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Best Debit Card to Use in Europe and Avoid High Fees in 2023

  • November 21, 2022
  • Bojana Petkovic
Best Debit Card to Use in Europe

Holidays are the perfect time for that trip to the Old Continent you’ve been putting off. And, wouldn’t you know it… we’ve picked out the best debit card to use in Europe just in time for takeoff.

For the sake of being thorough, we’ll list several other competing offers in case you see something that works better for you — we ranked them based on different criteria, such as transaction fees, ATM fees, reload methods, and more.

So, let’s jump right in with a general overview of the cards and their features!

8 Debit Cards to Use While Touring Europe

We may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page. This doesn’t affect our research and evaluation process. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.

1. Wise Debit Card

1. Wise Debit Card Wise Logo

Key Features

  • Excellent travel card
  • Free ATM withdrawals
  • Low transaction fees
  • Accepts dozens of currencies
  • Simple and streamlined app
star 9.9
No fee Read Review
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2. Chime Debit Card

2. Chime Debit Card Best Debit Card to Use in Europe - Chime Logo

Key Features

  • No maintenance fees
  • Huge partner network
  • Receive paychecks early
  • Lots of free account perks
  • Great card for the US too
star 9.8
No fee Read Review
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3. Revolut Card

3. Revolut Card Best Debit Card to use in Europe - Revolut Logo

Key Features

  • Accepts reloads in multiple currencies
  • It can be used for crypto spending
  • Robust fraud protection
  • Interbank exchange rate conversions
star 9.7
No fee Read Review
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4. Betterment Debit Card

4. Betterment Debit Card Betterment Logo

Key Features

  • No maintenance fees
  • No minimum deposit
  • Cashback rewards
  • Reimburses ATM fees
star 9.6
No fee Read Review
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5. Aspiration Plus Debit Card

5. Aspiration Plus Debit Card Best Debit Card to Use in Europe - Aspiration Logo

Key Features

  • Sustainable banking practices
  • ATM fee reimbursement
  • 10% cashback on Conscience Coalition™ purchases
star 9.7
No fee Read Review
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6. SoFi Money World Debit Mastercard

6. SoFi Money World Debit Mastercard SoFi Logo

Key Features

  • Mastercard travel benefits
  • ID theft protection
  • Purchase protection up to $1,000
  • Reimburses ATM fees
star 9.4
No fee Read Review
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7. Ally Bank Card

7. Ally Bank Card Ally Logo

Key Features

  • Good APY
  • No currency conversion charge
  • Low foreign transaction charge
  • Excellent bank account
star 9.3
No fee Read Review
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8. Fidelity Debit Card

8. Fidelity Debit Card Fidelity Logo

Key Features

  • FDIC insured balance
  • Reimburses ATM fees
  • 1% foreign transaction fee
  • A high daily spending limit
star 9.2
No fee Read Review
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8 Best Debit Cards for Europe (Editor’s Choice)

1. Wise Debit Card

1. Wise Debit Card Best Debit Card to Use in Europe - Wise Card
star 9.9

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: None
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Foreign ATM use fee: First two withdrawals are free each month
  • Daily max spend: Up to $2,000
  • Reload methods: Direct deposit, through the Wise app
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — Wise (ex Transferwise) is essentially a money transfer service. That said, mixed into its core offering is one of the top prepaid debit cards for international travel.

In a nutshell, Wise’s strength comes from low currency conversion rates. 

For example, other cards may not charge transaction fees but will tank your value in the conversion rate. Well, that’s simply not the case with Wise!

Fees — To our absolute delight, the card has no maintenance fee and no minimum account balance. Still, you’ll need to pay for card delivery and replacement cards.

Furthermore, it also covers ATM operating fees but only up to a maximum of £200 (about $270) per month. Again, the value comes mainly from the conversion rate.

Domestic use — This card is designed to help you spend money efficiently across different currency areas. However, there’s no benefit in using it if you’re not traveling. US-based banks and card issuers will probably have much better deals if you want an all-around card.

