Can I Use My Wells Fargo Credit Card Internationally? If you are planning to travel abroad, you might be wondering if you can use your Wells Fargo credit card internationally. The answer is yes, you can use your Wells Fargo credit card anywhere Visa and American Express are accepted. However, there are some things you need to know before you pack your bags and swipe your card overseas. In this article, we will cover the following topics:
- Can I Use My Wells Fargo Credit Card Internationally?
- How to Prepare Your Wells Fargo Credit Card for International Travel
- What are the Fees and Charges for Using Wells Fargo Credit Card Internationally?
- How to Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion and Get the Best Exchange Rate
- How to Protect Your Wells Fargo Credit Card from Fraud and Theft
- What to Do If Your Wells Fargo Credit Card is Lost or Stolen Abroad
- How to Manage Your Wells Fargo Credit Card Account Online or via Mobile App
- Tips for Using Wells Fargo Credit Card Wisely and Responsibly Abroad
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to use your Wells Fargo credit card internationally and how to avoid common pitfalls and problems. Let’s get started!
Can I Use My Wells Fargo Credit Card Internationally?
Yes, you can use your Wells Fargo credit card internationally, as long as the merchant or ATM accepts Visa or American Express. The majority of Wells Fargo’s credit cards are Visa, which is the second largest credit card network globally. In the U.S. only, more than 10.7 million merchants are accepting Visa card payments. Visa is also widely accepted in most countries around the world, except for some regions where cash is still preferred or where other networks like UnionPay or JCB are more dominant.
American Express is another network that Wells Fargo partners with for some of its credit cards, such as the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card or the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card. American Express is less common than Visa, especially in developing countries or rural areas, but it is still accepted by many merchants and ATMs in popular tourist destinations and major cities. You can check the American Express website for a list of countries and locations where you can use your card.
However, you should be aware that not all Wells Fargo credit cards are suitable for international travel. Some cards, such as the Wells Fargo Platinum Card or the Wells Fargo Rewards® Card, charge a foreign transaction fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency or converted to U.S. dollars. This means that if you spend $1,000 abroad, you will pay an extra $30 in fees. This can add up quickly and eat into your travel budget.
Therefore, if you want to save money and avoid foreign transaction fees, you should consider getting a Wells Fargo credit card with no foreign transaction fee, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card, or the Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Card. These cards also offer other benefits, such as cash back, rewards points, travel insurance, and more. You can compare the features and benefits of different Wells Fargo credit cards on their website.
How to Prepare Your Wells Fargo Credit Card for International Travel
Before you leave for your trip, there are some steps you should take to prepare your Wells Fargo credit card for international travel. These steps will help you avoid potential issues and inconveniences, such as declined transactions, blocked cards, or unexpected fees. Here are some tips to follow:
Notify Wells Fargo of your travel plans.
Some credit card issuers may ask you to notify them about your travel plans, such as when and where you’re traveling, whether domestic or international, as well as the cards you’re taking with you. This can prevent your credit card company from viewing your charges as suspicious and declining them because they’re made in another country. Wells Fargo no longer requests advance notice of travel plans, but it is still a good idea to sign on to online banking or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app to confirm your contact information is up to date so they can contact you if they detect unusual activity.
Check your credit card limit and available balance.
You don’t want to run out of credit or exceed your limit while you are abroad, as this can result in declined transactions, over limit fees, or reduced credit score. Therefore, you should check your credit card limit and available balance before you travel and make sure you have enough room for your expected spending. You can also request a credit limit increase if you need more credit, but this may require a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. You can check your credit card limit and available balance online, via mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Set up a travel PIN for your credit card.
Some merchants and machines abroad may only accept credit cards with a chip and personal identification number (PIN), especially in Europe. If you don’t have a PIN for your credit card, you may not be able to use it at some places. Therefore, you should set up a travel PIN for your credit card before you leave. You can do this by visiting a Wells Fargo branch or calling the number on the back of your card. Make sure you memorize your PIN and don’t write it down or share it with anyone.
Make a list of important phone numbers and documents.
