A debit card can be a convenient way to access your money while traveling overseas. Travel debit cards are those that do not charge international transaction fees or international ATM fees, making them a more cost-effective option compared to regular debit cards when used abroad.
What is a Travel Debit Card?
A travel debit card is a debit card that is designed for use when traveling internationally. These cards typically do not charge fees for foreign transactions or ATM withdrawals overseas. This can save you a significant amount of money compared to using a regular debit card, which often incurs 3% foreign transaction fees and $5 ATM withdrawal fees when used abroad.
How Can You Get a Travel Debit Card?
To get a travel debit card, you’ll need to open a new bank account that offers one. Some of the best options include:
- Bankwest Easy Transaction Account
- Great Southern Bank Everyday Edge Account
- Chase Debit Card
- Schwab Investor Checking
- Fidelity Cash Management Account
Bankwest Easy Transaction Account
The Bankwest Easy Transaction Account comes with a Platinum Debit Mastercard that was voted Canstar’s Outstanding Value Travel Debit Card 2023. It offers:
- No foreign transaction fees or overseas ATM fees
- Ability to use your card at over 43 million locations worldwide
- Pair it with a Bankwest Platinum Debit Mastercard for fee-free travel
To get the most out of your travel debit card, pair it with the Bankwest Easy Transaction Account which has no monthly fees.
Chase Debit Card
The Chase debit card is a good option for international travel as it does not charge foreign transaction fees. Some key benefits include:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Ability to use your card at millions of locations worldwide
- Pair it with a Chase checking account for easy access to your money abroad
Chase offers a range of checking account options to suit different needs. Be sure to compare accounts to find one that fits your travel banking requirements.
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account
The Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account comes with a debit card that has no foreign transaction fees and reimburses all ATM fees worldwide. Other benefits are:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Reimburses all ATM fees worldwide
- Pair it with a Schwab brokerage account for seamless money management
There is no minimum balance required and no monthly account service fees with this account. It’s a great choice for frequent international travelers.
Fidelity Cash Management Account
The Fidelity Cash Management Account provides a debit card with no foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates globally. Key features include:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide
- Pair it with a Fidelity brokerage account for integrated finances
There are no account minimums or monthly fees. You can easily access your money at millions of ATMs worldwide with this travel-friendly debit card.In summary, the Bankwest Easy Transaction Account, Chase debit card, Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account, and Fidelity Cash Management Account are all excellent options for a travel debit card. Choose the one that best fits your banking needs and travel style to save on fees and access your money easily while abroad
These accounts typically have no monthly fees and provide fee-free international transactions and ATM withdrawals. You can compare travel debit cards using tools like Canstar’s comparison or Wise’s guide .
Alternatively, you may be able to use your existing debit card for travel if it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, but it’s important to check the fees first as many major banks still charge high fees for international use.
