card back when you are done (I have made this mistake too many times…).

Wise Card ATM Limits

One of the biggest downsides with the Wise card is that you’ll have limited free ATM withdrawals. For all accounts, you’ll have 2 free ATM withdrawals each month, after which you will be charged an ATM usage fee and a percentage markup on the amount of cash you withdraw.

I use the Wise Travel Card for many of my day-to-day travel expenses, but I use my Charles Schwab Investor Checking account for ATMs. This card not only has a 0% ATM markup, but it also refunds any fees the ATM provider charges. This includes international withdrawals!

Wise Card Delivery Timeframe

Once you order your Wise Travel Card, you can expect it to take between 3 and 21 days to arrive, depending on your location. If you live in Singapore, you’ll get your card SUPER fast. Unfortunately for Americans like me, this isn’t the case.

Wise Travel Card Fees and Exchange Rates

One thing I really love is that using Wise itself is free, and you won’t have to pay an ongoing fee to Wise to use the card. In fact, there isn’t even a Premium account feature, so all users get 100% of the features for free. All this said, there are some charges and exchange rates you should know about before you start using the Wise Travel Card.

Comparison: How Does the Wise Card Holds Up Against Other Travel Cards?

Wise is a leader in the travel account realm, but it still has some major competitors. While all of these different companies vary, they all cater to digital nomads and frequent travelers. The table below will compare some key factors with Wise, Revolut, N26, and Chime.

You may also be interested in:

So, What Travel Card is the Best?

This is a close call and pretty dependent on where you are located. For example, N26 and Chime are awesome choices if you live in the EU or USA (respectively). But, with these options, you can’t hold different currencies like with Revolut and Wise.

For most digital nomads, Wise or Revolut will be the best option. You can hold a huge number of currencies, and they are available to many different nationalities. I have personally used both Wise and Revolut and can say they are both excellent options.

Spending Limits for the Wise Travel Card

The Wise Travel Card has set daily and monthly spending limits for all types of transactions. While these limits won’t be a deal breaker for the vast majority of users, they are still worth noting.

Keep in mind the above limits are for US Wise customers. The amounts will differ slightly for customers based in different regions.

Is It Safe to Use the Wise Travel Card?

Wise is a trusted and safe travel card provider, so you can rest assured that your funds will be protected when using the Wise Travel Card. A licensed and regulated financial institution, your funds are safeguarded in Wise. It is, however, worth noting that since Wise is not considered a bank, it is not FDIC insured. FDIC insures up to $250,000 of bank customer's money, but Wise works a bit differently. Wise safeguards users’ money and is required to ensure all customers have access to all of their funds.

So, is Wise safe to use? Yes, absolutely! We don’t recommend keeping all of your money in Wise, but in general, it is a perfectly secure financial institution.

Additionally, the company uses several security features to protect your data, including HTTPS encryption, a two-step login process, and 24/7 fraud prevention.

What to Do If Your Wise Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Compromised

If you lose your Wise card or suspect it to be stolen or compromised, you’ll need to act quickly to prevent any further fraud. Below, we will go over a step-by-step process for what to do if your card is lost, stolen, or compromised.

• Freeze your card in the Wise app.
• Contact Wise support if you suspect the card to be compromised.
• Cancel the card in the app if you confirm the card is lost or stolen or if fraud charges have been made.
• Order a new card.
• Wait for the new Wise card to arrive.

Bottom Line: Is the Wise Travel Card Worth it?

Time for the 1 million dollar question: Should you get the Wise Travel Card?

If you are a frequent traveler like me and you don’t already have a solid travel card with fair exchange rates, low ATM fees the answer is a resounding yes !

The Wise Travel Card is one of the best cards for digital nomads and expats, as it allows you to seamlessly spend money, withdraw cash, and transfer funds from anywhere around the globe without having to worry about excessive fees. The best part? After paying a one-time card order fee, your Wise account is completely free to use!

Ready To Save Money Abroad with Wise?

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The Ultimate Guide To The Best Debit Cards For Traveling

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Having the right debit card for traveling is extremely important as it can mean the difference between:

• A stressful experience because your card doesn’t work in your destination / you blew your budget because you didn’t account for hidden fees most banks charge you.
• Being able to pay for things easily both online as well as in person while also saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on fees that you don’t need to pay.

The second option sounds much better, right?

Well the truth is that most banks will charge you fees for foreign transactions, foreign currency conversions, and foreign ATM withdrawals, and if you only travel once a year, the amount you lose on them might not be that much, but if you travel more often than that, you could be losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on these fees!  

In addition, some banks still haven’t caught up to the 21st century and the debit cards that they give you might not even work in other countries because they lack basic functionalities such as a chip & 4-digit number PIN, contactless payments, and Visa or Mastercard integration.

However, there are banks out there that offer no-fee 21st century debit cards that are perfect for traveling.  When it comes to finding the right one for you, it depends on where you live.  

If your current bank offers a card that has all those functionalities and also none of the fees I mentioned earlier, then great!  But most standard banks won’t so you might have to look for a different one.

Luckily for you, I have put together a guide to the best debit cards and bank accounts you can get no matter where you live in the world!

Important information about debit cards:

• Try to limit the amount of payments you make with your debit card since it’s your money that is lost if something happens.  Use it to take out cash and use credit cards for payments if you can as they are safer since you aren’t technically paying with your own money when you use a credit card.
• If you do choose to make payments, always choose to pay in the local currency because the exchange rate offered by Visa & Mastercard will always be better than the one offered by foreign merchants.  The same goes for ATMs.  I go into more detail about this in my Guide to Getting Cash While Traveling .
• If your bank offers this feature, lock your card using the mobile app when you’re not using it to prevent fraud.
• Keep a backup debit card hidden in your luggage in case something happens to your main one and know what to do if your card is lost, stolen, or copied.  See #6 in my Guide to Money Management While Traveling for all the steps you should take.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Debit Card in the USA

Charles Schwab Bank

Charles Schwab Bank’s debit card is often recommended by travelers because of its lack of fees and the fact that any fees you have to pay when using any ATM in the world get refunded to you!  

This is a feature that not many banks offer so this is why they stand out above the rest.  If you’re a US resident, you definitely need to look into getting your hands on this bank account and debit card.

Note: if preventing fraud is a priority and you are looking for a card that has instant notifications for transactions + the ability to freeze & unfreeze your card instantly from the mobile app, check out N26 below .

• No monthly account fees
• No foreign transaction fees
• No foreign currency conversion fees
• No foreign ATM withdrawal fees
• ATM fees imposed by ATMs themselves worldwide get refunded to you by the bank (huge benefit)
• Visa debit card & a US Dollar checking account
• Can sign up online

Eligibility

• You need to be a US resident (with proof of residence) and have a US address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.
• If you are outside the US when opening an account, you must do it using a VPN or else risk requiring a visit to a branch in person.
• You also have to open a brokerage account with them at the same time to use the checking account.  However, it’s free and you don’t even have to touch it if you don’t want to.

Best Travel Debit Card in Canada

While not technically a bank, what STACK offers is the best option for Canadian travelers since there is no Canadian bank that has a similar offering.  

Signing up with STACK gets you a free reloadable Canadian Dollar Mastercard that doesn’t have any foreign transaction, currency conversion, or ATM withdrawal fees.  You can also fund it quickly and easily with e-transfers. Think of it kinda like a prepaid debit card. 

• Sign up using this link and receive $5 for free! (You must click the link with a mobile device to get your $5).
• No foreign transaction fees (max 15 in-person transactions per day)
• No foreign ATM withdrawal fees (max 2 withdrawals per day, max $500 per withdrawal, max $2,000 a month)
• Instant push notifications for any transactions
• Instantly freeze and unfreeze your card anytime from the app
• Contactless Mastercard with a chip & PIN
• Digital wallet compatible
• Easily load the card instantly using e-transfers
• Discounts at certain Canadian retailers
• You need to have a Canadian address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.  You might be able to use a friend’s address.
• It is not available in Quebec (yet). Use a friend’s address in another part of Canada until they offer it in Quebec

Best Travel Debit Card in the UK

Starling Bank

There are a few different options available in the UK, but the absolute best option is Starling Bank thanks to the fact that it doesn’t charge you any fees whatsoever for your travel needs.  

Other similar UK banks like Monzo and Monese have limits to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make, charging you extra fees for going over those limits. This is why Starling Bank stands out as the best choice for UK residents.

• In addition to British Pounds, you can also hold Euros in your account and even make purchases in Euros using the same card 
• Contactless Mastercard debit card with a chip & PIN
• You need to have a UK address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.  They may also ask for proof of address information so you might not be able to use a friend’s account.

Best Travel Debit Card in Australia

HSBC Everyday Global Account

There are a few decent banking options in Australia, but the HSBC Everyday Global Account takes the cake not only because there are no fees to use it, but also thanks to the fact that it lets you hold a total of 10 different currencies in your account!  

You can choose to pre-load your account with a certain currency before traveling or use your main currency and benefit from no foreign currency conversion fees.

• In addition to Australian Dollars, you can hold 9 other currencies in your account: US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, New Zealand Dollars, Singapore Dollars, and Chinese Yuan
• Contactless Visa debit card with a chip & PIN
• You need to have an Australian phone number and address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.  If you don’t live in Australia, you might be able to open an account by visiting the nearest HSBC bank to you or by simply using a friend’s phone number and address. 

Best Travel Debit Card in Europe

If you live in Europe (or even if you don’t, see below), you gotta go with N26 .  They don’t offer completely free accounts, but compared to all the others available, they are the best.

You are able to open a Euro account with N26 in any one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.  

Note: they used to be available in the UK, but have left ever since Brexit.  

And even if you don’t live in any of those countries, you can ask a friend living in one of them if you can use their address to receive the card, after which you can change the address no problem!

*N26 has also expanded to the US, but Charles Schwab  is still the better travel bank account and debit card for Americans to use for the time being unless your priority is fraud prevention, in which case N26 is best since it has instant notifications for transactions + the ability to freeze & unfreeze your card instantly from the mobile app.

