Understanding International ATM Fees and How to Avoid them!

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What are international ATM fees?

International ATM fees are charges that are applied when you use your debit or credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM outside of your home country. These fees are typically charged by your bank or financial institution and can vary in amount depending on the provider. They are also known as foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. These fees are in addition to any fees that the ATM operator may charge. So, it's not uncommon for travellers to be hit with double fees when they withdraw cash abroad.

Examples of international ATM fees

Let's say you're traveling to Europe and need to withdraw cash from an ATM. If you use your debit card, you may be charged a £2.50 fee for each transaction, plus a 1% foreign transaction fee. This means that if you withdraw £100, you'll be charged a total of £3.50 in international ATM fees. This might not seem like a lot, but if you're making multiple withdrawals during your trip, these fees can quickly add up.

Another example is if you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM in Asia. You may be charged a £5 fee for each transaction, plus a 3% foreign transaction fee. This means that if you withdraw £100, you'll be charged a total of £8 in international ATM fees. Again, if you're making multiple withdrawals, these fees can significantly increase the cost of your trip.

How to avoid international ATM fees

Now that you understand what international ATM fees are and how they work, let's discuss some ways to avoid them. There are several strategies you can use to minimise or even eliminate these fees, from choosing the right bank, credit card, or travel card to planning your cash withdrawals carefully.

Use a debit card with no international ATM fees

Some banks and financial institutions offer debit cards with no international ATM fees. These cards are specifically designed for travellers and can save you a significant amount of money in fees. For example, EasyFX offers a travel money debit card with the best exchange rates and is built to avoid international fees, making it a great option for frequent travellers. It's worth shopping around and comparing different cards to find the best deal. If you're interested in exploring how an EasyFX travel money card could benefit your travels abroad, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Similar to debit cards, some credit cards also offer no foreign transaction fees. These cards can be a great option for travellers who prefer to use credit cards for their purchases. For example, Chase offers a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travellers. Other credit card companies, like Santander and Barclays, also offer cards with no foreign transaction fees. Again, it's worth comparing different cards to find the best deal.

Withdraw money from partner banks

Some banks have partnerships with international banks, allowing their customers to withdraw cash from partner ATMs without incurring any fees. Before your trip, check with your bank to see if they have any partnerships in the country you'll be visiting. This can be a great way to avoid ATM fees, especially if you're traveling to a country where your bank has a strong presence. For example, the EasyFX travel money card can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted. That’s over 35 million locations worldwide and over 2 million ATMs you can enjoy free ATM withdrawals and free international transfers.

Notify your bank

Before you leave for your trip, be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans. This will prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and potentially being blocked. Most banks have a simple online form that you can fill out to notify them of your travel plans. It's also a good idea to provide a contact number where you can be reached while abroad, in case the bank needs to contact you.

Check exchange rates

When using your card abroad, you may be given the option to pay in your home currency or the local currency. It's important to check the exchange rates and choose the option that will give you the best rate. Keep in mind that the exchange rate offered by the ATM or merchant may not be the best rate available. Consider using a currency conversion app to check the current exchange rate before making a transaction or taking a prepaid currency card.

Open a prepaid travel money card

A prepaid travel money card is a good option for traveling abroad as it allows travellers to load a specific amount of money onto the card in advance. It can be used for transactions abroad, including ATM withdrawals and card payments, without incurring foreign exchange fees. By using a travel card, you can avoid the hassle of carrying large amounts of cash and the risk of losing it. Additionally, some travel cards offer benefits such as free purchases, free ATM withdrawals, and free international transfers, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for managing your finances while traveling. You can order a travel card today and enjoy these benefits wherever you go.

Keep track of your spending

It's easy to lose track of your spending when using your card abroad, especially with the added fees. Be sure to keep track of your transactions and check your bank statements regularly to avoid any surprises. Consider using a budgeting app to help you keep track of your spending and stay within your budget.

International ATM Fees: A Summary

International ATM fees can be a significant expense for travellers, but with some planning and knowledge, they can be avoided. 

Be sure to research your bank's fees and consider using a debit or credit card with no international ATM fees. And remember to always notify your bank and keep track of your spending when using your card abroad. 

With these tips in mind, you can save money and have a stress-free trip. Happy travels!

How can EasyFX support you and your money internationally?

In your quest to minimise or eliminate international ATM fees, you might want to consider a convenient alternative: a prepaid travel money card. 

These cards, such as the EasyFX travel money card, offer a cost-effective solution to the common challenge of managing finances while traveling. 

With the EasyFX card, you can enjoy competitive exchange rates and avoid those pesky international fees. It's a reliable option for travellers who want to save money during their journeys. 

Suppose you're interested in exploring how an EasyFX travel money card could benefit your travels abroad. In that case, you can get in touch with our team of experts to learn more about the card's features and benefits, or simply order one online to start enjoying the advantages it offers.