Credit & Debit Cards

For years getting travelers checks was the way to pay for things while traveling, not anymore. You can literally travel with very little cash using credit cards or debit cards. Before you even leave your home, most of the big expenses will already be paid or reserved and charged once you arrive. Airline tickets, car rental, hotels and if you shopped smartly you’ll have all your museum, transit and other tickets confirmed.

While you’ll be able to charge a majority of purchases using any of your credit cards, having a credit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money.

Some places may not except credit cards or just the one you normally use so always have two or three days of cash on hand. Paying with cash and paying the 1% bank foreign transaction fee and ATM fee maybe less than if you use a credit card everywhere with high foreign transaction fees. If you withdraw larger amounts of cash out of ATM’S it will be more cost effective as ATMS charge flat fees. Usually $5.00 service from the ATM ‘S bank who you withdraw money from and another $5.00 from your bank, unless you use an affiliated bank’s ATM. So you will pay a $10.00 ATM service on €100. or $10.00 fee on €500, do the math.

When traveling do not keep all credit cards and cash in the same place. Leave the ATM and some cash in the hotel safe and take a credit card and enough cash for souvenirs or food with you. This way if you loose something you’ll still have a back up of money.

Credit Cards…

In most cases you’ll be able to use your favorite credit card, especially in those big tourist areas but there may some instances were cards aren’t accepted so always have some cash with you. Europe uses the system that accepts credit cards that have a EMV micro chip embedded into the card. It is a more secure system then the magnetic strip card we have been using in the states. It is possible that some business’s may not accept the magnetic strip card for payment. In 2015 many american credit card issuers have been converting to a micro chip card. Retailers and business’s have been converting their payment systems to accommodate the micro chip cards and within the near future all credit card issuers will use this system for payment, even for your ATM debit cards. If you do not have a current micro chip card, it is recommended to get at least one credit card with the micro chip, just in case your old favorite magnetic strip  isn’t accepted.

When you use a credit card with the EMV micro chip they may ask you for your PIN number. Just tell them you’re american and you need to give them your signature. They’ll understand and they’ll have you sign a receipt just like a normal credit card purchase.

Your favorite cards may assess a foreign transaction fee with a high percentage fee for each purchase you make using the card. This can be costly in the long run so shop for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees nd an EMV micro chip.

Remember to contact all your credit card issuers and provide them with the dates you will be out of the country and also the names of the countries you will in. If you fail to do this, your card provider may cut off access to the use of your card. You do not want to find yourself situation unable to pay for services that could be embarassing. In addition to the time lost dealing with your card company to open the account while in Europe.

What kind of credit card is best for travel?

Micro-Chip Cards…Sooner or later all cards will have micro chips so when traveling out of the country to Europe or Asia it will no longer restrict you from using your credit card.

Foreign Transaction Fee…Cards with no foreign transaction fees are a way to minimize your costs. Remember, these fees will not appear on your hotel bill, restaurant tab or retail purchases but, they will be applied to your credit card statement. To pay an extra 8% on these purchases can very quietly add unwanted dollars to your credit card statement.

Bank Fees…These can be charges from using both your bank and the banks ATM your use. While it is difficult to determine what a foreign bank’s ATM charge is, find out what your bank charges for using an ATM out of their system.

Annual Fee…The higher the annual fee, the more benefits. Do not pay for benefits you will never use, identify your needs and how a card can give you a financial advantage worth the annual fee. Cards with higher fees pay back more so if you use a card a lot, you can obtain the free flights, accommodations and other services quicker, that makes the annual fee worth every penny. Most credit cards have introductory offers with no annual fee for the first year.

Point Accumulation…Many cards will accrue points or miles to be used for free services. These are calculated by how many dollars you charge on the card.  Airline cards give you miles for each dollar to purchase free tickets, hotels give points for free night stays, some allow you to transfer points to airlines or hotels. Some credit cards allow you to make a purchase and then use the points you’ve accumulated against the purchase. Read carefully and know how much you get back for each dollar you spend, as not all cards are equal.

