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Avoid ATM Fees while Traveling by Luke Want to avoid ATM fees while traveling? Just ask. That’s right, just ask. Some banks will waive out-of-network ATM fees while traveling if you just call and ask them. Even if you’re going to be away from home for several months, some banks will waive the fees both to thank you for being a loyal customer and discourage you from getting a new debit card for your travels. Some online banks without local bank branches will refund ATM fees (up to a set amount). If you find yourself racking up ATM fees and you are a frequent traveler, an online bank with ATM rebates might be the way to go. Otherwise, just give your bank a call. It never hurts to ask. Traveling out of the country? Check out this chart of debit card foreign transaction fees. If you have success stories, post them here. We would like to compile a list of banks that happily waive ATM fees for travelers.
3 Comments to "Avoid ATM Fees while Traveling"
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July 11, 2006 
It appears Capital One is offering a free ATM card with their High Yielf Money Market Account that features no fees (from them) for overseas use. From the disclosures: “We will not charge you any fees for ATM withdrawals; but fees may be charged by the owner of the ATM.”
Thanks… I’ll try that. We live a good part of the year and are stunned by the recent jump in Citibank’s fees. After 10 years, it might mean we need to cancel this account and set up with somebody else.
That said, if the call doesn’t work, what’s the one BEST option for someone in this situation? I see the Capital One recommendation, and will look into it. Also HSBC, which others have mentioned. But is there one you recommend above all others for someone with frequent (every few days) ATM use overseas?
I will put in another vote for Capital One bank. I opened a bank account and got a credit card with them right before I moved here to Spain, and it has worked out very well.
The deal I got back in September of this year was: free checking, debit card with Visa logo, and if I kept over $1000 average in my checking account, they would reimburse all foreign ATM charges (in addition to obviously not charging me themselves to use overseas ATMs). They have kept their promise - and trust me, it is awesome. My friend here uses Bank of America, and they charge $5 themselves, plus whatever the bank here in Europe charges, which is usually $4 or so. That’s $9 in bank fees every time you use an ATM!
Also, with my Mastercard credit card with Capital One, if I use it in a store, I get an EXCELLENT exchange rate (compared to my Bank of America debit card), and there’s no foreign service charge.
I do not have a bank account in Spain, so I use this checking account VERY frequently to withdraw from ATMs, and I use the credit card when I make purchases in stores.