A forex card is one of the most convenient ways to access money while travelling abroad. But cash withdrawals from an ATM can come with a surprising mix of fees—fixed charges, percentage-based fees, cross-currency markups, and sometimes even local ATM operator surcharges. This guide explains exactly how forex card cash withdrawal charges work, what to look for when comparing cards, and how to avoid unnecessary costs.
Forex card cash withdrawal charges are the fees you pay when you use a prepaid forex card or a forex credit card to withdraw local currency from an ATM outside your home country. These charges are separate from the exchange rate you received when you loaded the card. They are imposed by the card issuer, the ATM network, and sometimes the local bank that operates the ATM.
According to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the global foreign exchange market trades an average of $9.6 trillion per day (as of the 2025 Triennial Survey)[reference:0]. Even a small fraction of that volume flows through retail forex cards, making it essential for travellers to understand the fee structures that apply to their everyday withdrawals.
ⓘ Key point: Withdrawal charges are not the same as the forex markup you pay when loading the card. They are transaction-based fees that apply every time you take cash out of an ATM. Some cards charge a flat fee per withdrawal; others charge a percentage of the amount withdrawn.
When you use your forex card at an overseas ATM, the transaction follows a multi-step process:
Most forex cards allow you to withdraw between USD 500 and USD 1,000 per day, though limits vary by provider and country[reference:1][reference:2]. Some premium cards or accounts may offer higher limits.
ⓘ Tip: Always check your card’s daily withdrawal limit before you travel. If you need more cash than the limit allows, plan to use a combination of card payments and ATM withdrawals over multiple days.
Withdrawal charges can be divided into several categories. Understanding each one helps you compare cards accurately.
This is the fee charged by your card provider. It can be a flat fee (e.g., USD 2 per withdrawal) or a percentage of the amount withdrawn (e.g., 2% of the transaction). Many banks charge around USD 2 per withdrawal[reference:3][reference:4]. Some newer fintech cards offer zero ATM fees, though you should confirm whether this applies globally[reference:5].
The owner of the ATM may charge an additional fee for using their machine. This is common in many countries and can range from USD 1 to USD 5 per transaction, or a percentage of the withdrawal[reference:6]. This fee is often displayed on the ATM screen before you confirm the transaction.
If you withdraw cash in a currency that is not loaded on your card, the card provider will convert the amount at a cross-currency rate. This often includes a markup of 2–3.5%[reference:7][reference:8]. Multi-currency cards reduce this risk because you can hold several currencies at once, but if you travel to a country whose currency you haven’t pre-loaded, the fee still applies.
Some ATMs offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency at the point of transaction. This is called DCC, and it usually comes with a very poor exchange rate. Always choose to be charged in the local currency to avoid this hidden cost[reference:9].
⚠ Watch out: Some cards also charge an inactivity fee if you don’t use the card for 6–12 months, and a reload fee every time you top up. These are not withdrawal charges per se, but they add to the overall cost of using the card[reference:10][reference:11].
The table below shows typical ATM withdrawal charges for popular forex card providers. All figures are indicative; always check the latest terms with your provider before you travel.
| Provider | Currency | ATM Withdrawal Fee (per transaction) | Daily Withdrawal Limit | Reload Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multimoney Forex (Multi-Currency) | USD | $2.00 | Varies | Contact provider |
| Multimoney Forex (Single-Currency) | USD | $5.00 | Varies | Contact provider |
| BookMyForex | USD | $2.00 | $500 | ₹100 |
| HDFC ForexPlus Card | USD | $2.00 | $5,000* | ₹75 + GST |
| SBI Foreign Travel Card | USD | $1.75 | $3,000 | ₹50 |
| Axis Bank Multi-Currency | USD | $2.25 | $1,000 | ₹100 + GST |
Source: Compiled from publicly available provider data[reference:12]. *GST applicable. Charges may change. Verify with your provider.
As the table shows, the flat fee per withdrawal is fairly consistent across major providers, but limits and reload fees vary. Some providers, such as BookMyForex, have also launched cards that waive ATM fees entirely, though you should confirm whether the foreign ATM network charges its own fee[reference:13].
