Spending money costs money when you’re abroad, but a list of cards and fees compiled by USA Today can help you decide which card to pack before you leave.

The same general rules of spending apply when you’re traveling: put large purchases on your credit card for the usual consumer protections, and withdraw cash with your debit card. Just make sure you won’t get slapped by outrageous fees.

Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees

American Express: 2.7 percent
Bank of America: 3 percent
Barclaycard/Juniper: 2 to 3 percent
Capital One: 0 percent
Citibank/Diners: 3 percent
Diners Club: 3 percent
HSBC: 3% (most)
JP Morgan Chase: 3% (most)
US Bank: 3 percent
USAA: 1 percent
Wells Fargo: 3 percent

Debit (ATM) cards for cash

Bank of America(a) : $0/0 percent
Bank of America: $5/1 percent
Citibank(b): $0/1 percent
Citibank $1.50/1 percent
JP Morgan Chase: $3/3 percent
US Bank $2/1 percent
USAA: $0/1 percent
Wells Fargo: $5/0 percent

Small banks sometimes won’t charge withdrawal fees, and might even be willing to refund charges from other banks. Your bank might also be part of global alliances that lets you withdraw fee-free cash from a local partner bank. If you’re staying in one place for a bit, it might make sense to open a local bank account with a check drawn from your U.S. bank.

Regardless, visit your bank before leaving and ask about your options.

Which credit and debit cards are best overseas? [USA Today]
(Photo: frankieleon)

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