Question 1

What is the FOREIGN TRANSACTION* charge on my bank statement?

Accepted Answer

The FOREIGN TRANSACTION* charge is a bank fee applied when you use your card for an international transaction. This fee, typically around $3.00, is labeled as a Foreign Transaction Fee and appears under the Banking category. It is a legitimate charge assessed by your bank whenever your card is used for a purchase processed through a foreign bank or made in a foreign currency.

Question 2

I made a purchase from an overseas website and now see FOREIGN TRANSACTION* on my statement — is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is completely normal. When you use your card to make a purchase from an international retailer or any transaction that is processed outside of the United States, your bank applies a Foreign Transaction Fee, which typically shows up as FOREIGN TRANSACTION* on your statement. The standard amount for this fee is around $3.00 per transaction. It is a legitimate bank charge and not a sign of fraud.

Question 3

Can I get the FOREIGN TRANSACTION* fee waived or refunded?

Accepted Answer

To request a waiver or refund of the Foreign Transaction Fee shown as FOREIGN TRANSACTION* on your statement, you would need to contact your bank directly by calling the number on the back of your card or visiting a local branch. There is no dedicated cancel URL available for this fee. Some premium bank accounts or travel-focused credit cards offer foreign transaction fee waivers as a benefit, so it may be worth asking your bank whether upgrading your account could help you avoid this roughly $3.00 fee on future international transactions.

Question 4

How do I avoid being charged the FOREIGN TRANSACTION* fee in the future?

Accepted Answer

To avoid the Foreign Transaction Fee, which appears as FOREIGN TRANSACTION* and is typically around $3.00 per international transaction, you can consider switching to a bank account or credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Many travel-oriented cards advertise zero foreign transaction fees as a perk. Additionally, when shopping online, be aware that some domestic-looking retailers may process payments through foreign banks, which can still trigger the fee. Contact your bank directly to confirm which of your cards carry this fee and to explore alternatives.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION* Charge (What It Is + Is It Legit?)

Why does this charge appear?

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Is this charge fraudulent?

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