Caisse d’Epargne withdrawals abroad from France: what are the fees?

Planning a holiday or business trip abroad? If you're heading outside the Eurozone, you’ll need to prepare for expenses in a foreign currency.

Using your Caisse d’Epargne bank card can be convenient — but be aware of hidden fees and unexpected charges that might spoil your trip.

Caisse d’Epargne offers several international card options, but every transaction abroad involving a currency conversion can add up in costs.

If you’re looking for an alternative for international payments and withdrawals, a Wise account and debit card could be ideal. It lets you spend abroad while keeping your budget under control.

Discover the Wise card

Essential preparations before you leave

International travel requires careful preparation. Beyond your passport, visa, and vaccinations, don’t forget to check your payment options.

Does your Caisse d’Epargne card work abroad?

It may sound obvious, but not all Caisse d’Epargne cards can be used outside France. Some are restricted to domestic transactions.

To avoid being stranded without access to cash, check with your branch before your trip to confirm your card works internationally.

Inform your bank before traveling

It’s important to notify your bank before going abroad. If not, your card might be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity.
Call your Caisse d’Epargne advisor a few days before departure.

Visa or Mastercard: which is best for international use?

Visa and Mastercard are both widely accepted globally, but they may differ in terms of fees and benefits.
Compare card types and the services each offers through Caisse d’Epargne before choosing the one that best suits your travel needs.

Check your withdrawal limit

When traveling, it’s easy to overspend. Caisse d’Epargne sets daily withdrawal limits to prevent fraud, which might be lower than you expect.
You can adjust your withdrawal limits easily in your online account before leaving.

Keep emergency contact numbers handy

Losing your card abroad is stressful, but acting quickly helps minimize damage. Note the Caisse d’Epargne Opposition Centre number: 09 69 36 39 39 and keep it somewhere safe (but not in your wallet).

Check your card’s expiry date

Before you leave, verify that your card is still valid. The expiry date appears under the card number — an expired card won’t work abroad.

Caisse d’Epargne fees for foreign withdrawals and payments

Using your card abroad isn’t free. The fees below are indicative and may vary depending on your regional Caisse d’Epargne branch. Always confirm the latest rates with your bank.

Withdrawal fees outside the Eurozone

Example: Caisse d’Epargne Île-de-France fees for foreign currency withdrawals (non-Eurozone):¹

Payment fees outside the Eurozone

Note: Currency conversion fees are added to these costs and depend on the exchange rate applied by your bank.¹

How to reduce these fees

Some Caisse d’Epargne customers can benefit from reduced international withdrawal rates. For example, clients aged 12 to 25 can withdraw outside the Eurozone free of charge, regardless of their travel package.¹

Use partner or affiliated ATMs

Using an ATM within Caisse d’Epargne’s global partner network can help reduce fees.

Limit your withdrawals

Each withdrawal carries fixed and variable costs. Instead of multiple small withdrawals, take out a larger amount at once to save on fees.

Pay by card instead of withdrawing cash

Whenever possible, pay directly by card. Payment fees are generally lower than withdrawal fees abroad.

Caisse d’Epargne’s international options

If you travel frequently, ask about Caisse d’Epargne’s international options. These can include benefits like commission-free withdrawals.¹
However, keep in mind that you may still pay foreign bank and currency conversion fees.

Prepaid or multi-currency cards

Prepaid and multi-currency cards can help you save on exchange fees.
You load your travel funds in advance — already converted into the desired currency — and spend locally.

A Wise account offers similar flexibility with a built-in multi-currency card.

With the Wise card:

• Pay for free if you already hold the currency in your account.
• If a conversion is needed, it’s done at the mid-market rate, with low, transparent fees.

Beware of hidden fees

Each international withdrawal or payment can trigger unexpected extra costs.

Currency exchange fees

Compare exchange rates before using a bureau de change. Choose one offering a rate closest to the mid-market rate to avoid unnecessary losses.

ATM withdrawal fees abroad

When you withdraw from an ATM abroad, local banks may charge a fee — in addition to Caisse d’Epargne’s own commission.¹
If prompted to choose a currency conversion method, always select the local currency to avoid double conversions at poor rates.

Save on international withdrawals with Wise

Wise offers a transparent, low-cost alternative for international transactions.

With the Wise card:

• Withdraw up to €200 per month for free (2 withdrawals).
• Pay in foreign currencies without fees if you already hold the currency.
• If conversion is needed, it’s done at the mid-market exchange rate with small, transparent fees.
• Pay like a local in 40+ currencies.
• Order your card for a one-time €7 delivery fee — no monthly subscription.

Order your Wise card

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.