7 Best Banks for International Travel
Mobile tickets and durable carry-on luggage aren't the only things that make travel easier. Finances play a large part in your travel experience, and having your finances in order can help make your trip more enjoyable. If you’re a globetrotter like us, you’ll want to partner with a bank that supports your location-independent lifestyle, and by using one of the 7 banks below, you can rest assured you’ll be safe from ATM fees and get the best deals when it comes to currency conversions.
We’re reader-supported. When you sign up through links on our site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). These are banks we’ve heavily researched and stand behind. You can read through our full affiliate disclosure here.
7 best banks for international travel in 2024 and beyond
1. Best overall bank for international travel: Wise
Wise.com is a financial technology company that offers a platform for international money transfers, currency exchange, and multi-currency accounts. Formerly known as TransferWise, the company was founded in 2011 and has quickly become a popular alternative to traditional banks and money transfer services. Wise.com's platform allows users to send money internationally at a low and transparent fee, with no hidden markups. Additionally, the company offers a multi-currency account that enables users to hold and manage money in over 50 currencies. Wise.com is known for its user-friendly interface, fast and secure transactions, and commitment to transparency in financial services.
2. Best bank for ATM fee rebates: Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab Bank is a great banking option for international travelers. The high-yield investor checking account gives you unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide. Yes, unlimited. That means you no longer have to worry about paying more than your actual purchases when you take out cash. The money you save on ATM fees gives you more money for food, more clothes, and more fun. Who doesn’t love more? The best part about this checking account is that there are no fees or minimums. The high-yield investor checking account also allows you to combine your cash and investments with two separate accounts in one place. Talk about easy.
3. Best bank with a mobile app: HSBC
A huge selling point for HSBC is the Global Money Account. The Global Money Account is a multi-currency account that gives you access to eight different currencies from one mobile app. The mobile app also lets you check exchange rates within ninety seconds, allowing you to adjust to foreign markets. No more trying to do mental math. The HSBC app is secured through a global network and requires two-factor authentication, so security is no issue. It also comes with a daily maximum of $200,000 USD, so you never have to worry about running low during your travels (and if you have to worry about spending more than $200,000 a day, please take us with you).
4. Best bank for convenient deposits: Capital One
The Capital One 360 Checking Account comes with various benefits, starting with the fact that there are no minimums and no foreign transaction fees, even while using your debit card abroad. Besides not worrying about currency fees, you also get access to 70,000 fee-free ATMs. You can also get paid up to two days sooner than your payday, and you can stop by any CVS location and add cash to your account. And with a 360 Checking Account, you can rest easy knowing your account comes with FDIC insurance and fraud coverage. So if you ever find yourself in a situation where you’ve misplaced your debit card, you can lock and unlock your card right from your phone.
5. Best bank for global coverage: Citi
Citi has 4,000 offices worldwide, so finding a physical location while traveling won’t be a problem. If you don’t want to go to an actual branch, you have 45,000 ATMs to choose from in thirty different countries. Citi ATMs also don’t have a convenience fee, so the only money that’s withdrawn from your account is the money you spend. With Citi, you also get access to a 24/7 Citi Concierge that helps you with any of your needs, from travel to dining—they provide unlimited support. Lastly, Citi lets you order foreign currency to your office, home, or another Citi branch, and it comes the next day.
6. Best bank for overdraft protection: Ally
Ally bank lets you enjoy banking with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Another bonus with Ally is that linking your savings and checking account gets you free overdraft protection. There are also no ATM fees with Ally, and they even reimburse you up to ten dollars on ATM fees from competing ATMs. The seven-day customer service support they provide is another advantage. If you have any issues, you can check online or talk to a live representative to solve any problems promptly. No matter the situation, Ally’s got you covered, even when you’re abroad.
7. Best bank for different currencies: Revolut
Revolt is the ideal app for worldwide currencies. With access to twenty-eight different currencies, Revolut comes with a debit account and a debit card which makes spending your money hassle-free. It lets you convert your cash to crypto and participate in stock trading from one app. If you book your trip with Stays (Revolut’s in-app travel booking agency), you’ll get up to 10% cashback. They also have real-time currency exchange rates at your fingertips, so you can see how much your money is worth and convert it.
Banks for international travel— common FAQs
How can I avoid foreign ATM fees?
There are several ways to avoid foreign ATM fees, but one of the best ways is to use a bank or a travel credit card that doesn’t have foreign ATM fees. You can also use your debit card to get cash back at a grocery store or shop. Another way to avoid foreign ATM fees is to exchange and take out cash before you leave the U.S. You can do this at most banks and credit unions, and it’s a great way to maintain your budget and keep track of your spending. Ultimately, using a bank with no foreign ATM fees is ideal, so you don’t have to worry about them.
Which banks have no foreign transaction fees?
Finding a bank with no foreign transaction fees is ideal, and this article features several of those banks. Capital One is just one of the banks that has a strict, “no foreign transaction fee” policy. Charles Schwab Bank also offers unlimited ATM fee rebates around the world. Some banks not included in this article that have no foreign transaction fees include Aspiration, Betterment, Alliant Credit Union, First Republic Bank, Fidelity, and USAA.
Which banks are the best for international travelers?
All the banks featured in this article are great for international travelers. Charles Schwab Bank, Capital One 360, HSBC Bank, Citibank, Ally, and Revolut are all great and reliable options for international travelers. They have unique offerings and benefits, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for you based on your financial situation.