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When using your Wells Fargo credit card abroad—or even while making purchases online with international vendors—charges can add up more quickly than usual. This is because of your credit card’s foreign transaction fee. Foreign transaction fees are charged when you make non-US-dollar purchases, and can range from 1%–3% of the transaction amount.
However, some credit cards don’t have foreign transaction fees at all. Whether or not you’re charged this fee, and how much it costs, will depend on your credit card and credit card issuer.
How much is Wells Fargo’s foreign transaction fee?
Wells Fargo usually charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
The only credit cards issued by Wells Fargo that don’t include foreign transaction fees are the:
Examples of Wells Fargo’s foreign transaction fees
If you have a Wells Fargo credit card that charges the usual 3% fee, here are examples of charges you can expect:
| Foreign transaction amount | Foreign transaction fee | Total amount owed |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1.50 | $51.50 |
| $100 | $3 | $103 |
| $500 | $15 | $515 |
| $1,000 | $30 | $1,030 |
Do I need to notify Wells Fargo before using my credit card abroad?
Yes, you need to notify Wells Fargo before using your credit card abroad. Log into your Wells Fargo account online or on your mobile app, and add “Travel Plans” before you leave the country.
Wells Fargo will continue to monitor your credit card activity while you’re out of the country, and notify you of any suspicious transactions right away.
Tips for using a Wells Fargo credit card abroad
When using a credit card internationally, it’s important to understand the costs and risks involved. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you swipe your Wells Fargo credit card abroad:
- Get a PIN: You probably don’t use your credit card PIN number often; in fact, you may not even know you have one. Before taking your Wells Fargo credit card overseas, make sure you find out whether your card has a PIN and what it is, or how you can set a new one. Many foreign transactions (especially at ticketing kiosks around Europe) require you to enter a PIN when you use your credit card. You may be able to find your credit card PIN in your original offer letter, or call the number on the back of the card to request one.
- Pay in the local currency: When you’re swiping your Wells Fargo credit card at checkout in another country, the card reader may give you the option to pay in either the local currency or convert to US dollars. If you convert to US dollars, you’ll be triggering a “dynamic currency conversion” which often comes at an added cost. So while it’s tempting to see the price in your native currency, opt to pay in the local currency instead.
- Embrace the perks: Wells Fargo credit cards offer travel perks, including emergency ticket replacement, lost luggage locating service, travel accident insurance, and more. Check out and understand these perks before your trip, so you can take advantage of these benefits to make your travels smoother.
