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

Headed overseas? There are a lot of ways to make purchases when you go abroad. Debit or credit cards can, for the most part, be used globally but they aren’t always the cheapest option. Cash can be useful, specifically in some countries, but there is a risk of theft or loss. Travel cards provide a safe and easy way to pay in local currencies abroad without the security risk of cash or the expensive fees of a debit or credit card.

Heritage Bank in Australia allows its debit and credit cards to be used outside the country. Learn more about using your Heritage cards and accounts abroad. 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.

Heritage Bank Travel Cards

Heritage Bank doesn't offer dedicated travel cards, but that doesn't mean you can't use your existing cards for international travel. You can use your Heritage Bank debit or credit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases at merchants globally that accept Visa:²

• Convenience: Easily pay for things at shops, restaurants, and online, domestically or abroad.
• Extra Perks: If you have the Heritage Bank Platinum Rewards credit card, you'll also get complimentary travel insurance.

Using Heritage Bank Debit Card Overseas

If you have a savings account with Heritage Bank, you'll receive a free Visa debit card. This card can be used for international travel, allowing you to withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases at merchants worldwide. Applying for your card is easy – you can do it online, through Heritage’s internet banking or the mobile app, visit your local branch, or simply call 13 14 22.³

Using Heritage Bank Credit Card Overseas

Heritage Bank offers a few credit card options that can be used for international travel.

• Gold Low Rate Card: This card offers a low annual fee and no international transaction fees. Credit limits start from $1,000 AUD.
• Classic Card: With a low annual fee, this card offers rewards and an interest-free period of up to 55 days. The annual fee is waived if you spend $25,000 annually on Visa purchases. Credit limits start from $1,000 AUD.
• Platinum Card: This card offers a higher credit limit and complimentary travel insurance. Credit limits start from $6,000 AUD.

Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of each card, including any fees and interest rates, before choosing one.

Interested in a high credit limit and travel insurance? Learn more in our complete guide to Heritage Bank Platinum Credit Card. ⁴

Free Travel Insurance with Heritage Bank Platinum Card

Travel insurance can provide stress relief when going on a trip. It works like an insurance policy where it provides financial compensation in case something goes wrong. However, you pay for the policy upfront, and per trip, so if it’s not used the policy ends.

Heritage Bank Platinum Rewards credit card holders receive complimentary travel insurance provided through Allianz Australia Insurance Limited.

Key Coverage:

• Trip interruptions: Coverage for losses due to travel delays or cancellations.
• Medical expenses: Help with overseas medical expenses.
• Baggage loss: Coverage for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings.
• Other: Includes coverage for loss of income, personal liability and COVID-19-related events.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be an Australian resident with an active Platinum Rewards credit card.
• A minimum $950 AUD must be spent on prepaid travel costs using the card.
• Confirmed return travel itinerary.
• Coverage extends to spouses and dependent children travelling with the cardholder for at least 50% of the trip.

It's important to note that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered and nor are trips longer than 90 days.⁵

Traveling abroad with Heritage Bank Cards

Australian residents travelling abroad can use their Heritage Bank cards wherever Visa is accepted. However, you must note the following:

• Inform the bank before travelling overseas to get protection from fraud and so your card doesn’t get blocked when used in another country. The Visa cards come with Visa Zero Liability protection but it’s not available for ATM transactions and transactions not processed by Visa.
• Heritage debit and credit cards with the Visa logo can be used internationally at ATMs and merchant card machines that accept Visa cards.
• You can add the Visa debit card to your digital wallets and pay with your mobile on the go.

An important factor about travelling abroad with a Heritage debit or credit card is that every transaction gets a foreign currency conversion fee and an international transaction fee. Check out our section below on fees and charges with Heritage cards.

If you're looking to transfer money overseas, take a look at our guide to Heritage Bank International Transfers:

Limits on Using Heritage Bank Cards Overseas

There are limits on transaction amounts when using your Heritage Bank cards inside and outside Australia:⁶

Cost of using Heritage Bank Card Overseas

While using your Heritage Bank debit or credit card for travel is convenient, the fees for using the card can eat into your budget. You'll likely face:

• High foreign transaction fees: Heritage Bank charges a percentage fee on every overseas transaction.
• Expensive exchange rates: When you use your card abroad, Heritage Bank uses its own (often higher) exchange rate. This means your purchase can end up costing you more in Australian dollars than you think.
• ATM Withdrawal fees: Some activities abroad may require cash, and the bank has fees every time you withdraw local money from an ATM.

Let’s break down the fees to expect with debit and credit cards.

Heritage Bank International ATM Withdrawal Charges

Here are the international ATM withdrawal charges:

Once you add up all the fees, it can be very expensive to take money out abroad from your Heritage account - especially with a credit card. Find alternatives like a travel card so you can save money on fees and have more for fun.

Heritage Bank International Transaction Charges

Heritage Bank charges a foreign currency conversion fee of 3% of the Australian dollar amount on every overseas transaction in currencies other than the Australian dollar.⁷

Heritage Bank Exchange Rates

Unlike travel cards, Heritage Bank debit and credit cards don't allow you to pre-load foreign currencies. This means you can't lock in exchange rates before your trip.

So when using your cards overseas, your purchase is converted in real-time at the bank’s prevailing exchange rates. So rather than getting the mid-market rate you see on Google or Reuters, you’ll get an exchange rate on the transaction that is typically more expensive. In that way, the bank is able to sneak in a fee for every amount that is converted into Australian dollars. It can seem small but adds up quickly.

Between the international transaction fees and this hidden exchange rate fee, you can end up losing a lot of your travel budget to unnecessary charges. Want a cheaper way to travel so you have more money in your wallet? 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 🚀