If you're an avid traveler at heart, then your bank account should help make your experiences abroad easier. Depending on what you need more help with — planning or on-site spending for travel— we've found the best banks for you.
Best Bank Accounts for International Travel Benefits
- Ally Savings Account
- Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account
- Capital One 360 Checking
- Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account
- SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)
- Revolut Account
We picked the top savings, checking, and all-in-one accounts for travel, to help you save or manage your money.
Compare the Top Bank Accounts for International Travel
Business Insider's personal finance team reviewed 430 bank accounts to find the best ones for people who prioritize travelling.
The top bank accounts for international travel help make planning and spending for trips easier. We looked for the accounts that can help you save for travel and top checking accounts that allow you to access your money with ease when you're on the road and overseas.
Below, you'll see our top picks for international travel. All of the financial institutions on our list are protected by FDIC or NCUA insurance. Money is safe at a federally insured financial institution. When an institution is federally insured, up to $250,000 per depositor is secure in a bank account.
Ally Savings Account
no monthly service fee
3.80%
$0
- High APY
- No minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees
- Savings buckets help you save for different goals
- Surprise savings transfers help you save extra money from your checking account
- No physical branch locations
- No way to deposit cash
The Ally High Yield Savings Account is a great option for anyone who wants savings tools to help save for specific financial goals, or prioritizes an account that doesn't charge standard bank fees.
Ally Savings Account- Create separate savings buckets in a savings account
- Link to your Ally checking account and enroll in surprise savings transfers to have extra money transferred to savings three times per week
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
The Ally High Yield Savings Account provides easy tools to set savings goals for your next trip, and you'll earn interest without having to take on any risk.
You can also set up a checking account through Ally. When you need access to your savings, just transfer money from the savings account to the checking account through the online portal, and you'll be able to spend the money almost instantly.
Ally also offers an easy-to-use mobile app and 24/7 customer support, making it simple to access your account while you're on the road.
You won't be able to deposit cash directly into your bank account. Instead, you'll have to transfer money from another bank account.
Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account
no monthly service fee
None
$0
10,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles
- No minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees
- Earn American Airlines AAdvantages miles
- May not be easy to deposit cash
The Bask Bank Interest Savings Account and Bask Bank CD are excellent options if you'd like to earn a high interest rate. The Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account may be a great choice if you frequently use American Airlines for travel. Bask Bank doesn't offer a checking account, though.
Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account- Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles.
- To qualify for this offer, you must be a first time Bask Mileage Savings Account customer, open a Bask Mileage Savings Account between December 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025, fund your Bask Mileage Savings Account within 15 business days following the initial account opening and maintain a minimum daily account balance of $50,000 for 180 consecutive days out of the first 210 days following the initial account opening.
- Earn 2 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every $1 saved annually on a Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account
- Must provide your AAdvantage account number to receive AAdvantages miles
- AAdvantage miles earned through the Bask Mileage Savings Account can't be used toward boosting your American Airlines elite status
- Miles awarded monthly
- Deposits FDIC insured through Texas Capital Bank
You might find the Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account appealing if you are a frequent American Airlines flyer. This savings account lets you earn earn 2 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every $1 saved annually on a Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account. You can redeem miles for booking flights or hotels, upgrading flights, renting transportation, or planning vacation activities.
Bask Bank is also offering a savings account bonus for new customers: earn 10,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles for new Bask Mileage Savings Account customers who open an account between December 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025, fund their account within 15 business days from account opening and maintain a minimum daily account balance of $50,000 for 180 consecutive days out of the first 210 days.
AAdvantage miles earned through the Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account will not go toward boosting your AAdvantage status.
Bask Bank also doesn't have a checking account, ATM cards, or debit cards, so you'll have limited access to your account. You'll need to link an external bank account and initiate a bank transfer to deposit or withdraw money.
Capital One 360 Checking
no monthly service fee
See website for details
$0
$250
- Earn interest on all account balances
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- No monthly service fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Range of overdraft protection options
- Processes direct deposits up to 2 days early
- Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM fees
- Limited access to customer service by phone
Capital One is a strong bank overall. You'll earn competitive interest rates on online savings accounts and CDs.
