If you’re travelling with your ANZ Debit Card make sure you know the fees and charges involved.
ANZ has a wide range of accounts with convenient debit card options, but before you go travelling with one of these cards it is important to look at additional fees.
While there are a number of ANZ debit card accounts that do not charge monthly fees or service usage fees in Australia, like the ANZ Access Basic and Deeming accounts, there are charges for using cards overseas.
The two main charges people come across when using a Mastercard Debit or Visa debit card overseas are transaction fees and currency conversion fees.
Almost all banks with debit card accounts have versions of these fees, calculated at different rates, so it is important to look at the terms that will directly affect your card use.
In most cases ANZ debit cardholders are charged the following rates:
- Overseas ATM withdrawal in a foreign currency – $5 plus 3% of the transaction value.
- Overseas transaction fee – 3%, charged at any merchant outside of Australia.
While these fees do add to overall travel expenses, it is worth noting that ANZ does not charge anything for overseas ATM balance enquiries and the $5 ATM fee is calculated based on what the operator will charge, not ANZ directly.
Transaction fees are also waived for point-of-sale refunds, so really it is just the 3% transaction charges that should be factored in before using an ANZ Visa debit card.
How to avoid these fees
A good way to reduce the fees you deal with when travelling with your debit card is to also take local currency so that you can pay for purchases with cash when debit cards are not accepted and do not have to rely on ATMs.
Using a combination of cash and card like this is often a lot more secure than picking just one payment option.
Travelling with a debit card is often a convenient and useful option, particularly for booking accommodation and flights, but it is important to factor the fees into your budget first.
Looking at the kinds of fees a bank like ANZ charges, and even comparing them to other bank fees, will help you be as money efficient as possible anywhere in the world.
Robert A Holgate
May 2, 2023Dear ANZ, I have an ANZ Access Visa Debit Card and I would like to know what the charges will be on my card if I use it for purchases and withdrawals in Japan.
admin
May 4, 2023Hi Robert, you’re actually on Debitcards.com.au, one of Australia’s debit card comparison site. Anyhow, I looked into this for you and you may definitely use the card overseas to make purchases and withdraw cash. You will be charged by ANZ a 3% foreign transaction fee and a $4 cash advance fee. If you need more information, it’s always best to check with ANZ directly at 13 13 1.
Vicki
March 21, 2023I am travelling to New Zealand and have ANZ Debit card. Will I bel charged for any overseas transactions in New Zealand or ATM withdrawals in New Zealand?
admin
March 22, 2023Hi Vicki, even though New Zealand is our close neighbour, ANZ will still charge you ANZ will charge you 3% of the value of any International Transaction charged to an ANZ account. This is the case for retail transactions, account withdrawals and balance enquiries. Keep in mind that if you use an ATM there also may be a fee for that too! Have a great trip across the ditch!
sandra murray
April 3, 2022Can I load my ANZ visa with Australian dollars before I travel and minimise the bank fees per transaction over there
admin
April 4, 2022Hi Sandra, Most debit cards will charge you a currency conversion fee for the use of your card overseas. You could load up extra cash to offset the fees, or alternatively, compare a range or debit cards for use overseas. Have a great trip!
Rob
February 17, 2014can you use the debit card in overseas atm points
admin
March 26, 2014Hi Rob, in deed you can, however you will be charged $5 on top of 3% of the amount when you withdraw money at any overseas ATMs. If you choose to use your debit card as a payment method, then you will still incur the 3% foreign transaction fee.