Best Banks for Frequent Travelers, 2019
The ideal bank for travelers eliminates sneaky ATM and foreign-transaction fees.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter

The ideal bank for travelers eliminates sneaky ATM and foreign-transaction fees. Take a look at our top bank picks for travelers.
Informa Financial Intelligence (opens in new tab) compiled the data as reported by the financial institutions that it tracks; the information is subject to change. All rates as of June 20, 2019.

BEST: Charles Schwab Bank
- Why it won: Unlike other banks, there are no strings attached to Schwab’s traveler-friendly perks. But you’ll have to do your banking online.
- Standout accounts: High Yield Investor Checking (opens in new tab) yields 0.4% with no minimum balances or monthly fees. High Yield Investor Savings (opens in new tab) returns 0.5% and is also free.
Charles Schwab Bank (opens in new tab) reimburses customers for any surcharges added to ATM withdrawals, anywhere in the world, and nixes foreign-transaction fees on its debit card. The High Yield Investor Checking account comes with a Schwab One brokerage account (opens in new tab), but there are no penalties for keeping a zero balance. You can also leave your card at home and load it into one of four compatible digital wallets instead. Schwab's mobile app will let you view transactions, pay bills and deposit checks on the go.

RUNNER UP: Radius Bank
- Why it won: A trio of checking accounts offer unlimited ATM rebates worldwide.
- Standout accounts: Hybrid Checking (opens in new tab) yields 1% on balances of $2,500 or more. High-Yield Savings (opens in new tab) returns a rate of 1.5% on holdings of $2,500 or more (2.05% once your balance hits $25,000).
- Where it is: One branch in Boston; otherwise online only.
You’ll need $100 to open one of Radius Bank’s three main checking accounts (opens in new tab), but no monthly maintenance fees apply. Besides Hybrid Checking, Radius offers a cash-back account (opens in new tab) and a charity-oriented account (opens in new tab) that makes donations based on your earnings. Although Radius reimburses you for all ATM fees worldwide, international travelers will incur a modest 1.1% foreign-transaction fee.
Radius offers two mobile apps with handy features. The Radius Card app (opens in new tab) lets you temporarily deactivate your debit card and dictate where and how it can be used. The Radius Mobile banking app (opens in new tab) includes a budgeting tool that analyzes spending.

The Best Banks and Credit Unions for You, 2019
These stellar banks and credit unions are making all the right moves to win satisfied customers:
Best Banks for High-Net-Worth Families
Best Banks for Families With Students
Best Banks for No-Fee, No-Fuss
-
-
Stock Market Today: Tech, Bank Stocks Lead Markets Higher
Retailers were big gainers, too, thanks to strong earnings from Lululemon Athletica.
By Karee Venema • Published
-
IRS: Don't Trust All Social Media Tax Advice
The IRS warns that not all social media tax advice should be trusted.
By Kelley R. Taylor • Published
-
The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit
Despite inflation, there are some areas where the strong dollar will definitely work in your favor. Travel, for example... we find the cheapest places to visit around the world.
By Quincy Williamson • Published
-
The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Edition
places to live Take a look at our list of the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
By Dan Burrows • Last updated
-
Should I Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
Amazon Prime The giant retailer had a year of ups and downs, leaving many wondering: Do I need Amazon Prime?
By Bob Niedt • Published
-
10 Things to Know About Hurricane Insurance Claims
Becoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
By Kimberly Lankford • Published
-
The Most Expensive Natural Disasters in U.S. History
Economic Forecasts Wind, water, fire and drought have all wreaked havoc on the United States. What’s been the worst?
By David Muhlbaum • Last updated
-
Amazon Prime Day 2022: Some of the Best Deals from Kiplinger Editors
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is here. We’ve identified some great values on products and services, a number of which we’ve used ourselves.
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance • Last updated
-
10 Tax Deadlines for April 18 (Today is Not Just the Due Date for Your Tax Return)
tax deadline Between requesting a tax extension, making IRA or HSA contributions, and meeting other tax deadlines, there's more to do today than just filing your federal income tax return.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated
-
Alternatives to Amazon Prime for Free Shipping and More
Amazon Prime You don’t need to pay Amazon Prime’s juiced $139 annual fee to find a wide swath of products online at different retailers.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated