7 Ways to Avoid International ATM Fees - NerdWallet (2024)

When you’re traveling out of the country and go to withdraw cash in the local currency, fees can hit you from every direction: from your bank, the ATM, even currency commissions.

With a bit of planning and understanding, though, you can save some cash on pesky hidden charges. Here’s how to avoid international ATM fees when you travel.

Types of foreign ATM fees

Here are the types of fees you should be aware of when using a debit card and ATM abroad.

Foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees are charged by your bank for currency conversion.

If your bank charges foreign transaction fees — and many do — you’ll pay a percentage of the total withdrawal amount, usually 1% to 3%, for using your card at a foreign ATM (or anywhere else abroad).

Out-of-network ATM fees

This is the fee your bank charges for using a non-network ATM outside your home country. Often, it’s a flat fee that you’ll pay per withdrawal and is likely $2 to $5.

ATM surcharge

The ATM or its affiliated bank also charges a fee, which is likely several dollars, in exchange for its use.

Currency conversion fees

When you withdraw money from a foreign ATM, the machine will sometimes offer the choice to convert transactions into your home currency, but this can involve hidden currency conversion fees, sometimes as high as 7%.

How to avoid paying bank fees while traveling

1. Use your bank network's ATMs or partner ATMs

If your bank operates ATMs around the world, like HSBC, find out where those ATMs are and whether there are any where you’re headed; if so, use those if at all possible.

If your bank doesn’t operate outside the U.S., check whether it’s part of any fee-free ATM networks that do.

2. Pay in local currency

If a foreign ATM offers the option to pay or withdraw in your home currency or the local currency, always choose to pay in the local currency because your bank may offer a better conversion rate.

3. Reduce ATM usage

While it’s not always ideal to waltz around a foreign city with loads of cash in your wallet, reducing the frequency that you withdraw money from a foreign ATM can save you more than a few dollars.

Withdraw as much cash at one time as you feel comfortable with and keep it in a safe place. This will reduce how often you have to make another withdrawal and pay another fee.

Additionally, any time you can pay with a credit card, do so. You’ll avoid additional fees as long as you use a card with no foreign transaction fees.

4. Choose a bank that doesn’t charge foreign ATM fees

If you have accounts with more than one bank or are considering setting up an account at a new bank and you travel often, consider banks that don’t charge foreign transaction fees or foreign ATM fees.

For example:

5. Use a bank that reimburses ATM fees

Alternatively, check whether your bank refunds out-of-network ATM fees. USAA will reimburse up to $10 in ATM surcharges, while Wells Fargo will reimburse one foreign ATM fee per month if you have a Prime account, and for its Premier checking accounts, reimbursem*nt is unlimited.

A Chase Sapphire Checking account offers a fee refund if you are charged by non-Chase ATMs.

Check your account details or contact your bank to see whether your account features that benefit.

6. Use your debit card to get cash back at a store

Not every establishment allows you to request cash back when you make a purchase, but it’s worth asking about during checkout.

If a business permits it, requesting cash back when you swipe your card may help you avoid an ATM foreign transaction fee. Just make sure you use a debit card with no foreign transaction fee to avoid an additional charge.

7. Use a travel credit card instead

Where possible, like in big cities in developed countries, use a travel credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. That way, you can skip ATM fees altogether.

If you’re not sure whether your card charges these fees, check the terms and conditions or contact the issuing bank to find out.

The bottom line

It’s possible to avoid international ATM fees when you travel. You just need to understand how foreign fees work, look into your bank’s fee structure and plan withdrawals wisely.