In case your credit card is lost or stolen abroad, you will need to contact Wells Fargo as soon as possible to report it and request a replacement. You will also need to provide some information, such as your card number, account number, and personal details. Therefore, you should make a list of important phone numbers and documents and store them in a safe and separate place from your credit card. For example, you can write down the toll-free customer service numbers for Wells Fargo, the international access codes for calling from outside the U.S., and the emergency card replacement numbers. You can also make copies of your credit card, passport, driver’s license, and other identification documents. You can find the phone numbers and access codes on the Wells Fargo website.
What are the Fees and Charges for Using Wells Fargo Credit Card Internationally?
When you use your Wells Fargo credit card internationally, you may incur some fees, depending on the type of card you have, the currency you use, and the method of payment you choose. Here are some of the most common fees and charges you may encounter:
- Foreign transaction fee. This is a fee that your credit card issuer charges you for converting your foreign currency transactions to U.S. dollars. As mentioned earlier, some Wells Fargo credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency or converted to U.S. dollars. However, some Wells Fargo credit cards waive this fee, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card, or the Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Card. You can avoid this fee by using a no foreign transaction fee credit card or by paying in cash.
- ATM fee. This is a fee that you pay for withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad. Wells Fargo charges a flat fee of $5 for each cash withdrawal made at a non-Wells Fargo ATM overseas. This fee is in addition to any fees that the ATM owner or operator may charge you. You can avoid this fee by using a Wells Fargo ATM, if available, or by withdrawing larger amounts of cash at once to minimize the number of transactions. You can also use a debit card instead of a credit card, as some debit cards offer lower or no ATM fees. However, you should be aware that using a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM is considered a cash advance, which is subject to a higher interest rate and a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater. You should avoid using your credit card for cash advances, unless it is an emergency, as this can be very expensive and affect your credit score.
- Currency conversion fee. This is a fee that some merchants or ATMs may charge you for converting your local currency transactions to U.S. dollars. This is also known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC) or cardholder-preferred currency (CPC). This fee is usually a percentage of the transaction amount, ranging from 1% to 7%, and it is added to the exchange rate that the merchant or ATM uses. This fee is optional and you can decline it by choosing to pay in the local currency instead of U.S. dollars. You can avoid this fee by always paying in the local currency and checking the receipt or screen for any signs of DCC or CPC. You can also use a credit card that offers a competitive exchange rate, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card, or the Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Card, which use the Visa or American Express exchange rate, which is usually close to the market rate.
How to Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion and Get the Best Exchange Rate
Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) or cardholder preferred currency (CPC) is a service that some merchants or ATMs may offer you when you use your credit card abroad. It allows you to pay in U.S. dollars instead of the local currency, which may seem convenient and transparent, but it is a rip-off. DCC or CPC usually involves a hidden fee and a poor exchange rate, which can make your purchase or withdrawal more expensive than it should be.
To avoid DCC or CPC and get the best exchange rate, you should always choose to pay in the local currency when you use your credit card abroad. Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Know the exchange rate. Before you travel, you should check the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the local currency of your destination. You can use online tools, such as Bing Currency Converter, to get an estimate of how much your money is worth in another currency. You can also use your Wells Fargo Mobile® app to view the exchange rate for your credit card transactions. However, you should be aware that the exchange rate may fluctuate daily and may differ from the rate that your credit card issuer uses. Therefore, you should always check the receipt or screen for the actual exchange rate and amount that you are paying in U.S. dollars and in the local currency.
- Use a credit card that offers a competitive exchange rate. As mentioned earlier, some Wells Fargo credit cards use the Visa or American Express exchange rate, which is usually close to the market rate. This means that you will get a fair and transparent exchange rate when you use your credit card abroad. You can compare the Visa and American Express exchange rates with other sources, such as banks, online tools, or currency exchange bureaus, to see how they stack up. You can also check the Wells Fargo website for the current exchange rates for your credit card transactions.
- Decline DCC or CPC offers. When you use your credit card abroad, some merchants or ATMs may ask you if you want to pay in U.S. dollars or the local currency. They may present this as a service or a convenience, but it is a way for them to charge you more. If you choose to pay in U.S. dollars, you will be subject to DCC or CPC, which involves a hidden fee and a poor exchange rate. Therefore, you should always decline DCC or CPC offers and choose to pay in the local currency. You can do this by saying “no” or “local currency” when asked, or by pressing the appropriate button on the terminal or screen. You should also check the receipt or screen for any signs of DCC or CPC, such as the words “cardholder preferred currency”, “dynamic currency conversion”, or “DCC”. If you see any of these, you should ask the merchant or ATM operator to cancel the transaction and redo it in the local currency.
