Best Debit Cards for US Travelers in Europe

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.

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Note: We are not financial professionals or a financial institution. The information provided is for informational purposes only, and it's based on the research of our editors, who are not financial professionals themselves.

Best Debit Cards for Travel in Europe: The Quick List

  1. Wise – Best Card for Multi-Currency Access
  2. Revolut – Most Well-Rounded Travel Card
  3. Chime® – Best Card for No Foreign Transaction Fees
  4. Charles Schwab – Best Card for Unlimited ATM Fees
  5. Capital One 360 – Best Card for Existing Capital One Customers

1. Wise

Best Card for Multi-Currency Access

Wise debit card

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

Check List with Font Awesome
  • 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

Pros and cons:

What we like
  • The most competitive exchange rates out there
  • Clear, low fees for international transfers
  • Intuitive platform and app
  • One account for all your currency needs
  • Speedy money transfers
What could be better
  • No way to deposit cash into it
  • No credit card offerings
  • Lacks of extra investment features
  • Not a fully licensed bank
  • Lack of premium plans

Debit Cards Offered

  • Wise Visa Debit Card – Free

Or read our comprehensive Wise Card Review here:

Wise Travel Debit Card Review: Is It Worth It?
Find out if the Wise travel card is the right choice for your next trip. Our in-depth review covers fees, exchange rates, pros, cons, and more.

2. Revolut

Most Well-Rounded Travel Debit Card

Revolut 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)

Pros and cons:

What we like
  • Tonnes of currencies and features supported
  • No FX fees up to a monthly limit
  • Free ATM fees up to a monthly cap
  • In-app tools for tracking budgets
  • Commission-free crypto and investing options
  • Regulated by the Bank of Lithuania
What could be better
  • Fees may apply after ATM monthly limit
  • Premium features require paid plans
  • Customer service needs improvement
  • Low limits for people who want/need to deposit cash money

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 debit card

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

Pros and cons:

What we like
  • No foreign transaction fees to eat up spending money
  • Simple, free checking account features
  • Large network of in-network ATMs when you are back home in the US
What could be better
  • Out-of-network ATM fees can quickly add up in EU
  • Limited ATM fee reimbursement
  • No multi-currency support
  • Lack of premium plans with more sophisticated features
  • Inconsistent customer support experiences among travelers

Debit Cards Offered

  • Chime Visa® Debit Card – Free

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4. Charles Schwab

Best for Unlimited ATM Fee Reimbursements

Charles Schwab debit card

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

Pros and cons:

What we like
  • Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements (the cash lover's dream!)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Potential for higher interest rates than traditional banks
  • Comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind
What could be better
  • More hoops to jump through to open the account
  • Lack of multi-currency support
  • May not be ideal for those needing hands-on customer support

Debit Cards Offered

  • Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card – Free

5. Capital One 360

Best Card for Existing Capital One Customers

Capital One 360 debit card

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

Pros and cons:

What we like
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Good ATM availability in major cities
  • Easy integration for existing Capital One users
What could be better
  • ATM fee reimbursements aren't offered
  • No multi-currency functionality
  • Lack of standout travel features
  • May not be ideal as a standalone travel account

Debit Cards Offered

  • Capital One 360 Mastercard Debit Card – Free

Honorable Mention: Monese

Fastest Account Opening for US Citizens Living in Europe

Monese debit card

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

Pros and cons:

What we like
  • No need for extra documents to open an account as a US citizen living in the EU
  • Backs multiple currencies with good rates
  • User-friendly app with solid budgeting tools
  • Plays nice with popular mobile wallets
  • The Bills and Purchase protections included in their paid plans
  • You can top up your travel money in various payment points in Europe/UK
What could be better
  • Not available for US citizens living in US
  • Not available everywhere in Europe
  • Not a ton of extra features for their premium plans
  • Withdrawal & transaction fees are applied depending on the plan
  • No investing options

Debit Cards Offered

  • Monese Simple – Free (€0.30 for a virtual card is mandatory)
  • Monese Classic – €5.95/month
  • Monese Premium – €14.95/month

* Disclosure: Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

1SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

2Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

3Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

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Things to Bear in Mind When Choosing a Debit Card in Europe

Best debit cards for US travelers in Europe with gradient background

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.

You may also be interested in:

How To Budget as a Digital Nomad: The Ultimate Guide
Budgeting as a digital nomad is essential if you want to live this lifestyle long-term. Here’s how to create the perfect budget for you.

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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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!

Luca Mussari
Written by Luca Mussari

Marketer and digital nomad. After leaving his 9-to-5 corporate job in London, he co-founded Freaking Nomads to inspire others to embrace unconventional paths and find happiness wherever they go.

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