Interest Rate…If you plan to charge your trip and pay it off over a period of time you will want a card with a low interest rate. A card with a high rate and a large balance could cost you hundreds off dollars more to pay off.

You will need to decide what benefit are best. You want to collect airlines miles for free flights, hotel points for free nights, cash back on purchases, low interests to finance your trip, etc. Remember to also compare

Bonus Introduction…Many cards offer addition rewards when you first sign up for their card. Additional points, miles, etc. will be automatically added to your account after you meet the introduction requirements. An initial amount of charges need to be made on the card within the first several months to receive the bonus. Please read the requirements as they do vary from one card to the next.

Highly Rate Travel Credit Cards…

Compare card advantages and see which one fits you the best. Bonus offer can be extra points or miles if a level of spending is done within the first several months or the annual membership fee is waived for the first year. Please read all offers carefully as they will have requirements that must be attained.

American express gold

Brand: American Express
Annual Fee: $250.
Reg. APR: 15.99%-22.99%
Rewards: Amex Points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

American Express Platinum

Brand: American Express
Annual Fee: $695.
Reg. APR: 15.99%-22.99%
Rewards: Amex Points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

bank of american travel rewards

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 13.99% – 23.99%
Rewards: B of A points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

BANK OF AMERICA PLATINUM REWARDS

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $95.
Reg. APR
: 15.99% – 22.99%
Rewards
: B of A points
Bonus intro offers
: Yes
Foreign Fees
: None

CAPITAL ONE SAVOR ONE CASH REWARDS

Brand: Mastercard
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 15.49% – 25.49%
Rewards: 8% – 3% cash back
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: No

CAPITAL ONE QUICKSILVER CASH REWARDS

Brand: Mastercard
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 15.49% – 25.49%
Rewards:
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $95.00
Reg. APR
: 17.24% – 24.49%
Rewards: Capital One miles
Bonus intro offers
: Yes
Foreign Fees
: None

CAPITAL ONE VENTURE ONE REWARDS

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 15.49% – 25.49%
Rewards: Capital One miles
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

CAPITAL ONE VENTURE X

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $395.
Reg. APR: 16.99% – 23.99%
Rewards: Chase points
Bonus intro offers: 75,000 miles
Foreign Fees: Yes

CHASE FREEDOM FLEX

Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 14.99% – 23.74%
Rewards: 1% – 5% cash back
Bonus intro offers: $200.
Foreign Fees: 3%

CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 14.99% – 23.74%
Rewards: Chase points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: Yes

CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVED

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $550.
Reg. APR: 16.99% – 23.99%
Rewards: Chase points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $95.
Reg. APR
: 15.99% – 22.99%
Rewards
: Chase points
Bonus intro offers
: Yes
Foreign Fees
: None

CITI PREMIER

Brand: Mastercard
Annual Fee: $95.
Reg. APR: 15.99% – 23.99% 
Rewards: Citi points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

DELTA SKY MILES – GOLD

Brand: American Express
Annual Fee: $99.
Reg. APR: 15.99% – 24.99% 
Rewards: miles
Bonus intro offers: 70,000 miles
Foreign Fees: None

DISCOVER IT MILES

Brand: Discover Card
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR
: 11.99% – 22.99%
Rewards
: Discover it points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

DISCOVER IT CASH BACK

Brand: Discover Card
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 11.99% – 22.99%
Rewards: 5%-1% cash back
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

AMEX HILTON HONORS 

Brand: American Express
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 15.74% – 24.74%
Rewards: Hilton points
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

HILTON HONORS SURPASS

Brand: American Express
Annual Fee: $250
Reg. APR
Rewards: Hilton points
Bonus intro offers:
Foreign Fees: None

MARRIOTT BONVOY BRILLIANT

Brand: American Express
Annual Fee: $450
Reg. APR: 15.74% – 24.74%
Rewards: Marriott points 
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

