Self-service ATMs: Accessibility, Limits, & Features

Here are five tips for using ATMs in foreign countries:

1. Check the network
You can use your Bank of America debit card or ATM card anywhere you see the CIRRUS symbol. In addition to CIRRUS, you can use ATMs with the Mastercard or Visa symbols. The symbol on the front of your card will indicate if your card is Mastercard or Visa.
Find a Mastercard/CIRRUS ATM layer
Find a Visa ATM layer

2. Understand the types of fees being charged.
The non-Bank of America ATM usage fee is $5. This fee is assessed for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry performed at a non-Bank of America ATM in a foreign country. In addition, the ATM operator may charge an access fee for cash withdrawals. Your deposit account statement will reflect the U.S. dollar equivalent of your foreign ATM withdrawal. Bank of America will assess an international transaction fee of 3% of the U.S. dollar amount for all ATM withdrawals processed in foreign currency. International ATM operators may offer to do your currency conversion for you, but they may charge a higher fee for conversion. To insure that your currency conversion does not incur a fee higher than the one stated above, you may refuse the ATM operator’s offer to convert the amount of the transaction. The fee is assessed as a separate transaction fee on the posting date of the withdrawal.

3. Verify your PIN before you travel.
Most international ATM operators support up to 12-digit PINs. However, some ATM operators only support four-digit PINs. Be sure your PIN does not start with a zero. Be sure to know your PIN by numbers, as some ATMs outside the United States don’t have letters on the keypad. If necessary, change your PIN before traveling to a foreign country. See how to change your PIN

4. Some international ATMs have limited functions.
All international ATM operators will provide you with withdrawal access from your primary checking account, but some may not offer access to your savings account or the ability to conduct transfers and balance inquiries. Some international ATMs are only available during normal business hours. Some international ATMs may not offer instructions in English.

5. Have a backup plan.
Systems used by international banks may occasionally be unavailable while you’re traveling, so there’s a possibility you won’t be able to use your card when you need to at an ATM or to make a purchase. In addition to using your debit or ATM card while traveling, consider also taking some foreign currency with you. Learn more about ordering foreign currency