FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE CAPITAL ONE

Last updated: June 20, 2025, 01:21 | Written by: Ari Paul

Planning an international trip or making purchases from overseas vendors? No Foreign Transaction Fees. Capital One Shopping is free for everyone whether or not you have a Capital One credit card. Once transfers are final, theOne of the biggest hidden costs that can quickly inflate your expenses is the dreaded foreign transaction fee. For 360 products (360 Checking, Money, etc.) there are no additional fees when you use your debit card abroad (any transaction made in a foreign currency or that MasterCard classifies as a cross-border transaction).These fees, typically ranging from 1% to 3% of each transaction, can add up significantly, turning a dream vacation into a budget nightmare.Fortunately, for those in the know, there are ways to avoid them entirely. Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees on their U.S. credit cards, making them a good choice for international travel. Foreign transaction fees can range from 1% to 5% and are usually added on top of your purchase price when using a credit card abroad.If you're a Capital One cardholder, you're in luck! All Capital One credit cards have no foreign transaction fees. With any Capital One credit card, cardholders will save an average of 1.57% on each purchase they make abroad or with an international merchant, compared to the average credit card offer.Capital One has distinguished itself by offering a wide range of credit cards with a significant advantage: no foreign transaction fees.This means you can swipe, tap, and spend abroad without worrying about those extra charges eating into your travel budget. Like some credit cards, some debit cards may come with foreign transaction fees, currency conversion fees and ATM fees when you use them abroad. Capital One does not charge additional fees for foreign transactions. View important rates and disclosures. But if you use an ATM that isn t within the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks, you may beBut, understanding which Capital One products offer this benefit, and the nuances surrounding debit card usage internationally, is crucial. Capital One Quicksilver foreign transaction fees. The Capital One Quicksilver does not charge foreign transaction fees. That makes this a great card to use when traveling, and it comes with additional benefits such as travel accident insurance, concierge service, travel assistance services, Capital One entertainment membership, CreditWise access, extended warranty protection, and access toThis comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about the foreign transaction fee Capital One policy, empowering you to make informed decisions and travel smarter.

Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees

Before diving into Capital One's specific policies, let's define exactly what a foreign transaction fee is. I used them in Europe this fall. They don't charge you any fees (foreign transaction fees or fees for using an ATM outside of their network-some cards will hit you with both!), BUT sometimes out-of-network ATMs will charge you fees, and Capital One 360 won't reimburse you for that.A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge that banks and credit card issuers apply to transactions made outside of the United States.This includes:

Purchases made in a foreign currency, even if you're still in the US (e.g., buying something online from a European retailer).
Purchases made in US dollars while you're physically located in a foreign country.

These fees are typically a percentage of the transaction amount, usually ranging from 1% to 3%.While it might seem like a small amount, it can quickly add up, especially on larger purchases or during extended trips. No foreign transaction fees. The Capital One Savor has no foreign transaction fees, which is pretty noteworthy for a no annual fee card. I know many people want a no annual fee card that also won t impose foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad, so this is a great card to consider for that purpose.For instance, spending $1,000 abroad with a card that charges a 3% foreign transaction fee will actually cost you $1,030.That's an extra $30 that could be spent on souvenirs, experiences, or simply saved.

Who Charges Foreign Transaction Fees?

Foreign transaction fees are typically charged by the card issuer, not the merchant. With a Capital One 360 Checking account, there are no foreign transaction fees for withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad. You may still be charged a withdrawal fee from the issuing ATM provider. To avoid ATM usage fees, use your debit card in an AllPoint ATM available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico.The card networks, like Visa and Mastercard, also play a role. There s no Capital One foreign transaction fee when you spend overseas with your Capital One credit card, or with a debit card attached to a 360 account product. Other account types may incur some international fees and there may also be other ongoing costs to consider when you pick the card you prefer.They charge a currency conversion fee (typically around 1%) to the card issuer, who may or may not pass this fee on to the customer. The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card charges no foreign transaction fees regardless of credit score. CNBC Select breaks down rewards, benefits and fees associated with it, soSome issuers absorb this cost, while others add it to the overall foreign transaction fee.

Capital One's Foreign Transaction Fee Policy: The Good News

Here's the exciting part: Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees on any of its U.S.-issued credit cards. See full list on wise.comThis includes personal credit cards, business credit cards, and even student credit cards. Credit cards with foreign transaction fees can add costs to your international travel. These fees can vary between credit card companies, but they could be about 1% to 3% of the price of any purchases you make. But not all credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. Capital One s credit cards, for instance, don t.This makes Capital One a standout choice for international travelers and anyone who frequently shops with international vendors.

This policy applies regardless of whether you're making a purchase in a foreign currency or in US dollars while you're abroad.You can confidently use your Capital One credit card for anything from hotel stays and restaurant meals to souvenirs and transportation without worrying about unexpected fees.