How to Protect Your Wells Fargo Credit Card from Fraud and Theft
When you use your Wells Fargo credit card internationally, you may be exposed to some risks of fraud and theft. Some criminals may try to steal your credit card information, such as your card number, expiration date, security code, or PIN, and use it to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. Some may also try to physically steal your credit card or wallet and use it without your knowledge or consent. To protect your Wells Fargo credit card from fraud and theft, you should follow these tips:
- Keep your credit card safe and secure. You should always keep your credit card in a safe and secure place, such as your wallet, purse, or pocket. You should never leave your credit card unattended or out of your sight, such as on a table, counter, or seat. You should also avoid carrying too many credit cards or cash with you, as this can make you a target for thieves. You should only bring the credit cards that you need and leave the rest at home or in a hotel safe. You should also use a RFID-blocking wallet or sleeve to prevent electronic pickpocketing, which is a technique that uses a device to scan and copy your credit card information from a distance.
- Be careful when using your credit card. You should always be careful when using your credit card at merchants or ATMs abroad. You should only use your credit card at reputable and trustworthy places, and avoid sketchy or unfamiliar ones. You should also inspect the terminal or machine for any signs of tampering, such as loose parts, wires, or stickers. You should also shield your PIN and security code when entering them, and never share them with anyone. You should also review the receipt or screen for the correct amount and currency, and keep them for your records. You should also sign the back of your credit card and the receipt, if required, and never let the merchant or ATM operator take your credit card away from you or swipe it more than once.
- Monitor your credit card activity. You should always monitor your credit card activity and check your statements regularly for any unauthorized or suspicious charges or withdrawals. You can do this by signing on to online banking or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, where you can view your transactions, balances, and alerts. You can also enroll in Wells Fargo Online® Alerts, which can notify you via email, text message, or push notification of any unusual or important activity on your account, such as a large purchase, a foreign transaction, a declined transaction, or a payment due. You can also request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year, and check it for any errors or signs of identity theft.
What to Do If Your Wells Fargo Credit Card is Lost or Stolen Abroad
If your Wells Fargo credit card is lost or stolen abroad, you should act quickly and report it to Wells Fargo as soon as possible. This will help you prevent any further unauthorized or fraudulent use of your credit card, and limit your liability for any charges or withdrawals that you did not make. Here are the steps you should take if your Wells Fargo credit card is lost or stolen abroad:
- Call Wells Fargo immediately. You should call Wells Fargo immediately to report your lost or stolen credit card and request a replacement. You can call the toll-free customer service number on the back of your card, or the international collect number at 1-925-825-7600. You can also use the international access codes for calling from outside the U.S., which you can find on the Wells Fargo website. You will need to provide some information, such as your card number, account number, and personal details, to verify your identity and block your card. You can also report your lost or stolen credit card online or via mobile app, but calling is the fastest and most secure way.
- Request a replacement card. After you report your lost or stolen credit card, you can request a replacement card from Wells Fargo. Depending on your location and availability, you may be able to receive your replacement card within one to three business days, or up to 10 business days. You may also be able to choose the delivery method, such as regular mail, express mail, or courier service. You may also be able to pick up your replacement card at a Wells Fargo branch or partner bank, if available. You may be charged a fee for the replacement card or the delivery service, depending on the type of card you have and the circumstances of your loss or theft. You can check the Wells Fargo website for the current fees and charges for your credit card.
- Update your card information. After you receive your replacement card, you will need to update your card information with any merchants or services that you have authorized to charge your credit card automatically, such as subscriptions, bills, or reservations. You will also need to update your card information with any digital wallets or payment apps that you use, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. You will also need to activate your replacement card and set up a new PIN, if applicable. You can do this by calling the number on the sticker on your card, or by signing on to online banking or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
How to Manage Your Wells Fargo Credit Card Account Online or via Mobile App
When you use your Wells Fargo credit card internationally, you may want to manage your account online or via mobile app, instead of calling or visiting a branch. This can save you time and money, and give you more convenience and control over your credit card. Here are some of the things you can do with online banking or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app:
- View your transactions, balances, and alerts. You can view your transactions, balances, and alerts for your credit card account online or via mobile app. You can see the details of each transaction, such as the date, amount, currency, exchange rate, and merchant name. You can also see your available credit, current balance, minimum payment, and due date. You can also enroll in Wells Fargo Online® Alerts, which can notify you of any unusual or important activity on your account, such as a large purchase, a foreign transaction, a declined transaction, or a payment due.
