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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/trav-foreign-fee-percent

On a prepaid card, how is a foreign transaction fee usually charged?

Usually as a percentage of each transaction.

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  1. As one flat fee per trip
  2. As a percentage of each transaction ✔
  3. Only on cash withdrawals

Why: CFPB says a foreign transaction fee is usually a percentage of your purchase, withdrawal or other transaction, rather than a flat fee. Small fees add up over a whole trip.

Huh, didn't know that: CFPB says this fee is sometimes called a currency conversion fee.

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References

Answer: As a percentage of each transaction. CFPB says a foreign transaction fee is usually a percentage of your purchase, withdrawal or other transaction, rather than a flat fee. Small fees add up over a whole trip.

  1. CFPB: What types of fees do prepaid cards typically charge? www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-types-of-fees-do-prepaid-cards-typically-charge-en-2053
    is usually a percentage of your purchase, withdrawal, or other transaction, rather than a flat fee
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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