• No monthly account fees for the standard account (9.90 EUR for N26 You & 16.90 EUR for N26 Metal)
• Free ATM withdrawals in Euros* (See Eligibility)  
• Foreign currency ATM withdrawals come with a 1.7% fee (this fee is waived if you pay for a premium account)
• Free cash withdrawals and deposits at select stores across Germany, Austria, and Italy using their CASH26 feature (deposits over 100 EUR a month get charged a 1.5% fee)
• TransferWise integration for cheaper transfers than most banks
• Online account and customer support also available in Spanish, French, German, & Italian
• Premium accounts come with Travel Insurance, Car Rental Insurance, and even Mobile Phone Theft Insurance!
• The number of free ATM withdrawals in Euros that you get depends on the country you sign up in.  Signing up in Austria or Italy gets you unlimited free withdrawals in Euros, whereas signing up in any of the other countries gets you 5 free ATM withdrawals in Euros in Eurozone countries (and only 3 of them if you sign up in Germany), after which they will cost you 2 EUR per withdrawal.
• You need to have an address (no P.O. boxes) in one of the eligible countries to open an account.  You can easily use a friend’s address when creating your account to receive the card and then change the address in your account once you get it without any issues.  Try to get a friend in Austria or Italy for the unlimited free withdrawals!

Best Travel Debit Card in the Rest of the World

TransferWise Borderless Account

Even if you don’t live in any of the countries I just mentioned or you just want another alternative, you should consider opening a TransferWise Borderless Account.  

In addition to super low international transfer fees, you can keep money in more than 50 different currencies in your account as well as have real bank accounts for the USA, UK, Eurozone, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland which also let you receive payments in those currencies like a local!

You also get a contactless Mastercard debit card which you can use to make purchases and take out cash anywhere in the world.  Whenever you use that card, if you already have the currency in your account, you don’t get charged any fees and if you don’t have it, you only get charged a small conversion fee, making it a great option for travelers.  

Sign up  using this link  and get a no-fee international transfer of up to £500!

Keep in mind that TransferWise is only able to send cards to residents of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the USA (but you can always use a friend’s address to get the card as well).

• Foreign currency conversion fees range from 0.24% – 3.69% depending on the currencies involved, but are typically under 2%
• Free ATM withdrawals up to $250 USD (or your currency’s equivalent) per month if you have the currency you’re withdrawing on your balance.  After that, a 2% withdrawal fee will be charged
• Can keep money in 50+ different currencies in your account
• Real bank account details for the USA, UK, Eurozone, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland
• Online account and customer support also available in Mandarin, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Russian, Turkish, Polish, Romanian, and Hungarian.
• You need to have an address (no P.O. boxes) in one of the eligible countries to open an account.  You can easily use a friend’s address when creating your account to receive the card and then change the address once you get it without any issues.
• The Mastercard debit card is free, but you need to have a minimum of $20 USD (or the equivalent in another currency) in your account before you can order it unless you’re in Australia, in which case you don’t need a minimum balance to get the card.

And that’s all there is to it!

Having the right debit card while traveling can make a world of difference when it comes to all those annoying fees that most banks charge.  Don’t be afraid to get a debit card from more than one bank on this list either! It doesn’t hurt to have the best option for every currency possible.

Let me know in the comments below if this guide helped you find the right debit card for your travels and if there are any similar or better cards or banks in your country, let me know so I can update the list!  

And if you want to add a credit card to your wallet as well, check out my Guide to the Best Credit Cards for Traveling .

About The Author

Hi there,  I’m Sebastian , founder and creator of Travel Done Simple. Since I turned 20, I have lived in 5 different countries and traveled to over 40 others! You can learn more about me on my  About page   and find me on social media.

Hi there, I’m Sebastian , founder and creator of Travel Done Simple. Since I turned 20, I have lived in 5 different countries and traveled to over 40 others! You can learn more about me on my About page   and find me on social media.

I’m Sebastian , the founder and creator of Travel Done Simple! I was born in Europe and raised in Canada, but I now consider myself to be a citizen of the world. When I’m not busy exploring new destinations, I’m here giving you the best travel tips so you can do the same! 

You can learn more about me on my About page and if it’s your first time on my site,  start here !

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The Best Travel Credit and Debit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees (Updated 2022)

No matter where you go or how long you travel, using a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees is one of the easiest ways to save money while travelling, period.

Currency exchange booths at airports and banks can be convenient, but a lot of your money goes towards exchange fees (e.g. $10 per exchange) and hidden commissions padded into poor exchange rates (especially the booths advertising “no commissions”). With a bit of research and planning, you can save  hundreds , if not thousands of dollars in fees over the long-term!

Credit and debit cards with no foreign transaction fees are the cheapest, easiest ways to get money and make payments overseas.  Credit cards are accepted worldwide, and ATMs are internationally networked through the Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus networks. You enter your PIN and withdraw your cash just like you would at home, while the exchange rates are automatically handled by the banks.

However, some credit and debit cards are better than others!  For the majority of cards, banks still try to add commissions and fees to each payment or ATM withdrawal made abroad. Even if you don't travel a lot, these fees add up quickly.

We've rounded up the best credit and debit cards around the world that minimize or eliminate these fees, putting more money back into your adventure funds!

NOTE: These are cards to be used overseas to avoid foreign transaction fees. For the best all around travel points cards, check out the travel rewards cards section of CardRatings , as well as our free guide “ How to Get Free Flights with Travel Credit Cards and Points “!

The best travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Credit cards have various features that can make or break your travel savings. Ideally, these are the features to look for in a credit card:

• Foreign transaction fee of 0%
• Competitive points or cash-back rewards program (at least 1% of the purchase price)
• Extra perks, like free car or travel insurance

The best credit card with no foreign transaction fees in Canada

You also earn 2x points on purchases at grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and daily transit. These categories are very broad, so a huge chunk of your purchases will be eligible for 2x points. Learn how to apply on the Scotiabank website.

Not from Canada? Check your country below to see what's best for you!

The best travel debit cards with no foreign transaction fees

These are the ideal features to look for in a debit card:

• Foreign transaction rate of 0%
• International ATM withdrawal fee of $0
• Refund of third-party ATM withdrawal fees (This is rare, but it exists!)
• Competitive points or cash-back rewards program (at least 1% of the purchase price)

Many banks around the world have come together to establish the Global ATM Alliance . If your card belongs to a bank in the alliance, you can make withdrawals from banks at other alliance member ATMs around the world without paying additional fees . Here's our roundup of the best debit cards for travel.

Essential tips for using debit and credit cards while travelling

1. pay using a credit card whenever possible..

Foreign ATMs can still inflate their exchange rates and charge withdrawal fees, but a direct credit card payment only involves the credit card you signed up with in your home country. And with a good points or cashback program, this beats any other method of foreign payment.

Bottom line? Always pay with a credit card, but  NEVER withdraw cash from an ATM with one. Credit cards charge interest on cash advances from the moment you withdraw it at the ATM.

2. Never take the option of paying in your own currency

Card terminals at shops and hotels will often detect that your card is from another country and offer to bill you in your home currency. Never choose this option – always pay in the foreign currency!  The exchange rate offered will be inflated by the card terminal, so if you’re using one of the credit cards recommended above, you will receive a much better exchange rate.

3. Inform your debit and credit card providers of your travels

Credit and debit cards are frequently being monitored by security departments for suspicious activity. If you're from the U.S. and you make an ATM withdrawal in Thailand when they don’t know you’re overseas, this could appear suspicious to your bank, and your card might be locked the next time you withdraw. Give your bank or credit card provider a call and let them know when and where you’ll be travelling. Take it from us – you  do not want to be stuck without cash and a useless card!

4. Obtain at least one debit and credit card on each of the Visa/Plus and MasterCard/Cirrus networks.

Even if you follow the advice in tip #3, it’s possible your card could get locked anyway. On top of that, it’s easy to find yourself in a situation where an ATM accepts only one network and not the other. For example, when we travelled in Japan, the only ATMs we could find that would even accept international cards were at 7-Eleven, and they only worked with cards on the Visa/Plus network. I speak from experience – there’s nothing more stressful than needing more cash and not being able to withdraw it, so be prepared and bring multiple cards on multiple networks .

5. Consider a credit card with included insurance

The jury is still out on whether it's safe to rely on car and travel insurance that is sometimes provided by credit cards, and unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to file a claim after the accident has happened. If you're concerned about insurance, its best to be safe and purchase it from the car rental company, but if not, you might as well pay with a credit card that offers car insurance and hope for the best if you do end up in an accident. We generally try to use American Express cards when thinking about insurance, as they are managing the insurance on the cards worldwide, whereas Visa/Mastercard insurance is often handled by the card's issuing bank, and may not be as straightforward to redeem.

6. Keep backup cards in your hotel room

If you lose all your credit and debit cards while overseas, you're going to be in quite the pickle. Always keep at least one extra card back at your accommodation in case your main card or entire wallet is lost or stolen while you're out.

7. Bring $100 USD as backup cash

When all else fails, U.S. dollars are the closest thing to a global currency that we have today. It's the most commonly accepted currency, not only at exchange booths, but even at shops and restaurants in other countries. If there are no ATMs in sight or your cards have been stolen, an emergency backup of U.S. dollars will get you out an emergency situation.

Do you have another card recommendation? Know something we don't? Write it in the comments below!

Psssst : for more guides like this, Like Us on Facebook  and  follow us on Twitter !

Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions expressed here are author's alone. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Nice! This is really helpful thanks!

Great tips for travelers!

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What are the best U.S. debit and credit cards to use overseas?

Just got off a long phone call with HSBC Canada. They are unable to tell me what their card issuer exchange rate surcharge. I had just come back from Mexico and used my HSBC ATM card on a HSBC ATM machine and I calculated the fee to be about 2.1% based on that days interbank rate. Shouldn’t this fee be in the disclosure statements? There was a class action lawsuit I believe many years ago because the credit card companies failed to state their foreign exchange surcharge. From what I’m reading on the Global ATM website is that Visa is involved with the foreign exchange when using an ATM and it states they add a 2.5% foreign exchange fee. You didn’t show this in your nice graphics above. Is it berried in the base exchange rate?

We use Visa Avion, which is good in all categories but I believe they do charge a slight foreign transaction fee. But we have claimed through their default insurance, both car, health, and travel. All minor things, but ya, no issues. The card is not free however, and unless you spend a lot each month or travel frequently it’s not worth it. For us, the points for the business transactions transfer to personal, so it really adds up! (Currently we have more than enough to fly the entire family pretty much anywhere. ) When abroad we usually only use the card for car rental or nicer hotels and of course flights or trains and such (to access insurance benefits one must book the flight etc on that card…) But read the fine print, confirm with the agent. For example, usually to get car insurance you have to wave the rental companies insurance. (This saved us a ton in Africa!) The rental agencies will even phone and confirm if they don’t know the card. These cards were set up for frequent business travelers originally. But read the fine print too, I know our card covers 30 days from home, but you can add insurance to the card for longer trips too. It’s all through RBC, and like any blood sucking corporation there are advantages for the savvy but their ultimate goal is to get you to pay twice for the same thing. Read the fine print, phone your card agent, etc… But we honestly have found the Avion worth it for us because of the company points.

