Planning an international trip? That's fantastic! You're probably thinking about flights, accommodations, and what incredible sights you'll see. But have you thought about your money and how you'll access it when you're abroad? This is a crucial step that often gets overlooked, and it can lead to frustrating and costly issues if not handled properly.
Using your Wells Fargo card internationally doesn't have to be a headache. With a few simple steps and some proactive planning, you can ensure smooth transactions and avoid unexpected surprises. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your Wells Fargo card international-ready, from notifying your bank to understanding fees and security tips.
Preparing Your Wells Fargo Card for International Use: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your Wells Fargo card ready for your overseas adventure is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to ensure a stress-free financial experience while traveling.
Step 1: Notify Wells Fargo of Your Travel Plans (Crucial!)
This is arguably the most important step in the entire process. Failing to notify Wells Fargo of your international travel plans can result in your card being flagged for suspicious activity and potentially blocked, leaving you in a sticky situation abroad.
- Why it's important: When Wells Fargo sees transactions suddenly appearing from a foreign country without prior notification, their fraud detection systems might interpret it as unauthorized use. To protect your account, they may place a temporary hold or block on your card.
- How to notify them:
- Online Banking (Recommended): While Wells Fargo no longer has a dedicated "travel notification" form, they advise you to sign on to Wells Fargo Online and confirm your contact information is up to date so they can reach you if they detect unusual activity. Keeping your mobile number and email current is key.
- Wells Fargo Mobile App: Similarly, ensure your contact details are updated within the mobile app.
- Phone Call: If you prefer speaking to someone directly, call the customer service number on the back of your Wells Fargo card. For international collect calls, you can use the number 1-925-825-7600 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for credit cards). For general inquiries, the domestic number is 1-800-869-3557. Wells Fargo also provides international access codes for toll-free calling from many countries.
Step 2: Understand Potential Fees and Exchange Rates
Knowing the costs associated with international transactions is vital for budgeting and avoiding bill shock upon your return.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Wells Fargo typically charges a foreign transaction fee.
- For most debit card purchases in a foreign currency, you can expect a fee of 3% of the transaction amount.
- Some Wells Fargo credit cards, like the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, may have no foreign transaction fees. It's crucial to check your specific card's terms and conditions to confirm. If you travel frequently, a card with no foreign transaction fees can save you a significant amount of money.
- ATM Withdrawal Fees:
- Withdrawing cash at a non-Wells Fargo ATM outside the U.S. typically incurs a $5.00 fee from Wells Fargo.
- Be aware that the ATM owner/operator abroad may also charge their own fees. These fees will be included in the total amount withdrawn from your account.
- Exchange Rates: Wells Fargo sets its own exchange rates for currency conversions, and these rates include a markup. This markup is designed to compensate them for various factors, including costs, market risks, and their desired return. The rate you get might differ from the rates you see elsewhere.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): This is a trap many travelers fall into! When using your card at an ATM or point-of-sale terminal abroad, you might be asked if you want to pay in the local currency or your home currency (USD). Always choose the local currency. If you select USD, the merchant or ATM provider will apply their own unfavorable exchange rate, often at a significant markup, instead of the card network's (Visa/Mastercard) usually better rate.
Step 3: Know Your PIN and Daily Limits
These seemingly small details can make a big difference when you're trying to access your funds abroad.
- Your PIN:
- Most international ATMs require a 4-digit PIN. If your current Wells Fargo PIN is longer or you don't have one, visit a Wells Fargo branch or contact customer service to set it up or shorten it before you travel.
- Your PIN is also required for some unattended terminals abroad, such as ticket kiosks, parking lots, and gas stations.
- Daily Limits:
- Your Wells Fargo debit and credit cards have daily purchase and ATM cash withdrawal limits.
- You can confirm or manage your card's daily limits by signing on to Wells Fargo Online or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, or
by calling the number on the back of your card. Ensure your limits are sufficient for your expected spending and withdrawal needs while traveling.
Step 4: Consider Getting Foreign Currency Before You Go (Optional but Recommended)
While your Wells Fargo card will work for purchases and ATM withdrawals, having some local currency on hand upon arrival can be incredibly convenient for immediate expenses like taxis, small purchases, or tips.
- Ordering Currency: Wells Fargo offers more than 70 currencies available for use in over 100 countries. You can order foreign currency cash online or at a Wells Fargo branch, with delivery typically within 2-7 business days. Note that branches no longer have foreign currency cash on-hand for same-day purchase.
- Buy Back: Wells Fargo can often buy back unused foreign currency cash at a branch upon your return, though buy-back rates may differ from ordering rates. They generally do not buy back coins.
- Avoid Airport Exchange: Airport currency exchange counters typically offer very unfavorable rates. It's best to sort out some cash before you leave or wait until you're at your destination to withdraw from an ATM.
Step 5: Set Up Account Alerts for Enhanced Security
Monitoring your account activity while traveling is crucial for detecting any suspicious transactions quickly.