SOFI CARD

Brand: Mastercard
Annual Fee: $0
Reg. APR: 12.99% – 24.99%
Rewards: points or 2% cash back
Bonus intro offers: None
Foreign Fees: None

United explorer

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $95.
Reg. APR: 16.49% – 23.49%
Rewards: United miles
Bonus intro offers: Yes
Foreign Fees: None

U.S. BANK ALTITUDE CONNECT

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $95.
Reg. APR
: 15.99% – 23.99%
Rewards
: U.S. Bank points
Bonus intro offers
: Yes
Foreign Fees
: None

WORLD OF HYATT

Brand: Visa
Annual Fee: $95.
Reg. APR
: 16.24% – 23.24%
Rewards

Bonus intro offers
: 30,000 pts., Elite Status
Foreign Fees
: None

USE THE CREDIT CARD LINKS BELOW TO SHOP AND COMPARE CARDS.

➾ Credit Card.com  ➾ Creditcardapplicationline.com

➾ Card Hub.com  ➾ flyer guide.com 

➾ Nerd Wallet.com  ➾ The Points Guy.com

➾ UpgradedPoints.com

ATM’s and Debit Cards…

To receive cash you can use Mastercard, Visa, Cirrus and Plus Debit cards at any of the major bank’s ATM machines without any difficulty.

There will be a;

  • Currency conversion to US dollars
  • A foreign transaction fee based on the transaction amount ( banks may charge 1% to 3% other services could be more )
  • The banks service fee, whose ATM you use for withdrawal, that is not affiliated with your bank (typically $5.00 )
  • Your banks service fee for using a non-afiliated bank ATM (typically $5.00 )

How much can that be? That is hard to say because currencies fluctuate so values change all the time. Depending at which bank you withdraw from the rates may also vary. Banks will usually have the most competitive rates from 1%-3%. Check with your bank and inquire what their fees are for using an ATM out of their network.

There will be a;

  • Currency conversion to US dollars
  • A foreign transaction fee based on the transaction amount ( banks may charge 1% to 3% other services could be more )
  • The banks service fee, whose ATM you use for withdrawal, that is not affiliated with your bank (typically $5.00 )
  • Your banks service fee for using a non-afiliated bank ATM (typically $5.00 )

How much can that be? That is hard to say because currencies fluctuate so values change all the time. Depending at which bank you withdraw from the rates may also vary. Banks will usually have the most competitive rates from 1%-3%. Check with your bank and inquire what their fees are for using an ATM out of their network.

ATM WITHDRAWAL EXAMPLE

Withdrawal Amount€200,00
USD Conversion$244.07
Foreign Transaction Fee$7.32 @ 3%
Bank ATM Fee$5.00
Your Bank Fee$5.00
Total$261.39

So that €200, you received out of an ATM cost you $17.32 in total fees.

Never use a credit card for cash withdrawals from an ATM as these will always incur higher withdrawal fees than your debit card.

Major Financial Institutions and their rates…

ALLIANT CREDIT UNION

Transaction fee: 1%
Withdrawal Fee: 1%; up to $20 monthly out-of-network ATM fees reimbursed (includes foreign ATMs)

ALLY 
BANK

Transaction fee: up to 1%
Withdrawal Fee: Up to 1% of amount

BANK OF AMERICA

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $5.00 + 3%

BANK5 CONNECT

Transaction fee: 0.8% or 1%, depending on whether purchase made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency
Withdrawal Fee: .8% or 1% of amount

BBVA

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $3 + 1% of amount

BMO HARRIS BANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $3 + 2.8% of amount

CAPITAL ONE

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $2.00 + 3% of amount

CHASE

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $5 + 3% of dollar amount

CITIBANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $3.00 + 3% of amount

CITIZENS BANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $3 + 3% of amount