This info is super helpful! For Canadians, what about the Marriott Rewards® Premier Visa® Card? I’ve been looking into credit and debit cards for an upcoming trip to Southeast Asia, and came across this card today. From what I can tell, it seems pretty good (no foreign currency transaction charges and has perks). Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this card? Thanks!

so where do you find that tangerine thrive chequing account info? I have an account with tangerine and I can find no info on this animal on their website

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Disclosures Many of the listings that appear on this website are from companies which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The site does not review or include all companies or all available products. Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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Best Debit Cards for International Travel: Fees, Rates & Features

If you’re planning your next trip overseas, or if you frequently shop online with retailers based abroad, you may be wondering if it’s worth getting an international debit card. International debit cards can cut the costs of currency conversion and foreign payments, making it cheaper and more convenient to spend overseas. 

This guide walks through why a multi-currency travel debit card can be a smart option, and some of the best cards available for US citizens and residents, including the Wise card and Revolut card . Let’s get started.

Quick summary: Best debit cards for international travel

Wise card – Linked to a multi-currency account, the Wise card lets you spend in over 150 countries and includes some fee-free ATM withdrawals. A one-time 9 USD fee is required for your first card.

Revolut card – Choose from three plans and hold and exchange over 25 currencies at the mid-market rate. You can also withdraw up to $1,200 per month or the currency equivalent fee-free, but you’ll need to pay a monthly fee to unlock all account features.

Capital One 360 Checking Account – This Mastercard offers international spending with no foreign transaction fees and uses the Mastercard exchange rate. It only operates in USD and offers an interest rate of 0.10% APY, with potential fees from non-network ATMs. 

Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Account – Offers a debit card with no foreign transaction fees and an interest rate of 0.4% APY, but it doesn’t accept foreign wire payments and you’ll have to open a linked brokerage account.

SoFi Checking Account – Comes with a linked international debit card and a competitive interest rate of 4.6% APY, but includes a small foreign transaction fee of 0.2% and potential out-of-network-fees.

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

Best travel debit cards for international travel: 5 Options in the US

Best international debit cards for travel: a comparison.

Choosing the best international debit card for you will require a bit of research. To help you get started we’ve picked out some of your favorite international debit cards for US citizens and residents – here’s what you need to know:

Wise offers physical and virtual cards to easily spend and make purchases in over 150 countries while enjoying free cash withdrawals of up to 100 USD per month, with low fees once you’ve hit your allowance. Spend in currencies you hold in your account, without any extra fees, and when you don’t have the currency balance you need, your Wise card will use smart conversion technology to automatically convert your money from the currency that has the lowest fees possible. You can also freeze and unfreeze your card in the app for added security while you travel or shop online.

Open a multi-currency Wise Account online or in the Wise app for free, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market exchange rate. You’ll be able to order your linked international debit card for a low one time fee of 9 USD, to spend in 150+ countries. Wise accounts also come with local bank details for 10 currencies including major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP so you can get paid easily from other countries.

Get Wise Card Learn more here: Wise card review

Revolut card

Use your physical or virtual Revolut debit card to make purchases when traveling the world. Revolut international debit cards allow you to spend any currency you hold with no fees, and withdraw up to 400 USD/month anywhere in the world without any fees. You can also freeze your card for extra security and get a one-use virtual card for secure online shopping at home and when making purchases on international e-commerce sites.

Revolut offers accounts for US citizens and residents which can be operated online or in the Revolut app. You can get a Standard plan or choose to upgrade to an account with monthly fees to unlock more features. All accounts can hold and exchange 25+ currencies with the mid-market rate up to the limits in the specific plan type.

Go to Revolut  

Learn more: Revolut card review

Capital One 360 Checking card

  Capital One’s 360 Checking account offers a linked Mastercard you can use for international spending with no extra foreign transaction fee. You’ll get the Mastercard exchange rate when you spend overseas, which is usually pretty fair, and for peace of mind, if you ever lose, misplace or have your card stolen, you can lock it from your Capital One app in just a few taps. Plus, it comes with other handy security features like identity theft protection and 0 USD liability for any unauthorized charges.

Capital One won’t charge you for ATM withdrawals, but if you use an out of network terminal, the ATM operator might have their own fees you need to pay. 

Schwab Bank High Yield Investor card

If you’re looking for a debit card with no foreign transaction fees that’s linked to an account which offers interest on your balance, the Schwab High Yield Investor account may suit you. Use your card to make purchases abroad and online anywhere Visa is accepted and easily withdraw cash from ATMs globally. You can also enjoy unlimited ATM fee rebates wherever your card is accepted. 

You’ll need to have or open a brokerage account at the same time as you get your card, but there’s no requirement to fund the brokerage account if you don’t want to. Accounts have few fees, but do have some limitations – such as no option to receive foreign wires to the account and card network exchange rates apply. 

SoFi Checking card

The SoFi Checking account and card offer another neat way to open an online account, and get a linked international debit card that you can use in over 130 countries , like the UK, Canada, Australia and Japan. You can make purchases and withdraw cash anywhere the Mastercard is accepted, with funds being withdrawn in the currency of the country. However, there is a small fee when you spend internationally. 

Benefit from interest rates on both checking and savings accounts, including 0,50% APY on checking balances and 4.60% APY at the time of writing on savings balances . But , before you choose this account, weigh up if the interest will cover the costs of international spending to make sure it’s the best option for you.

What is an international debit card?

International debit cards work much like your regular debit card, but provide features which are particularly useful when spending in foreign currencies .

You’ll be able to use your card abroad

• to make payments in person, often with contactless and mobile payment functions,
• to pay online
• to make ATM withdrawals overseas.

There are several different types of international debit cards available for customers based in the US, which we’ll look at in more detail a little later.

How do international debit cards work?

As with your regular debit card, withdrawals and payments made with your international debit card will be deducted directly from your account balance. That can make it easier to budget, and ensures you won’t accidentally run into interest or penalty fees as you may with a credit card.

You’ll be able to use your international debit card to make foreign currency purchases, often with better exchange rates and lower fees compared to using a normal card for payments.

International cards are usually quite convenient to order and activate – the entire process can often be done online or using an app.

How can I use an international debit card abroad?

You’ll be able to use your international debit card for payments and withdrawals anywhere the card’s network is accepted.

• It’s worth knowing as a US customer that international cards are commonly offered via the Visa and Mastercard networks, as these offer great global coverage.
• Amex and Discover aren’t as popular in some destinations, so you’ll need to check if your card will be accepted wherever you’re headed.

Different international debit cards have their own terms and conditions, which can include pretty varied fees and charges, too. You’ll need to double check over all the fees applied by the card issuer – your bank or preferred specialist provider. To help, we’ll look at some of the best options out there to kickstart your research in just a moment.

Important fees to watch out for

• Important fees to look at include any foreign transaction fee or currency conversion cost , and any charge to make ATM withdrawals.
• You’ll also need to look out for ATM service fees applied by the ATM operator,
• Mmake sure to always pay in the local currency wherever you are to avoid the high fees that come with dynamic currency conversion (DCC) transactions.

DCC is where you’re asked if you want to pay in dollars instead of the local currency when you’re abroad – it sounds convenient, but actually DCC can be an expensive option .

Using your international debit card to pay in the local currency is almost always the better choice.

How to get an international debit card for travel

If you choose an international debit card from a traditional bank you’ll usually need to open an account online or by visiting a branch.

Specialist providers like Wise allow customers to register and order a card quickly via an app or desktop site. To show how it works, here’s a look at how to get a Wise international debit card for instant, low cost spending:

• Register for a Wise account online or in the Wise app
• Verify your account by uploading images of your ID documents
• Order your card online or in the Wise app, by paying a one off charge
• Your card will arrive in the post soon after

Get Wise Card

International debit card fees & exchange rates

Here’s a comparison of the key costs involved in the 5 international debit cards we’ve looked at so far.

What are the transaction fees applied to an international travel debit card?

Using an international debit card can make it cheaper to spend in foreign currencies. However there are still likely to be some costs to pay which can vary by provider. Here are the most important ones to watch out for.

Foreign transaction fees

International debit cards may charge a foreign transaction fee or apply a fee for currency conversion. This is usually calculated as a percentage of the cost of the transaction. With standard bank debit cards, the foreign transaction fee you pay can often be around 3% of the total cost.

International debit cards can be cheaper with no foreign transaction fees – let’s look at the examples we’ve mentioned in this article:

Wise : No foreign transaction fees for spending currencies held enough balance of in the account, but currency exchange fees may apply. (details in the section below)

Revolut : No foreign transaction fees for spending currencies held enough balance of in the account, subject to a fair usage limit. (details in the section below)

Capital One : No foreign transaction fees are charged on international purchases.

Schwab : No foreign transaction fees are applied to international transactions.

SoFi : A small foreign transaction fee of 0.2% is applied to international purchases.

Currency conversion fees

Currency conversion fees are charged when you use an international debit card to make transactions in a currency that’s different from USD (your currency at home). These fees compensate for the cost of converting USD into your chosen foreign currency and are typically a small percentage of the transaction amount. 

Wise : Charges currency conversion fees starting from 0.43%, which can vary depending on the currency being converted.

Revolut : No fee for currency exchanges during foreign exchange market hours. Outside these hours, a 1.0% fee is applied. Standard plan users have a monthly limit of $1,000 for exchanges at this rate, after which a 0.5% fair usage fee is charged on additional amounts.

Capital One : No currency conversion fee is applied for international transactions.

Schwab : There are no currency conversion fees for Schwab debit cardholders.

SoFi : A 0.2% foreign conversion fee is applied to transactions, which is included in the transaction amount. Additionally, a 0.9% foreign convenience fee is charged but is covered by SoFi.

ATM withdrawal fees

Most international debit cards will have an ATM withdrawal fee, although this may be waived if you use specific ATMs. You may also find your card allows you to make withdrawals to a fixed limit for free, before applying a charge per transaction.

