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If you're an avid traveler at heart, then your bank account should reflect that. Checking Account Bonus Offers
We looked for the best savings accounts that may help you save for travel and checking accounts that allow you to access your money with ease when you're on the road and overseas.
We picked the top savings, checking, and all-in-one accounts for travel, to help you save or manage your money.
Below, you'll see our top picks for international travel. All of the financial institutions on our list are protected by FDIC or NCUA insurance. Money is safe at a federally insured financial institution. When an institution is federally insured, up to $250,000 per depositor is secure in a bank account.
Earn 4.35% Annual Percentage Yield with a $0 minimum account opening requirement
The Ally High Yield Savings Account is a great option for anyone who wants savings tools to help save for specific financial goals, or prioritizes an account that doesn't charge standard bank fees. You may earn 4.35% APY, and the account doesn't have any requirements for earning interest. However, keep in mind that the best high-yield savings accounts pay up to 5.50% APY right now.
Earn up to 5,000 bonus AAdvantage® miles for new Bask Mileage Savings Account customers who fund their account within 15 business days from account opening and maintain a minimum daily balance of $25,000 for 90 consecutive days out of the first 120 days (open account by 02/29/2024)
up to 5,000 bonus AAdvantage® miles
The Bask Bank Interest Savings Account and Bask Bank CD are excellent options if you'd like to earn a high interest rate. The Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account may be a great choice if you frequently use American Airlines for travel. Bask Bank doesn't offer a checking account, though.
No minimums, no fees, no worries.
Capital One is a strong bank overall. You'll earn competitive interest rates on online savings accounts and CDs.
Earn 0.45% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). $0 minimum deposit. FDIC Insured.
Charles Schwab Bank is one of the best banks for international travelers, because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. It also refunds all fees charged by ATMs worldwide. But if you want to earn high interest rates, you're better off looking elsewhere.
Earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits for eligible customers through 6/30/24. Earn up to 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) with direct deposit
SoFi Checking and Savings is a great account option if you don't mind keeping your savings and checking in one account.
no monthly service fees on Standard plan
Standard plan: up to 3.25% APY, Premium plan: up to 4.25% APY, Metal plan: up to 4.25% APY
The best bank for international travel depends on what you're looking for, whether it's branch access, fee-free withdrawals, or no foreign transaction fees. With that said, we think SoFi, Revolut (a fintech company, not a bank, that works with FDIC-insured financial institutions), Ally, Bask Bank, Capital One, and Charles Schwab are some of the best places to keep the money you're planning to spend on travel.
Charles Schwab reimburses all ATM fees worldwide. Others, like Capital One and Citi, have a massive network of ATMs where you can access your money without fees, but if you go out-of-network, you may be charged a fee by the ATM operator.
Credit cards are generally the safest method of payment both in the US and abroad. Protections on credit cards are more extensive than debit cards, and if your credit card gets stolen, you won't need to worry about a thief draining your bank account. A no-foreign-transaction fee credit card is your best bet — you can keep your money safe and earn rewards on purchases.
Yes, you may open a bank account in another country. However, make sure that you report your bank account information to the IRS annually.
Compliance Management System Yes, you should call your bank before traveling so you're well prepared. If you forget to contact your bank, your debit card may be denied when you make purchases to protect you from potential fraudulent activity.