- Types of Alerts: Wells Fargo allows you to set up various alerts for your debit and credit cards, including:
- Purchases exceeding a specified amount.
- Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail.
- Purchases with a merchant based outside the United States.
- Any ATM withdrawal.
- ATM withdrawals outside the United States.
- Card declines (e.g., insufficient funds, incorrect PIN, exceeded daily limit, blocked card).
- How to Set Up Alerts:
- Sign on to Wells Fargo Online and go to "Manage Alerts."
- Select the account you want to manage alerts for.
- Choose your desired alerts and delivery preferences (email, push notification, or text).
- Important Note on Text Alerts Abroad: While text alerts are convenient, check with your mobile carrier about international roaming charges and your ability to receive SMS texts while abroad. Push notifications through the Wells Fargo Mobile app can be a good alternative if you have reliable Wi-Fi or data access.
Step 6: Safeguard Your Card and Financial Information
Protecting your financial details while traveling is paramount.
- Carry Multiple Payment Options: Do not put all your eggs in one basket! Carry an alternate form of payment (another credit card, debit card from a different bank, or some emergency cash) in a separate bag or secure location in case your primary card is lost or stolen.
- Photocopy Important Documents: Make photocopies or take secure pictures of your passport, driver's license, and the front and back of the cards you're bringing. Store these copies in a safe place, separate from your physical cards.
- Digital Wallets: Add your eligible Wells Fargo debit and credit cards to a digital wallet (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) on your mobile device. This provides a secure and convenient way to pay in stores, apps, or online where digital wallet logos or contactless symbols are displayed.
- Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid accessing your financial accounts through public Wi-Fi networks (e.g., coffee shops, airports). These networks are often unsecure and can put your information at risk. Use a secure personal hotspot or your mobile data if possible.
- Be Discreet: Avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash or expensive items. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Turn off Bluetooth: When not in use, turn off your Bluetooth to prevent cybercriminals from pairing their device and potentially stealing information.
Step 7: Know What to Do If Your Card is Lost or Stolen
Even with the best precautions, things can happen. Be prepared for the worst.
- Report Immediately: If your Wells Fargo debit or credit card is lost or stolen while traveling, report it to Wells Fargo right away. You can do this online by signing into your account, or by calling them.
- International Contact Numbers:
- For personal credit card assistance, call 1-925-825-7600 (international collect calls, 24/7).
- Refer to Wells Fargo's International Access Codes page for toll-free numbers from specific countries for personal accounts, business accounts, and online customer service.
- Replacement Cards: Wells Fargo can often issue a replacement card and, in some cases, update your digital wallet with the new card information so you can continue using it while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you with using your Wells Fargo card internationally:
How to check my Wells Fargo card's foreign transaction fees? You can find your card's foreign transaction fees in your cardholder agreement, by logging into your Wells Fargo Online account and reviewing your card's terms, or by calling Wells Fargo customer service.
How to shorten my Wells Fargo card's PIN for international use? You can visit a Wells Fargo branch to change or shorten your PIN to a 4-digit one, which is commonly required at international ATMs.
How to update my contact information with Wells Fargo for travel? Sign on to Wells Fargo Online or the Wells Fargo Mobile app and navigate to "Update Contact Information" to ensure your phone number and email address are current. This is how Wells Fargo will contact you if they detect unusual activity.
How to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when using my card abroad? Always choose to be charged in the local currency when prompted at an ATM or point-of-sale terminal. Never select "US Dollars."
How to find a Wells Fargo ATM when traveling internationally? Wells Fargo does not operate ATMs outside of the United States. However, you can use your Wells Fargo Debit or ATM Card at non-Wells Fargo ATMs that display the Visa® or Plus® logo. Use the ATM locator provided by Visa or Mastercard to find compatible ATMs in your destination.
How to set up transaction alerts for my Wells Fargo card when traveling? Log in to Wells Fargo Online, go to "Manage Alerts," select your card, and customize alerts for international purchases, ATM withdrawals, and other activity.
How to report a lost or stolen Wells Fargo card from abroad? Immediately call Wells Fargo's international collect call number: 1-925-825-7600 (for credit cards) or find the appropriate toll-free number for your country on their "International Access Codes" page. You can also report it online if you have secure internet access.
How to order foreign currency from Wells Fargo? You can order foreign currency cash online via Wells Fargo Online or at a Wells Fargo branch. Remember that same-day pick-up is not available at branches, and delivery typically takes 2-7 business days.
How to access my Wells Fargo account securely while using public Wi-Fi abroad? It's recommended to avoid accessing financial accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a secure personal hotspot, your mobile data, or wait until you have access to a trusted, private network. Consider using an RSA SecurID device if you have one, as some forms of digital communication may not be available on your trip.
How to know if my Wells Fargo credit card has foreign transaction fees? Refer to your specific credit card's terms and conditions document, which can usually be found in your online banking account or by contacting Wells Fargo customer service. Cards like the Wells Fargo Autograph Card are known to have no foreign transaction fees.