The operator of the ATM may also charge a fee, especially if you’re using a standalone ATM in a store, bar or shopping center. Learn more about How to avoid international ATM fees .

Wise : Offers up to 2 free ATM withdrawals or up to 100 USD per month, then a fee of 1.5 USD plus 2% of the transaction amount is applied.

Revolut : Provides no-fee in-network ATM withdrawals and up to 1,200 USD per month out-of-network without any fees, with a 2% fee applied after.

Capital One : Doesn’t charge for ATM withdrawals, but out-of-network ATM operators might charge their own fees.

Schwab : Offers free ATM withdrawals globally, with unlimited ATM fee rebates.

SoFi : No fees for ATM withdrawals from SoFi, but out-of-network ATM operators may charge their own fees.

Best debit card for international ATM withdrawal

An ATM card is basically just another way to describe a debit card. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, both refer to cards that let you make everyday purchases and withdraw money from your bank account via an ATM. 

When considering the best debit card for international ATM withdrawals, it’s important to look at the fees, exchange rates, and the global ATM network coverage of each provider:

• Wise : Ideal for travelers looking for a few free ATM withdrawals, Wise offers up to two withdrawals or 100 USD per month free of charge, followed by low fees of 1.5 USD plus 2% for every withdrawal after. They also provide competitive mid-market exchange rates for currency conversion.
• Revolut : Allows free ATM withdrawals up to 1,200 USD per month out of network, with a 2% fee after this limit. Revolut maintains mid-market exchange rates during foreign exchange market hours, making it cost-effective for currency conversions.
• Capital One : With no ATM fees from Capital One (though out-of-network operators may charge), and no foreign transaction fees, this card is a good option for those who prefer using a wide network of ATMs without worrying about additional charges.
• Schwab : Offers unlimited ATM fee rebates and no foreign transaction fees – an advantage for those who frequently withdraw cash while traveling.
• SoFi : SoFi doesn’t charge ATM fees, but out-of-network charges may apply. The card also has a small foreign transaction fee of 0.2%. This option might suit those who withdraw less frequently but want to benefit from occasional international ATM use.

Different types of debit cards for international travel

International cards can usually be broken into 3 categories: prepaid cards, debit cards from traditional banks and cards issued by specialist providers. Each card type has its own benefits and drawbacks – here’s a quick run through of what you need to know when you choose the right one for you.

Prepaid international debit card

Prepaid international debit cards, which are also called travel money cards, are usually issued by specialist providers. You’ll be able to order a card online or in some cases pick one up in a store, before topping up with dollars which can be converted for international spending. Prepaid cards have a range of fees which can include costs for topping up your account and converting to foreign currencies.

International card with traditional banks

If you get an international card from your regular bank you may need to specifically ask for your card to be activated for international spending, and a foreign transaction fee is likely to apply. You may also need to pay a foreign transaction fee whenever you convert from USD to the currency in the country you’re in.

International card with fintech providers

Getting a specific account and card designed for international travel can often be the cheapest and most convenient option available. You’ll be able to open and manage your account online or in an app, and depending on the account you select you may benefit from low transaction costs and currency conversion which uses the mid-market exchange rate.

Advantages of the international debit cards

Still unsure if an international debit card is right for you? Here are a few advantages to consider:

• Depending on the account you choose you may benefit from no foreign transaction fee and mid-market rate currency conversion
• Accounts are usually easy to set up, and can often be managed via an app for convenience and security
• Make local cash withdrawals wherever you are in the world, to avoid high fees to get your travel spending money
• Easy to budget and manage your international spending with no interest fees to pay

Are there any limitations on international ATM cards?

International debit cards aren’t always the best option. Before you decide to get a new card, consider these drawbacks:

• You may not be able to use your debit card to hire a car, or pay at the pump when buying fuel
• Debit cards may not be accepted for security deposits
• Accounts may have holding limits which mean you can’t use them for high value spending
• Chargebacks and refunds may take longer to get back to you

What to look at when choosing an international travel debit card

International debit cards are often linked to online or mobile accounts which let you manage your money easily on the go. There are several great providers available – and the card that suits you will depend on how you expect to use it. Here are a few things to consider when you choose:

• How can you access and manage your money – is the app or online service intuitive and easy to use?
• Can you hold and spend the currencies you need with your selected card?
• Is there a monthly fee for your account – or a minimum balance you need to know about?
• What are the currency conversion fees and how easy is the process?
• What exchange rate is used when you convert currencies?
• Is there a cost for making ATM withdrawals with your card – at home or abroad?
• How can you get customer support, and what languages is help available in?

One of the most important things to look at when selecting an international travel debit card will be the costs of currency exchange. The full fee you pay for converting currencies can be spread across an upfront conversion fee and a markup added to the exchange rate. If markups are used on the exchange rate that can mean you’re paying more than you think for your foreign spending – make sure you know the full details for your chosen account before you sign up.

Key takeaways: Best debit card to use overseas

For each of these providers, account opening, maintenance fees and features all vary, but the best card will all depend on your individual needs, including ATM usage, how often you travel and if you need more than one currency.

Wise – Multi-currency account that lets you hold and exchange over 40 currencies at the mid-market rate. Currency exchange fees start from 0.43% and there are no foreign transaction fees for spending in currencies held in your account. There is a 9 USD one-time fee for delivery when you order your first card. 

Revolut – Hold and exchange over 25 currencies at the mid-market rate within plan limits. Monthly fees range from a fee-free Standard plan to 16.99 USD/month for the Metal plan with additional account features. There are no foreign transaction fees for spending currencies you hold in the account, but there is a fair usage fee for conversions beyond your plan limit. 

Capital One – USD account with no account opening fee, no foreign transactions fees and a free card. Capital One doesn’t charge for ATM withdrawals, but out-of-network operators might, and uses the Mastercard exchange rate. 

Schwab  – USD account with free of charge ATM withdrawals and no foreign transaction fees. A brokerage account is required but there are no account opening or card fees. 

SoFi  – USD account with no fees for ATM withdrawals, although out-of-network charges may apply. There’s a small foreign transaction fee of 0.2% but there are no account opening or card fees.

Conclusion: Which debit card is best for international transactions?

Having an international debit card for your foreign currency spending can be cheap and convenient. It’s also far more secure than relying on carrying cash when you travel. There’s a pretty decent range of international debit cards available for US based customers, including cards from global banking brands and specialist providers. Use this guide to compare a few options and decide which might suit you best.

Get Wise card Get Revolut card

Best ATM cards for international travel FAQs

Does my debit card work internationally.

If you already have a debit card issued by your regular bank you may be wondering if you can just use that when you travel. In most cases it’ll be possible to use your US issued card overseas – however, you may run into relatively high fees. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted networks in Europe and many other major destinations, so if you have Amex or Discover you’ll need to check coverage wherever you’re headed.

It’s also worth remembering that if you get an international debit card from a traditional bank you may need to inform them of your travel plans to ensure your card can be safely used overseas.

What is the best debit card to use abroad?

International debit card fees do vary between providers and can include currency conversion or foreign transaction fees, and charges to make ATM withdrawals. You’ll often find costs are lower when you pick a specialist provider rather than a traditional bank.

Which debit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees?

Several US banks have debit cards which don’t have foreign transaction fees – particularly if you choose a digital only account. Alternatively, online specialists often have debit cards you can use overseas with no fees, and multi-currency functionality. Use this guide to pick the right one for you.

Which banks have no international ATM fees?

When you use an international ATM you may be charged by your own bank, or by the ATM operator. Some online providers and traditional banks will reimburse the out of network fees, but there are usually limits applied. Use in-network ATMs whenever possible.

How to get an international debit card?

Get an international debit card from your regular bank – or for an alternative that may be cheaper and more convenient, register with an online specialist provider and get an account and card without needing to leave home.

What’s the advantage of using an international travel card?

International debit cards usually have features which make it cheaper and more convenient to spend internationally. Get an online multi-currency account from a specialist provider and you may also be able to receive, hold and exchange dozens of currencies in the same account.

What happens if my card gets lost or stolen abroad?

You may be able to block or freeze your card through the bank or provider’s app, or by calling them directly. Depending on the situation you may also need to get a local police report. Ask your provider or bank for advice if you’re unlucky enough to lose your card overseas.

Can I transfer money abroad from a foreign currency account?

With specialist providers you’ll be able to send international payments from your multi-currency account to a broad range of countries and currencies – often with a far lower fee compared to your normal bank.

The Best Debit Card for International Travel

By Ryan Craggs

For all the joy that comes from traveling, the lead-up can gnaw away at your excitement. Few aspects of planning cause as much stress as money. Even after you've booked your tickets and hotel, you'll still need cash, and banks love to charge you fees; in some cases, you'll pay $5 for the pleasure of using a foreign ATM, plus a three percent foreign exchange fee. If you take out $100 at a time, for example, you'd be paying an eight percent fee before you even buy anything. And currency exchange bureaus, despite their convenience, commit airport robbery worse than the Lufthansa heist , based on the terrible exchange rates.

Rather than letting some middleman take your hard-earned cash, you can avoid heavy fees by simply having the right debit card. Fees vary by bank and account, of course, but avoiding ATM and foreign exchange fees will save you a bundle.

The Simplest, Money-Saving Card

If you're consistently traveling outside the U.S., the Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account debit card will keep your life simple and your wallet fat. Although you'll pay ATM fees—say, $2.50 when you withdraw cash—Schwab reimburses you for all those fees at the end of the month. That applies to both foreign and domestic ATMs, too, so whether you need €40 to pay for cacio e pepe at a cash-only trattoria in Rome, or just need $20 to buy snacks from a New York bodega, Schwab won't charge you for doing business. The bank's generous with its ATM allowance because it has only two brick-and-mortar branches in the entire world—and they're both in Reno, Nevada . Good for Reno, and great for you.

Aside from reimbursing you for ATM fees, the Schwab account also doesn't charge foreign exchange fees—that pesky percentage frequently tacked on by your banks. Even if you take out cash from an ATM in larger amounts (say, $500 at a time), there's no way to avoid that three percent surcharge. Lots of popular checking accounts include that percentage.

• Chase Total Checking : $5 ATM fee, plus three percent foreign currency fee.
• Bank of America Core Checking : $5 for ATMs outside the Bank of America network, plus three percent International Transaction Fee.
• Wells Fargo Opportunity Checking : $5 for non-Wells Fargo ATMs outside the U.S., plus three percent international debit card purchase fee.

