During a Departing on vacationthere are obvious expenses: transport, accommodation, pleasure budget … but we must not forget the “hidden costs”: banking costs. As a reminder, these sums are taken by a bank in exchange for services that it provides to its customers. These prices may vary depending on the bank and the services used. During a stay abroad, banks can therefore charge you an additional cost when using your card or when withdrawn.
And bad news, these fees abroad increased in 2025… In a new study, the comparator of Panorabanque banks notes that the costs on payments and withdrawals abroad are higher 1.2 % that last year. Indeed, for 1,000 euros spent outside the euro zone, the average cost is 42.60 euros in 2025against 42.10 euros in 2024. Although the increase is moderate, it remains important to check with your bank the prices that will be applied to you. On average, with a conventional bank card, to your expenses will be added: 0.30 euro of fixed commissions and 2.5 % of variable commissions during a payment. For a withdrawal: 3.10 euros in fixed commissions and 2.4 % of variable commissions.
What solutions to reduce these costs during a stay abroad?
The comparator underlines that certain online and neobank banks make it possible to greatly reduce these prices applied by “traditional” banking establishments, especially during payments outside the euro zone.
Neobanques also offer paid offers that allow higher, even unlimited ceilings of payments and withdrawals.
How to limit bank charges abroad once there?
For more “classic” banks, some offer paid options to obtain free costs abroad. These options can be subscribed to the year, notably at Société Générale or in the month, notably in LCL, BNP Paribas or at Crédit Mutuel. The amounts of these options may vary depending on the age of the subscriber, more advantageous for the youngest. The prices can also be different depending on the federations and regions, notably in Crédit Mutuel, underlines the study.
Anna Meylacq spokesperson for Panorabanques, details in the study that he is “Preferable to limit withdrawals and remove larger sums to reduce fixed costs. It is also necessary to favor distributors of local banks rather than (distributors of automatic tickets) tourist which charge higher costs».