However, as a prepaid debit card for Europe, it’s definitely got our full recommendations. 


Pros

  • + Excellent travel card
  • + Free ATM withdrawals
  • + Low transaction fees
  • + Accepts dozens of currencies
  • + Simple and streamlined app

Cons

  • − Only reimburses first two ATM fees every month

2. Chime Debit Card

2. Chime Debit Card Best Debit Card to Use in Europe - Chime Debit Card
star 9.8

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: None
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Foreign ATM use fee: Yes
  • Daily max spend: $2,500
  • Reload methods: Cash deposits, direct deposit, bank transfer, ACH deposit
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — Chime is one of the leading financial technology companies and provides one of the coolest debit cards for international travel, besides their highly popular debit card for minors. This financial technology company works with a network of over 90,000 retail locations that accept cash deposits.

Chime doesn’t offer prepaid cards. Instead, you’ll have to set up a Chime account and deposit money.

Fees — You’ll appreciate the fact that the Chime debit card is mostly free. We say “mostly” because you’ll still have to pay ATM fees if or when you use it internationally, but that’s about it. There are no monthly, or annual fees, or maintenance fees.

Better yet, Chime’s spending account doesn’t have maintenance fees either. What’s more, it has a bunch of nifty features that make Chime great for getting your paycheck a bit earlier, too.

Domestic use — If you choose Chime, there’s a strong case for making it more than just a debit card for Europe travel adventures. Namely, it offers outstanding online banking features and account perks.

Moreover, it offers a secured credit card if you want to rebuild or repair your credit and high-yield savings account with a respectable 0.50% APY. 

Chime is just a great pick overall if you wish to use it for travel purposes or need to set up a solid online bank account for everyday use.


Pros

  • + No maintenance fees
  • + Huge partner network
  • + Receive paychecks early
  • + Lots of free account perks
  • + Great card for the US too

Cons

  • − Doesn’t reimburse international ATM fees

3. Revolut Card

3. Revolut Card Revolut Card
star 9.7

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: None on the standard plan
  • Foreign transaction fee: None in Europe
  • Foreign ATM use fee: First five free every month
  • Daily max spend: £2,000 ( about $2,370) ATM; £5,000 (about $6,000) transaction
  • Reload methods: Direct deposit, bank transfer
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — Revolut is a financial services company from the UK whose goal is to be a global presence in online banking. As a result, it has an outstanding international debit card for the UK and it’s perfect for traveling around Europe.

Fees — The card itself is free! However, you’ll have to pay a delivery fee that varies based on location. If you link it to your payment apps, you don’t need a physical card to start using it.

We also liked that up to five ATM withdrawals per month are free (to a limit of £200 (about $270)). Subsequent withdrawals incur a 2% fee, though. On the bright side, transactions within the Single European Payments Area are also free.

Conversely, transactions outside of it are not and incur fees, and subsequent ATM withdrawals incur a 2% fee too.

Domestic use —This prepaid international debit card is a terrific European travel card but not a very convenient debit card for use at home, as is the case with most of these cards

All in all, the primary benefit of using Revolut cards is that payments made in foreign currency are converted at the interbank exchange rate. And depending on how much you spend, the feature could save you a lot of money.


Pros

  • + Accepts reloads in multiple currencies
  • + It can be used for crypto spending
  • + Robust fraud protection
  • + Interbank exchange rate conversions

Cons

  • − No cash deposits

4. Betterment Debit Card

4. Betterment Debit Card Betterment Debit Card
star 9.6

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: None
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Foreign ATM use fee: Reimbursed
  • Daily max spend: $500 ATM; $2,000 transaction
  • Reload methods: ACH transfer, direct deposit
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — Betterment is a cross between a digital bank and a financial advisory company. As a result, its checking account comes with debit cards with no transaction fees abroad.

Fees — What we liked, in particular, was that the checking account had no maintenance fees and no account minimum. Additionally, Betterment reimburses foreign transaction fees and ATM fees automatically. The card doesn’t even charge overdraft fees, which is a nice bonus.