- Make payments and transfers. You can make payments and transfers for your credit card account online or via mobile app. You can pay your credit card bill from your Wells Fargo checking or savings account, or from another bank account. You can also transfer funds from your Wells Fargo credit card to your Wells Fargo checking or savings account, or to another Wells Fargo customer. You can choose to make a one-time payment or transfer, or set up a recurring payment or transfer. You can also schedule a payment or transfer in advance, or cancel or modify a payment or transfer before it is processed.
- Redeem rewards and benefits. You can redeem rewards and benefits for your credit card account online or via mobile app. If you have a Wells Fargo credit card that earns rewards, such as cash back, points, or miles, you can redeem them for a variety of options, such as statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel, or charitable donations. You can also use your rewards to pay down your credit card balance or loan, or to invest in your Wells Fargo account. You can also access and enjoy other benefits that your credit card offers, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, and more. You can check the Wells Fargo website for the current rewards and benefits for your credit card account. You can also check your rewards balance and expiration date online or via mobile app.
- Manage your card settings and preferences. You can manage your card settings and preferences for your credit card account online or via mobile app. You can activate or deactivate your credit card, request a credit limit increase, change your PIN, update your contact information, add or remove authorized users, and more. You can also customize your card features and security, such as setting up a travel PIN, enabling or disabling contactless payments, locking or unlocking your card, and more. You can also view and download your credit card statements, tax documents, and other account documents online or via mobile app.
Tips for Using Wells Fargo Credit Card Wisely and Responsibly Abroad
Using your Wells Fargo credit card internationally can be a convenient and rewarding way to pay for your travel expenses, but it also comes with some responsibilities and risks. You should always use your credit card wisely and responsibly abroad, and avoid any behaviors or habits that can harm your financial health or credit score. Here are some tips to help you use your Wells Fargo credit card wisely and responsibly abroad:
- Create a budget and stick to it. Before you travel, you should create a budget and plan how much you can afford to spend on your trip. You should include all your expected expenses, such as transportation, accommodation, food, entertainment, souvenirs, and emergencies. You should also factor in the exchange rate, fees, and charges that you may incur when using your credit card abroad. You should then stick to your budget and track your spending online or via mobile app. You should avoid overspending or impulse buying, and only use your credit card for necessary or planned purchases. You should also avoid withdrawing cash from your credit card, unless it is an emergency, as this can be very costly and affect your credit score.
- Pay your credit card bill on time and in full. When you use your credit card abroad, you should always pay your credit card bill on time and in full. This will help you avoid interest charges, late fees, and penalties, and maintain a good credit score. You can pay your credit card bill online or via mobile app, or set up automatic payments from your bank account. You can also pay more than the minimum payment or make multiple payments throughout the month to reduce your balance and interest charges. You should also avoid carrying a balance from month to month, as this can increase your debt and lower your credit score.
- Use your credit card for rewards and benefits. When you use your credit card abroad, you should also use it for rewards and benefits. If you have a Wells Fargo credit card that earns rewards, such as cash back, points, or miles, you should use it for purchases that qualify for rewards, and redeem them for options that suit your needs and preferences. You should also use your credit card for benefits that can enhance your travel experience, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, and more. You should check the Wells Fargo website for the current rewards and benefits for your credit card account, and read the terms and conditions carefully.
Conclusion – Can I Use My Wells Fargo Credit Card Internationally
We’ve discussed everything you need to know about “Can I Use My Wells Fargo Credit Card Internationally”Using your Wells Fargo credit card internationally can be a great way to pay for your travel expenses, but it also requires some preparation and caution. You should always choose a Wells Fargo credit card that suits your travel needs and preferences, and avoid foreign transaction fees, ATM fees, and currency conversion fees. You should also protect your credit card from fraud and theft, and report any loss or theft immediately. You should also manage your credit card account online or via mobile app, and use your credit card wisely and responsibly abroad. By following these tips, you can enjoy your trip and make the most of your Wells Fargo credit card. Bon voyage!