Adding $5—or worse, $5 plus three percent—to every transaction adds up pretty quick. And that doesn't even factor in paying the three percent fee when you use your card for purchases.

Now, not all debit cards charge every fee at every ATM. Fidelity's Visa Gold Check Card reimburses you for ATM fees, but it charges a one percent foreign transaction fee. Conversely, the TD Bank Visa Debit card doesn't charge any foreign transaction fee, but does charge $3 for every non-TD Bank ATM transaction. And Bank of America has a robust partner network that allows you to avoid fees at partner ATMs—but that requires you reading up on which banks that involves, and finding those physical branches and ATMs yourself. With the Schwab card, you don't have to think about it.

While it may seem cumbersome to switch checking accounts, you can also just open the Schwab account for the sole purpose of travel, then deposit the amount of cash you think you'll need for your trip. And since it has no minimum balance or maintenance fees , you can even leave it dormant until your next trip, if you so choose. As an added bonus, you'll get 0.15 APY on your balance—a paltry amount, sure, but they give you money just for parking your cash there, instead of charging you for the privilege.

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3 Best Debit Cards for International Travel

• Fidelity Cash Management
• Schwab High Yield Investor Checking
• Capital One 360 Checking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There's a long checklist of things to be sure you've covered when you're traveling out of the country—like making sure you can spend money. Before jet-setting off to your next big destination, take a few extra steps to make sure you can access your funds if you need to without paying a ton of extra fees. For example, some debit cards charge a foreign ATM fee when you use an ATM in another country. You might also have to pay additional currency conversion or foreign transaction fees on each transaction you make. The best debit cards for international travel will help you reduce, or even eliminate, those fees.

Using a debit card over a credit card can be beneficial, because it's linked to your bank account. When you swipe, the funds are taken out of your checking account. That means you won't have to worry about repaying a credit card balance.

Using a debit card for international travel is useful for withdrawing local currency from an ATM for expenses like tipping or paying merchants who don't accept credit or debit cards. You wouldn't want to use a credit card at an ATM, since the transaction would be treated as a more expensive cash advance . So which are the best debit cards for international travel? Let's take a look.

Fidelity Cash Management Account

As a customer of the Fidelity Cash Management Account, you'll receive the Fidelity Visa Gold Check Card, which is one of the best debit cards for international travel. You'll pay a low 1% foreign transaction fee on transactions completed outside the United States.

You can also access more than one million ATMs worldwide and get reimbursed for ATM fees you're charged from other ATMs. EMV technology ensures that your information is safely transmitted when you're making purchases and withdrawals from ATMs, protecting your account from future fraud.

The card doesn't just save on ATM fees, it also includes a few extra perks that may come in handy while you're traveling internationally. With the Fidelity Visa Gold Check Card, you'll also get a 90-day extended warranty, travel and emergency assistance, worldwide travel accident insurance, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.

With the Fidelity Cash Management Account, you'll pay no monthly fees. You don't have to maintain a minimum monthly balance. Your deposits will be insured up to $1.25 million, which is more than traditional checking and savings accounts at other banks.

Schwab High Yield Investor Checking Account

With the Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account, you won't pay any fees on your checking account at all. That means no ATM fees when you use an ATM in another country, and no foreign currency conversion fee if you withdraw funds in another currency. Keep in mind that when you use an ATM outside your bank's network, the ATM operator may also charge you a fee.

You can't avoid the ATM fee, but Charles Schwab will refund it with no limits on the refunds. There are also no service fees or account minimums.

You'll need to open and link a Schwab One brokerage account, which can be opened and maintained with no fees. A brokerage account offers the ability to trade stocks, mutual funds, and other financial products.

Capital One 360 Checking Account

If you don't like the sound of opening a brokerage account, consider the Capital One 360 Checking Account for a debit card for international travel. Capital One doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee on transactions made in other currencies, which means you can use your debit card for purchases without paying for the currency conversion.

If you can locate a Capital One or Allpoint ATM while you're traveling, you won't have to pay an ATM fee on cash withdrawals either. The Allpoint network includes over 55,000 ATMs all over the world. You can download an app to your smartphone to locate an Allpoint ATM near you.

You can open a Capital One 360 Checking Account with no minimum deposits and no minimum balance requirements. You can also earn 0.10% APY on your balance.

Do you need to let your bank know when you travel with your debt card?

It's always a good idea to contact your bank before you use a debit card while traveling. Banks and credit card issuers try to protect you from fraud and will block transactions that look suspicious or outside your normal patterns of behavior. If you don't notify your bank that you'll be spending money far from home, your transactions may be declined, creating unnecessary headaches on your trip.

Should you travel with a debit card?

Yes. Your debit card gives you much-needed access to cash when you're traveling, and it allows you to carry less cash at any given time. You should, of course, be careful not to lose the card—and call your bank immediately to freeze it if you do.

Wells Fargo. " Wells Fargo Consumer and Business Account Fees ."

Capital One. " Is There a Fee When I Use My Debit Card Abroad? "

Discover Bank. " How to Avoid Common Credit Card Fees ."

Fidelity Investments. " Debit Card Agreement and Disclosure Statement ." Page 2.

Fidelity Investments. " Cash Management FAQs: ATM/Debit Card ."

Fidelity Investments. " Cash Management From Fidelity ."

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. " Amendments to Disclosures at Automated Teller Machines (Regulation E) ," Page 2.

Charles Schwab Corporation. " Brokerage and Trading Account ."

Charles Schwab Corporation. " Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account ."

Capital One. " Is There a Free When I Use My Debit Card Abroad ?"

Allpoint. " What is Allpoint? "

Capital One. " What’s a 360 Checking® Account? "

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Don't exchange at airports or at home.

Don’t exchange cash before you travel — use your travel money card to spend or withdraw money from an ATM (just watch out for ATM fees).

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Choose the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants.

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Holiday money card FAQs

What is a travel money card, what currencies can i spend with a travel money card, what are the limits for spending with a travel card, how can i manage my travel money card, is a travel money card safe and secure, how can i order a travel money card.

• Download the Revolut app : find it in Apple or Google Play Store
• Sign up to Revolut : apply for an account and verify your identity
• Add a debit card : go to Cards and follow the instructions to start your order
• Set your PIN : choose a PIN that you'll remember
• Arrange delivery : enter your delivery address, and select your delivery method before proceeding to checkout (Delivery fees may apply)

Is a travel money card better than travel money?

• Don’t exchange cash at the airport: it’s much cheaper to withdraw money from an ATM with your travel money card
• Don't carry more cash than you need: when you return home from your trip, you’ll need to re-convert this cash back to GBP, which can take time and cost you in fees
• Always choose the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants
• Sign up to Revolut so you can manage your balance and get instant notifications on what you spend

What is the best bank to use when travelling abroad?

• Exchanging currency before you go, or while you're there
• Withdrawing money from ATMs
• Using your card in shops, restaurants, and more

What's the difference between using prepaid travel cards or travel debit card for spending abroad?

Credit Card vs. Debit Card: Which is the Best for Travel Abroad?.

Planning a trip overseas involves several aspects, and one important thing to consider is how you will use money when you get there. Failure to cover this part of the equation before leaving can lead to significant losses through fees, which is not how most travelers envision spending their funds.

To avoid these fees, it's crucial to find the best way to access and spend your money while abroad.

What’s the Best Way to Access and Spend Your Money While You Travel Abroad?

There are lots of ways to access your money while abroad, more than ever, in fact.

You could go credit cards only and leave the cash in your bank account to pay for it all when you return.

Or you could use your debit card to ensure that you don’t accidentally overspend (sometimes that credit card swipe can be a little too easy).

But which way is best?

Besides the fact that only you know what will work best for your habits, there are other considerations at play: making the choices that will charge the least amount of fees and that will potentially even earn you money.

Fees to Worry About While You Travel

When it comes to fees and travel, most people worry about the conversion rates.

And they should!

Depending on where you go, your money could either as much as double in value or go down to half of what it’s worth at home.

To a point, there’s not much you can do about it besides creating a budget that keeps that in mind, so you aren’t blindsided when it’s too late.

But conversion rates aren’t the only thing that can cost you money while you travel.

In fact, the fee that can be the peskiest of all is the foreign transaction fee.

Foreign transaction fees are charges that happen on every transaction you make while you’re traveling in a foreign country .

While these fees may not sound like much at first (usually around 3% at the most), they can add up very quickly - especially if you’re not likely to carry any cash while you travel.

Think about it this way, if you buy breakfast, lunch, and dinner while you’re away, that’s already three foreign transaction fees per day - that doesn’t even count buying train tickets or souvenirs or tickets for cultural events and institutions.

Multiply that minimum of 3 fees times one week-long trip, and suddenly you’re paying up to 3% of 21 transactions.

See how quickly that can get expensive?

The math makes this one simple.

No matter what kind of card you’re using to spend your money while you’re traveling in a foreign country, make sure it’s one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

How You Can Earn Money While You Travel

Now that you know how to avoid fees when you travel let’s talk about how you can earn money while you travel .

Depending on the type of card you’re using (or what kind you get if you’re shopping for a new card), you could earn rewards for all kinds of different spending.

If you’re planning on using a card to make your purchases while you travel abroad anyway, why not earn some points , cash, or rewards for doing so?

If your current debit or credit card doesn’t offer rewards - or if you don’t usually focus on rewards because you spend with cash - consider the benefits of looking into a rewards card for your trip .

Chances are you won’t be using cash - so why not get paid for using your card?

If it’s a credit card, just make sure you pay the balance in full before the interest hits, so you don’t wind up losing more than you earn.

So What’s Best for Travel? Credit or Debit Cards?

Now that we’ve covered the fees to look out for and the ways to earn, let’s get into the real question: whether you should use a debit card or credit card while you travel.

The Pro and Cons of Using a Debit Card

If you’re using a debit card, you’re basically using cash. Whether you enter a pin at the time of purchase or select the “credit” option, that money is coming right out of your account within a few days time.

For someone who doesn’t want to run the risk of spending more than planned, this can be a good option.

After all, as easy as it is to swipe a card, there is still a finite money in your bank account to contend with.

The other benefit of using a debit card is that it also functions as an ATM card.

So if you need cash on hand, you can get it with your debit card. Just beware hefty ATM and exchange fees.

The biggest downfall of paying with debit versus a credit card is the fact that if a debit card is hacked, the funds from your bank account are at risk.

