Credit Cards

Consult with your bank and credit card companies on any and all fees that you may accrue while residing and traveling overseas. Some banks such as USAA and Navy Federal may waive foreign transaction fees. You may obtain an local bank account once you arrive as it may ease bill payment. 

ATM’s are available to access your bank accounts and withdraw local currency. Please contact the Key Spouses, your sponsor, or USNSE translators with any questions. 

Chip cards have a metallic computer chip imbedded in the card which creates a unique transaction code for each purchase. Unlike a chip card, traditional cards have magnetic strips that store the same customer data which is used for every transaction. Whereas data stolen from a traditional card can be reused, chip card data cannot.

Request chip credit and debit cards from your bank before arrival for easier transactions on the economy. Currently, there are 2 types of chip cards:

• Chip and Pin Cards (Europe): Insert card into machine (rather than swipe) and input pin code.
• Chip and Signature (U.S.): These can be used just like a chip and pin card, but you must sign a receipt before the transaction is complete.

Contactless or Tap-to-Pay Credit Cards are also widely accepted at supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, and restaurants.  Contact your bank or credit card issuer for more information and to request a card.

NOTE: Most retail establishments and hotels in Europe accept traditional magnetic credit cards. However, some stand-alone kiosks may accept only chip and pin cards (rather than chip and signature or traditional cards).

TIP: Some banks will allow you to set up a PIN on chip credit cards and can be used in foreign credit card readers.

When deployed or on PCS Orders, Active Duty members may be eligible for reduced interest rates on credit cards. Contact your bank to ask about reduced rates.

When deployed or with a copy of OCONUS PCS Orders, some banks will eliminate the foreign currency transaction fee on credit and/or debit cards (usually 1-2% of purchase price). Contact your bank to learn more.