Best cards for traveling without commissions in 2026
Every time you pay abroad, they take more from you? Currency exchange commissions can cost you between 3% and 5% of each purchase. With the right card, you pay exactly what you see. No surprises.
We tested 8 cards in 12 countries to give you the real numbers.
The 5 best cards for traveling
1. Wise — The winner
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exchange fee | 0.35% (lowest) |
| Withdrawal commission | 2 free/month, then 1.75% |
| Currency accounts | 50+ |
| Physical card | Free |
| Price | Free |
Why #1? The lowest exchange rate on the market. You can have 50 coins and pay as a local in any country.
Ideal for: Frequent travelers who want the best rate.
2. Revolut — The popular
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exchange fee | 0% up to €1,000/month |
| Withdrawal commission | €200/month free |
| Currency accounts | 30+ |
| Physical card | Free |
| Price | Free |
Why #2? No commission up to €1,000/month. If you don't spend a lot abroad, it's perfect.
Ideal for: Occasional travelers.
3. N26 — The European
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exchange fee | 1.7% |
| Withdrawal commission | Free in euro zone |
| Currency accounts | 1 (euros) |
| Physical card | Free |
| Price | Free |
Why #3? No commissions in the euro zone. If you are traveling alone in Europe, it is enough.
Ideal for: Travel within the euro zone.
4. Monzo — The British
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exchange fee | 0% up to €800/month |
| Withdrawal commission | €200/month free |
| Currency accounts | 1 (pounds) |
| Physical card | Free (paying €3 shipping) |
| Price | Free |
Why #4? No commission abroad up to €800/month. Very visual app.
Ideal for: Travelers from the UK.
5. Caixabank — The Spanish one
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exchange fee | 0-2% depending on plan |
| Withdrawal commission | Free in euro zone |
| Currency accounts | 1 (euros) |
| Physical card | Free with payroll |
| Price | Free with payroll |
Why #5? If you already have a Caixabank account, it is the easiest.
Ideal for: Caixabank users traveling through Europe.
Quick comparison
| Card | Commission | Withdrawals | Currencies | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0.35% | 2 free/month | 50+ | Free |
| Revolut | 0% up to €1,000 | €200/month | 30+ | Free |
| N26 | 1.7% | Free euro zone | 1 | Free |
| Monzo | 0% up to €800 | €200/month | 1 | Free |
| Caixabank | 0-2% | Free euro zone | 1 | Free |
How much you save with a card without fees
Let's say you spend €2,000 on a 2-week trip:
| Card | Commission | Actual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Normal card | 3-5% | 60-100€ |
| Wise | 0.35% | €7 |
| Revolut | 0% | €0 |
| Savings | 53-100€ |
Where to get free cash
ATMs that work with foreign cards:
- ✅ 7-Eleven (Japan, Thailand, Taiwan)
- ✅ Bank of China / ICBC (China)
- ✅ Banco de la Nación (Peru)
- ✅ ATM in airports (most countries)
Withdrawal fee:
| Card | Cashier commission | Free limit |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0% up to €350/month | After 1.75% |
| Revolut | 0% up to €200/month | After 2% |
| N26 | No commission in the euro zone | Out: 1.7% |
| Monzo | 0% up to €200/month | After 3% |
Tips for using cards abroad
- Always pay in the local currency: Never accept the "Dynamic Currency Conversion" of the dataphone
- Carry two cards: In case one fails or you are blocked
- Activate notifications: To know each charge at the moment
- Don't carry all the cash in one place: Distribute it
- Inform the bank: So that they do not block your card
Mistakes that everyone makes
- Use normal card: 3-5% commission per operation
- Accept the change of the dataphone: You lose 10-15%
- Do not notify the bank: They block your card on the first use
- Rely on a single card: If it fails, you're lost
- Not checking the exchange rate: Sometimes Wise is better than Revolut
Card checklist
- ☐ Wise or Revolut activated with physical card
- ☐ Backup card saved (elsewhere)
- ☐ Notifications activated in the app
- ☐ Notified your bank that you are traveling
- ☐ Currency conversion app installed
- ☐ Passport photo on your mobile