CONNEXUS CREDIT UNION

Transaction fee: Up to 1.5%
Withdrawal Fee: Up to 1.5% of amount

CONSUMERS CREDIT UNION

Transaction fee: 0.8% or 1%, depending on whether purchase was made in U.S. dollars or foreign currency
Withdrawal Fee: 0.8% or 1% of amount

FIDELITY CASH MANAGEMENT

Transaction fee: 1% 
Withdrawal Fee: none

FIFTH THIRD BANK

Transaction fee: 3.2% (3% for transaction and 0.2% for currency conversion)
Withdrawal Fee: $5 + 3.2% of amount

HSBC

Transaction fee: 3% + variable currency conversion fee
Withdrawal Fee: $2.50 + 3% of amount + variable currency conversion fee

M & T BANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $5.00 + 3% of amount

NAVY FEDERAL

Transaction fee: 1%
Withdrawal Fee: $1 + 1% of amount

PENFED CREDIT UNION

Transaction fee: Up to 2%
Withdrawal Fee: $1.50 + up to 2% of amount

PNC BANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $5.00 + 3% of amount

RADIUS BANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $5.00 + 3% of amount

REGIONS BANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $5 + 3% of amount

SANTANDER

Transaction fee
Withdrawal Fee: $6.00 + 4% of amount

TRUiST

Transaction fee: none
Withdrawal Fee: $5 + up to 3% of amount

TD BANK

Transaction fee: none
Withdrawal Fee: $3 + up to 3% of amount

UNION BANK

Transaction fee
Withdrawal Fee: $5.00 +2% of amount

U.S. BANK

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee:

WELLS FARGO

Transaction fee: 3%
Withdrawal Fee: $5.00 +3% of amount

It is also advisable to have a PIN of four digits only. Some financial institutions only allow entry of four digit PIN’s others may accept longer PIN’s. There are reports where longer PIN’s where accepted and others where they were not. Be safe and have a four digit PIN for your ATM / Debit Card.

No ATM Fees …

To Attract more customers more and more financial institutions are waiving foreign transaction fees, withdrawal fees or no fees at all. Others may apply a flat fee fee for each withdrawal as financial institutions vary. Some will also reimburse the amounts charged on your statement at the end of the month. Reimbursements may vary by bank on which fees and amounts are reimbursed.

Avoid debit cards that charge fees for using a ATM out of their network. That can save you $5.00 each time you use your card.

THESE BANKS OFFER SOME WAIVERS ON FEES…

Ally Bank – Interest Checking Account
Aspiration – Plus Account
Capitol One – 360 Checking Account
Citi Bank – Citigold customers
Chase Bank – Premier Plus Checking
Discover Bank – limited coverage outside US
Fidelity – Cash Management Account

HSBC Bank – HSBC customers
PNC Bank – Performance Select customer
Schwab Bank – High Yield Investor Checking Account
USAA – Checking account limited to US Military members and eligible family
Wells Fargo – Portfolio Checking Accounts

Bank of America – partners with the following international banks in Europe to avoid the non-Bank of America ATM $5 usage fee for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry as well as the ATM operator access fee.

Always check with your financial institution to see if they have accounts with benefits for traveling in foreign countries. Always know the banks they are valid at and in which countries.

ATM’S in Major Airports…

Shortly after your arrival at your final destination, you will need local currency. You have several options to either get local currency from your bank before you depart or upon arrival. Check with your local bank about their currency rates and foreign transaction fees. If you wait until you arrive at the airport and use an ATM or go to a Currency Exchange booth.

ATM’s / Currency Exchanges and VAT locations are available at all major European airports as well as, large urban train stations. Go to our ➾ Airports in Europe page and click on the country and city airport to open their web page. Open terminal maps where you’ll find the locations for all these services. For locations at major train stations go to our ➾ Trains page and scroll dow to “Major European Train Station Web Sites & Maps”. Click on the country and city to find the station web site and map.