If you buy something online from an overseas store with your credit card, you could get hit with a foreign transaction or currency conversion fee.
But there are ways to avoid this.
According to Finder's database, the average Australian credit card with a foreign currency transaction fee charges around 3%. Some go as high as 3.65%.
But there is a small number of credit cards that charge no foreign transaction fee.
Using one of these cards can save you a hefty fee. On a $600 item a 3% fee is $18.
This type of card is specially handy if you regularly shop with international sellers.
Some Australian debit cards also waive foreign transaction fees. Some will require you to meet deposit and spend requirements to activate the foreign transaction fee rebate.
You may be able to find cards that don't charge any account-keeping or international ATM withdrawal fees as well.
HSBC's Everyday Global Account won the 2024 Finder Award for Best Travel Debit Card. It lets you add up to 10 currencies for local shopping and there's no international transaction fee.
Macquarie Bank's Transaction Account finished second in the same category. The linked debit Mastercard also has no international transaction fee.
Travel cards are designed to be used when you're overseas but you can also use one when you shop online.
Once you take out a prepaid travel card you can load it up with money in a foreign currency via bank transfer.
These cards usually offer around 10 supported foreign currencies. These cards don't charge transaction fees but sometimes charge loading fees or a one-off activation fee.
2 popular travel cards are Wise and Revolut. They can ben cheaper than using a credit card and have better exchange rates.
If you're buying something in a foreign currency via an Australia card or bank then you should also consider the exchange rate. Banks often charge their own rates, while some cards use exchange rates set by Visa or Mastercard.
Some of the most competitive travel money cards charge mid-market exchange rates when converting your Australian dollars to other currencies too. This is cheaper than what banks tend to offer.
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