Complete Guide to Bank Australia Travel Cards: Available Options, Fees, Exchange Rates

Planning a trip abroad? Getting a travel card can be a simple, convenient and low-cost way to make purchases overseas. Many banks offer travel cards but if they don’t, they offer facilities on debit or credit cards to make international transactions easier. If you’re a Bank Australia customer and are curious about a travel card, read on to learn more about options and what to expect. Plus, check out tips to make your time abroad a breeze.

We'll also introduce you to Wise Travel Card as an alternative, that can help you save on your international travel by offering currency conversions at mid-market rates without any hidden markups.

Table of contents

Bank Australia Travel Cards Using Bank Australia Debit Card Overseas Bank Australia Debit Card International Fees and Charges Using Bank Australia Credit Card Overseas Free Travel Insurance with Bank Australia Platinum Rewards Visa Credit card Bank Australia Credit Card International Fees and Charges Bank Australia exchange rates for travel transactions Traveling abroad with Bank Australia Cards Meet Wise: Your Smart Travel Money Card

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Bank Australia Travel Cards

Unfortunately, Bank Australia doesn’t offer a prepaid travel money card. However, the bank allows credit and debit cardholders to use the cards abroad.

Bank Australia offers debit cards with their Everyday accounts which you can use on foreign trips. The bank's credit cards also are accepted globally on the VIsa network.

Debit and credit cards can be convenient since it means you won’t have to get a separate card or account. However, fees can add up quite quickly and you may receive an unfavourable exchange rate when you make purchases in a foreign currency. On top of that, you’ll want to check about ATM withdrawals especially when you need cash overseas.¹

You will want to inform the bank before you travel so your card isn’t blocked when you go overseas. If you want to save money on fees and get a travel card, consider other banks or foreign exchange providers.

Using Bank Australia Debit Card Overseas

The Bank Australia Visa Debit Card is linked to the your Everyday Access account at Bank Australia. The Everyday Access account provides fee-free transactions and is a convenient day-to-day account. You automatically receive the card when you open an account with the bank and it has no annual fee.

The Visa Debit Card allows you to make purchases abroad and withdraw funds from an ATM, but it may cost you more than you think. Jump to the section below for more information on fees.

Key features of the Bank Australia Debit Cards Overseas:

• Accepted globally: The debit card is part of the Visa network so it’s accepted anywhere Visa is; this includes merchants and ATMs.
• Fraud monitoring: Bank Australia provides security for your card and will actively monitor suspicious activity to prevent fraud.

If you’ve just opened an account, it can take about 10 days for the card to arrive. Once it does, you can activate it by logging into Bank Australia’s internet banking or app.

In addition to a physical card, you can get a digital card that can be added to your Google, Samsung or Apple wallets.²

Bank Australia Debit Card International Fees and Charges

Here are the overall fees for the Bank Australia Debit Card:³

Fee	Amount
International transaction fees	3% of the transaction value
Cash withdrawal fee overseas	$3.50 AUD + 3% international transaction fee
Monthly account fee	$0
Annual account fee	$0
Fee for exceeding the available funds	$10 AUD plus debit interest charge rate
Debit interest rate charge	12.39%
Cash withdrawal fee in Australia	$3.50 AUD

Other fees and more information can be found on the Bank Australia website.

The benefits of using a debit card abroad are that you can use the same card you always use and the money is deducted right from your Australian account. The downside is that fees can add up quickly and eat into your travel budget, and this is before we go over the exchange rate.

Using Bank Australia Credit Card Overseas

Bank Australia offers three main types of credit cards:⁴

• Low-Rate Visa Credit Card: A credit card that has one of the lowest interest rates Bank Australia offers.
• The Visa Credit Card: A standard credit card that has a variable interest rate and has no annual fee.
• Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card: A credit card with a higher interest rate but offers perks like Qantas Reward points and complimentary travel insurance.

Using your Bank Australia credit card abroad can be simple since all the cards are on the VIsa network. You can make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs with these credit cards, but it's important to know that these transactions can be very expensive due to fees and additional interest charges.

Of all the credit cards offered, the Platinum Rewards offers the most perks for travel, which includes travel insurance.

Free Travel Insurance with Bank Australia Platinum Rewards Visa Credit card

Travel insurance provides policyholders with financial compensation when unfortunate events happen on a trip. That can be baggage loss, delayed flights, illness or worse for you, your spouse or dependents. You have to have coverage before you start your trip but knowing you have travel insurance can be a relief in case the unexpected occurs.

Bank Australia offers free travel insurance to Platinum Rewards Visa credit card holders, but you will have to qualify first:

To be eligible:

• Your journey must start and end in Australia.
• You must have spent at least $500 AUD on the trip’s travel costs using your Platinum Rewards card before leaving.
• You must have a confirmed return ticket.
• You must be below 81 years old.

