Best Debit Cards Without Foreign Transaction Fees (2024)

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 Wise 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 Wise, Chime, and more, designed to meet your needs while traveling internationally.

The 7 Best Debit Cards for International Travel in 2024

• 01. Wise (available globally) scroll down
• 02. Revolut (available globally) scroll down
• 03. Zing (available in the UK only) scroll down
• 04. Chime (available in the USA only) scroll down
• 05. Capital One (available in the USA only) scroll down
• 06. Charles Schwab (available in the USA only) scroll down
• 07. Starling Bank (available in the UK only) scroll down
• 08. Chase UK (available in the UK only) scroll down
• 09. 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 are accepted worldwide with few exceptions. Smaller card issuers like Discover are widely accepted in the US, Canada, and Mexico, but lack universal acceptance.

Be on the lookout for signs like this one below 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!). TheGlobal 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.

Banks to Avoid: High Foreign Transaction Fees

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. Wise charges zero foreign transaction fees when you spend abroad or withdraw cash abroad.

When converting your home currency to the local currency of your travel destination, Wise applies the real mid-market rate. It charges a minimal fixed 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.

8.8

Furthermore, Wise enables you to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide without incurring any fees, up to a monthly limit of $100. However, make sure to note that third-party ATM fees may still apply. And once the $100 limit is exceeded, each withdrawal will be subject to a 1.75% fee.

• Noforeign transaction fees;
• Exchange and hold 40+ local currencies;
• Fixed fee ranging from 0.35% to 2% for currency exchange;
• Fee-free ATM withdrawals of up to $100 per month;
• We ranked Wise as the best account for international students;
• More info: Read our Wise review or visit their website.

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 no foreign transaction fees when you spend abroad.

If you want to add the local currency to your card, then you can make the conversion in your app. They'll charge 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 be spending like a local — avoiding both typical foreign transaction fees anddynamic currency conversions.

8.6

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 $100 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.

• Noforeign transaction fees;
• Exchange and hold 37+ local currencies;
• 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.

Zing (UK Only)

Zing 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 on the first £500 per month. By opening a Zing account, you get a multi-currency card with balances in over 20 foreign currencies with a super low FX conversion rates offrom just 0.2% between currencies once your fee-free allowance is used up, making it an ideal choice for travel.

9.3

One of Zing's most compelling features is that it lets you lock in an exchange rate before you travel. Also, regardless of the amount of cash withdrawn, Zing never imposes any fees for ATM transactions in the UK and only charges a £2 or equivalent fee for foreign withdrawals after the first free withdrawal per month. While third-party fees may still apply, as determined by the ATM owner, this travel benefit solidifies Zing's position as the top debit card for international travel for UK residents and citizens.

No monthly account maintenance fees,

Fixed fee fromof 0.2% for all foreign currency conversions,

First foreign ATM withdrawal every month is free,

Read our Zing review.

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.

9.1

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.

• Noforeign transaction fees¹;
• 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.

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.

9.4

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.

• Noforeign transaction fees;
• 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.

Charles Schwab Investor Checking (USA Only)

The Charles Schwab Investor Checking account has an excellent no-fee schedule for international spending. The account has no opening requirements or minimums and (best of all) rebates unlimited ATM fees worldwide. It doesn't offer a multi-currency account feature like the other cards on this list, so it will apply Visa's exchange rate when you spend abroad. Like the other cards on this list, Charles Schwab does not markup on top of this with foreign transaction fees.

The account is compatible with Zelle if you use the smartphone app (not the desktop platform). However, just note that when I've sent or received ACH transfers or direct debits with this account in the past, I have found myself waiting 3 to 4 business days every time. So make sure to prepare enough money ahead of time.

• Noforeign transaction fees;
• Uses VISA's exchange rate (monitor here);
• Up to 3 to 4 business days for ACH or direct debit;
• More info: Read our Charles Schwab review.

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. Your Starling Bank debit card will access these account balances, allowing it to be recognised as a local card.

9.2

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.

• Noforeign transaction fees;
• 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.

Chase UK (UK Only)

Chase UK has one of the most popular debit cards for international travel offered by a high-street bank. Chase UK will charge you zero foreign transaction fees, and will simply apply Mastercard's exchange rates. The best upside to the card is its 1% cash back on all purchases, including those abroad. You'll also be able to withdraw up to £500 per day fee-free (third-party ATM fees may apply). Chase sets the monthly withdrawal limit to £1,500.

Overall, the cash back feature beats competitors like Halifax Clarity (with limited cashback in the first 90 days only) and Barclaycard (at only 0.25% cash back). The ATM limit is a bit low, but shouldn't be a problem if you're traveling to a country that is familiar with cashless payments.

• Noforeign transaction fees;
• Uses of MasterCard's exchange rate (monitor here);
• No fees for international ATM withdrawals;
• More info: Watch our Chase international debit card comparison video or visit their website.

To see how the international debit cards we explored above compare head-to-head, take a look at the table below:

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:

1. Wise: Best overall multi-currency account with most currency options
2. Revolut: Great debit card for international travel and perks
3. Chime: Best US digital account without foreign transaction fees
4. Capital One 360: Best US bank for international transactions
5. Charles Schwab: Best for unlimited ATM rebates
6. Starling Bank: Best debit card in the UK for international ATMs
7. Chase UK: Best debit card in the UK for 1% cash back abroad

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 andover-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.