If you don’t have a credit card to use as a backup, then that could severely hamper your entire trip while you wait to get it all sorted out and free up your funds.

When someone makes charges on your account, the money you need for bills and living expenses are immediately taken away, giving you less to manage, overall.

You could face serious financial consequences if your bank account information is leaked and someone manages to use all of the funds.

Pending transactions or checks may bounce, and that could result in hurting your credit score.

It is possible to fix errors that were not your fault, but when a debit card is stolen it could cause you a bigger headache.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card

Unlike a debit card, there are far fewer limits to what you can spend.

As long as your credit limit is decently high, you have a lot of funds to work with.

The problem is, that makes it a little too easy sometimes to spend more than you can afford.

The benefit of using a credit card while you travel is a double-edged sword.

You can spend roughly as much as you’d like, but you don’t want to spend so much that it will take years to pay off.

One of the best things about using a credit card for foreign travel is that, if it’s stolen, you don’t have to worry about losing access to your real money.

However, you’ll still need to have a backup card (whether it’s debit or credit) if that happens.

Your issuer may still suspend your account while the situation gets resolved.

The con of using a credit card for travel is you won’t be able to use it at ATMs to access the cash in your bank account.

So if you find yourself at a cash-only establishment, you’re going to get stuck if you don’t also have cash or a debit card to withdraw some money.

The Best Approach Is a Combination of the Two

Since both options have a fair list of pros and cons, the real winner here is to use a combined approach.

Rather than asking if you should use a credit card or a debit card while you travel abroad, bring both.

Bringing both a credit and debit card helps prepare you for all the situations listed above - and when you’re far from home, being prepared can be a real game changer.

But when it comes down to which one you should use primarily, consider your spending habits.

If you’re afraid of overspending, stick to the debit card.

If you’re afraid of fraud, use a credit card. (The credit card won’t prevent fraud, but it does prevent your bank account from being accessed in case of fraud.)

No matter what you do, choose the option that works best for you in the end.

Federal Laws Regarding Debit and Credit Cards

What many people do not realize is that consumer protection laws have different guidelines regarding debit and credit card fraudulent activity.

Under the federal credit billing act, if a credit card number is stolen and used, the card owner is not held liable for any charges.

When a credit card is actually stolen, the card owner is not held liable for any charges as long as it is reported missing before transactions take place; otherwise, a maximum of $50 for fraudulent activity could be charged on the card.

Debit cards are a completely different story and give people more to lose if lost or stolen.

If a debit card is lost or stolen and reported before it is used, the card owner is not liable for any of the charges.

However, he/she may be held liable for $50 of fraudulent activity if it is reported within two business days after unauthorized use.

Reporting a stolen card is crucial to avoid paying penalties.

A cardholder could be responsible for up to $500 of fraudulent charges if he/she fails to report a lost or stolen debit card after two days of unauthorized use.

In addition, there is no real limit to the amount a person can lose if a debit card is not reported lost or stolen after the first 60 days of unauthorized usage.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Money While You Travel

Nothing can ruin a trip faster than not being able to access your money.

That’s why it’s imperative to have some protections in place before you leave.

Here are the two most important things you can do to protect your money before you embark on foreign travel .

Tell Your Card Issuer You’re Going to Travel Abroad

First of all, call your credit card issuer before you go and alert them of your plans.

If you don’t, you might find that the first transactions you make abroad get declined immediately.

Usually, a card issuer would worry that this type of activity is fraudulent - it’s up to you to warn them, so they know it's you making the foreign purchases.

In order to do this, simply look up the customer service number on the back of your card or on your card issuer’s website.

Let them know where you’re going and for how long.

They can make a note of it on your account, so you won’t get declined after you go away.

Keep Your Personal Items on You

Finally, a protected debit or credit card is one that you know where it is.

When you’re embarking on adventures, buy a pack to strap them to your body under your clothes.

When you’re in busy markets, avoid putting them in open purses or your back pocket.

When you’re sitting down, keep your bags near your feet instead of behind or even next to your chair.

It’s not hard for a practiced thief to swipe a wallet or purse.

Keep your personal items on you and you’ll be less likely to endure theft.

Again, a rule that works both abroad and at home.

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The UK's best rated travel debit card

Currensea is the layer in front of your current bank account, saving you at least 85% on every transaction, giving you extra security and making your bank work that bit harder for you.

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Giving back

We know our cards contain plastic, and we are working on different solutions to reduce this. In the meantime, we're focussed on reducing our impact and have committed to removing 2.5 times the plastic we produce every year from the world's oceans, by supporting Plastic Bank.

You may also want to offset part of your travel, so we've provided you the option to contribute a % of your savings to removing ocean plastic, and/or planting trees every time you spend.

Find out more about our commitment

5 Best Debit Cards for International Travel With No Foreign Transaction Fee (Updated For February 2024)

Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

As an American traveler with experience exploring both Eurozone and non-Euro countries, as well as East and Southeast Asia, I've felt the frustration of dealing with high fees and inconveniences when using traditional bank debit cards for international travel. Having personally relied on Revolut and Wise during my own journeys, I've been able to avoid foreign transaction fees and charges for local ATM withdrawals.

Debit cards with no international transaction fees are solid options because you'll get the low currency conversion rates from VISA and Mastercard, without the markup. But for an even better experience, multi-currency accounts like Revolut allow you to hold local currency and be treated as a local cardholder.

In addition, the ideal debit card should offer additional features like virtual cards for added safety, instant card freezing, and travel benefits. This guide will present five top-notch no foreign transaction fee debit cards, including Revolut , Wise , Chime , and more, designed to meet your needs while traveling internationally.

In general, we consider  Revolut  the best international travel debit card. It has a generous fee-free ATM withdrawal allowance of $1,200 monthly, and you can hold balances of 30+ foreign currencies. ✨ Get three months of free Revolut Premium as a Monito reader with our  exclusive link .

However, if you're from the UK or Canada, here are a few more recommendations to explore:

• Best for travelling from the UK:  Starling Bank
• Best for travelling from Canada:  KOHO
• Best US checking without FX fees: Chime

Key Facts: Using Your Debit Card Overseas

The 5 best debit cards for international travel in 2024.

• 01. Revolut (available globally) scroll down
• 02. Chime (available in the USA only) scroll down
• 03. Wise (available globally) scroll down
• 04. Capital One (available in the USA only) scroll down
• 05. Starling Bank (available in the UK only) scroll down
• 06. Bottom line about the best debit card for international travel scroll down

Consider These Factors When Choosing a Debit Card for International Travel

When it comes to selecting a debit card for your international adventures, there are a few key factors that can ease your travel experience:

• No foreign transaction fees: Look for a debit card that eliminates foreign transaction fees , which often come as a percentage of the purchase total. Make purchases abroad without incurring unnecessary charges, saving your money for more enjoyable experiences.
• Fee-free or low-fee ATM withdrawals: Find a debit card that offers fee-free or low-fee ATM withdrawals . While not all banks will reimburse fees from ATM machines, many will at least not charge you for taking out cash abroad. In many cases, though, you'll incur a fee from the ATM network itself, which is often impossible to avoid entirely.
• Travel perks: Consider debit cards that come with additional travel perks. These can range from discounts on accommodations and transportation to access to airport lounges or travel insurance.
• In-app security: Opt for a debit card that provides virtual card options for enhanced security from pickpockets. Many apps also allow you to freeze your cards instantly if the physical debit card gets lost or stolen.
• Backed by a major issuer: Ensure that your chosen debit card is provided via a major issuer such as VISA, Mastercard, or other reputable companies. This ensures wider acceptance and reliability, giving you peace of mind during your travels.

Do Debit Cards Work Abroad?

Yes, debit cards do work abroad , and you can learn more about why, when, and where in our dedicated guide on the subject .

The key thing to know here is that VISA and Mastercard cards (as well as those from smaller payment providers, although to a lesser extent) are accepted worldwide with few exceptions. As long as the merchant accepts them instead of cash, you'll be able to pay. Accordingly, be on the lookout for signs like this one when you're traveling, which you'll often find on storefronts or next to the teller:

How to Reduce ATM Withdrawal Fees

Although searching for an ATM from which to withdraw cash while you're abroad might seem like a spur-of-the-moment decision, you can often benefit from planning a little in advance.

If you plan to withdraw cash while abroad, we suggest looking for a partner within the Global ATM Alliance network and planning your ATM visit there instead of visiting any old machine you find on the street (especially not the ones at tourist hotspots!). The Global ATM Alliance consists of banks worldwide that waive international ATM access fees. Here's a list of Global ATM Alliance Partners for you to check.

If you don't have access to a Global ATM Alliance bank, always try to use an ATM that belongs to a local bank rather than a generic cash machine like Euronet . By doing so, you can have greater confidence that you will receive the mid-market exchange rate , although you'll probably still incur a fixed ATM withdrawal fee from the ATM network itself. Check out our guide to the cheapest ways to get cash abroad to learn more about keeping your costs down in this regard.

Revolut (Global)

Revolut offers an excellent debit card to use abroad because it allows you to hold over 30 currencies and spend money in over 150 currencies. Revolut charges an industry-low 0.2%-0.4% fee on weekdays to convert your home currency to the local currency of your travel destination. Then, when you use the local currency with your Revolut card, you'll avoid both typical foreign transaction fees and  dynamic currency conversions .

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

You will also be able to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide without incurring any fees (up to a $1,200 limit per month, depending on the type of account you have), although third-party ATM fees may still apply. After that $1,200 limit, each withdrawal will incur a 2% fee. This is quite generous when compared to its competitor, Wise, which has a $250 per month limit.

With their paid plans, you can even get discounted airport lounge access for you and a friend, travel insurance for delays and baggage, and medical insurance coverage.

• No  foreign transaction fees ;
• Fixed fee between 0.2% and 0.4% to exchange currency;
• ATM withdrawals of $1,200 per month fee-free;
• More info: Read our Revolut review or visit their website .

Chime (USA Only)

Chime is a good debit card for international travel thanks to its no foreign transaction fees¹. Unlike multi-currency accounts like Revolut (which let you hold local currency), Chime uses the live exchange rate applied by VISA. This rate is close to the mid-market rate, and Chime does not add any extra markup to your purchases.

