Travel · North America
🇺🇸USA
Cards are king — chip-and-PIN cards work everywhere, zero-forex cards save you 3%.
The USA is fully card-based for most transactions. Foreign visitors face two potential fees: the card's forex markup (typically 1.5–3%) and out-of-network ATM surcharges ($3–5 per use). Zero-forex cards like Wise and Starling eliminate the first; the Charles Schwab debit card even reimburses the second.
Best cards for USA
ATM guide
ATMs everywhere but US banks charge $3–5 for out-of-network use. Large networks: Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Allpoint (fee-free at Target, CVS). Charles Schwab reimburses all ATM fees worldwide making it exceptional for US travel.
Card acceptance
Excellent. Cards accepted virtually everywhere. Apple Pay / Google Pay widely supported. Tips added digitally on most terminals.
Money tips for USA
Charles Schwab Investor Checking reimburses all ATM fees worldwide — exceptional if you're US-based or can open it.
Allpoint ATMs (in CVS, Target, Walgreens) are free for many card networks — check if your card is in the Allpoint network.
Tip culture: 18–22% is standard at restaurants. Many terminals now default to 20–25% — read before you tap.
Gas stations often require a US zip code for card payment at the pump — go inside to pay instead.
Credit vs debit: US merchants are fully set up for credit card signatures, so chip-and-PIN debit cards work fine.
Cards and options to avoid
Standard UK cards with 2.75% forex fee
Frequently asked questions
Cash in USA
Cash useful for tips, farmers markets, small food stalls. $50–100 emergency reserve is enough.
Local currency
Charles Schwab Investor Checking
Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide — the gold standard for American travellers.