Capital One 360 Checking- Earn $250 when you open a new account with promo code CHECKING250 and receive at least 2 direct deposits, each of $500 or more, within 75 days of account opening
- Over 70,000 free ATMs nationwide
- Branches in NY, LA, TX, MD, VA, NJ, and Washington, DC
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
Capital One 360 Checking might be a solid choice if you're most comfortable with a well-known retail bank and want no-fee cash withdrawals at home and in select countries abroad.
You can withdraw up to $1,000 a day at any ATM worldwide using your MasterCard and Capital One won't charge a fee, though the ATM operator may. The bank ranks No. 1 on J.D. Power's U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study, and it made Business Insider's list of the best checking accounts.
Capital One also offers a solid high-yield savings account, which is a good choice if you want to keep your savings at the same bank as your checking.
If you travel to Europe, Asia, or any other place where Capital One and AllPoint don't have ATMs, you may have to pay third-party ATM operator fees to take cash out (Capital One will never charge you an additional fee).
As for branch access, the bank only operates about 280 branches in seven U.S. states, though Capital One Cafés are in some big cities around the U.S.
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account
no monthly service fee
0.05%
$0
- No opening deposit
- No minimum account balance
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM reimbursements
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free overdraft protection
- No way to deposit cash
Charles Schwab Bank is one of the best banks for international travelers, because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. It also refunds all fees charged by ATMs worldwide. But if you want to earn high interest rates, you're better off looking elsewhere.
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account- 24/7 live online chat
- When you open a checking account, you automatically open a Charles Schwab brokerage account, too
- No ATM network, but unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
Charles Schwab is an investment platform, but it also has banking products. The Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account is a great choice if you'd like a fee-free international spending bank account. It notably offers unlimited refunds for ATM fees worldwide, and it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
You must open a brokerage account with Charles Schwab before opening a checking account, though.
SoFi Checking and Savings
no monthly service fee
up to 3.80%
$0
up to $300
- FDIC insured for $2 million
- High interest rate
- Earn a higher interest rate with qualifying activities
- No minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees
- Up to $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposit (terms apply)
- Savings tools
- Early direct deposit
- Joint account available
- Declined purchase if you overdraw by more than $50
- Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM providers' fees
- May deposit cash at Green Dot locations but there's a $4.95 fee
SoFi Checking and Savings is a great account option if you don't mind keeping your savings and checking in one account.
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)- Sign-up bonus of up to $300. When you sign up and set up direct deposit. Wait for direct deposit to hit account (typically 2-4 weeks). Collect cash bonus of $50 to $300 depending on direct deposit amount
- Up to 3.80% APY with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 30-day evaluation period
- FDIC Insured and covered up to $2 million in FDIC coverage through a network of participating banks
- 55,000+ fee-free ATMs
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) offers the best of both worlds. It's a hybrid savings/checking account with a competitive interest rate and a MasterCard debit card for easy access to your cash.
SoFi® is part of the Allpoint ATM network, so you have free access to 50,000 ATMs worldwide, and SoFi doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee when you make a purchase with your debit card abroad.
Again, SoFi is completely online — you'll need to call customer service when you want help with your account rather than walking into a physical location.
While SoFi doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees when you withdraw cash at an international bank or ATM, MasterCard will charge 0.20%, and SoFi won't reimburse you.
Revolut Account
no monthly service fees on Standard plan
Standard plan: up to 3.25% APY, Premium plan: up to 4.25% APY, Metal plan: up to 4.25% APY
$0
- No minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees on Standard plan
- No overdraft fees
- Prepaid debit card included (specific card depends on monthly plan)
- Early direct deposit
- Spend abroad in over 140 currencies
- Budgeting features
- Withdraw up to $1,200 from out-of-network ATMs on Metal plan with no fair usage fees
- Can't overdraw from account
- 2% fee of ATM withdrawal on out-of-network ATM fees if you exceed the limit
- $0.30 to $6 international money transfer fee if you exceed limit
- Access to 55,000 free ATMs through the Allpoint ATM network
- Withdraw up to $1,200 from out-of-network ATMs on Metal plan
- Spend in more than 140 currencies
- Additional international wire transfer fees will depend on the transfer amount and whether there's a currency exchange
- Banking services are provided by Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Member FDIC
You might like the Revolut Account if you're looking for an alternative to traditional banking.