Specific Capital One Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

To reiterate, *all* Capital One credit cards boast this perk, but here are a few popular examples:

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: A popular travel card with great rewards and no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: A solid no annual fee option with no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: A simple cash back card with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Excellent for dining and entertainment rewards, plus no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: A great option for rebuilding credit, offering no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One Spark Cards (Business): All Spark cards also offer no foreign transaction fees.

This list is not exhaustive, as Capital One frequently updates its card offerings. Cash Advance APR: 29.24% variable APR. Transfer Fee: No Transfer Fee with this Transfer APR; 3% on the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a Promotional APR that we may offer you. Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greaterHowever, the key takeaway is that all Capital One credit cards currently available in the US come with the benefit of no foreign transaction fees.

Capital One Debit Cards and Foreign Transaction Fees: A Closer Look

While Capital One credit cards are universally free of foreign transaction fees, the situation with debit cards is a bit more nuanced. Foreign transaction fees might also apply to debit card and prepaid card transactions. Foreign transaction fees vary depending on the card issuer, card network and type of card, but they often range from 1% to 3% of the transaction. Some credit card issuers, including Capital One, don t charge foreign transaction fees.Specifically, it depends on the type of account the debit card is linked to.

360 Checking Accounts: No Foreign Transaction Fees

If your Capital One debit card is linked to a 360 Checking account, you will not be charged foreign transaction fees for any transactions made in a foreign currency or that Mastercard classifies as a cross-border transaction.This includes ATM withdrawals and purchases made at point-of-sale terminals.

Non-360 Checking Accounts: Foreign Transaction Fees May Apply

For Capital One debit cards not linked to 360 checking accounts, foreign transaction fees *may* apply. For Capital One debit cards not linked to 360 checking accounts, foreign transaction fees may apply. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount and are charged by the card issuer for processing transactions made in a foreign currency or with a foreign merchant. In addition to foreign transaction fees, non-360 Capital OneThese fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount.It's crucial to check the terms and conditions of your specific account to confirm whether or not foreign transaction fees apply.

Important Note: Even with a 360 Checking account, you may still be charged a withdrawal fee by the ATM provider when using an ATM outside of the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks.While Capital One won't charge you a foreign transaction fee, the ATM itself might impose a fee for using their machine.

Navigating ATM Fees Abroad

When traveling internationally, withdrawing cash from ATMs is often necessary. If you have a bank account or credit cards, check to see if they charge foreign transaction fees. It s a big help to your budget if they don t. How much cheaper will it be not to have those extra fees? Foreign transaction fees are typically 3%, so every $1,000 you spend, will actually be $1,030. While 3% might seem small, it can certainlyHere's what you need to know about potential ATM fees:

ATM Withdrawal Fees from the ATM Owner: The ATM owner may charge a fee for using their ATM, regardless of your bank.This fee is typically disclosed on the ATM screen before you complete the transaction.
Foreign Transaction Fees: As mentioned earlier, these fees may apply to debit card withdrawals if your account is not a 360 Checking account.

Tips to Minimize ATM Fees

Use ATMs within the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks: If you have a Capital One 360 Checking account, using ATMs within these networks can help you avoid ATM owner fees.
Withdraw larger sums less frequently: This minimizes the number of times you're potentially exposed to ATM fees. In fact, none of Capital One s U.S.-issued credit cards have foreign transaction fees. View important rates and disclosures. Learn how foreign transaction fees work and explore some of Capital One s rewards credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. What you ll learn: A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge on a credit card purchaseHowever, be mindful of safety and avoid carrying large amounts of cash for extended periods.
Consider using your credit card for purchases whenever possible: Since Capital One credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees, using them for purchases is often the most cost-effective option.
Look for banks that reimburse ATM fees: Some banks offer accounts that reimburse ATM fees, even when using out-of-network ATMs.

Using Your Capital One Card Abroad: Tips and Best Practices

Now that you understand Capital One's foreign transaction fee policy, here are some tips to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience when using your card abroad:

Notify Capital One of your travel plans: While not always necessary, informing Capital One of your travel dates and destinations can help prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and potentially blocked. Capital One business cards come standard with no foreign transaction fees and offer a variety of options, each providing the potential to earn travel rewards or cash back. To make the most out of a business card abroad, look for cards that don t charge foreign transaction or currency conversion fees, like those offered by Capital One.You can easily do this through the Capital One mobile app or website.
Understand Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When using your card abroad, you may be given the option to pay in your home currency (USD) or the local currency. Like many of the more basic travel cards out there, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card carries no foreign transaction fees, which can save you up to 3% on transactions abroad. ThisThis is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).While paying in USD might seem convenient, it often comes with a less favorable exchange rate set by the merchant or payment processor. Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (for fair-credit): No annual fee, Balance Transfer Fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate, no foreign transaction fee Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card (for rebuilding credit): No annual fee, $49 to $200 minimum refundable deposit, no foreign transaction feeIt's generally best to choose to pay in the local currency to get the most competitive exchange rate provided by Visa or Mastercard.
Monitor your account regularly: Use the Capital One mobile app or website to monitor your transactions and ensure that everything is accurate. Additionally, you might need to pay additional fees when you use an ATM abroad, including a flat fee from your bank for using an ATM not affiliated with the bank (typically $5), a foreign currency conversion fee (typically falls in line with foreign transaction fees at 3%) and additional fees charged by the owner of the specific ATM you use.This allows you to quickly identify and report any unauthorized charges.
Set up transaction alerts: Configure transaction alerts to receive notifications whenever a purchase is made on your card.This can help you stay on top of your spending and detect potential fraud.
Download the Capital One mobile app: The mobile app allows you to manage your account on the go, lock your card if it's lost or stolen, and customize transaction alert preferences.
Keep a copy of your card information in a safe place: In case your card is lost or stolen, having a copy of your card number and customer service contact information will make it easier to report the incident and request a replacement card.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Despite Capital One's clear policy of no foreign transaction fees on its credit cards, some misconceptions persist. Foreign transaction fees: Fees charged on transactions made outside the country are called foreign transaction fees. None of Capital One s US-issued credit cards include this type of fee. Over-limit fees: If a credit card balance exceeds the limit on the card, you may be subject to over-limit fees. Capital One cardholders are usually notLet's address a few common concerns:

