Best ATM Card for Europe Travel: Top Options Revealed

Traveling to Europe can be an exciting experience, but navigating the local currency and banking system can be a challenge. The best ATM card for Europe travel can make a big difference in your trip.

Some of the top options for ATM cards include the Capital One 360 Money, which offers no foreign transaction fees and competitive exchange rates. This card is a popular choice among travelers.

If you're looking for a card with a low annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great option. It also offers a rewards program and travel insurance.

Traveling to Europe can be a breeze with the right ATM card. The Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card offers unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals.

This card is a great option for saving on fees while abroad. You can use it to withdraw cash without worrying about extra charges.

Some cards also don't charge foreign transaction fees. The Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card is one such example.

When trying to choose the best ATM card for Europe travel, you'll want to consider a few key features.

Foreign transaction fees are a must-know when traveling abroad. Every time a foreign bank processes your card, the card processing network will assess a fee of 1% of the total transaction, which applies to Visa and Mastercard cards.

Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees can add up quickly. Are there out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees, and if so, what's the fee amount?

Make sure to check if your card issuer reimburses out-of-network ATM operator fees. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you plan on using ATMs frequently.

The size of the card issuer's ATM network is also crucial. Look for a card issuer with a large ATM network that's present in the countries you're planning to visit.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing an ATM card for Europe travel:

Having a debit card with a wide, global network of ATMs can save you from out-of-network fees.

Bank of America charges $5 for international out-of-network ATM withdrawals and $2.50 for domestic out-of-network withdrawals. This is just one example of how banks can charge more for out-of-network withdrawals abroad.

Select a debit card that doesn't charge out-of-network fees and that reimburses ATM operator fees to avoid as many of these fees as possible.

It's also a good idea to be aware of the fees associated with foreign ATM withdrawals, including out-of-network ATM fees, ATM operator fees, and currency conversion fees.

When traveling to Europe, it's essential to have the right ATM card to avoid unnecessary fees and complications. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also provides a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for travel expenses.

The Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Card is a great option for travelers. It offers unlimited ATM fee rebates for cash withdrawals, which can save you a lot of money while abroad.

This card also doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it a smart choice for international trips.

Fidelity Cash Account offers a great option for international travel, reimbursing you for all ATM fees worldwide. This makes it a great option for travelers who frequently use ATMs abroad.

With Fidelity's Cash Management Account, you can withdraw money from over 1 million ATMs worldwide with your debit card, as long as the ATM has a Visa, Plus, or Star logo. There are no account fees or minimums, making it a convenient choice.

The account also offers automatic transfers to help you reach your savings goals, and real-time spending insights to keep you on track. This can be a big help for those who struggle with staying on top of their finances.

One of the standout features of Fidelity's Cash Management Account is its ATM fee reimbursement policy. Unlike some other accounts, Fidelity reimburses you on the same day the fee is debited, rather than at the end of the statement period.

Here are some of the key benefits of Fidelity's Cash Management Account:

Revolut is a great option for those who want a fee-free account with a debit card that can be used abroad. Their standard account has no monthly fee, making it a great choice for those who don't want to pay extra.

The standard account comes with a debit card that can be used at over 55,000 ATMs in the US, and you can withdraw up to $400 per month for free. After that, you'll pay a 2% fee.

If you need more features, you can upgrade to the Premium or Metal accounts, which offer more generous ATM withdrawal limits and better exchange rates. For example, the Premium account has a monthly fee of $9.99 and allows you to withdraw up to $800 per month for free.

Here's a quick rundown of the different account types:

Overall, Revolut is a solid choice for those who want a fee-free account with a debit card that can be used abroad.

Having cash with you when traveling abroad is a good idea, as not every merchant accepts card payments and processing fees can be exorbitant.

To access local currency, you may need to withdraw money at an ATM using a debit card. Withdrawing money from an ATM using a credit card is never a good idea, as it will result in hefty cash advance interest fees.

Your bank may charge a fee every time you withdraw cash from an ATM outside its network, known as an out-of-network ATM fee. Bank of America, for example, charges $5 for international out-of-network ATM withdrawals and $2.50 for domestic out-of-network withdrawals.

You may also run into ATM operator fees, which are charged by the bank or network that owns the ATM and will be charged on top of the out-of-network fees levied by your bank.

A currency conversion fee may also apply, ranging from 2% to 7% of the total transaction cost. It's a good idea to decline this fee whenever possible.

To avoid as many of these fees as possible, select a debit card that doesn't charge out-of-network fees and that reimburses ATM operator fees.

Here are some debit cards that can help you avoid these fees:

It's worth noting that some banks, like Chase, still charge out-of-network fees, while others, like Bank of America, charge higher fees for international withdrawals.