Forex cards are used in a wide range of situations. Here are three common scenarios that illustrate how withdrawal charges affect real travellers.
Situation: A consultant travels to London for 4 days. She needs cash for taxis and small purchases. She withdraws £200 once from an ATM.
Charges: Issuer fee: $2 flat; ATM operator fee: £2.50; no cross-currency fee because the card is loaded in GBP. Total extra cost: ~$5.20.
Situation: A family travels to the US, then to Europe. They load USD on a single-currency card. In Europe, they withdraw €300.
Charges: Issuer fee: $2; cross-currency markup: 3% (~$10); ATM operator fee: €3. Total extra cost: ~$17.20.
Situation: A student in Australia uses a forex card for 6 months. She withdraws AUD 200 every two weeks from an ATM.
Charges: 12 withdrawals × $2.25 fee = $27.00 in issuer fees alone. Plus any ATM operator fees. This shows how frequent small withdrawals can add up significantly over time.
📝 Scenario: Withdrawing cash vs. paying by card
Suppose you are in Paris and need €100. If you withdraw €100 from an ATM with a $2 flat fee and a 3% cross-currency markup, the total cost is about €100 + €3 markup + $2 fee. If instead you pay €100 directly by card at a restaurant, you avoid the ATM fee but still pay the cross-currency markup. The difference is small for a single transaction, but over a two-week trip with multiple withdrawals, the ATM fees can easily exceed $30–$50.
Takeaway: Use card payments where possible, and plan larger, less frequent ATM withdrawals to minimise fixed fees.
Choosing the right forex card is not just about the exchange rate. You need to evaluate the total cost of ownership, including withdrawal charges. Use the checklist below to compare cards effectively.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) advises consumers to verify the registration of any financial service provider before committing funds[reference:14]. While this applies primarily to trading platforms, the principle holds for forex card issuers as well: always check the provider’s credentials and read the fee schedule carefully.
ⓘ Expert note: According to the National Futures Association (NFA), investor protection begins with understanding the terms of your financial products[reference:15]. For forex cards, this means knowing exactly what you will be charged before you travel.
Using a forex card for cash withdrawals carries several risks that every traveller should be aware of:
What you can do: The CFTC advises consumers to be sceptical of any financial product that promises high returns or low risks without transparent terms[reference:24]. For forex cards, this translates to: read the terms, understand the fees, and verify the provider’s reputation. The NFA also provides investor education resources that can help you make informed decisions[reference:25].
⚠ Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Forex card terms, fees, and exchange rates change frequently. Always verify current rules, fees, spreads, rates, broker availability, and platform terms with the relevant authority or provider before making any financial decision.
Yes, you can use your forex card at any ATM that displays the Visa or Mastercard logo, depending on your card network. However, the ATM operator may charge an additional fee, and not all ATMs accept foreign cards. It’s a good idea to check with your provider for any country-specific restrictions.
The cost varies by provider. Typical fees range from $1.75 to $5.00 per withdrawal, plus any ATM operator surcharge and cross-currency markup if applicable[reference:26]. Some premium cards offer free ATM withdrawals, but always check the terms.
Yes. Most providers set a daily limit between USD 500 and USD 1,000, though some offer higher limits for premium cards[reference:27][reference:28]. Check your card’s terms for the exact limit.
A cross-currency fee is charged when you withdraw cash in a currency that is not loaded on your card. The fee is typically 2–3.5% of the transaction amount[reference:29][reference:30]. It applies whenever the card network has to convert between currencies.
If you are travelling to one country, a single-currency card loaded in that country’s currency is usually fine. If you are visiting multiple countries, a multi-currency card can save you from paying cross-currency fees on every transaction[reference:31].
Some providers charge a small fee for balance enquiries at ATMs, typically around $0.50 or equivalent[reference:32]. It is often cheaper to check your balance via the provider’s mobile app or website.
Contact your provider’s 24/7 helpline immediately to block the card. Most providers offer emergency card replacement or can arrange for you to collect cash from a local branch. A replacement fee may apply[reference:33].
Yes, but most providers charge an unloading or refund fee to transfer the remaining balance back to your bank account[reference:34]. Some cards also charge an inactivity fee if you leave the balance unused for a long period[reference:35].