One of the easiest ways to save money while traveling is to avoid unnecessary ATM fees. Before your trip, check whether your bank has international ATM partners. Using a partner ATM can help you avoid Bank of America’s non-network ATM fee (typically around $5 per transaction), although foreign transaction fees may still apply depending on your account. Always confirm the latest terms with your bank before traveling.
Bank of America’s international ATM partners currently include:
- Barclays (United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Channel Islands)
- BNP Paribas (France)
- BNL BNP Paribas (Italy)
- Deutsche Bank (Germany and select locations in Europe)
- China Construction Bank (mainland China)
- UkrSibbank (Ukraine)
- TEB (Turkey)
- Scotiabank (Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and many Caribbean destinations)
- Westpac (Australia and New Zealand)
A Better Option? Charles Schwab
Since I first published this article, many readers have recommended the Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking Account. It’s become one of the most popular banking options among frequent travelers because Schwab reimburses ATM fees worldwide and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases.
If you’re a U.S.-based traveler who regularly withdraws cash abroad, this is often considered one of the best travel-friendly banking accounts available.
Another Popular Choice: Wise
Many travelers also swear by Wise. Instead of relying solely on your bank’s exchange rates, Wise lets you hold and convert multiple currencies within the app and spend using the Wise debit card.
Benefits include:
- Competitive exchange rates
- Multi-currency balances
- Easy transfers between currencies
- Lower conversion costs than many traditional banks
Wise can be especially useful for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and anyone visiting multiple countries on the same trip.
My Favorite ATM Tip
No matter which bank you use, always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) when an ATM asks whether you’d like to be charged in U.S. dollars. Choose to be charged in the local currency instead.
That “helpful” conversion offered by the ATM is usually one of the most expensive exchange rates you’ll encounter while traveling.
Final Thoughts
If you already bank with Bank of America, using partner ATMs is an easy way to save on withdrawal fees abroad. However, if you travel internationally several times a year, it may be worth opening a dedicated travel-friendly account such as Charles Schwab or using Wise for cash withdrawals and everyday spending.
A few minutes of planning before your trip can easily save you hundreds of dollars in ATM and currency conversion fees over time.
What’s your best money-saving tip for international travel?
Note: Updated June 2026: Added current ATM partner information plus reader-recommended alternatives including Charles Schwab and Wise.
They are still partners, but as sparks indicates the BoA rules have changed. Unfortunately I have no idea what the next best card / bank would be to avoid fees.
I believe Mexico and Santander recently lost partnership…. I’m now getting charged a PERCENTAGE!!!! Taking out 178US cost me over 8US DOLLARS… Not happy
Sorry to say … the rules have changed as of the 8th of this month. Expats in Mexico are dumping BoA by the bunch. 3%+$5+ATM fee is way too much for real Expats
Pls can are use my debit here Italy
Best way to open bank account in New Zealand? Will be travelling there in a few months for a year. Does Westpac partner with BofA?
Good for you! I’m not sure so best to call
Bank of America still charges an International fee even if you use ATM at Santander in Mexico. I know!
True! They even take the $5 twice
I contacted Westpac NZ before I went there, and they let me open an account when I arrived. I deposited US cash to open it, then I wired more funds into that NZD account from my USD account in US. They also partner with BofA if you want to use your BofA debit card in the NZ ATMs. You might also save on the currency conversion fees by using xe.com to do the transfer to NZ account. XE sometimes has better conversion rates than Westpac.
Do you of any partners in Latvia, or if it’s possible to use ATM’s in LAtvia?
any BOA in Panama city, Panama or partner
Does BoA have any partners in Turkey?
Not as of last summer
Yes, TEB
As a Bof A customer in the US, can I use a Barclay’s or BNP bank anywhere in Europe and avoid fees or only Barclays in the UK or BNP in France to avoid fees? I am going to Greece. Thanks
I think so but I would call them to ask
BofA debit cards do not have chip and pin technology. Will I be able to use my debit card at a BNP Paribas ATM in Paris?
Yes. I used mine a few months ago
Capital One does not charge a foreign transaction charge on anything overseas. Cards like Visa and Amex charge 2-4%. And you get points. As a tour guide this saves a lot of cash.
Do you know any Russian partner?
We don’t. sorry
Does Boa have any partners in South Africa?
Yes, ABSA, one of the biggest banks in SA, belongs to Barclays. I withdrew several times with my Deutsche Bank card, no fees whatsoever, not at the withdraw, not afterwards. Confirmed afterwards I got the exact exchange rates every day, impressive!