The daily transaction limit is slightly lower than other cards in the category. Though, it should be more than enough for a typical trip.

Domestic use — As a US debit card in Europe, Betterment’s card is a slam dunk. Moreover, it has an equally impressive array of features compared to similar offers in the country.

Yet, best of all, Betterment partners with thousands of retailers to offer cash-back rewards on debit card spending. It also includes free cell phone insurance coverage when you use it to pay your mobile bill.

The only drawback we could find for this one was that the brand has no physical locations. Hence, they don’t accept cash deposits.


Pros

  • + No maintenance fees
  • + No minimum deposit
  • + Cashback rewards
  • + Reimburses ATM fees

Cons

  • − A relatively low spending limit
  • − Doesn’t accept cash deposits

5. Aspiration Plus Debit Card

5. Aspiration Plus Debit Card Aspiration Plus Debit Card
star 9.7

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: $7.99 per month
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Foreign ATM use fee: Reimbursed
  • Daily max spend: $4,000
  • Reload methods: ACH transfer, direct deposit, mobile checks, third-party apps
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — Aspiration is yet another one in the line of best debit cards for international travel, bar none. Aspiration is also unique as it was started as an alternative for people who wanted to invest in ways that don’t contribute to carbon pollution.

In addition to many of the features you’d expect from debit cards, Aspiration also includes earth-friendly tidbits like:

  • deposits don’t fund fossil fuel production or exploration
  • carbon offsetting for gas purchases

Fees — Aspiration Plus reimburses ATM fees up to a flat $4.00 if you use it outside of the Allpoint ATM network. Other than that, Aspiration doesn’t charge international transaction fees at all.

Domestic use — When you’re done using it as a Euro debit card, Aspiration won’t just weigh down your wallet. You’ll even get 1% APY on your checking account balance, which is rare for debit cards.

Last but not least, it provides a personal impact score so you can shop to offset your carbon footprint and gives you the option to plant a tree with every purchase roundup.


Pros

  • + Sustainable banking practices
  • + ATM fee reimbursement
  • + 10% cashback on Conscience Coalition™ purchases

Cons

  • − Aspiration Plus card has a monthly fee

6. SoFi Money World Debit Mastercard

6. SoFi Money World Debit Mastercard SoFi Money World Debit Mastercard
star 9.4

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: None
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Foreign ATM use fee: Reimbursed
  • Daily max spend: $1,000 ATM; $6,000 transaction
  • Reload methods: ACH transfer, direct deposit, mobile checks
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — SoFi Money is an increasingly popular cash management account, which acts as a checking account but earns interest on your balance. Recently, SoFi switched its debit card from Visa to the Mastercard network, giving it many new features that make it stand out among American debit cards in Europe in many instances.

For instance, the airport concierge service (at over 450 destinations) is free of charge. In other words, with this card, you can travel with incredible peace of mind, knowing there’s always someone there to help out if you need it.

Fees — There are no account fees associated with SoFi’s Money account, nor do you have to pay any maintenance fees for the card. Hence, the 0.25% APY you earn is a clear profit. Plus, it also includes overdraft fee protection.

SoFi reimburses unlimited out-of-network ATM fees by the following business day. Otherwise, it doesn’t incur ATM fees at all.

Domestic use — Within the US, SoFi’s card is good but not groundbreaking. Despite its relatively small ATM network, it has a reasonably competitive APY.


Pros

  • + Mastercard travel benefits
  • + ID theft protection
  • + Purchase protection up to $1,000
  • + Reimburses ATM fees

Cons

  • − No cash deposits
  • − Only one account per user

7. Ally Bank Card

7. Ally Bank Card Ally Bank Card
star 9.3

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: None
  • Foreign transaction fee: 1%
  • Foreign ATM use fee: 1% + ATM operator charge
  • Daily max spend: $5,000
  • Reload methods: Mobile check deposit, online transfers, direct deposit, wire transfers, mailing checks
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — Ally Bank is one of the most successful online banking institutions in the US. Likewise, it offers an attractive alternative to some big banks and within its offering is a checking account with decent debit cards for international travel.

