Visa exchange rates: what are they and how can you benefit from them when paying from France?
Discover what lies behind the Visa rate and the interbank rate: what do they refer to? Are they advantageous? Are there alternatives?
If you have a Crédit Mutuel bank card and want to use it abroad for withdrawals and payments, be aware that this can lead to significant commission and conversion fees.
In this article, you'll find all the key information to help you reduce the costs associated with using your Crédit Mutuel card internationally.
We'll also present some practical and more affordable alternatives, such as the Wise card, which lets you carry out transactions in foreign currencies with lower fees.
The fees depend on your local branch. For Crédit Mutuel Île-de-France, here are the rates applied for transactions in foreign currencies:¹
| Country | ATM withdrawal fees |
|---|---|
| EEA + Switzerland | €3.30 + 1% (max. €10) |
| Other countries | €3.30 + 2.50% (max. €10) |
Please note: each cash withdrawal at another bank’s counter is charged €10.
When you pay abroad in a foreign currency with your Crédit Mutuel card (Île-de-France), additional fees apply depending on the country where the purchase is made:¹
| Country | Payment fees |
|---|---|
| EEA + Switzerland | €0.33 + 1% (max. €10) |
| Other countries | €0.33 + 2.50% (max. €10) |
When you pay or withdraw money in a different currency, Crédit Mutuel converts the amount into euros using its own exchange rate.
This rate includes a commercial margin added by the bank, meaning the conversion is more expensive than if it were done at the mid-market rate. Each foreign currency transaction therefore incurs an additional cost due to this margin.¹
A few tips can help you reduce the commissions and fees charged by Crédit Mutuel when spending abroad.
Your bank may have partnerships abroad. Using ATMs affiliated with this network can help reduce costs.
It’s better to make a larger cash withdrawal at the start of your trip to limit the fixed fees charged per transaction.
As shown above, the fees charged by Crédit Mutuel are slightly lower when you pay directly by card.
To reduce exchange and bank fees, you can use a multi-currency card that lets you hold and pay directly in the local currency—often at the non-marked-up mid-market rate—such as the Wise card.
Even if your payment card is valid internationally, it’s a good idea to carry out a few checks to avoid unpleasant surprises during your trip.
Your card works perfectly in France—but will it abroad? Check the conditions of use and, if necessary, subscribe to international options.
It’s a good idea to book an appointment with your advisor to review your options before you leave.
Whether you’re leaving for a week or several months, always inform your banker.
Visit your Crédit Mutuel branch or call your advisor to prevent any suspicion of fraud.
Using your card in certain countries may lead to a temporary block, so it’s best to take precautions.
When getting an international bank card, you generally have a choice between Visa and Mastercard. Both brands are widely accepted and partnered with many financial institutions worldwide.
Their offers are broadly similar, though fees can vary depending on your card type and chosen options.
It’s usually best to compare based on the destinations you visit most frequently.
Crédit Mutuel applies a withdrawal limit to your card by default, to reduce risks in case of theft or loss.
Before travelling abroad, check that your limit is sufficient. If not, you might be unable to cover your expenses (accommodation, food, transport, etc.).
You can easily adjust this limit through your online account or at a Crédit Mutuel branch.
Losing your bank card can happen to anyone—so keep the Crédit Mutuel emergency numbers handy:
0 892 705 705 or +33 3 88 40 10 00 from abroad.
Travelling with an expired card could leave you without a payment method. Check the expiry date and order a replacement if necessary before departure.
Exchange commissions vary from one bank to another, as each applies its own rate.
Compare different conversion rates using the mid-market rate (the rate set by financial markets) as a reference.
You can use the Wise currency converter to check exchange rates in real time.
ATM conversion fees can be unclear when you withdraw cash abroad, and the exact cost often only appears later.
Some ATMs offer dynamic currency conversion, showing you the amount in euros before you confirm. However, this usually comes with a poor exchange rate—so it’s better to be charged in the local currency.
Thanks to the Wise card, travelling abroad could cost you less. It lets you make withdrawals and payments without the high fees often charged by traditional banks.
Here are the benefits of the Wise card:
Get your Wise card for a €7 delivery fee only, with no monthly or annual subscription afterwards.
Source:
Last verified on October 27, 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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