Yes, your Bank of America credit card works internationally, but you need to know the fees and notify the bank first
Bank of America credit cards are accepted in most countries where Visa or Mastercard logos appear — which is nearly everywhere outside the US. The card itself will work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers abroad. But "works" does not mean "costs the same as at home". You will pay foreign transaction fees, currency conversion charges, and possibly ATM fees. The bank will not block your card for international use, but you should tell them you are traveling so they do not block it thinking the charges are fraud.
The specific fees and exchange rates depend on which Bank of America card you hold. A basic rewards card charges differently than a premium travel card. Before you leave, log into your account or call the number on the back of your card to find out your exact foreign transaction fee — it typically ranges from 1% to 3% of each purchase — and to let the bank know your travel dates and destinations.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America credit cards work at most merchants and ATMs worldwide, but each purchase abroad costs you an extra foreign transaction fee on top of the purchase price.
- You must notify Bank of America before traveling, or the bank may decline your card thinking the foreign charges are fraudulent.
- The foreign transaction fee varies by card type — check your card's terms or call the customer service number on the back to learn your exact rate before you go.
- Using an ATM abroad to withdraw cash costs you both a foreign transaction fee and an ATM operator fee, making it more expensive than using your card at merchants.
- Some Bank of America cards marketed as travel cards have no foreign transaction fee, but these typically require higher credit limits or annual fees.
How foreign transaction fees work on your Bank of America card
When you use your Bank of America credit card outside the US, the bank charges you a percentage of the purchase amount as a foreign transaction fee. This fee is added to your bill on top of what you paid the merchant. If you buy something for 50 euros and your card has a 3% foreign transaction fee, you pay the euro amount plus 3% in dollars when your statement arrives.
The bank also converts the foreign currency to US dollars using their own exchange rate, which is usually slightly higher than the mid-market rate you see online. This conversion markup is separate from the foreign transaction fee — you pay both. Together, they typically add 2% to 4% to the cost of every purchase you make abroad.
Most standard Bank of America credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee. Premium cards like the Bank of America Premium Rewards or certain travel-focused cards may have no foreign transaction fee, but these cards usually require a higher credit limit, annual fee, or both. Check your card's terms document or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm your specific fee before you travel.
Notifying Bank of America before you travel
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your Bank of America online account and use the travel notification feature. Tell them the countries you are visiting and the dates you will be there. This step takes five minutes and prevents the bank from declining your card when it sees charges from abroad.
Bank of America's fraud detection system is designed to block cards when it sees unusual activity — and a purchase in Tokyo when you normally shop in Ohio looks unusual. If you do not notify the bank and your card gets blocked, you will be stuck without access to credit until you call customer service and verify the charges yourself. Notification is free and costs nothing but a phone call.
If you are traveling to multiple countries, list all of them. If your travel dates change, update the notification. You can set travel notifications through the mobile app, the website, or by phone — whichever is easiest for you.
Using ATMs abroad and the fees that come with them
You can withdraw cash from ATMs using your Bank of America credit card, but this is the most expensive way to get foreign currency. When you use an ATM abroad, you pay three separate charges: the foreign transaction fee from Bank of America, an ATM operator fee charged by the foreign bank that owns the machine, and sometimes a cash advance fee if your card treats ATM withdrawals as cash advances rather than regular purchases.
A $100 withdrawal might cost you $103 to $106 by the time all fees are added. Using your card to buy something at a store costs less because you only pay the foreign transaction fee, not the ATM operator fee on top of it. If you need cash abroad, withdraw larger amounts less often to spread the ATM fee across more money, or use a debit card instead if you have one — debit cards sometimes have lower ATM fees than credit cards.
Bank of America has partnerships with some international banks that waive ATM fees for Bank of America customers. Check your account or call customer service to see if your destination has a partner bank. If it does, use those ATMs to avoid the operator fee.
Comparing Bank of America cards for international travel
Bank of America offers several cards with different international fee structures. A basic cash-back card or rewards card typically charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. The Bank of America Premium Rewards card charges no foreign transaction fee but requires a higher credit limit and may have an annual fee. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card also has no foreign transaction fee but comes with its own terms and requirements.
If you travel frequently or are planning a long trip, the math might favor a card with no foreign transaction fee, even if it costs an annual fee. If you travel rarely, the annual fee is not worth it — stick with your current card and accept the per-purchase fee. Use a calculator: multiply your expected spending abroad by your card's foreign transaction fee percentage, then compare that cost to any annual fee the no-fee card would charge.
You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to walk you through the fees on each card you are considering. They can tell you which card makes sense for your specific travel plans.
What to do if your card is declined abroad
If your card is declined despite notifying the bank, call the customer service number on the back of your card when ready. Have your card, a form of ID, and the merchant's name and location ready. The bank can verify the charge, unblock your card, and authorize future purchases in that location within minutes. This is why you should always carry the customer service number with you — write it down or take a photo of the back of your card before you leave.
If you cannot reach customer service by phone, try using your card again at a different merchant or ATM. Sometimes a single declined transaction triggers a temporary block, but a second attempt goes through once the bank's system updates. If the problem persists, contact Bank of America through their website or mobile app to report the issue and request manual authorization for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special Bank of America card to use it internationally?
No. Any Bank of America credit card works internationally as long as it carries a Visa or Mastercard logo. You do not need to switch cards or open a new account. You will pay foreign transaction fees on a standard card, but the card itself functions abroad. If you travel often, you might want to switch to a no-fee card, but it is not required.
What happens if I do not tell Bank of America I am traveling?
The bank may decline your card when it sees charges from a foreign country, thinking someone stole your number. You will have to call customer service to verify the charges and get the card unblocked. It is not a permanent problem, but it is inconvenient when you are far from home. Notification takes five minutes and prevents this entirely.
Can I use my Bank of America card to pay for hotels and flights booked before I travel?
Yes. Charges made before you travel are treated the same as charges made while you are abroad — you pay the foreign transaction fee. If you book a hotel in London using your Bank of America card while you are still in the US, you pay the fee. The fee applies whenever the merchant is located outside the US, not based on when or where you make the purchase.
Is it cheaper to exchange money before I leave or use my card abroad?
Using your card abroad is almost always cheaper than exchanging currency before you travel. Currency exchange booths and banks charge markups of 5% to 10% or more. Your Bank of America card charges 1% to 3% in foreign transaction fees plus a small currency conversion markup — typically 2% to 4% total. You save money by using the card and paying the foreign transaction fee.
Can I dispute a foreign transaction if I think I was overcharged?
Yes. If a merchant charged you twice, charged the wrong amount, or you did not authorize the charge, you can dispute it with Bank of America the same way you would dispute any other charge. Call the number on the back of your card or log into your account to report the dispute. The bank will investigate and credit your account if the dispute is valid. Foreign transaction fees themselves cannot be disputed — they are part of your card's terms.