Like many others on this list, Ally is a digital bank. In other words, it has no physical locations.

Fees — Ally is pretty good about eliminating fees. There are no maintenance fees or minimum opening deposits, and it reimburses up to $10 in ATM fees every statement cycle, which is a real bargain.

Unfortunately, it does charge a 1% foreign transaction fee and 1% for every foreign ATM withdrawal.

Nevertheless, it makes up for it by not charging currency conversion fees.

Domestic use — Ally is an FDIC-insured banking provider since you’ll also keep using it back home when you’re done traveling.

It has a higher APY than most competitors (0.25% checking; 0.50% savings). And it even offers certificates of deposit with pretty good returns if your goal is to earn money.


Pros

  • + Good APY
  • + No currency conversion charge
  • + Low foreign transaction charge
  • + Excellent bank account

Cons

  • − Charges foreign ATM fees

8. Fidelity Debit Card

8. Fidelity Debit Card Fidelity Debit Card
star 9.2

Key Features

  • Maintenance fee: None
  • Foreign transaction fee: 1%
  • Foreign ATM use fee: 1%
  • Daily max spend: $25,000
  • Reload methods: Transfer from Fidelity account, mobile check deposit, direct deposit, bank transfer
No fee
Visit Site Back To List

Overview — Unlike most of the cards on this list, Fidelity’s debit card is linked to a cash management account. There’s no massive difference except that Fidelity, technically, offers a brokerage account, and it’s not a bank. 

Still, we’d recommend this US debit card to use in Europe if you also want to manage your savings and investments simultaneously. And among its main advantages is the high daily spending limit — hence why if you plan on making big purchases abroad, this is your go-to debit card.

Fees — Fidelity doesn’t charge any account fees, and the debit card is free. The card has access to ATMs worldwide, albeit with a 1% fee for out-of-network ATM use.

At the same time, it reimburses fees from the ATM operator if those fees apply, which makes it easier to arrive at your actual fee when you use an ATM.

Domestic use — To be fair, you’ll probably only want to open a Fidelity cash management account if your goal is to continue using it back home.


Pros

  • + FDIC insured balance
  • + Reimburses ATM fees
  • + 1% foreign transaction fee
  • + A high daily spending limit

Cons

  • − Charges foreign transaction fees

 

How to Decide Which Debit Card to Get for Europe Trip 

Paying with debit or credit cards is usually a better plan than carrying a bunch of cash when you’re abroad. The only problem is that the privilege can cost you a pretty penny if you don’t pick the right card — that’s where we come in! 

Namely, when you’re picking a debit card to use in Europe, reviews can help you make the right choice. This is why you’ll learn the key things to look out for when choosing in the following section. 

Debit Cards vs. Prepaid Cards

Prepaid debit cards for international travel can charge relatively high fees compared to regular debit cards. Moreover, there are a few prepaid cards that you can use without restrictions while you travel.

Traditional debit cards are usually just as easy to get as prepaid cards and work the same way. Plus, you’ll probably save on transaction fees. And if the account has no maintenance fees, it won’t impact your budget. 

Understanding Debit Card Fees Abroad

You can use debit cards from most major banks worldwide. Fees usually only arise when you’re trying to purchase something or withdraw money that’s not in the same currency on your card.

So before you join the millions itching to book Airbnb in a picturesque town, you’ll probably want to know your card’s service fees.

A good example is the international debit card from Chase. When you use it to make a purchase or use an ATM outside the US, Chase tacks on a 3% service fee.

Likewise, you can also pay more fees to use foreign ATMs. 

Here are the fees you should be aware of:

ATM Fees

When you use an ATM out-of-network in another country, you’re risking two fees:

  • A fee from your bank for using an out-of-network ATM
  • A fee from the ATM operator for not being in their network

Some institutions will only charge a small fee (1% or less) for using an out-of-network ATM. Others will also reimburse the fees from ATM operators.