""Even though Capital One doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, the exchange rate will be unfavorable.""

While the exchange rate is determined by Visa or Mastercard, not Capital One, Capital One does not add any additional markup to the exchange rate.You'll generally receive a competitive exchange rate comparable to what you would get exchanging currency at a bank or currency exchange service.

""My Capital One card was declined when I tried to use it abroad.""

There are several reasons why your card might be declined, even if you've notified Capital One of your travel plans. Capital One credit cards shine for travelers, ditching foreign transaction fees and offering solid exchange rates, making them a cost-effective choice for abroad purchases. Their suite of travel benefits and security features further cements their status as a top pick for international travel.It could be due to a security alert, a technical issue, or the merchant's payment processing system.If your card is declined, try contacting Capital One customer service immediately to resolve the issue.Also, ensure your card is not locked through the mobile app.

""I was charged a foreign transaction fee on my Capital One credit card.""

This is highly unlikely, as Capital One's policy is quite clear.However, if you believe you were incorrectly charged a foreign transaction fee, contact Capital One customer service and provide them with the details of the transaction.They will investigate the issue and refund the fee if it was applied in error.

""Capital One is not a good card for international travelers because their card doesn't work overseas.""

This statement is generally false. The foreign transaction fee for all Capital One Spark cards is $0. This means you won t be charged extra on transactions processed outside of the United States, whether it s a purchase at a physical location in a foreign country, or an online transaction through an internationally-based merchantCapital One is usually a great card for international travel. Capital One Quicksilver credit card foreign transaction fees the basics. The ideal credit card for travelers abroad is one that doesn t include a foreign transaction fee. Capital One offers an array of cards, some with foreign transaction fees, and some with none.The reasons a card doesn't work overseas include: The card was not activated prior to leaving the US, Capital One was not notified of travel, or the card was damaged.

The Advantages of Choosing Capital One for International Travel

Choosing a Capital One credit card for international travel offers several significant advantages:

Cost Savings: Eliminating foreign transaction fees can save you a substantial amount of money, especially on larger purchases or extended trips.
Convenience: You can confidently use your card anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard without worrying about hidden fees.
Rewards: Many Capital One credit cards offer generous rewards on travel, dining, and other categories, further enhancing the value of using your card abroad.
Security: Capital One offers robust security features, including fraud monitoring, instant card lock, and $0 fraud liability, providing peace of mind while traveling.

Capital One Shopping: Is it available internationally?

Capital One Shopping is an easy to use portal for getting extra savings. $0 fraud liability claims are subject to investigation and verification. With Card Lock, some activity may continue, including returns, credits, payments, interest, dispute adjustments, other account fees, purchase transactions during system downtime and certain other exempted transactions.The great news is that Capital One Shopping is free for everyone whether or not you have a Capital One credit card.

Conclusion: Travel Smarter with Capital One

In conclusion, understanding the foreign transaction fee Capital One policy can significantly impact your travel budget.While all Capital One credit cards offer the valuable benefit of no foreign transaction fees, it's essential to be aware of the potential fees associated with debit card usage, especially for accounts not linked to 360 Checking. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card benefits include travel accident insurance, rental car insurance, extended warranties on purchases and special discounts. The card also has a $0 annual fee, a $0 foreign transaction fee, a great introductory financing offer and generous rewarBy following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, you can confidently use your Capital One card abroad, save money, and enjoy a worry-free travel experience.

Key Takeaways:

All Capital One credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees.
Capital One 360 Checking accounts do not charge foreign transaction fees on debit card transactions.
Non-360 Checking accounts may be subject to foreign transaction fees on debit card transactions.
Always choose to pay in the local currency when using your card abroad to get the best exchange rate.
Notify Capital One of your travel plans and monitor your account regularly.

Ready to experience the freedom of traveling without foreign transaction fees?Explore Capital One's range of credit cards and choose the one that best suits your needs.Start planning your next adventure today!Remember to always view important rates and disclosures before applying for any credit card.