• Trust & Credibility 9.5
• Service & Quality 8.8
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.8
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

While Chime waives ATM fees at all MoneyPass, AllPoint, and VISA Plus Alliance ATMs within the United States, this fee waiver does not extend to withdrawals made outside the country. For withdrawals abroad, Chime applies a $2.50 fee per transaction, with a daily withdrawal limit of $515 or its equivalent. This is in addition to any fees charged by the ATM owner. Therefore, we recommend Chime primarily for card purchases rather than relying on it for withdrawing cash while traveling internationally.

• No  foreign transaction fees ¹;
• Uses VISA's exchange rate ( monitor here ):
• A $2.50 fee per ATM withdrawal made outside of the United States;
• More info: Read our Chime review or visit their website .

Wise (Global)

Wise Multi-Currency Account is an exceptional debit card option for international travel, particularly for customers in Canada where Revolut is not available. With the app, you'll be able to hold and spend money in over 50 currencies. When converting your home currency to the local currency of your travel destination, Wise charges a minimal fee, often ranging from as low as 0.35% to slightly above 2% for less common currency corridors. By paying with the local currency on your Wise card, you'll be treated as a local cardholder, bypassing both the typical foreign transaction fees and dynamic currency conversions.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6

Furthermore, Wise enables you to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide without incurring any fees, up to a monthly limit of $250. However, make sure to note that third-party ATM fees may still apply. And once the $250 limit is exceeded, each withdrawal will be subject to a 1.75% fee.

• Fixed fee ranging from 0.35% to 2% for currency exchange;
• Fee-free ATM withdrawals of up to $250 per month;
• We ranked Wise as the best account for international students ;
• More info: Read our Wise review or visit their website .

Capital One (USA Only)

Capital One 's 360 debit cards are much more transparent about waiving international transaction fees than other big American banks. When you use the card abroad, Capital One applies the live exchange rate provided by the card issuer (they have a wide range of card options, and they partner with VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and others). Capital One does not impose any additional markups when you spend your USD in foreign countries. However, make sure to enroll in their 360 accounts to avoid potential fees because they may charge a fee of $2, plus 3% of the total transaction amount, for non-360 products.

• Fees & Exchange Rates 10
• Customer Satisfaction 8.7

Capital One is part of an alliance that includes AllPoint, MoneyPass, and other partners, giving you access to over 70,000 ATMs throughout the United States. However, this coverage is limited to the US, so when making international ATM withdrawals, Capital One may charge a fee of $2 per transaction in addition to potential fees imposed by the ATM owner. All of this makes 360 Checking a far better alternative to spending abroad than with debit cards from other US banks like Wells Fargo or Bank of America .

• Uses the live exchange rate provided by the card issuer;
• Potential $2 fee per international ATM withdrawal;
• More info: Read our Capital One review or visit their website .

Starling Bank (UK Only)

Starling Bank stands out as one of the premier debit cards for international travel for customers in the UK , thanks to its absence of foreign transaction fees. If you solely have their GBP account, your Starling Bank card will apply the live exchange rate used by MasterCard, which closely aligns with the mid-market exchange rate. Moreover, Starling Bank provides EUR and USD accounts for an additional fee, making it an ideal choice for traveling to countries that accept these currencies. In such instances, your Starling Bank debit card will access these account balances, allowing it to be recognised as a local card.

• Service & Quality 8.5
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

One of the most compelling features of Starling Bank is its complete exemption from ATM fees, both domestically and internationally. Irrespective of the amount of cash withdrawn or the frequency of withdrawals, Starling Bank never imposes any fees for ATM transactions. While third-party fees may still apply, as determined by the ATM owner, this travel benefit solidifies Starling Bank's position as the top debit card for international travel for UK residents and citizens.

• Availability of multi-currency accounts in EUR and USD;
• Uses of MasterCard's exchange rate ( monitor here );
• No fees for international ATM withdrawals;
• More info: Read our Starling Bank review or visit their website .

Curious to See How They Compare?

If you'd like to see how the debit cards we explored above compare head-to-head, take a look at the table below:

Last verified: 8 January 2024

Bottom Line: The Best Debit Cards for International Travel in 2024

Now is the perfect time to plan your next trip and ensure you have the right debit cards for seamless international travel. With these cards, you can store local currency, avoid pesky international transaction fees, or reduce international ATM fees when you need local cash.

Best of all, they all offer virtual cards that can be instantly added to your digital wallet for convenient contactless payments while adding an extra layer of security. With their smartphone apps, you'll have complete control, allowing you to freeze the card instantly in case of loss or theft.

Take a look at the summary below for the best debit cards for international travel:

• Revolut : Best overall US debit card for international travel
• Chime : US digital account without foreign transaction fees
• Wise : Multi-currency account with most currency options
• Capital One 360 : Best US bank for international transactions
• Starling Bank : Best ATM card in the UK for international travel

Disclaimers

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.

¹ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over-the-counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.

² To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

³ The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change anytime. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance is required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

⁴ On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Results may vary.

⁵ SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no-interest/no-fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Credit Builder Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no-fee overdraft service attached to the Chime Checking Account available to qualifying members after Visa debit card activation. Both SpotMe on Credit and SpotMe on Debit are sometimes collectively referred to as "SpotMe" or, if you have signed up to use SpotMe with only one account, "SpotMe" means the elected service. To qualify for SpotMe, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account monthly. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or Secured Deposit Account (associated with your Chime Credit Builder credit card) up to $20 but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe Debit Terms and Conditions and SpotMe on Credit Terms and Conditions .

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More Guides on International Travel, Debit Cards Overseas, No Foreign Transaction Fees Abroad

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What are virtual cards and when should you use them?

Let's be real. Sometimes, suspicious online websites have the best deals or the items we need. When you feel hesitant about entering your card information, you could use a virtual card -- not to be confused with a digital wallet . 

Also: Is Temu legit? Everything to know before you place your first order

In observation of Financial Literacy Month, Google shared ways users can protect their payment information when using Google Pay. Unsurprisingly, given their ability to protect your card information easily and efficiently, virtual cards made the list.

So, what are virtual cards?

A virtual card is a unique credit card number you can enter on a site to complete a transaction. The technology masks your actual card information, keeping it hidden from businesses and protecting you against fraud.

Some virtual cards expire after every transaction, so if anyone accesses your card information, that number would be useless to them. Other virtual cards, like Google Pay , have a longer duration.

Also: The best budgeting apps: Find the Mint alternative that's right for you

If someone steals your virtual card's payment information, you can cancel just that virtual card instead of your entire credit card. Once you cancel the virtual account, the thief no longer has access to your credit card, which you can continue using. 

Creating a virtual card is free and easy, and there are multiple ways to do so, regardless of the type of phone, browser, or card you use.

How can you create a virtual card?

Google pay .

One way to create a virtual card is by using Google Pay. When you check out from Chrome desktop or mobile, if you have an eligible American Express, Capital One, or Citi card, you have the option to save your card as a virtual card. 

Then, every time you autofill your card information using Google Play, your virtual card information will be inputted automatically. If you don't use Google Pay, don't worry -- there are other options. 

Your credit card 

Many major credit card companies offer virtual cards within their platform to users free of charge, including American Express, Capital One, Mastercard, or Citi. For example, as a Citibank credit card holder, I can go into the app and generate a virtual card number simply by tapping the quick action. 

I often use this feature when I try to place an online order, am nowhere near my wallet, need to enter my credit card information, and have no desire to get up. While this isn't the intended use case, it's still a big plus.

Also: Proton VPN review (2024): A very solid VPN with robust leak protection

CNET has a comprehensive list of the best credit cards with virtual card numbers. You can cross-reference this list to see if your card is included. You can also see credit cards with the feature that you might want to consider in the future. 

Third-party payment sites

Many popular third-party payment sites offer virtual cards, including Wise, Stripe, and PayPal. These cards function a little differently: you can choose what funds get added and create separation between your personal account and your virtual card. 

For example, with the PayPal Debit Card, you can spend your PayPal balance online and in stores. You can load money onto that card from an eligible bank account or debit card. This approach gives you control over how much money someone can access if the payment information is stolen and makes it easier to cancel the account if needed.

The best AirTag wallets you can buy: Expert recommended

The best travel vpns: expert tested, how to freeze your credit (and why you might want to).

If Your Debit Card Expires While You’re Traveling, Do These 7 Things

T raveling can be an exciting adventure, full of new experiences and memories to cherish. However, it can quickly turn into a stressful situation if you find your debit card has expired. Being far from home without immediate access to your funds can be worrisome, but don’t panic. Here are some important steps to take if your debit card expires while you are on vacation.

Read More: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately

The moment you realize your debit card has expired, contact your bank or card issuer. Most banks have international toll-free numbers specifically for travelers who have issues with their debit cards. Inform them about your situation and verify your identity. Banks are familiar with handling these situations and can quickly help you find a solution.

2. Request an Emergency Card Replacement

Ask if your bank can expedite a new debit card to your current location. Many banks offer an emergency card replacement service for travelers. While this might come with a fee, it’s worth the peace of mind. Provide a secure and verifiable address, like your hotel, where the card can be delivered.

3. Use Digital Wallet Services

In today’s digital age, accessing your funds without needing the physical debit card is often possible. If your bank supports it, you can add your debit card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay , Google Pay or Samsung Pay. This way, you can continue to make purchases and pay for services with your smartphone or a smartwatch.

4. Explore Wire Transfer Options

If getting a replacement card is not feasible, consider having money wired to you. You can use wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram to receive cash without needing a debit card. You’ll need to provide identification and the transaction details, but it’s a reliable way to access your money.

5. Use Other Cards

Always travel with more than one form of payment. If you have a credit card or another debit card , now is the time to use it. This reduces the inconvenience of having a single expired card and ensures you’re not stranded without access to your funds.

6. Withdraw Funds Through a Partner Bank

Some banks have international partnerships with other banks. In such cases, you might be able to withdraw cash directly from a partner bank’s branch. You’ll need to present your passport and possibly answer security questions, but it’s an effective way to access your money.

7. Precautionary Measures for the Future

To avoid a situation like this in the future, make a note of your card’s expiration date before you leave on vacation. Most banks send out new cards a few weeks before the old one expires, so ensure your address is up-to-date. Additionally, consider setting up travel alerts on your account and inform your bank of your travel plans. That way, you’ll cut down any risk of fraud alerts or blocks issued on your account.

If your debit card stops working while you’re traveling, it can be a hassle, but it’s not a huge disaster. If you act quickly and check out other options, you can still get to your money and have an enjoyable and relaxing time on your trip. Make sure to have a second way to pay ready and the phone number for your bank with you, just in case you need it while you’re on the go.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : If Your Debit Card Expires While You’re Traveling, Do These 7 Things

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Issue causing debit card declines for first national bank of omaha customers resolved.

