Using your ASB debit card overseas. The lowdown

If you hold a debit card with Auckland Savings Bank (ASB) and are preparing to head off overseas, you may be wondering whether this card can be used while you’re away.

Being able to use your existing debit card to transact while travelling can be very appealing, but this convenience typically comes with added conditions and costs.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the details of ASB debit cards. Covering if they can be used while abroad, any fees and charges associated with this and what exchange rate is used so you have the full picture before departing. Let’s get started.

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Can you use your ASB debit card overseas?

Yes, able to be used wherever Visa is accepted both within New Zealand and overseas, your ASB debit card gives you access to your funds while travelling.¹

However, there are specific fees and charges associated with using the card in this way, which we’ll detail further on.

What to do before you travel abroad with your ASB debit card

To avoid being blocked from your account for suspicious foreign activity, it is always wise to advise your bank that you intend to travel.

With ASB, this is done by calling their dedicated travel line or by sending a message through their FastNet Classic internet banking platform.²

They also recommend downloading the ASB mobile banking app and ensuring your card settings for international transactions are enabled.

What are the fees to use your ASB debit card abroad?

As outlined in the table below, ASB utilises a relatively straightforward fee structure for foreign transactions made using your Visa debit card.

Rather than combine a transaction fee with a foreign currency service charge, they apply a single charge, regardless of how the transaction is made overseas.

As seen on 15 December 2023

While ASB does not levy additional fees on top of the foreign currency service percentage listed above, individual retailers and ATMs may do so.

These fees are independent of ASB and outside of their control. Any fees applied by a third party while making a transaction will be in addition to those charged by ASB.

What is the exchange rate ASB uses for your overseas foreign currency payments?

All overseas transactions made using your ASB debit card are converted to New Zealand dollars using Visa’s selected rate.³

Depending on where you are in the world while making a transaction, the amount withdrawn or charged may first be converted into US Dollars first and then into New Zealand Dollars.

Due to this double handling in managing the exchange, the amount shown on your statement and the associated fee percentage may appear different than expected.

What are the card spending limits with an ASB debit card

ASB’s Visa Debit card allows you to withdraw up to NZD $2000 daily from an ATM or transact up to NZD $10,000 electronically within a 24-hour period.⁴

While ATM limits are usually controlled by the ATM operator as a safety measure, electronic transaction limits may be able to be negotiated depending on your bank.

ASB offers limited information regarding this on their website or how these limits apply when travelling. As such, we recommend getting in touch with them directly to discuss this before departing.

Dedicated foreign currency travel cards from ASB

Currently, ASB does not offer a dedicated travel money card. While they previously did so via Mastercard’s Cash Passport card, this is no longer available.⁵

Additionally, ASB also no longer facilitates the buying and selling of foreign currency (cash) for travellers. ⁶

Things to Keep in mind before you travel

• Multiple different fees can affect your daily limit as these are counted in the total spend each day. These fees, plus the applied exchange rate should be carefully considered when transacting to ensure your request can be accommodated within this limit.
• Take the time to advise ASB of your travel plans to avoid possible complications in accessing your money while travelling.
• If your card is stolen along with any devices used to access a digital wallet, making immediate contact with ASB is essential. Blocking your physical card online will not stop Apple Pay or Google Pay from working.
• If you use the same account to manage direct debits and automatic payments, keep a close eye on your balance as foreign transaction fees can leave you with less than expected to cover these.

Blocking your ASB card if your card gets lost or stolen abroad

If your card is stolen or becomes misplaced while travelling, ASB allows you to block access or cancel the card via their app, online or by phone.⁷

Via the app:

1. Log in and select ‘more’ from the bottom right of the accounts screen
2. Select the applicable card from ‘cards and devices’
3. From here you can choose to temporarily lock your card or cancel it and order a replacement card

Online:

1. Log into FastNet Classic
2. From the accounts page select ‘open and apply’
3. Once within the cards section, select ‘replace card’

It should be noted that the online option only facilitates the cancelling and replacement of your card, not a temporary blocking of it.

Contactless payment options are still accessible regardless of whether you have blocked or cancelled your card.

To report loss or theft by phone, please call the number listed below.

Contacting ASB from overseas

To speak with an ASB customer care representative while overseas, call⁸:

• +64 9 306 3000

This line is staffed Monday to Friday between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm or between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

ASB does not offer a 24-hour emergency contact number for reporting lost or stolen cards at this time. Due to this, it is strongly suggested to set up mobile banking via the ASB app before travelling.

Travel with Wise

With a Wise Account you can hold money in 40+ currencies and spend it in 150+ countries. You can also order local account details in popular world currencies like AUD, NZD, USD, EUR, GBP to receive local and/or international payments like a local.

Whenever you exchange currencies it’s done using the mid-market rate with a transparent conversion fee shown upfront.

To make everyday spending easier you can order a Wise Debit card for your Wise Account and generate virtual cards as needed. If you have the local currency in your Wise Account the Wise card will use it. If you don’t have local currency converted, it uses smart technology to auto-convert your money at the mid-market rate, for a conversion fee.

The Wise card may suit you better if you’re to spend money that you’ve stored in different currencies within an existing Wise Account, and benefit from 2 or less free cash withdrawals under $350 NZD, or foreign equivalent, per month (keep in mind that ATM providers may charge their own fees). You can see our full fee breakdown for ATM withdrawals here.

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