Revolut is a British fintech company with an international finance and investing app. You can open accounts from anywhere in the U.S.
The Revolut Account is a prepaid debit card linked to a bank account. You can easily spend money internationally in over 150 types of currency. The account also allows you to make one fee-free international or domestic wire transfer per month with the Standard plan, three with the Premium plan, and five with the Metal plan.
The account also has budgeting features that let you round up prepaid debit card purchases or set up individual savings goals through Vaults. The Revolut Account and Savings Vault are FDIC-insured by Metropolitan Commercial Bank and Sutton Bank.
Revolut has three plans: Standard (Free), Premium ($9.99 per month), or Metal ($16.99 per month). Access to certain app features will depend on your monthly plan.
Bank Trustworthiness and BBB Ratings
We review the ethics of each company so you can see if a specific financial institution aligns with your values.
We also include the settlement history of the last three years so you're aware of any recent public controversies involving the bank.
The Better Business Bureau assesses companies based on responses to customer complaints, honesty in advertising, and transparency about business practices. Here are the BBB grades for our favorite travel accounts:
| Institution | BBB grade |
| Ally | A+ |
| Bask Bank | B (A+ for parent bank, Texas Capital Bank) |
| Capital One 360 | A+ |
| Charles Schwab | A+ |
| SoFi | A+ |
| Revolut | F |
Revolut has an F grade from the BBB because it has received various customer complaints and failed to respond to a few complaints and resolve two complaints. It also has an F rating for the time its taken to respond to customer complaints.
Bask Bank received a B grade from the BBB because of its volume of customer complaints. However, its parent company, Texas Capital Bank, has an A+ rating from the BBB.
A great BBB score doesn't guarantee your relationship with a company will be perfect. You'll also want to speak with current customers or read online customer reviews.
In January 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued Capital One. The CFPB says that Capital One unlawfully misled customers about what the best interest rate was on Capital One savings accounts, leading to consumers missing out on more than $2 billion in interest payments.
Capital One used to have an account called 360 Savings. In 2019, Capital One launched the new 360 Performance Savings Account, which paid a much higher interest rate. Many customers thought their old savings accounts would transition into this new one, but in reality, they had to open a new 360 Performance Savings Account to earn the higher rate.
Introduction to Banking for International Travel
When you're traveling abroad, bear in mind many financial institutions have fees for using a debit card internationally.
For example, if you use an ATM provider to withdraw money that isn't in your network, you may have to pay out-of-network ATM fees from the provider and your financial institution.
Many banks also have foreign transaction fees. A foreign transaction fee is a debit or credit card charge that can happen when you buy something internationally and it needs to be processed through a foreign financial institution.
There are many financial institutions that can help you avoid common international bank fees, though.
Key Features of Ideal Banks for International Travel
The right bank can make saving for travel goals easier. It can also help you avoid common bank fees, like out-of-network ATM and foreign transaction fees. Below, we've highlighted key features among the top banks for multi-country travel.
Competitive Savings Rates for Travel Bank Accounts
One key feature to look for in a bank is a competitive savings rate. High-yield savings accounts, in particular, can be strong banking options because they offer better rates than traditional savings accounts. These bank accounts might also be a good choice if you want to set savings goals for specific travel trips. Money in a high-yield savings account can deposited at any time, so you can contribute to a travel goal in stages. If you open a high-yield savings account at an online bank, you also usually won't have to worry about dealing with monthly bank maintenance fees.
Exchange Rates for Travel Banking
If you want to have cash on hand during a trip, it may be beneficial to bank with a financial institution or platform that offers straightforward foreign exchange services. Banking institutions usually offer better exchange rates than airport exchange services or on-site travel spots.
Low Foreign Transaction Fees for Travel Banking
If you plan on using a debit card or credit card frequently, make sure to look for a bank that has low foreign transaction fees. That way, you won't have to worry about fees piling up when you use your card to buy things abroad.
Some financial institutions on our list, like SoFi, do not charge foreign transaction fees.
Wide Global ATM Network Accessibility for Travel Banking
If you want to use an ATM abroad, the best option is to find a national bank with a global ATM network or one that provides reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees. Charles Schwab, for example, offers unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements.
