Discover It Foreign Transaction Fee: Key Facts

Looking for a payment solution to make purchases abroad and online shopping in foreign currencies without hidden fees? Consider the Discover it Card, which delivers a cutting-edge international payment experience with no unexpected costs.

Keep reading to learn all about Discover Card international fees and tips on using your credit plastic abroad to fully leverage all Discover’s perks.

Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees

A foreign transaction fee is a charge applied by credit card issuers for international transactions or online payments in a foreign currency. In general, foreign transaction fees typically range from 1% to 3%. While this may not seem like a significant amount for individual purchases abroad, over the course of your trip, these fees can add up to a significant amount of money that you must pay to your bank, simply for processing your payments.

Discover it Card: Your Best Payment Solution Without Foreign Transaction Fees

So, in the classic scenario, a foreign transaction fee is added whenever you use your card abroad. However, there are some nice exceptions—the Discover it foreign transaction fee is 0%. This means that you don’t have to worry about paying extra while using this card overseas. And what’s more, you can even earn cashback rewards for your international transactions.

This fee-free benefit gives Discover cardholders a significant financial advantage over other credit card issuers. Eliminating international fees for the Discover Card for overseas travelers and online shoppers who purchase in foreign currencies adds up over time—it allows users to enjoy shopping abroad without worrying about any hidden costs.

Discover it Card: Benefits for International Travelers

Discover is one of the truly few credit card issuers that allows you to use your card seamlessly abroad, without worrying about additional charges or extra fees. This presents a major financial advantage for international travelers, as fees for overseas payments can lead to unexpected expenses, particularly for frequent or large transactions.

Overall, Discover is an excellent solution for your international travel needs, and not just because Discover it foreign transaction fee is absent. It offers travelers additional voyage-related benefits, such as travel insurance and rental car coverage. A Discover credit card makes the car rental process easier, opens up more options, and helps you earn rewards that can help offset your travel costs.

And while having no Discover Credit Card international fees can save you a lot of money, remember that not all costs are eliminated. Transaction fees aren’t everything, and to maximize your benefits and minimize your expenses, you should consider some tips for using your card outside the U.S.

How to Use the Discover it Card Internationally

Discover is popular in the United States and is designed for U.S. users. And while you can use the card freely in your home country, when it comes to making payments internationally, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

First, keep in mind that some countries have higher merchant acceptance rates for Discover than others. Before heading abroad, it's a good idea to look into how widely your Discover card is accepted in the country you’re visiting.

Discover Card has a strong international presence—you can use it in many countries around the world, such as Canada, Japan, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, China, Singapore, Australia, and more. However, in certain countries, like the UK, despite general acceptance, you might come across some restrictions or limitations.

Another important tip for using your Discover it Card internationally is to notify Discover of your travel plans. Letting your card issuer know ahead of time helps you avoid security holds, ensuring your card won't get flagged or blocked due to unexpected foreign transactions. This way, you can enjoy a seamless international payment experience while traveling.

Last but not least, you should be aware of local ATM fees. Although the Discover Card foreign transaction fee is 0%, this only applies to purchases. However, when it comes to withdrawing cash, you may still encounter additional fees—these could be either a percentage of the amount withdrawn or a flat fee charged directly by both the ATM operator and Discover. To minimize these costs, look for ATMs at Discover partner banks, as many of them offer fee-free withdrawals. You can easily find your nearest partner ATM by checking the Discover website before your trip.