Best Banks for Frequent Travelers, 2019
The ideal bank for travelers eliminates sneaky ATM and foreign-transaction fees.
The ideal bank for travelers eliminates sneaky ATM and foreign-transaction fees. Take a look at our top bank picks for travelers.
Disclaimer
Informa Financial Intelligence 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 yields 0.4% with no minimum balances or monthly fees. High Yield Investor Savings returns 0.5% and is also free.
Charles Schwab Bank 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, 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 yields 1% on balances of $2,500 or more. High-Yield Savings 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, but no monthly maintenance fees apply. Besides Hybrid Checking, Radius offers a cash-back account and a charity-oriented account 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 lets you temporarily deactivate your debit card and dictate where and how it can be used. The Radius Mobile banking app 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
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Take Charge of Retirement Spending With This Simple Strategy
To make sure you're in control of retirement spending, rather than the other way around, allocate funds to just three purposes: income, protection and legacy.
By Mark Gelbman, CFP® Published
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For Yourself
Whether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
By Laura Petrecca Published
-
The Best Places to Retire in New England
places to live Thinking about a move to New England for retirement? Here are the best places to land for quality of life, affordability and other criteria.
By Stacy Rapacon Last updated
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should Know
Healthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
The 10 Cheapest Countries to Visit
We find the 10 cheapest countries to visit around the world. Forget inflation woes, and set your sights on your next vacation.
By Quincy Williamson Last updated
-
15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
home There are many ways to prepare your home for winter, which will help keep you safe and warm and save on housing and utility costs.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Six Steps to Get Lower Car Insurance Rates
insurance Shopping around for auto insurance may not be your idea of fun, but comparing prices for a new policy every few years — or even more often — can pay off big.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
How to Increase Credit Scores — Fast
How to increase credit scores quickly, starting with paying down your credit card debt.
By Lisa Gerstner Last updated
-
Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should Know
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 Last updated
-
5 Great Places to Buy a Vacation Home
Want a vacation home for remote work or a fun getaway? Here are locations with median prices under $400K.
By Ellen Kennedy Last updated