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.
USAA bank generally reimburses all atm fees. Some limitations can apply internationally, but I have not experienced any.
USAA banking is open to anyone. Only their insurance is limited to military.
thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.