This post isn’t sponsored – just my honest advice from my experience. I’m not affiliated with Schwab or Fidelity, and I don’t earn any commission from recommending them.
For anyone traveling full-time, ATM fees can be a big drain on your budget. After trying several options, I’ve found two debit cards that make a world of difference when it comes to pulling out cash while traveling internationally: the Charles Schwab debit card and the Fidelity Cash Management debit card. Here’s why I think these two cards are hands-down the best for hassle-free cash access while traveling abroad.
Why Schwab and Fidelity Cards Are Ideal for Travel
- No ATM Fees and Foreign Transaction Fees Both Schwab and Fidelity cards come without any ATM fees and foreign transaction fees. This means you can withdraw cash from any ATM abroad without extra charges on top, which is a major plus for long-term travelers.
- Free ATM Fee Reimbursement One of the biggest perks: Schwab and Fidelity offer free ATM fee reimbursement. So, if the local ATM charges a fee, both of these banks will refund you for it. It’s like having free access to cash, no matter where you are, and that really makes a difference over time.
- No Maintenance Fees or Minimum Balance With these cards, there’s no monthly maintenance fee, and you don’t have to maintain a minimum balance. This takes the pressure off, especially when you’re on the go and don’t want to worry about keeping a set amount in your account.
- Simple Lock/Unlock Feature for Security Both Schwab and Fidelity offer a lock/unlock feature that you can control through their apps. After you use the card, you can lock it immediately through the app, giving you an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
- Reliability Around the World These cards work in most places, so I haven’t had any trouble accessing cash in the various countries I’ve visited. That level of reliability really helps keep things simple and stress-free.
Important Tip: Always Withdraw in Local Currency
When using ATMs overseas, you’ll often be given the option to withdraw in your home currency rather than the local one. It may seem convenient, but this is almost always a bad deal. Always select to withdraw in the local currency and reject any “conversion” the ATM offers. Those conversion rates are often worse than what your bank would give you, so opting for local currency saves you money in the long run.