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  • You can use your credit card overseas for everyday purchases, but exchange rates, fees and acceptance can vary depending on where and how you pay.
  • A little preparation can help you avoid surprises, from letting your bank know you’re travelling to understanding charges and having a backup payment option.

Many people will tell you that adventure is at the heart of all travel. And while that may be true, you don’t want managing your finances while you’re overseas to become an adventure in itself.

Using your credit card in the right way while you travel can have a range of advantages, some of which will help save you money as well as keep it secure. Here are some tips to make sure your credit card usage runs smoothly while you’re abroad.

  1. Tell us when you’re travelling overseas and where you’re going – you can do this quickly and easily online with NetBank. If you don’t, we may place a temporary lock on your card if we detect any suspicious overseas transactions
  2. Make sure we’ve got your current contact details, including a contact number to reach you on while you’re overseas. You can do this in the ‘My Details’ section of NetBank or by calling 13 2221 or dropping into your nearest branch
  3. Take a look at Lock, block, limit®*, an award-winning innovation exclusive to CommBank. This feature can help you keep tight control of how your card is used – locking and unlocking it from making international payments, blocking it from ATM cash advances and limiting spend per transaction. You can lock and unlock your card with the CommBank app or via NetBank
  4. International travel insurance is just one of the perks of many credit cards. With CommBank credit cards that offer international travel insurance, once you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll need to activate your insurance via NetBank before you set off to make sure you’re covered^
  5. Check the expiry date on your credit card to make sure it won’t expire while you’re overseas
  6. Think about the different ways you may want to spend money while you’re overseas and what will be the right payment mix to suit your trip. Here’s a breakdown of fees and charges for our Travel Money Cards, debit MasterCards and credit cards
  7. You can set up automatic monthly credit card payments if you’re concerned you might forget to make payments while you’re overseas or won’t have regular internet access

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  1. If you’re given the option to pay for something in either Australian dollars or local currency while you’re abroad, it often costs less to pay in the local (foreign) currency. An international transaction fee is payable regardless of the currency chosen, however the merchant may also add on some other charges or use a less favourable exchange rate should you choose to pay in Australian dollars
  2. Consider a card with no international transaction fees for purchases you make overseas

CommBank emergency details

  • Lock, Block, Limit your CommBank credit card or lock your Travel Money Card for added security
  • Cancel and order replacement CommBank cards in NetBank or the CommBank app
  • Call us on +61 2 9999 3283 to report lost or stolen CommBank cards

For 24 hour travel insurance emergency assistance, call Cover-More in Australia direct and toll free on +61 2 8907 5641. You can also call from:

  • Canada on 1844 345 1662
  • New Zealand on 0800 632 031
  • UK on 0808 234 3737
  • USA on 1844 345 1662

Charges apply if calling from a pay phone or a mobile phone.

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Choosing the right card depends on how you use it. Whether you're looking for a low-fee card for simple everyday purchases or a reward card, understanding how they work can help you make a confident choice.

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Things you should know

This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on this, consider the appropriateness to your circumstances.

^ For eligible credit cards, you will need spend at least $500 in a single transaction on your prepaid travel costs (e.g. the cost of your return overseas travel ticket, prepaid accommodation, cruise, travel or tour) by charging the cost for that trip on your eligible card account before leaving Australia and activate to receive any cover, including Overseas Medical cover. You will also qualify if the $500 worth of prepaid travel costs is redeemed using CommBank Awards points or Travel Booking travel credits. You will need to provide a copy of the letter/statement/email confirming the redemption, or a screenshot of the Travel Booking confirmation with the payment method.