The Apple Card charges no foreign transaction fees anywhere in the world

The Apple Card does not charge a foreign transaction fee when you use it outside the United States. This applies whether you swipe it at a merchant, use it online, or withdraw cash from an ATM abroad. You pay only the exchange rate that Mastercard sets on that day — no extra percentage tacked on top.

This is one of the card's clearest advantages if you travel or make purchases from international merchants. Many credit cards add 2% to 3% on top of the exchange rate for every foreign purchase. The Apple Card skips that markup entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple Card has zero foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States.
  • You still pay Mastercard's exchange rate, which changes daily, but no additional percentage is added by Apple.
  • ATM withdrawals abroad do not trigger a foreign transaction fee, though your bank may charge a separate ATM fee.
  • The card works with Apple Pay in most countries, which can be safer and faster than presenting a physical card.

How the exchange rate works when you travel

When you make a purchase in a foreign currency, Mastercard converts it to US dollars using the exchange rate that exists on the day of the transaction. That rate is set by Mastercard, not by Apple, and it changes every day based on currency markets. You have no control over which rate you get — it is determined by when the merchant processes the charge, not when you make the purchase.

The Apple Card does not add a markup on top of that rate. Some cards charge 2% or 3% as a "foreign transaction fee" — meaning if the true exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.92 EUR, a card with a 3% fee would give you an even worse rate. Apple does not do this. You get Mastercard's rate, period.

ATM withdrawals and cash abroad

If you withdraw cash from an ATM while traveling, the Apple Card does not charge a foreign transaction fee for that withdrawal either. You still pay Mastercard's exchange rate on the dollar amount you take out.

However, the ATM operator itself may charge you a fee — this is separate from the foreign transaction fee and is not controlled by Apple. Some ATMs charge $2 to $5 per withdrawal, and some banks that own the ATM charge an additional fee to non-customers. These fees vary by country and by ATM. You will usually see the fee amount on the ATM screen before you confirm the withdrawal, so you can decline if it seems too high.

Using Apple Pay instead of the physical card

The Apple Card works with Apple Pay in most countries around the world. When you use Apple Pay to pay at a merchant, the transaction is processed the same way as a physical card swipe — you get the same exchange rate and no foreign transaction fee. The advantage is that Apple Pay is often faster, requires no signature, and is accepted in more places than a physical card in some countries.

Apple Pay is available in over 70 countries and regions. If you are traveling to a country where Apple Pay is supported, using it can be simpler than carrying the physical card. Check Apple's website before you travel to confirm whether Apple Pay works at merchants in your destination.

Comparing the Apple Card to other no-fee cards

Several other credit cards also offer zero foreign transaction fees. The Charles Schwab Bank Investor Cash Card, the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, and some premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve do not charge foreign transaction fees either. The difference is usually in the rewards structure and annual fee.

The Apple Card has no annual fee and earns 2% cash back on all purchases made with Apple Pay, plus 1% on all other purchases. Cards with no foreign transaction fees often charge an annual fee ($95 to $550) but offer higher rewards rates or travel protections. If you travel occasionally and want to avoid annual fees, the Apple Card is a solid choice. If you travel frequently and want travel insurance or higher rewards, a premium card might be worth the fee.

What happens if a merchant charges you in US dollars abroad

Sometimes when you use a US card at a foreign merchant — especially at airports, tourist areas, or online retailers — the merchant will offer to charge you in US dollars instead of the local currency. This is called dynamic currency conversion. The merchant sets the exchange rate, and it is almost always worse than the rate Mastercard would give you.

Always decline dynamic currency conversion and ask to be charged in the local currency instead. Let Mastercard do the conversion using its rate. The Apple Card will not charge a foreign transaction fee either way, but Mastercard's rate is better than what a merchant offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple Card work in every country?

The Apple Card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, which is most countries. However, some countries restrict which cards they accept or require local payment methods. Before traveling, check with your bank or contact Apple Support to confirm the card will work at your destination.

Will I be charged a fee if I use Apple Pay abroad?

No. Apple Pay transactions are processed as regular Mastercard transactions and carry no foreign transaction fee. You pay only the exchange rate Mastercard sets that day.

What if I lose the card while traveling?

You can freeze or cancel the card instantly through the Wallet app on your iPhone. Since the card is digital-first, you can continue using Apple Pay even after the physical card is frozen. Contact Apple Support or your bank to request a replacement card sent to your home address.

Do I earn cash back on foreign purchases?

Yes. The Apple Card earns 2% cash back on purchases made with Apple Pay and 1% cash back on all other purchases, including foreign transactions. The cash back is calculated on the US dollar amount after Mastercard converts the currency.

Is there a limit to how much I can spend abroad?

The Apple Card has the same spending limits as any other credit card — your credit limit. There is no separate cap on foreign spending. However, if you plan to make large purchases abroad, contact Apple in advance to let them know, as unusual activity can sometimes trigger fraud alerts.