Don’t Pay a Cent More: Your Guide to the NAB International Transaction Fee
So, you've come across this guide, likely because you've had that all-too-familiar sinking feeling after seeing those unexpected charges on your card statement.
Whether those fees appeared after an overseas trip or a virtual shopping spree, they have a knack for taking you by surprise.
Or you're gearing up for an upcoming holiday and want to make sure your hard-earned money stays in your pocket, where it belongs.
No matter your reason for being here, I share your pain. I was just as shocked after learning more about NAB’s International transaction fee. It can get pricey!
Don’t stress. We’ll give you all the information you need to navigate NAB’s overseas fees and more, including;
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NAB International Transaction Fee
There can be multiple scenarios where you will be charged an International Transaction Fee with NAB. You may incur fees when shopping online, travelling overseas or even sending money overseas.
It pays to know what these fees are and how to avoid them on your next online shopping spree or exotic getaway. We’ll take you through these fees and the best ways to avoid them.
Most Common NAB Overseas Transaction Fees
| NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card | NAB Debit Card or NAB Visa Debit Card | NAB Credit Cards except NAB StraightUp Card | NAB StraightUp Card | NAB Now Pay Later | |
| International Transaction Fee | $0 on purchase transactions
3% of cash withdrawal amount |
3% of transaction amount
3% of cash withdrawal amount |
3% of transaction amount | N/A | $0 |
| ATM Cash Withdrawal | $5 per withdrawal | $5 per withdrawal | $5 per withdrawal | N/A | N/A |
| ATM Balance Enquiry | $1 per enquiry | $1 per enquiry | $1 per enquiry | N/A | N/A |
Online Shopping
When you make a purchase online, you may be charged a fee if the merchant is based overseas. When charged by NAB, the fee is usually 3% of the transaction amount.
Also, keep in mind it may only sometimes be obvious when you will be charged. Although the site may be an Australian site ‘.com.au’, if the transaction is processed overseas, the fee will apply.
Researching the site and reading the terms and conditions before purchasing is essential. We recommend checking with the merchant to be sure.
Travelling Overseas
When travelling overseas, there are even more opportunities to incur fees depending on which product you are using.
There can be multiple fees per transaction, including the overseas transaction fee and a currency conversion rate, which includes a margin charged if the currency needs to be converted from Australian dollars to a foreign currency.
Paying in Local Currency vs. Australian Dollars
You may be given the choice to pay in either local currency or Australian dollars, and you should check the exchange rate to see which option is more beneficial to you at the time.
NAB allows you to access the up-to-date Visa currency conversion rates in the NAB app by selecting ‘More’ from the menu before logging in and selecting ‘Foreign Exchange’.
You may also be subject to an international transaction fee whenever you are making purchases using your card with a local merchant. NAB usually charges around 3% of the transaction amount.
Using Cash vs. Card
One way you could avoid this is by using cash. However, this has its own pitfalls as well. Carrying a large sum of cash on you can be unsafe, and using an ATM to withdraw cash can get pricey also.
Using ATMs Overseas
Each time you use an ATM, you are opening yourself to incurring overseas ATM fees. With NAB, these fees are usually $5 per withdrawal. You may then get charged 3% of the withdrawal amount on top of that.
Money Transfers
You will not be charged a fee when you send money through NAB Internet Banking in a foreign currency. However, if you transfer Australian dollars, you will be charged $30.
Best NAB Travel Card: Which product is best for travelling?
NAB has its own great products, which you could consider for your next trip or online splurge.
The ‘NAB StraightUp Card’ offers no interest or no international transaction fee. There is only a simple monthly fee and minimum monthly payment based on your credit limit.
The ‘NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card’ also doesn’t charge an international transaction fee on overseas transactions processed overseas. However, you will be charged overseas ATM fees using this card.
How to Avoid Overseas Transaction Fees
You can avoid or reduce paying overseas transaction fees and other associated fees and charges in several other ways. Consider some of the following options;
Change your Currency Before Travelling
The simplest way to avoid fees on each transaction is to bring cash with you. All you have to do is convert your Australian dollars to the foreign currency of the country or countries you plan to travel to.
You can convert your currency either online, and have your money delivered directly to you, or in-store.
Online money exchangers like S Money are often an easy and cheap way to buy foreign currency. You usually only pay a small fee and the currency exchange rate, no hidden fees!
Travel Cards
There are several cards designed for travel and making online purchases in mind. They remove the international transaction fee, have low fees competitive currency conversion rates and offer free ATM withdrawals.
Some of the best cards are the Wise Travel Card, Revolut and Travelex Money Card.
NAB also offers some great options for travel and online purchases, as well as offering ‘NAB Now Pay Later’, which can be used for online purchases with no international transaction fees.
ING Orange Everyday
A great option to consider is the ING Orange Everyday account and cards, which offer rebates on international transaction fees and some ATM withdrawal fees when you meet eligibility criteria.
Although ING recently removed rebates on overseas ATM operator fees, you can still benefit from unlimited rebates on the 3% international transaction fee, and five rebated ING ATM withdrawal fees monthly.
Up Bank
Another option is Up Bank, which offers no international transaction fees and allows free ATM withdrawals overseas. It is a top pick for Aussies looking to avoid sneaky bank fees when travelling or shopping online abroad.
Customers praise Up Bank’s easy sign-up process, mobile app for tracking spending, and partnership with Wise for international money transfers.
Navigating NAB International transaction fees can seem daunting, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can make savvy decisions that keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
Remember, the key is planning, comparing options, and choosing the right products and services that best suit you and your needs.
Now that you have a good idea of what you will be facing and the different options available, you can proceed more confidently when travelling and making purchases online.
Where will you go on your next adventure?
