6 Best Banks for International Travel of 2025

Crediful
• 10 min read

Choosing the right bank can save you from unnecessary fees and hassles when traveling. Many people assume their current bank will work just fine, only to return home and find unexpected charges on their statement. ATM withdrawal fees, foreign transaction fees, and difficulty accessing emergency cash can all turn a dream trip into a financial headache.

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The best banks for international travel help you avoid these issues. Some offer unlimited ATM fee reimbursements, while others provide free foreign transactions, emergency cash access, or even streamlined international wire transfers. Below, we’ve broken down the top choices based on key travel banking needs.

Let’s take a look at the best options for keeping your money accessible and your fees low while traveling abroad.

Best Bank for Free ATM Access Worldwide

ATM fees can add up quickly when traveling. Some banks charge their own fees, while foreign ATMs add extra surcharges. Choosing a bank that reimburses these costs can save you money.

Charles Schwab Bank

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Charles Schwab Bank is the best option for avoiding ATM fees worldwide because it reimburses all ATM fees—both domestic and international.

Unlike most banks that limit reimbursements to a certain amount per month, Schwab offers unlimited ATM fee refunds. Whether you’re withdrawing cash in a foreign country or at an out-of-network ATM in the U.S., you won’t have to worry about extra charges.

In addition to ATM fee reimbursements, Schwab doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees when using your debit card abroad. That means you can make purchases in another currency without getting hit with extra costs.

The Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking account also comes with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, making it a stress-free option for frequent travelers.

Since Schwab is an online bank, you’ll need to manage your account digitally. However, their customer service is available 24/7, and their mobile app makes it easy to transfer money, pay bills, and monitor transactions no matter where you are.

Best Bank for Emergency Cash Access

Losing your wallet or facing an unexpected expense abroad can be stressful. Some banks offer emergency cash services, making it easier to access funds when you need them most.

HSBC

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HSBC is a top choice for travelers who want access to emergency cash while abroad. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you can request up to $10,000 in emergency funds, depending on your account balance.

This service is available to HSBC Premier and Advance customers, ensuring you can get cash when you need it most.

With a global presence in over 60 countries, HSBC makes it easy to access your money no matter where you are.

You can visit a local HSBC branch to withdraw emergency funds or use their extensive ATM network to access cash. Their customer service team is also available to help coordinate emergency assistance, providing peace of mind while traveling.

If you plan on using this service, it’s a good idea to call HSBC before your trip to confirm the amount available to you. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect in case of an emergency.

Best Bank for Low-Cost International Wire Transfers

Sending money abroad can be expensive, with banks charging high fees and adding unfavorable exchange rates. Choosing a bank with low-cost or free international wire transfers can help you save.

Citibank

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Citibank is a strong choice for international wire transfers, especially if both the sender and recipient have Citibank accounts.

Transfers between Citibank accounts are free, whether domestic or international, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travelers or those sending money abroad regularly.

However, if the recipient doesn’t have a Citibank account, standard wire transfer fees apply, which can be as high as $35 per transaction.

Additionally, while Citibank doesn’t charge extra for currency conversion, the exchange rate used may include a markup. This means the recipient could receive slightly less than the market exchange rate.

If you’re sending large amounts, it’s worth checking the rate Citibank offers compared to independent money transfer services.

For those who frequently transfer money internationally, it’s a good idea to set up a Citibank account on both ends to take full advantage of fee-free transfers and potentially better rates.

Best Bank for No Foreign Transaction Fees

Many banks charge extra fees for purchases made outside the U.S., which can add up fast. Choosing a bank that waives foreign transaction fees helps keep costs low when spending abroad.

Capital One 360

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Capital One 360 is a great option for travelers looking to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Unlike many banks that charge an extra 1% to 3% on international purchases, Capital One lets you use your debit card abroad without additional fees. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for frequent travelers.

When it comes to ATM access, Capital One doesn’t charge fees for using out-of-network ATMs, whether in the U.S. or abroad. However, it does not reimburse fees that ATM owners may charge.

This means you can withdraw cash from thousands of fee-free ATMs in the Capital One, Allpoint, and MoneyPass networks, but if you use an ATM outside these networks, you’ll be responsible for any surcharges.

Capital One 360 also offers free wire transfers, which can be useful for sending money while traveling. With no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, it’s an easy-to-manage option for those who need international banking without extra costs.

Best Credit Card for Earning Travel Rewards

A good travel credit card can help you earn valuable rewards on flights, hotels, and dining while avoiding extra fees. The right card can also offer perks like travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best travel credit cards for earning rewards on everyday spending. Cardholders earn bonus points on travel and dining purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

When redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, points are worth 25% more, making it a valuable option for maximizing rewards. The card has no foreign transaction fees, so you won’t pay extra when making purchases abroad.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with valuable travel protections. These include trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, and primary rental car coverage. These perks can help cover unexpected costs and provide peace of mind while traveling.

