Using your NAB debit card abroad. The lowdown

Planning a getaway is exciting, but navigating bank fees shouldn't be the hardest part of your trip. If you’re a NAB customer, you’re likely wondering about the cost of tapping your card in Tokyo or withdrawing cash in Rome.

While NAB doesn't offer a traditional "travel card", they do have several ways for you to access your money. Here is everything you need to know about NAB overseas fees. You can also learn more about the Wise card, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies.

Can you use your NAB card overseas?

Yes, you can. All NAB Visa Debit and credit cards are travel-enabled and accepted globally wherever you see the Visa logo.¹ However, to ensure your card isn't flagged for suspicious activity while you're spending from a foreign destination, you should notify NAB of your travel plans through the NAB app or internet banking before you depart. Using your card abroad can be a bit different than using it here in Australia and can come with extra fees and security considerations.

What to do before you travel abroad with your NAB card

Sometimes using your card abroad for the first time can be flagged as suspicious foreign activity in NAB’s fraud monitoring system. When this happens, your card can be blocked. To avoid this happening and leaving you stranded you should²:

• Tell NAB your travel plans before you go
• Check your accounts and cards are travel enabled
• Learn about the security features in your NAB app
• Get to know how to contact NAB in an emergency.

One key thing to do is to research your destination and get to know what kind of payment methods are most accepted to help you prepare.

How much does NAB charge for overseas transactions?

Here’s a breakdown of some of the common fees to use each NAB card abroad.³

*As seen on 16 January 2026

✈️ Don't leave without the right card. Find the best travel card for overseas and spend smarter during your trip.

What is the exchange rate NAB uses for your overseas foreign currency payments

When you pay in a foreign currency with your card, NAB doesn’t set the exchange rate itself, instead, the conversion is processed using the Visa exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction, Visa rates may typically include a small internal markup that is hidden within the rate rather than being disclosed as a separate fee.⁵

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, the rate you see on Google, without adding any hidden margins or markups, plus a small, transparent conversion fee. It’s worth comparing this against the Visa rate to see which gives you more for your money.

What are the card spending limits with NAB card

When it comes to making purchases on your NAB debit card, whatever is available in your account is what can be spent. However, there is a $2000 daily limit on ATM withdrawals which cannot be changed.¹ As for your NAB credit cards, the limits would depend on your credit limit.

Dedicated foreign currency travel cards from NAB

There are no dedicated foreign currency travel cards available from NAB. The NAB Platinum Visa debit card is recommended by NAB for taking overseas.⁶

Keep in mind before your travel

Don’t add any unnecessary stress to your trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make your journey as stress free as possible.

• Take out International travel insurance
• Check your card expiry and change pin number where needed
• Bring along extra payment methods
• Try and stick to a travel budget
• Have ways to keep your cards and cash safe
• Learn about the security features within the NAB app
• Only use reputable cash exchange or ATM machines
• Organise an international data roaming plan or a local sim on arrival

This list is not exhaustive, so it is recommended to take your own due diligence before you leave.

Blocking your NAB card if your card gets lost or stolen abroad

If you do run into an emergency and your card goes missing, here is how you can quickly block your card before your funds are completely drawn down.⁷

1. Login in to your NAB app
2. Click on Cards in the menu
3. Choose the card you want to block
4. Click through the prompts to temporarily block your card

This feature within the NAB app can be reversed using the same steps. If you do need a new card as it’s been stolen rather than misplaced, you should report this to NAB immediately. You can do this through the NAB app or by giving the NAB support line a call.

Contacting NAB from overseas

If you need to contact NAB for any reason to do with your card, you can:

• Reach out to their support team through the NAB app
• Call from within Australia on 1800 033 103
• Call from overseas on +61 3 8641 9121

These numbers can be reached 24 hours a day.

Heading overseas? Save on foreign transaction fees with the Wise card

The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

Explore Wise Interest to earn potential returns on your AUD and USD*

Your money is invested in a fund of government-backed securities—without being locked away. So, you can still spend your money as usual while it has the opportunity to grow.