Not all bank cards are equal when you travel. Some charge for every withdrawal and every payment abroad, others take almost nothing — and the gap can be a real share of your budget. Here are the criteria that truly make the difference, and how to choose based on your profile, whatever your home currency.
The criteria that really matter
- Foreign withdrawal fees: often the heaviest cost for a traveller — a flat fee, a percentage, or both.
- Foreign payment fees: a percentage of the amount on many ordinary cards, zero on the best ones.
- The exchange rate applied: aim for cards that convert at the interbank (mid-market) rate or very close.
- Withdrawal and payment limits: sometimes too low on the free neobank plans.
- Travel insurance and assistance: included on some premium cards (cancellation, luggage, medical costs).
Neobank or traditional bank?
Neobanks (Wise, Revolut, N26…) are often unbeatable on fees and exchange rate, but sometimes offer less insurance and stricter limits. A premium card from a traditional bank costs more per year but may include full travel insurance. The best strategy is often to combine two cards: a neobank for everyday withdrawals and payments, a premium (or second) card for insurance, big purchases and backup.
And prepaid cards?
Travel prepaid cards let you ring-fence a budget without exposing your main account, but often stack up fees (purchase, inactivity) and a worse rate. For most travellers, a good fee-free debit card remains preferable.
Match your card to your destination
Before choosing, look at the real cost of a withdrawal in the country you're visiting: for the same bank-side fees, the bill changes a lot depending on the local ATM. Our pages detail the fees for dozens of destinations — for example the United States, Japan or Thailand. You'll know whether your card is suitable, or whether you should bring a second one.
Whatever your card, keep the two universal reflexes: decline the conversion at the ATM (pay in local currency) and withdraw larger amounts where fees are flat.
👉 Check the fees at your destination and choose the right card.