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Card payments abroad from France: what are the fees and how to reduce them?

Soufiane Baba
Soufiane Baba
04.11.25
Read time 3 minutes

These days, most bank cards can be used for international payments. However, each transaction usually comes with additional fees.

While paying by card is generally more convenient than exchanging cash, it can still become expensive if you’re not careful.

To reduce your expenses while maintaining flexibility, a multi-currency card can be one of the best solutions. It’s now offered by several providers.

With the Wise card, for example, you can make purchases in foreign currencies using the mid-market exchange rate. This helps you save on conversion and foreign exchange fees.

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Key things to know before traveling abroad

If you don’t often travel outside France, take a few simple precautions before leaving.

First, check that your bank card works abroad. If you have a Mastercard or Visa, you shouldn’t encounter problems — both are widely accepted worldwide.

Although there are slight differences between the two networks, especially in fees and insurance coverage, both are reliable options for global payments.

Next, inform your bank of your travel dates. Otherwise, their fraud detection system might suspect suspicious activity and block your card.

Finally, review your withdrawal and payment limits with your advisor. You may wish to increase them slightly to account for unexpected expenses during your trip.

Comparison of card payment fees abroad

French banks usually apply a fixed fee plus a percentage on international card transactions outside the SEPA zone. Here’s a comparison of the main French providers:

ProviderFees
BNP Paribas¹

* Visa Infinite Card: 2% + €0.60

* Other cards: 2.90% + €0.90

Crédit Agricole du Finistère²

* €0.20 + 2.30%

* Premium cards (World Elite, Infinite, Globe Trotter, etc.): free

Société Générale³

* ≤ €10: 2% (Visa Infinite), 2.7% (others)

* > €10: €1 + 2% (Visa Infinite), €1 + 2.7% (others)

Banque Postale⁴

* Visa Platinum and Visa Infinite: 1.15% (max €6)

* Other cards: 2.30% (max €6)

Crédit Mutuel Île-de-France⁵

* EEA + Switzerland: €0.33 + 1% (max €10)

* Other countries: €0.33 + 2.50% (max €10)

Caisse d’Épargne Île-de-France⁶€1 + 2.80%
CIC⁷2.90% + €0.33 (max €10)

You may benefit from lower fees — or even exemptions — if you hold a premium card or subscribe to an international banking package.

Keep in mind that these fees don’t include possible exchange rate markups that banks often apply without making them clear.

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How to reduce card payment fees abroad

Withdrawals in Europe: use your own bank’s ATMs

If you need to withdraw cash, use an ATM belonging to your own banking network whenever possible. Within the EU, this is often feasible — for example, Crédit Agricole ATMs are available in Italy and Austria. Before leaving France, check your bank’s partner locations across Europe.

Limit your withdrawals

Withdrawals are usually more expensive than card payments. To save on fixed fees, try to withdraw larger sums less frequently instead of multiple small withdrawals.

International packages and banking options

Planning a long stay abroad? Ask your bank if they offer special packages for expatriates or frequent travelers.

These plans come with monthly fees but can include perks like reduced withdrawal costs or free card payments. Premium cardholders (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, etc.) often get better rates abroad.

For instance, Société Générale customers with the Jazz or Sobrio option can enjoy fee exemptions on payments and withdrawals.³
At BNP Paribas, the “Travel” option removes card payment fees (excluding exchange and correspondent bank charges).¹

Multi-currency cards

The Wise card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want to minimize international banking costs.

With this card:

  • Withdrawals up to €200 are free (then 1.75% + €0.50 beyond that).
  • Only a €0.50 fee applies from the third withdrawal each month.
  • There’s no payment commission when using a currency already in your balance.
  • Conversions are done at the mid-market rate, not a marked-up rate.

The Wise card is linked to a multi-currency account that can hold 40+ currencies simultaneously.

More information on the Wise card

Avoid hidden fees

Foreign exchange markups: what are they?

Most banks don’t display exchange rate markups in their public fee lists. For example, if you pay in pounds while in London, your bank may convert using its own internal rate — higher than the actual market rate — meaning you pay more than expected.

To check whether you’re getting a good deal, use an online currency converter.
Unlike traditional banks, Wise always uses the mid-market rate, with no hidden markups. Exchange rates are also guaranteed for up to 48 hours when sending money.

Always withdraw in local currency

When using an ATM abroad, you might be asked whether you want to be charged in euros or in the local currency.
Always choose local currency — otherwise, you’ll get a poor exchange rate due to “dynamic currency conversion” (DCC) applied by the ATM operator.

With the Wise card, you can pay in 150+ countries with transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates, so you don’t have to change your payment habits abroad.

To stay safe, always travel with two cards (for example, one Visa and one Mastercard). While both are accepted almost everywhere, certain regions may only support one network — better to be prepared!

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Sources:

  1. BNP Paribas Fee Schedule
  2. Crédit Agricole du Finistère Fee Schedule
  3. Société Générale Fee Schedule
  4. Banque Postale Fee Schedule
  5. Crédit Mutuel Île-de-France Fee Schedule
  6. Caisse d'Epargne Île-de-France Fee Schedule
  7. CIC Fee Schedule

Last verified on September 9, 2025.

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.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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