Bank cards without exchange fees in France: how to save money?

When paying or withdrawing money abroad with your French bank card, each transaction usually involves a currency conversion — and, as a result, foreign exchange fees. To reduce these costs, many travellers look for bank cards with no exchange fees. But do they really exist? What should you watch out for, and which cards offer the best value? Let’s take a closer look.

If you need an easy-to-use and cost-effective card for your next trip abroad from France, you could consider the Wise card. It allows you to spend and withdraw money in multiple currencies, converting at the mid-market exchange rate, while most banks use marked-up rates.

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No foreign exchange fee cards: what you should know

In recent years, many banks and fintechs have launched cards marketed as “no foreign exchange fee” options, mainly targeting frequent travellers. But before applying, it’s important to understand how these cards really work.

The exchange rate: what is it?

The exchange rate represents how much one currency is worth in another.
For example, because the euro and the US dollar don’t have the same value, the rate tells you how much one euro is worth in dollars — or vice versa — at a specific moment.

There are different types of exchange rates, and not all are equally favourable for consumers.

Marked-up rates: what to watch for

Most traditional banks use a marked-up rate when converting currencies — meaning they add a margin to the real market rate.
That margin is how banks make money from conversions.

Example: if 100 USD equals €90 at the market rate, a bank might convert it to only €85 and keep the €5 difference as profit.

Beware of fixed and variable fees

When a bank claims to offer a “no foreign exchange fee” card, it’s worth asking: how does it make money, then?

Often, these cards include hidden fees — either fixed or percentage-based — on foreign transactions. In addition, the exchange rate they use may already include a margin, even if the fee isn’t shown on your statement.

These costs can quickly add up, especially if you travel frequently or make regular international payments.

The mid-market rate: the fairest rate

The mid-market exchange rate — sometimes called the interbank rate — is the rate you see on Google or Reuters. It’s the midpoint between the buying and selling prices of two currencies.

Some financial institutions, such as Wise, use this rate for all currency conversions, helping you avoid hidden mark-ups and unnecessary costs.

No exchange fee bank cards: how they compare

Here’s a comparison of common bank cards and their fees for currency conversions, withdrawals, and payments:

NB: These are the standard card fees. Premium versions may offer reduced rates or other benefits for a monthly or annual subscription.

As you can see, cards with absolutely no fees don’t really exist. The best approach is to choose one that offers transparent pricing and competitive conversion rates — especially if you often travel outside the eurozone.

The Wise card could be a good option for frequent travellers. It uses the mid-market exchange rate, even on weekends, without hidden mark-ups.

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FAQ: No exchange fee bank cards

Which bank card should I choose for travelling abroad?

The best travel card depends on your needs and spending habits.
If you plan to pay or withdraw money in foreign currencies, look for one that keeps foreign exchange fees to a minimum.

The Wise card uses the mid-market exchange rate for all conversions, helping you save on hidden fees when travelling from France.

Visa or Mastercard?

Both Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere in the world today. The difference is mainly in the fees and services offered by your bank, not the card network itself.
Still, it’s always wise to confirm that your card works in the country you’re visiting.

Can I withdraw cash abroad?

Yes — with most debit cards, you can withdraw money from ATMs overseas. The withdrawal is converted from one currency to another at the time of the transaction, usually at the rate chosen by your bank.
To save money, use a card that applies fair exchange rates and minimal withdrawal fees.

Save money on every conversion with the Wise card

The Wise card could be a practical choice for managing your money abroad. It allows you to:

• Send money to 140+ countries
• Hold and convert 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate
• Withdraw up to €200 per month (two withdrawals) without fees

Additional advantages:

• Spend and withdraw like a local
• One-time €7 delivery fee, with no monthly or annual management charges
• No hidden mark-ups — all fees are shown upfront before you confirm any payment or transfer
• Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments
• Manage your card easily through the Wise mobile app (available on iOS and Android)

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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.