
Capital One offers a range of currency exchange rate options to help you manage your international transactions.
You can use the Capital One Travel Service to get a competitive exchange rate on your foreign transactions. This service is available on Capital One credit cards, and it can save you up to 1% in fees compared to other banks.
Capital One also offers the ability to lock in a rate for 90 days, which can provide some protection against fluctuations in the exchange rate.
For example, if you're planning a trip to Europe and you want to exchange $1,000, you can lock in a rate of 1.15 euros per dollar, and then exchange your money at that rate within 90 days.
Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees can be a surprise addition to your bill, especially if you're not aware of them.
These fees usually range from around 1% to 3% of the transaction amount after it's converted to U.S. dollars.
If you're making large purchases, these fees can add up fast.
The fee is often made up of smaller charges by the card network as well as the bank or credit card issuer.
So if your card issuer charges a 1% fee and the card network charges 2%, then the total fee is 3%.
Key Information
Capital One credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees, which is a big plus for travelers.
If you're planning a trip abroad, consider a travel rewards credit card from Capital One, as they come with rewards and benefits that can enhance your experience.
Currency Exchange Rates
Currency exchange rates can vary significantly between different providers, including Capital One.
You can beat Capital One bank exchange rates when making an international money transfer or overseas payment.
The rates offered by Capital One are generally lower than those of other providers, such as Currencies Direct and TorFX.
For example, when transferring USD to GBP, Currencies Direct offers a rate of £0.786 to £0.789, compared to Capital One's rate of £0.754.
TorFX also offers a more competitive rate, at £0.789.
Wise offers a rate of £0.789 to £0.789, which is competitive but not as high as Currencies Direct and TorFX.
Here are the exchange rates for USD to GBP and USD to EUR from the providers mentioned:
International Money Transfers
International money transfers with Capital One Bank can be pricey. A margin or exchange rate of around 5.0% applies, and additional bank transaction or commission fees may be added on top.
Using a specialist currency broker can save you time and money. For example, a typical overseas currency transfer of $100,000 using Capital One Bank services would have a transaction exchange rate margin of around 5.0% – or $5,000.
Money transfer providers, on the other hand, offer much more competitive rates. Their rates range between 0.45 to 1.0%, which is significantly lower than what Capital One Bank charges.
Using a specialist broker like TorFX can save you a large amount of money. In the example given, the exchange rate margin would work out at 0.7% – or only $700, which is a huge saving over the bank service.
Alternatives to Traditional Currency Exchange
If you're looking to send money abroad from your Capital One account, you have options beyond using the bank's services.
Using a specialist currency broker can save you time and money on the transaction. For example, a typical overseas currency transfer of $100,000 USD using Capital One Bank services would have a transaction exchange rate margin of around 5.0% – or $5,000 USD.
You can beat Capital One bank exchange rates by using a specialist broker. According to the data, TorFX offers a 0.7% exchange rate margin, saving you $4,300 compared to Capital One's 5.0% margin.
Here are some alternatives to traditional currency exchange:
Using a specialist broker like TorFX can save you a significant amount of money on your overseas currency transfer.
Minimizing Costs Abroad
To minimize costs abroad, compare money transfer prices to find the best deal. This can help you save money on international transactions.
Using a card abroad can be a cost-effective option, but make sure to compare cheap foreign currency cards to find one that suits your needs.
You can also purchase foreign cash before your travels to avoid high ATM fees. This way, you'll have local currency for when you arrive.
Easily find the cheapest source of foreign currency by comparing travel money providers, such as FX Providers. This will help you make an informed decision about where to get your currency.
By being mindful of these costs, you can stretch your funds further and enjoy your adventures without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Capital One charge to exchange currency?
Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. This means you can travel and shop abroad without extra charges on your transactions.
Sources
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/no-foreign-transaction-fee-credit-card/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/capital-one-venture-foreign-exchange-rate-1000189-2140768621/
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/cash-vs-card-when-traveling/
- https://www.transfersupermarket.com/us/bank-rates/capital-one/
- https://fxpal.com/review-articles/capital-one-bank-foreign-exchange-review-insights/
Featured Images: pexels.com