For frequent travelers looking for even more premium benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers higher rewards rates, airport lounge access, and additional travel protections.

However, it comes with a higher annual fee. If you want strong travel perks without the premium price tag, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice.

Best Bank for Expats Living Abroad

Expats need a bank with a global presence, easy international transfers, and seamless account access across multiple countries. The right bank makes managing money abroad much easier.

HSBC

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If you’re a frequent globetrotter or are about to move to another country, you need a bank with an international presence.

HSBC helps make moving abroad easier by having 3,900 offices in 67 countries and territories in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America.

If you have an HSBC account, it’s quite easy to open an account in another country well before you even arrive there. Plus, if you download their mobile app, you can do it right on your smartphone. It’s safe and secure and enables account holders to check their bank accounts whenever they wish.

So for jetsetters such as yourself, moving from one country to the next, this is a powerful money and time-saving tool to have in your pocket. Sign up for the premier checking account and avoid the foreign transaction fees with debit card purchases.

However, with so many great perks to HSBC, unfortunately, it’s not for everyone. For starters, it charges a $50 monthly maintenance fee.

This isn’t exactly pocket change for many people. And the only way to avoid this fee is if you have a minimum of $100,000 in your account.

Even with the high monthly service fees, HSBC still ranks as the number one bank for globetrotters. This is because it has a strong infrastructure, a massive network, and great features.

Even if you don’t have $100,000 in your accounts, the $50 monthly fee could be well worth the number of features available.

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Best Banks for International Travel: Honorable Mentions

No matter the criteria used, there are always going to be strong contenders left out. So, the options below are definitely worth consideration, too:

Chime

Chime® offers an online bank account with no foreign transaction fees. You also get a Visa debit card with the checking account. The debit card can be used at 60,000+ fee-free1 ATMs at stores like Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy, and more.

Chime also offers other benefits like getting your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit2.

Bank of America

No fees for using your debit card at ATMs that aren’t Bank of America-owned. Plus, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees if you use any of their credit cards while traveling.

Alliant Credit Union

Rebates up to $20 a month for ATM fees incurred from using non-Alliant ATMs. If you use their credit card while abroad, there are zero foreign transaction fees.

American Airlines Credit Union

The AACU checking account offers rebates of up to $20 a month for ATM fees incurred while traveling. Additionally, foreign transactions only incur a 1% fee.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal offers credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. In addition, there are no ATM fees on military bases, and you get ATM rebates of $10 per monthly statement. Eligibility at NFCU is for members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.

Andrews Federal Credit Union

AFCU offers credit cards without any foreign transaction fees. It also has over 1 million ATMs across the globe. So, it’s unlikely you’ll have to resort to using an ATM that isn’t an Andrews Federal Credit Union ATM.

See also: Best Banks for Digital Nomads in 2025

Financial Tips for Traveling Abroad

So, you’ve chosen all the right banks, but there are still a few things you need to know before becoming a stranger in a strange land.

Get a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees

When it comes to making purchases, credit cards are generally the safest method of payment. They offer more protection than debit cards.

However, many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees of 1% to 3% for purchases made outside the United States. These fees can add up quickly.

Get a highly rated credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. These cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. They also allow you to earn more travel miles towards your next trip.

Exchange Currency at Your Bank

If you plan to use cash on your trip, check with your bank or credit union before you leave. Many banks allow you to order foreign currency online or pick it up at a local branch. This is usually cheaper than exchanging money at airport kiosks or currency exchange booths, which often have high fees and poor exchange rates.

Don’t Use Traveler’s Checks

Traveler’s checks are antiquated. Most debit cards give a much better exchange rate these days, plus not many places even accept them anymore. So, avoid the hassle and save time by using a bank that offers fee-free ATM usage or zero to low foreign transaction fees.

Notify Banks of Your Travel Plans

Banks monitor transactions for fraud, and an unexpected charge in another country could trigger a security block on your card. To avoid this, notify your bank before traveling. Many banks now let you set travel alerts through their mobile banking apps, so you don’t have to call customer service.

Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks at hotels, cafés, and airports are easy targets for hackers looking to steal sensitive information. Instead of connecting to unsecured networks, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data. This adds an extra layer of security when accessing your bank account or making purchases online.

Final Thoughts

Having the right bank for international travel can make a huge difference in avoiding fees, accessing your money easily, and ensuring financial security while abroad. Whether you need free ATM access, emergency cash, or a credit card with strong travel rewards, choosing a bank that fits your travel style is key.

Before your next trip, take a few minutes to review your bank’s policies on foreign transaction fees, ATM reimbursements, and emergency services. If your current bank isn’t traveler-friendly, switching to one that offers better benefits can save you money and stress.

A little preparation now means you can focus on enjoying your travels without worrying about unexpected banking issues. Safe travels!

Crediful
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Crediful

Crediful is dedicated to making personal finance simple. Our team of experts provides clear, practical advice on budgeting, credit, saving, investing, and more to help you make smart financial decisions.

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