Coverage:

• Includes travel delays, ticket cancellations or rescheduling, medical expenses, funeral expenses and rental vehicle excess.
• Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.
• You can only have coverage for a maximum of 90 days.

Bank Australia makes it easy to process claims online and there is emergency assistance available:

• Within Australia: 1800 010 075
• From overseas: +617 3305 7499

Insurance coverage is provided through Allianz Australia Insurance Limited.⁵

Bank Australia Credit Card International Fees and Charges

Here are the fees to expect with Bank Australia credit cards and how much you’ll be charged when using your card abroad:⁶

Fee category	Low-Rate Visa Credit Card	Visa Credit Card	Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card
Annual fee	$59 AUD	Free	$189 AUD Home loan customers get an annual fee waiver.
International transaction fee	3%	3%	3%
Cash advance fee (overseas)	$3.50 AUD + 3% international transaction fee	$3.50 AUD + 3% international transaction fee	$5 AUD + 3% international transaction fee

While Bank Australia's international transaction fees are the same as the debit card, by using a credit card abroad you’ll also be charged an interest rate on the amount you spend if you don’t pay it off by the next statement cycle.

In addition, one of the biggest fees you might encounter is in the Bank Australia exchange rate.

Bank Australia exchange rates for travel transactions

When using your debit or credit card abroad, the cost of the purchase will be converted into Australian dollars by Bank Australia. That is the exchange rate that you get for anything you buy. But that exchange rate may end up hiding an extra fee.

Often called an exchange rate fee or markup, banks add a small amount to the exchange rate they give you so they can take a cut of every transaction. You can find the fee when you compare the exchange rate you get from the bank to the mid-market exchange rate you see on Google or Reuters. The mid-market exchange rate is the pure rate, without any fees or markups.

The difference in rates may be a few cents or seem small, but it can add up quickly when you’re on holiday. Instead of paying an exchange rate fee that makes your purchases more expensive, look out for a provider that offers the mid-market exchange rate on transactions, like Wise.

If you're looking to transfer money overseas, check out our guide to international transfers with with Bank Australia 👉

Traveling abroad with Bank Australia Cards

Almost ready to go? Here are steps you can take to ensure a smooth trip abroad:⁷

• Let Bank Australia know of your travel plans: Contact the bank to let them know your travel dates, where you’re going and which cards you are going to use. It helps for them to know your travel plans so they don’t block your cards when you use them abroad.
• Check card expiry: Double-check your card’s expiry date to ensure it doesn’t expire while on your trip. If so, try to order another card before you go.
• Set up your digital wallets: Make sure they work and that they have the cards you will need. Nowadays, cardless or tap transactions are becoming popular everywhere.

In case you run into an emergency on your trip or things go wrong, you can contact Bank Australia:

• Phone: +61 3 9854 4666 on working days
• Send an email or contact the bank on X or Facebook

Keep in mind these safety tips so you can feel secure during your trip abroad:

• ATM safety: Use your Bank Australia cards only at trusted ATMs.
• Have emergency funds available: Have some cash on hand or easily accessible in case of emergencies.
• Public Wi-Fi caution: Avoid making payments over public wi-fi if you can.

Using your Bank Australia credit or debit cards while travelling can be convenient but also expensive. Fees and the exchange rate on all the cards can eat into your travel budget. Want to save money and get added convenience when travelling abroad?

As an alternative, we would like to introduce you to the Wise Travel Card that offers the mid-market exchange rate on currency conversion. You can use the Wise Travel Card in 150+ countries and swipe like a local to make purchases at restaurants, stores and local sites.

Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Meet Wise: Your Smart Travel Money Card

Wise offers a convenient travel card and money transfer services that make managing your finances abroad a breeze. The Wise card lets you spend like a local in over 150+ countries, with

• Excellent exchange rates: Always get the mid-market exchange rate – the same one you usually see on Google – so you get the most out of your money.
• Low, transparent fees: Say goodbye to hidden charges and hefty markups. Wise keeps its fees low and transparent, so you know exactly what you're paying.
• Convenient card and app: Use your Wise card to swipe like a local in supported countries. Manage your money, track spending, and even freeze your card if needed, all through the Wise app .
• Cash withdrawals: Easily withdraw cash from supported ATMs abroad with low, transparent fees. But be mindful that ATM providers may charge their own cash withdrawal fees.
• International transfers: Send money abroad with the same mid-market exchange rates and low fees.

Get your Wise Card 🚀

Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Sources used for this article:

1. Bank Australia Everyday Accounts
2. Bank Australia Visa Debit Card
3. Bank Australia Visa Debit Card Fees
4. Bank Australia Credit Cards Overview
5. Complimentary Travel Insurance to Platinum Rewards Visa credit cardholders
6. Bank Australia Credit card fees for international travel-related usage
7. Bank Australia tips on things to do before travel