Best Debit Cards for US Travelers in Europe
We know that traveling is all about exploring new cultures and seeing a ton of new beautiful destinations to explore. However, if you come from the US, you know that traveling between countries in Europe can bring hidden charges for things like ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, and foreign transaction fees.
Thankfully, several fintech companies are now offering debit cards that perfectly suit the needs of US travelers traveling to Europe.
These cards provide fee-free access to your hard-earned cash and allow you to spend it across Europe and beyond. Even better, they offer very competitive exchange rates, helping you get the most out of your money.
We have compiled a list of the top debit cards for European travel, so you will hopefully have a starting point for making your decision and picking the right travel card for your next European adventure.
Best Debit Cards for Travel in Europe: The Quick List
- Wise – Best Card for Multi-Currency Access
- Revolut – Most Well-Rounded Travel Card
- Chime® – Best Card for No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Charles Schwab – Best Card for Unlimited ATM Fees
- Capital One 360 – Best Card for Existing Capital One Customers
1. Wise
Best Card for Multi-Currency Access
Wise has become the go-to debit card for US travelers looking for no-fuss currency management and sending money abroad. It whips up a slick multi-currency account that takes the pain out of juggling currencies so we (travelers) can focus on our nomad adventure.
I've been personally using this Visa international debit card for a while now during our trips, and it's always been my go-to choice as a digital nomad traveler. You can't really go wrong with it. Only downside? They don't have premium plans with additional travel features, but it's great if you are looking for a simple free debit card that allows you to save money while you spend abroad in Europe.
Features and Perks
- Debit card for spending and ATM withdrawals
- Multi-currency account with 50+ currencies
- Real-time exchange rates for fair conversions
- Low, transparent fees to send money overseas
- User-friendly website and app to access your account
- Integration with popular budgeting apps
- 2 free ATM withdrawals per month up to $100
Debit Cards Offered
- Wise Visa Debit Card – Free
Or read our comprehensive Wise Card Review here:
Lev Baker
2. Revolut
Most Well-Rounded Travel Debit Card
For daily spending and money management on the go, Revolut is another popular traveler's go-to debit card. With its packed app, slick tools, and no-fuss banking, it's no wonder full-time travelers and digital nomads alike can't live without this nifty fintech disruptor.
If you are willing to upgrade to their paid plans, they have truly unparalleled features for travelers, like built-in budgeting tools (all plans), travel insurance for winter sports, delayed flights and lost luggage, health insurance for medical and dental emergencies, and so much more! If you are also a freelancer or a digital nomad business owner, you will love their Business debit card too, which we can't recommend enough for international business owners (you will save so much money on international transactions, and it's so easy to manage business expense receipts).
Features and Perks
- Debit card for contactless payments and cash withdrawals
- Multi-currency account with 150+ currencies
- Real-time exchange rates and no-fee FX transactions (with monthly limits)
- Instant free payments to friends via the Revtag system
- Intuitive mobile app with budgeting, analytics, security
- Access to cryptocurrencies and invest commission-free right in the app
- Free ATM withdrawals up to $400 per month
- Cover for medical emergencies, winter sports, lost luggage, delayed flights (paid plans)
Debit Cards Offered
- Revolut Standard – Free
- Revolut Premium – $9.99/month
- Revolut Metal – $16.99/month
3. Chime®
Best Card for No Foreign Transaction Fees
Chime's appeal lies in its straightforward approach to banking, especially for budget-conscious US travelers venturing to Europe and looking for a checking account with no monthly fees. Their Visa® debit card is a hit with travelers on a tighter budget who want no-nonsense banking while abroad.
It comes attached to a no monthly-free checking account, making it a smart choice for those watching their pennies. And while you might get dinged for out-of-network ATM fees (around $2.50), you'll be happy to know there are no foreign transaction fees to worry about! Plus, thanks to Chime's optional SpotMe® feature, you get the peace of mind of knowing you may be covered for up to $2001 in unexpected expenses overseas. And to top it off, you also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit2, which is perfect for covering those last-minute pre-trip purchases.
Features and Perks
- Debit card for spending and ATM withdrawals
- No monthly account fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- 50,000+ fee-free ATMs within the US3
- Mobile wallet integration (Google Pay, Apple Pay)
- Easy-to-use mobile app to manage your account
Debit Cards Offered
- Chime Visa® Debit Card – Free
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Caroline Lupini
4. Charles Schwab
Best for Unlimited ATM Fee Reimbursements
If you live and breathe ATM withdrawals when traveling, Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking is your ticket to fee-free cash.
