Česká spořitelna card payment abroad: Fees and currency rates

Packing your bags and heading off for an adventure – going on holiday is that simple. But you also need to think about how you'll pay in your dream destination. The easiest way, of course, is to pay by card. But is it also the cheapest way? Find out how much paying abroad with a Česká spořitelna card costs.

We will also present the Wise card, a multicurrency debit card that allows you to spend in +40 currencies, always converting your money at the mid-market exchange rate without mark-ups.

Learn more about
the Wise card 💳

Česká spořitelna and paying by card abroad

Paying by card abroad is completely normal these days. You can have the most common account, activate nothing special on it, and simply tap at the terminal just like at home. Česká spořitelna will automatically convert your CZK into the foreign currency – that's the only difference compared to paying with your card domestically.

How favorable is Česká spořitelna's exchange rate for card payments?

Česká spořitelna, like all other commercial banks, sets its own exchange rate. While central banks determine the mid-market rate, regular banks add their own margin to it. This allows them to profit from the exchange, while you lose out. For example, if you pay 250 EUR with your card, you'll be charged 154 CZK more with Česká spořitelna's rate than with Wise. That's because Wise uses the mid-market rate.

Data valid on the day the article was written.

Is there a fee for paying with a Česká spořitelna card abroad?

Of course not. Banks don't usually charge anything for foreign card payments. They earn money in a different way: through the selling exchange rate, as you discovered in the previous section.

What are Česká spořitelna's fees for ATM withdrawals abroad?

You can not only pay with your card abroad but also withdraw cash from ATMs. However, in that scenario, you won't avoid fees. The specific amount will depend on the currency and the ATM you're withdrawing from.

In some countries, like Austria or Croatia, you'll find Erste Group ATMs. Česká spořitelna belongs to this group, which is why withdrawals at its sister companies are free, or for a symbolic 5 CZK (for selected accounts). Therefore, check the list of countries and ATMs where you can benefit from this system.

In addition to ATM withdrawal fees, expect the automatic conversion of CZK at Česká spořitelna's selling rate. Let's say you want to withdraw 200 EUR on your holiday in Rome. Why does it cost you 142 CZK more with Česká spořitelna than with Wise? It's not just the fee, but also the exchange rate.

Data valid on the day the article was written.

Česká spořitelna profits not only from a more expensive exchange rate on card payments abroad but also from ATM withdrawals.

How to save money abroad? With a Wise international card

If you want peace of mind when making payments and withdrawals abroad, we have a simple solution that millions of travelers rely on.

Open your Wise account for free, quickly and easily. All you'll need is your ID and a mobile device – there's no need to visit a bank office.

With the Wise Account you can:

• Hold 40+ currencies and convert between them at the mid-market rate. We will show our conversion fees upfront
• Get local account details in up to 9 currencies, including EUR, GBP, and USD
• Receive balance cashback on EUR, GBP and USD held in your account
• Order a Wise debit card which you can use with our Smart Conversion technology
• Set up Auto Conversions based on your desired rate in the Wise app or use our Wise Rate Tracker to request exchange rate notifications directly to your email
• Create Wise virtual cards, and save on online shopping
• Get instant notifications of all your transactions via the Wise app. If you lose your card, you can easily cancel it in the app to keep your money safe

Open your Wise account
for free 🚀

Potential additional costs when using a card abroad

Česká spořitelna handles card payments abroad with ease. However, what it can't control are the pitfalls set by people looking to profit. What should you watch out for?

Dynamic currency conversion

One treacherous trap is the so-called dynamic currency conversion. This happens when the payment terminal of a foreign merchant offers you payment in CZK. Absolutely refuse it and choose to pay in the local currency. Otherwise, the merchant would convert the foreign currency into Czech crowns at a rate they set themselves. And that wouldn't be advantageous for you.

It's better to rely on Česká spořitelna's rate, which, although not the mid-market rate like Wise's, is much more favorable.

Foreign ATM fees

What Česká spořitelna charges for withdrawals is one thing; a local ATM fee is another. The local ATM operator might also charge a fee for its use.

The ATM should notify you and let you accept the fee, but you can't rely on that. It's therefore worth using ATMs of larger banks and avoiding those located in busy tourist areas. If a reliable bank wants to charge you something, it will at least show it to you, and it will be a smaller amount.

Česká spořitelna – lost card. What now?

No one wants to experience this situation at home, let alone abroad. But what should you do if it has already happened and you find yourself without your bank card? You have these options:³

• You can block the card yourself in the George app. Simply choose the relevant card, click on the "Functions" tab, and select the "Block" option.
• You can also block your card through internet banking. Just log in, click on the card you want to block, and select "Card settings." Then scroll down, tap "Block," and confirm the blocking.
• Another option is to call and request a block. From abroad, call +420 277 207 207, or the number specific to your operator:
  • O2: +420 726 111 144
  • T-Mobile: +420 605 661 144
  • Vodafone: +420 776 991 144
• If you discover the loss at home, dial Česká spořitelna's Czech infoline – 277 207 207.

Now you know everything about how Česká spořitelna handles payments abroad. If you don't want to count how many CZK you've lost due to the exchange rate after returning home, take a Wise debit card with you. You can start paying with its digital version immediately.

I want to pay with peace of mind, I want Wise 📲

Sources:

Sources checked on 2. 3. 2026.