A sound debit card won’t charge you a service fee to use an ATM in Europe and reimburses the ATM operator fee.

Additionally, some banks will refund ATM fees but only for a limited number of monthly withdrawals or up to a set spending limit.

Transaction Fees

Some banks tack on a pretty hefty fee for foreign transactions.

Always check the terms and conditions carefully when choosing debit and prepaid debit cards for Europe and other locations abroad. Financial institutions must be completely transparent about transaction fees, so you’ll always know what to expect.

Currency Exchange Fees

Another potential source of needless spending is excessive currency exchange fees. Ideally, you’ll find a card that uses the interbank exchange rate, usually lower than the mid-market rate.

Also, some banks charge an additional fee for any foreign currency exchange. Hence, if you pick one of those debit cards for international travel, ensure it has excellent perks, as those fees can add up.

If you want to minimize the chances you’ll have to pay extra for your transactions, you can exchange your currency before you go. Pick a card with an account that accepts euros and deposit your money in euros. That way, the bank will not need to exchange currency on the spot, allowing you to save money.

The Card Network Matters

Most credit and debit cards worldwide are on the Visa or Mastercard networks. Mastercard has a slightly higher acceptance rate.

That said, at least two other networks enjoy excellent acceptance rates in the US but not abroad — namely, Discover and American Express. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best US debit card to use in Europe in this respect, it’s a good idea to steer clear of Amex and Discover.

Physical vs. Digital-Only Banks

The best offers for international debit cards will come from online banks. There’s no getting around that fact, and you’ll only make things harder on yourself by avoiding them.

Digital banking has become just as secure as the alternatives at this point. You’ll likely save on fees and surcharges you’d otherwise incur.

Bottom Line

There’s probably no single card that has everything you want — hence why you’ll end up making concessions one way or another. That said, there’s no reason that you chose to use the debit card in Europe should be anything short of excellent. 

Therefore, pick a card you like from our list and book that ticket. Bon voyage!

FAQs

Which bank has the best debit card?

There’s no single answer, but here’s a rundown of the most popular options for every purpose:

  • Ally Bank debit card is great if you want mobile banking and high APY
  • Capital One 360 checking has the least demanding account requirements
  • The best for cashback is Discover’s Cashback Debit
  • The best for international travel is the Wise debit card.

What debit cards have no foreign transaction fees?

If you’re only concerned about transaction fees and don’t care about acceptance rates, Discover has an excellent no-fee debit card. Capital One 360 Checking is another excellent option, as is the debit card from Charles Schwab Bank.

However, if you want a card that you can use freely abroad, it’s best to stick to Visa and Mastercard debit cards. That puts Discover out of the running.

Which debit card is best for international use?

If you don’t mind using a digital bank account, Chime has an excellent option with no foreign transaction fees that’s easy to set up and use.

Conversely, if you insist on using a traditional bank, Capital One’s 360 Checking account comes with a decent international debit card that’s easy to maintain and has minimal fees.

What is the best international debit card in the Philippines?

The Wise card is a genuinely global option that allows you to hold your currency in pesos on the card’s account. You can also send and receive money internationally, and the card is accepted in locations worldwide.

Can I use an Indian debit card in Europe?

Yes, most debit cards from banks in India can be used in Europe and other locations abroad. A simple way to tell whether your card will be accepted is to check the issuing network. More often than not, the best debit card to use in Europe will probably be a Visa or a Mastercard, as these two enjoy the highest acceptance rates globally and will work in most places in Europe.

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Bojana Petkovic

Bojana is a web content manager, writer, and fitness enthusiast. Having written numerous articles about personal finances, bank loans, mortgages, letters of credit, and the status of new rising industries (cannabis in particular), it was only a matter of time before she focused all her organizational might, research capacity, as well as her impeccable writing skills, on a single project. Thus — Capital Counselor was born.

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