Visa exchange rates: what are they and how can you benefit from them when paying from France?
Discover what lies behind the Visa rate and the interbank rate: what do they refer to? Are they advantageous? Are there alternatives?
While traditional banks are known for their complex fee structures, BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama) has made a commitment to simplifying its pricing. For example, this online bank charges no fixed fees for deposits and withdrawals made outside France.
But is this enough? Is BoursoBank a credible alternative to other banks? As we'll see, it’s not a clear-cut answer. While BoursoBank has indeed removed some fees that can be a burden for users, there’s still a possibility of less favourable exchange rates.
To avoid extra costs linked to marked-up exchange rates, consider the Wise card. This card is connected to a multi-currency account and allows you to make withdrawals and payments at a lower cost in most countries worldwide. The Wise card lets you withdraw up to €200 per month without fees (limited to 2 withdrawals), and hold 40+ international currencies in the linked account.
Here are the fees applied by BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama) for payments and withdrawals outside the Eurozone for different cards, plus a comparison with the Wise card:
| Provider | BoursoBank¹ | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | Not specified by the bank | Mid-market rate (no markup) |
| ATM withdrawal outside the Eurozone | * Freedom card: 1.69% * Ultim card: 3 free withdrawals per month, then 1.69% * Welcome card: 1 free withdrawal per month, then 1.69% * Metal card: free | Up to €200 free per month (limited to 2 withdrawals), then 1.75% of the amount + €0.50 |
| Payment outside the Eurozone | * Freedom card: free * Ultim card: free * Welcome card: free * Metal card: free | Free with currencies held in the account (if no conversion is needed) Minimal conversion fees for currencies not held in the account (from only 0.47%) |
The fees mentioned in this table are from the BoursoBank and Wise fee schedules as of September 27, 2025.
🔎 Tip: To save money abroad, consider using a multi-currency card that doesn’t apply a markup on the exchange rate — or at least one where the rate is clearly stated. For example, the Wise card gives you access to the mid-market rate, with full transparency and no markup.
First, make sure your card allows withdrawals abroad. If you have a Visa or Mastercard, you won’t have any issues — they’re both international cards.
A few days before your trip, notify your bank. Otherwise, your bank’s anti-fraud system might block your withdrawals or payments on suspicion of theft.
Once you’ve shared your travel dates with your advisor, discuss your payment and withdrawal limits and adjust them if needed — but always keep a safety margin for emergencies.
Also, check your card’s expiry date. If it expires during your trip, order a new one as soon as possible. Finally, note down your bank’s emergency numbers so you can block your card quickly if it’s lost or stolen.
Most banks charge a fixed commission on withdrawals. To save on fixed fees, try to limit your trips to the ATM.
However, BoursoBank’s withdrawal fees are proportional to the withdrawn amount. So, whether you make one or ten withdrawals, you’ll pay the same total percentage.
Fees on card payments are generally lower than those for cash withdrawals. Therefore, prioritising card payments can help you save money.
BoursoBank offers the Metal package for €9.90 per month with a physical card, or €5.90 for a digital version. This allows you to make payments and withdrawals in foreign currencies outside the Eurozone without fees.¹
However, the bank doesn’t disclose the exchange rate used, making it difficult to know exactly how much you’re paying.
You might therefore prefer a service with a clear and transparent exchange rate, such as Wise. With its international debit card, you can pay in foreign currencies without fees (if you already hold the currency in your account and no conversion is needed) and without any subscription costs.
When withdrawing money abroad, BoursoBank charges a proportional commission — at least according to its fee schedule.
However, nothing is specified about the exchange rate applied to card payments or foreign currency withdrawals.
For instance, for incoming transfers, BoursoBank applies a rate that’s 1% higher. But for card transactions? The bank doesn’t say.¹
It’s important to know that most banks apply a marked-up exchange rate, and BoursoBank could be among them.
At some ATMs, you may be asked if you want to withdraw in local currency or euros. This is called dynamic currency conversion. If you accept, the amount will be debited directly in euros, so you’ll know instantly how much you paid.
If you refuse, the exact cost of the transaction will appear later once your bank processes it. Be aware that dynamic currency conversion often comes with a poor exchange rate — usually worse than your bank’s own rate. The bottom line: it’s better to refuse dynamic currency conversion when it’s offered.
To withdraw foreign currency at a lower cost, the Wise card could be a good option. It allows you to withdraw up to €200 per month without fees (limited to 2 withdrawals).
With the Wise card, withdraw only the amount you need for your expenses abroad and avoid having to exchange leftover currency after your trip.
Here’s a summary of the benefits offered by the Wise card:
Source:
Last verified on September 27, 2025.
This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.
*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.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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