Their standout feature is unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide, ensuring you'll never be caught paying the price for accessing your money. Plus, their Visa Platinum Debit Card comes with robust travel insurance coverage, making it a great choice for those travelers who prioritize peace of mind.
So, while there are some more requirements involved in opening this account than some other options, its benefits are significant for frequent travelers.
Features and Perks
- Debit Visa card for payments and ATM withdrawals
- Travel insurance covering personal accidents, medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage delay, and loss of personal belongings
- No monthly account fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide
- High-interest checking account
- Access to Schwab's wealth management services
Debit Cards Offered
- Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card – Free
5. Capital One 360
Best Card for Existing Capital One Customers
Capital One's 360 Checking is a crowd-pleaser, particularly for those who are seeking a more traditional banking experience with travel-friendly benefits or who are an existing Capital One customer.
The Mastercard debit card is a solid choice to consider because it has no foreign transaction fees, making your Euros go further. Plus, they have a decent network of ATMs worldwide, which is helpful for grabbing currency in a pinch. And if you need to send and receive money quickly and easily with friends and family while in Europe, you can always use their handy Zelle integration.
Features and Perks
- Debit Mastercard for payments and withdrawals
- No monthly account fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Capital One's ATM network
- Overdraft protection options
- Mobile app for managing your account
Debit Cards Offered
- Capital One 360 Mastercard Debit Card – Free
Honorable Mention: Monese
Fastest Account Opening for US Citizens Living in Europe
Monese brings refreshingly smooth mobile banking no matter where your laptop lands on the continent. With lightning-fast account opening (only an ID required, no extra documents needed for US travelers living in Europe!) as well as their support for multiple currencies, Monese will have your financial needs covered as you travel across Europe. With their debit card, you can move money for free across Europe and top up your money in a Monese account at various payment point locations across Europe and the UK.
Although they don't have a ton of premium features, with selected paid plans, you can enjoy their Bills Protection that covers you if you’re unable to work and pay your bills due to sickness, an accident, or if you lose your job or their Purchase Protection which includes coverage for accidental damage or theft of purchases, including electronic devices like your phone. They are automatically included in your paid plans, giving you a nice protection without the hassle.
Features and Perks
- Contactless debit card for tapping & shopping
- Quick & painless account opening without a local address
- UK and European IBANs for smooth money moves
- Multi-currency accounts with fair exchange rates
- Fee-free ATM & card usage for selected currencies (fees apply depending on your pricing plan)
- Budgeting tools & real-time notifications in-app
- Works with Apple Pay & Google Pay
Debit Cards Offered
- Monese Simple – Free (€0.30 for a virtual card is mandatory)
- Monese Classic – €5.95/month
- Monese Premium – €14.95/month
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Things to Bear in Mind When Choosing a Debit Card in Europe
Okay, now that you have a solid list of excellent options, let's dig a little deeper into some things to keep in mind when making your decision.
Multi-currency support
If you're bouncing between multiple European countries, a card with widespread multi-currency support (like Wise or Revolut) will be your best bet.
ATM withdrawals
Check for the limits on free ATM withdrawals. Are you a cash person, or do you prefer your trusty contactless card? If you'll be needing frequent cash grabs in Europe, make sure those ATM fees won't eat up your travel budget. If that's something you care about, then the Charles Schwab and the Capital One 360 could be the right choice.
Foreign transaction fees
These sneaky fees can add up quickly when traveling in Europe. Aim for cards with low or no foreign exchange fees and fair exchange rates. You work hard for your money, so you might want to keep as much of it as possible with a card that excels in this area, like Wise or Chime®.
Extra perks
Does budgeting help on the road appeal to you? What about travel insurance, lounge access, or rewards? Some of these cards offer awesome perks specifically targeting travelers like Revolut paid plans or Charles Schwab.
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Liam Carnahan
Remember, you're not locked in forever! Since many of these cards have no contracts, feel free to experiment. With the ease of opening an account right on your phone or laptop, you can always switch later if you find something that better suits your needs.
Ready To Pick a Debit Card for Your Next Travel Adventure?
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