Additional Services and Tips for International Banking
If you're planning on traveling abroad soon, it's best to be prepared beforehand so you can avoid unnecessary stress. Sometimes, credit or debit cards may not work if you don't give your bank notice that you're traveling. This is done as a measure to protect you against fraudulent activity. To avoid having your card declined internationally, make sure to call your financial institution before traveling so you can make sure it works during the time you're abroad.
It's also helpful to have cash on hand when traveling in case you need it for an emergency situation. Experts recommend getting foreign currency before you begin travel because airports and on-site currency exchange locations tend to involve more costly service fees and unsatisfactory exchange rates.
Travel banking FAQs
Charles Schwab is our top pick for international ATM access. It offers unlimited refunds for ATM fees worldwide.
To minimize fees when using a bank card abroad, you want to limit making ATM withdrawals unless you find an ATM that's in your network. Some debit cards also have foreign transaction fees, so it's best to use cash or one of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
Yes. Some banks offer travel insurance if you get a credit card with features like travel accident insurance and trip delay reimbursements.
Yes. You should call your bank before traveling so you're well prepared. If you forget to contact your bank, your debit card may be denied when you make purchases to protect you from potential fraudulent activity.
Yes. You may open a bank account in another country. However, make sure that you report your bank account information to the IRS annually.
Why You Should Trust Us: Our Expert Panel for the Best Banks for International Travel
We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on finding the best accounts for your needs.
Here's what they had to say about banking for travel. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)
How can someone determine whether a bank is the right fit for them?
Tania Brown, CFP® professional and vice president of coaching strategy atOfColor:
"Obviously, you want to make sure it's FDIC insured. Also, your banking experience — do you like walking into a bank? Well, then you need someone local. Do you just not care if you ever see your bank? Then you're okay online. Do you write checks? Do you not write checks? So it's thinking through how your experience with it is going to be before you make that decision."
Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider:
"I would create a list of what I prioritize most in a bank account. For example, some banks have accounts that charge monthly service fees. I would look to see what the requirements are for waiving the monthly service fee and whether I think I could feasibly meet those requirements each month. If I'm searching for an interest-earning bank account I'll pay attention to interest rates. I would make sure the account pays a higher interest rate than the average bank account."
What should someone look for in an online bank?
Roger Ma, CFP® professional and author of "Work Your Money, Not Your Life":
"How onerous the transfer process is, transferring money in and transferring money out. Is it same day, next day? Is it pretty easy to sync a brick-and-mortar checking account to this particular high-yield savings account?"
Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor, BoujieBudgets.com:
"When it comes to online banks, you want to be a little bit more strict about what type of interest rates they're providing. That's the biggest thing, because online banks are supposed to have the higher interest rate because they don't have the overhead of the brick-and-mortar. You want to make sure that it's well above the national average.
"What types of securities do they provide? Do they have two-factor identification? If it's an online bank, they should definitely have — at the bare minimum — two-factor authentication in how easy it is to change your passwords and things like that, because you want to be a little more hypersensitive about the cyber security for a strictly online bank."
What should someone look for in a bank account if they travel frequently?
Sophia Acevedo, Business Insider:
"You'll want to be mindful of bank account limits and fees. You might be charged fees if you use an ATM from another bank. Banks and credit unions also have limits on how much you can withdraw from your ATM each day. When you're looking for a bank account, see if your bank provides refunds for out-of-network ATMs and what the ATM withdrawal limits are."
Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best Bank Accounts for International Travel?
Business Insider's personal finance team looked at 200 checking accounts and 230 savings accounts to find the best bank accounts for travel. We looked at national banks as well as local banks that may stand out, such as women-owned banks and minority depository institutions.
You can see our full bank account methodology to learn more about how we rate checking and savings accounts.
Generally, bank accounts are designated either savings or checking. When you're saving up for a big trip, a high-yield savings account is appropriate because you'll be able to earn some interest on your money, but still be able to access it when you need to.
A checking account may be more appropriate to use while traveling, as you'll be provided with a debit card to use at shops, restaurants, and ATMs. You may also consider using a credit card, which could provide rewards and other travel-related benefits.
That said, the best bank accounts to use for international travel expenses should be appropriate for your everyday life too, with low fees, good earning potential, and easy access.
You can read more about how we review and rate products on our editorial standards page.