"System issue" caused debit card declines, incorrect balances

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First National Bank of Omaha reported that the issue impacting its debit cards Monday has been resolved.

On Monday morning, the bank posted on its website, "Due to a system issue, customers may experience debit card declines due to incorrect debit card balances."

Around 10:30 a.m., FNBO reported that the issue involving debit card declines was fixed.

"If you experience any continued issues or have questions, please call us at 800-642-0014, and our Specialists will be happy to help. We apologize for the inconvenience," the bank said on social media.

Customers can find correct balances on the mobile app and website.

Customers can also withdrawal cash at any branch location.

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Credit Cards

United Airlines credit cards have a secret perk that makes it easier to book awards

Jason Steele

Julie Sherrier

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:12 a.m. UTC April 22, 2024

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Sometimes the best reason to have an airline credit card isn’t necessarily for the miles you can earn and redeem, it’s for the perks. 

You can earn far more points using Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Freedom Flex℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. than you will from the cobranded United credit cards issued by Chase. And since you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points into United MileagePlus miles, there’s little reason to use a United card just to earn miles. 

Instead, you should have a United MileagePlus card for its benefits, including free checked bags and discounts on in-flight purchases. 

But there’s one other important benefit that you rarely see mentioned by Chase or United. MileagePlus cardmembers are eligible for “special member pricing” that’s otherwise reserved just for those with elite status. Just by having a United MileagePlus credit card, you’ll get the same, lower pricing that United elite status holders have access to, which can mean significant mileage savings on award flights.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

What is “special member pricing”?

Let’s say you wanted to fly from Denver to Paris this summer. When I searched for flights on July 11, 2024, and filtered out options with more than one stop, I found flights starting at 70,000 miles.

But once I added my card to my MileagePlus account and logged in as a cardholder, the same options were available starting at just 40,000 miles.

You’ll notice that the lower priced options have a small notation indicating that it’s granted “special member pricing.” And true travel nerds might notice that the higher priced option shows a fare code of YN, while the lower priced option shows the code of XN, which is reserved for cardmembers and those with elite status.

Which credit cards offer United’s special member pricing?

All United MileagePlus credit cards issued by Chase include this benefit, which includes:

• United Gateway℠ Card * The information for the United Gateway℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• United Quest℠ Card * The information for the United Quest℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• United Club℠ Infinite Card * The information for the United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• United℠ Business Card * The information for the United℠ Business Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
• United Club℠ Business Card * The information for the United Club℠ Business Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Except for the no-annual-fee Gateway card, all of these cards have an annual fee — starting at a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 for the Explorer card and topping off at $525 for the United Club Infinite card. 

If you’re just looking for access to lower-priced flight awards, you might be tempted to get the Gateway card, which comes with a welcome offer of 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Instead, I’d recommend getting either the Explorer card, which currently has a welcome bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, the Quest card, which offers 60,000 miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, or the Club Infinite card, which comes with 80,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

After having the card for a year, you might decide that you want to keep the card for its other perks. But you can always request a downgrade to the no-annual-fee Gateway card. This move allows you to keep your miles and account open, eliminate the annual fee and continue to enjoy lower-priced flight awards. 

Looking to get the most out of your United rewards? Read our guide on how to earn and redeem United miles

Final verdict

The hardest part of award travel isn’t always earning the points and miles, it’s finding efficient ways to spend them. United makes this easy for those with elite status and anyone who holds one of their credit cards. By signing up for the best card offer available and longer-term keeping a no-annual-fee United card open at all times, you can be assured of the lowest prices when you book your United award tickets.

*The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠, United Club℠ Business Card, United Club℠ Infinite Card, United Gateway℠ Card, United Quest℠ Card, United℠ Business Card and United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Jason Steele is a freelance writer specializing in credit cards and award travel. Since 2008, Jason's work has appeared in over 100 outlets and he's been widely quoted in the mainstream media. Jason also produces CardCon, which is The Conference for Credit Card Media.

Julie Stephen Sherrier is a personal finance writer and editor based in Austin, TX. She is the former senior managing editor for LendingTree, responsible for all credit card and credit health content. Before joining LendingTree, Julie spent more than a decade as the managing editor and then editorial director at Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She also served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Find the best credit card for you

Here are the 3 best chase balance transfer credit cards of 2024, save money with these chase credit cards that offer 0% introductory aprs on balance transfers..

Credit card interest rates are often higher than other financial products like personal loans or mortgages so it's best to pay off your credit card balance in full every month . However, that isn't always possible so many people may wind up with high-interest credit card debt. In these situations, taking advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer can reduce the interest you pay and help you pay off your credit card debt more quickly.

Chase is known for issuing some top travel credit cards , but it also has several cards that offer an intro 0% APR for balance transfers. Consider these Chase balance transfer credit cards if you're hunting for a balance transfer offer. (See our methodology for information on how we chose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards).

Best Chase balance transfer credit cards

• Best for long intro APR: Chase Slate Edge℠
• Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for rotating bonus categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Best for long intro APR

Chase slate edge℠, welcome offer.

Get an automatic review for a credit limit increase when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

0% for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Slate Edge℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• No annual fee
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year: Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1,000 on your card by your next account anniversary
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No rewards program

Who's this for? The Chase Slate Edge℠ does one thing, and it does it well — reduce the interest you pay. Its longer-than-usual introductory APR offer makes it ideal for those seeking more time to pay off their balance.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders are eligible for an intro 0% APR on eligible balance transfers and purchases for 18 months from account opening, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. This is one of the longest intro APR offers available and is especially useful since it applies to purchases, too.

An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher) applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, the balance transfer fee is $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher).

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for cash back

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

• Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
• Generous welcome bonus
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is geared toward those who want to earn cash back on their everyday spending and still want access to a helpful intro APR offer.

Balance transfer offer : New card members receive an intro 0% APR for purchases and balance transfer for the first 15 months, after that a variable 20.49% to 29.24% APR applies. For the first 60 days of account opening, there's an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum). After that, a standard balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies, whichever is greater.

Best for rotating bonus categories

Chase freedom flex℠.

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

• Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
• Bonus categories must be activated each quarter

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great card for anyone who enjoys squeezing the most value out of their credit card thanks to its generous rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balances transfer, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days. After that, the standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5, whichever is greater.

More on our top Chase balance transfer credit cards

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is a no annual fee card with several features that can help you pay less interest, but doesn't earn rewards.

Get an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in the first six months.

Notable perks

With the Chase Slate Edge , you are automatically considered for a 2% APR reduction if you pay your monthly bill on time and spend at least $1,000 on the card before your next account anniversary (terms apply). While you'll want a plan to pay off your balance transfer before the interest kicks in, this feature can help you lower your APR compared to what you might pay with other credit cards.

This card's insurance benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty protection, roadside dispatch and rental car collision and theft coverage (secondary in the U.S.).

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of CNBC Select's top no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards with a unique intro bonus and a handful of useful benefits to complement its cash-back earnings.

• 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 4.5% cash back on dining
• 4.5% cash back at drug stores
• 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 and enroll for three complimentary months of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). Purchases are also covered by a range of built-in protections like rental car collision damage insurance (secondary in the U.S.), extended warranty coverage, purchase protection and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

While this is a cash-back credit card , you can boost the value of the rewards you earn by pairing this card with a Chase card that allows points transfers (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ). By transferring the rewards you earn to travel partners like World Hyatt, United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan, you can potentially book luxury hotels and flights for fewer points.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ packs a punch with generous rewards in bonus categories that change every quarter and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus.

• 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in categories that change each quarter, then 1% cash back (activation required)
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% cash back on dining
• 3% cash back at drug stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Cardholders receive discounts and special perks with partners like Lyft and DoorDash. There are also many valuable built-in protections for a no-annual-fee card, including:

• Cell phone insurance
• Rental car insurance (secondary in the U.S.)
• Extended warranty coverage
• Purchase protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

When you have a Chase card that unlocks the ability to transfer Chase points to hotel and airline partners (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card) , it increases the value of the Freedom Flex. So this isn't only a strong standalone rewards credit card , but it has synergies with other cards.

How to complete a Chase balance transfer

Chase typically charges a balance transfer fee from 3% to 5% with a $5 minimum. Before you complete a balance transfer , be sure the interest you save will outweigh the fee.

There are several ways to do a balance transfer with Chase. One of the best and easiest options is to complete a balance transfer when you apply for a card. When you do this, you'll be able to make the most out of your intro APR because any 0% interest timeframe you qualify for begins when you open the card.

If you want to perform a balance transfer with a Chase card you already have, you'll need to log in to your account and follow these steps:

• Click "Pay & Transfer"
• Then click on the "Transfer" dropdown menu
• Select "Card balance transfers"

You can then select any of your Chase cards from a dropdown menu and see what balance transfer offers are available.

Are Chase balance transfers worth it?

When you make a balance transfer, you'll generally pay a fee of 3% to 5% of the balance. To determine whether a balance transfer is worth it, calculate how much you would save in interest compared to how much you'd pay in transfer fees.

What is one disadvantage of a 0% interest balance transfer card?

Aside from the balance transfer fees, the biggest downside to a balance transfer is you'll have the same amount of credit card debt as before. If you don't have a plan, or the resources, to pay off your debt before the intro APR expires, you'll be stuck paying interest once again.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

A balance transfer doesn't directly hurt your credit score and could help improve your credit if you're able to pay down your debt. However, you'll want to keep in mind that your credit score will temporarily dip when you apply for new credit (including a balance transfer card).

Bottom line

The top balance transfer cards Chase issues offer intro APR periods of 15 to 18 months, and these intro APR offers also apply to purchases, making them even more useful. If you're interested in paying less interest , these are some of the best offers available. When you're in credit card debt, your primary focus should be repayment, not earning rewards, but the fact that some of the cards on this list earn rewards is a nice bonus.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card   article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Our methodology

To determine which Chase cards are best for balance transfers, CNBC Select analyzed the Chase credit cards with intro APR balance transfer offers. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus and balance transfer fee. We also considered additional perks, consumer protections, the application process when available and how easy it is to redeem rewards. However, when you're in credit card debt, your priority should be repayment, so we focused more on the cards that provide consumers with the cheapest ways to pay off their debt rather than the number of rewards they could potentially earn.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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