Ally Bank foreign transaction fees: Complete guide

As one of a growing number of fully online banks, Ally Bank has become quite popular in the US.

Ally offers plenty of convenience-first perks to its members. But if you’re planning to travel abroad with your Ally Bank card, you’ll need to learn about the Ally foreign transaction fees that could impact you on your trip.

This guide unpacks everything you need to know about Ally Bank international fees, ATM fees, and other factors that may influence your ability to spend money abroad.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Table of contents

Does Ally Bank have foreign transaction fees? Which Ally Bank cards have foreign transaction fees? Ally Bank debit card fees Ally Bank credit card fees Everywhere money. Meet Wise: the world's most international account How do I avoid foreign transaction fees? Ally Bank cards with no foreign transaction fees What are Ally Bank’s international ATM fees? Ally Bank international exchange rates Tips for using ATMs and cards abroad

Does Ally Bank have foreign transaction fees?

Yes, Ally Bank applies a debit card foreign transaction fee for purchases overseas.¹ You may be charged up to 3% of the purchase price when swiping your debit card abroad.²

This fee typically applies to purchases made in a currency other than USD. Since Ally bank processes international transactions through a global payment network, it adds a percentage-based fee to convert the currency and complete the purchase.

When you use an ATM outside the US, the Ally Bank foreign ATM fees vary, but they’re capped at no more than 1%.²

Which Ally Bank cards have foreign transaction fees?

Ally Bank only has one debit card, which includes a foreign transaction fee. However, Ally also offers 3 credit cards, all of which are free from foreign transaction fees. Here’s a quick look at your options.

Ally Bank debit card fees

The Ally Bank debit card foreign transaction fee is 1%–3% on point-of-sale transactions, which occur when you swipe or tap your card.

You may also incur additional charges when your money is converted to the local currency. If you make an ATM withdrawal, you’ll pay a 1% fee.

Ally Bank credit card fees

Here’s a breakdown of Ally Bank’s credit card foreign transaction fees:

Card	Foreign transaction fee	Other fees
Ally Platinum Mastercard®³	None	1% ATM fee
Ally Everyday Cash Back Mastercard®⁴	None	1% ATM fee
Ally Unlimited Cash Back Mastercard®⁵	None	1% ATM fee

Using an Ally credit card for your overseas trip may be smarter than swiping your debit card, as you can avoid foreign transaction fees.

That said, Ally charges a 5% cash advance fee. You’ll also pay a 1% foreign transaction fee and any exchange rate charges on ATM withdrawals. That means it will cost you 6% plus the exchange rate to withdraw cash using your credit card.

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How do I avoid foreign transaction fees?

There are a few ways to minimize foreign transaction fees and save money while traveling:

1. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees

When you're at a store, use a card that has no foreign transaction fees. This lets you bypass the typical 1% or more charge.

2. Make fewer, larger cash withdrawals

When you need cash, use your debit card. If you’re an Ally Bank customer, you’ll pay a flat 1% foreign transaction fee on the amount you withdraw, but you can save on ATM fees by making fewer, larger withdrawals.

Since ATM fees are charged per transaction, this can help you keep more of your money.

3. Pay in the local currency

Always ask to be charged in the local currency when a merchant gives you the option. This simple step helps you avoid dynamic currency conversion, where you get a less favorable exchange rate.

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Ally Bank cards with no foreign transaction fees

While the Ally debit card has a 1-3% foreign transaction fee, Ally credit cards do not.

However, Ally doesn’t offer a card that waives foreign ATM transaction fees. You can still minimize costs by avoiding ATMs with high third-party surcharges.

What are Ally Bank’s international ATM fees?

When withdrawing money from a foreign ATM, you’ll be subject to Ally’s 1% fee. ATM companies also charge their own fees, which may be flat rates or percentages, and Ally doesn’t reimburse international ATM fees.

You’ll also be subject to the Ally ATM withdrawal limit. During the first 30 days after activating your debit card, you can make up to 2,000 USD in purchases or withdraw up to 1,010 USD from ATMs per day.⁶

After 30 days, your ATM withdrawal limit will remain capped at 1,010 USD per day, but your spending limit will increase to 5,000 USD.

💡 Dynamic currency conversion is another fee you’ll need to watch out for. It applies when an ATM or merchant charges you in USD instead of the local currency. You may receive a less favorable exchange rate, so it’s best to choose the local currency during checkout.

Ally Bank international exchange rates

When using your Ally Bank debit card abroad, purchases and ATM withdrawals are processed using the current market exchange rate plus a slight markup. This markup is built into the final converted price that appears on your statement.

While the 1% Ally fee is clearly listed, the exchange rate markup may not be. As a result, it can be harder to understand the true cost until after the transaction posts.

Outside of your debit or credit card, Ally Bank has limited options for sending and using money overseas. It no longer supports international wire transfers, so you can’t forward money to a local account ahead of your trip.

Tips for using ATMs and cards abroad

Ally Bank international fees are unavoidable when using an ATM abroad. However, Ally credit cards don’t include point-of-sale foreign transaction fees, meaning you can avoid add-on charges by swiping your card. If you withdraw cash using your credit card, you’ll be subject to the same 1% ATM fee.

Here are some more tips:

• Inform Ally of your travel plans to keep your transactions from being declined
• Use ATMs at major banks instead of stand-alone ones in tourist spots
• Always choose the local currency when prompted at an ATM or payment terminal
• Set transaction alerts to monitor your spending and detect fraud
• Bring a backup card in case your primary card gets lost or stolen

💡 Want to learn more about Ally Bank? Check out our comprehensive review.

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Sources

1. Ally Bank Help Center - ATM Withdrawals FAQs
2. Ally Bank -Your Guide to Debit Card Safety While Traveling
3. Ally Credit Cards - Ally Platinum Mastercard®
4. Ally Credit Cards - Ally Everyday Cash Back Mastercard®
5. Ally Credit Cards - Ally Unlimited Cash Back Mastercard®
6. Ally Bank Help Center - Debit Cards & Checks FAQs

Sources checked 08/13/2025