I am looking for a bank that refunds ATM fees globally and does not charge foreign transaction fees.

If you're in the U.S., Fidelity Cash Management Account is probably the closest match to exactly what you're looking for.

Best match: Fidelity Cash Management Account

Fidelity Investments's Cash Management Account currently offers:

• Unlimited ATM-fee reimbursement worldwide — Fidelity reimburses ATM fees charged by other institutions.
• No foreign transaction fees on debit-card purchases.
• Worldwide ATM access at ATMs displaying Visa, Plus, or Star logos.
• No monthly account fee or minimum balance.
• It's designed to function much like a checking account, with direct deposit, checkwriting, bill pay, and a debit card.

One important caveat: when withdrawing abroad, always choose to be charged in the local currency, rather than accepting an ATM's "conversion to USD." The latter can involve dynamic currency conversion and an unfavorable exchange rate; Fidelity specifically warns about this.

Another excellent option: Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab's Schwab Bank Investor Checking is also very strong for international travel, with ATM-fee rebates and no foreign transaction fee on foreign-currency transactions. Its ATM rebate specifically covers eligible ATM cash withdrawals in local currency, but doesn't cover dynamic-currency-conversion fees.

My pick: If your priority is "I want to use ATMs anywhere in the world and never worry about ATM surcharges or foreign transaction fees," I'd choose Fidelity Cash Management.

If you tell me whether you also care about interest/APY, physical branches, cash deposits, or a traditional checking account, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 choices.

Finding an account that completely eliminates both foreign transaction fees and global ATM fees narrows the field down to a couple of gold-standard options for international travelers.

Here are the top choices that fit your exact criteria:

• Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking Account : Widely considered the absolute best option for international travel. It features unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements, $0 foreign transaction fees, $0 monthly service fees, and $0 minimum balance requirements. The only catch is that it automatically opens a linked free brokerage account (you don't have to use it for investing, but it's required to hold the checking account). You can check it out on the Charles Schwab Investor Checking page.
• Fidelity Cash Management Account : Another top-tier contender that serves as a brokerage/cash management hybrid. It offers $0 foreign transaction fees and reimburses most domestic and international ATM fees (though third-party ATM operators may charge an initial fee that Fidelity will reimburse later, and rare exceptions can happen with certain non-Visa/Mastercard network operators). There are no monthly account fees or minimums. You can learn more on the Fidelity Cash Management portal.
• Betterment Checking : A modern digital cash management choice that charges $0 foreign transaction fees and fully refunds ATM fees worldwide, alongside no monthly account fees. You can review the details on the Betterment Checking site.

Would you prefer an account that links to a brokerage (like Schwab or Fidelity), or are you looking for a standalone traditional checking app/neobank?

The gold standards for global travel that offer unlimited worldwide ATM fee rebates and zero foreign transaction fees are non-bank financial institutions offering cash management/checking hybrids.

The top options that fit your criteria:

• Charles Schwab Bank (High Yield Investor Checking) : Widely considered the absolute best for international travelers. It features unlimited worldwide ATM fee rebates, no foreign transaction fees, no monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
  • The Catch: It requires opening a linked Schwab One brokerage account, but it can remain completely unfunded and unused. You can check it out on the Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account page.
• Fidelity Investments (Cash Management Account) : Offers a cash management account with a debit card that reimburses all out-of-network ATM fees globally (for standard Cash Management Accounts). It charges no foreign transaction fees and has no monthly account fees.
  • The Catch: Like Schwab, it operates through a brokerage/cash management hybrid rather than a traditional retail bank. You can read more on the Fidelity ATM and Debit Card FAQs page.
• Aspiration (Spend & Save Account / Aspiration Plus) : Offers out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements (up to specific limits depending on the tier) and no foreign transaction fees, though it relies on a monthly subscription model for their higher-tier perks.

(Note: Traditional major banks like Capital One 360 do not charge foreign transaction fees on their 360 checking debit cards, but they do not universally refund third-party international operator ATM surcharges the way Schwab or Fidelity do).

Would you prefer an account that functions as a traditional checking account with a linked brokerage (like Schwab), or are you open to a cash management/investment account (like Fidelity)?

If you're a U.S. customer, two standout options are Charles Schwab and Fidelity. Both currently meet your two key requirements, but Schwab is probably the cleaner choice if your priority is frequent international ATM use.

🥇 Charles Schwab — best overall for international travel

Charles Schwab's Schwab Bank Investor Checking offers:

• Unlimited reimbursement of ATM fees worldwide.
• No foreign transaction fee on debit-card purchases or foreign-currency ATM withdrawals.
• ATM access essentially wherever you find a Visa/Plus ATM.
• No minimum balance requirement for the linked Schwab One brokerage account.
• Schwab rebates eligible ATM surcharges automatically.

One important caveat: dynamic currency conversion (DCC) isn't reimbursed. If an overseas ATM asks whether you want the transaction converted to USD, choose the local currency instead.

🥈 Fidelity — excellent alternative

Fidelity Investments's Cash Management Account also checks both boxes:

• All ATM fees are reimbursed with the Cash Management Account.
• No foreign transaction fees on its debit card.
• Worldwide ATM access through Visa/Plus/Star networks.
• No annual fee for the debit card.

My pick

| Schwab | Fidelity --- | --- | --- Worldwide ATM fee reimbursement | Unlimited | All fees reimbursed Foreign transaction fee | None | None International ATM access | Excellent | Excellent Best for frequent international travel | ⭐ Yes | Yes Traditional bank checking account | Yes | Cash-management account

I'd choose Schwab if this is primarily a travel account. Its unlimited worldwide ATM-fee rebate is particularly well established and straightforward. Fidelity is an excellent choice if you already use Fidelity for investments or want your cash management and brokerage accounts under one roof.

If you tell me how much you typically keep in the account and which countries you travel to, I can also compare Schwab vs. Fidelity vs. a few newer options (including Wise/Revolut-style alternatives) for exchange rates, ATM limits, and deposit insurance.

The gold standard for global ATM fee refunds and zero foreign transaction fees is the Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account.

The Top Pick: Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking

• Global ATM Rebates: Unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements . Every time an international or domestic ATM operator charges you a surcharge, Schwab refunds it.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%. Schwab does not assess foreign transaction fees when converting currency for ATM withdrawals or debit purchases.
• Account Costs: No monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirement.
• The Catch: It requires you to open a linked Schwab brokerage account, but that account also has no minimum balance or maintenance fees . You can apply and manage it directly through Charles Schwab.

Alternative Options to Consider

• Alternative 1: A Betterment Checking Account offers unlimited worldwide ATM fee rebates and zero foreign transaction fees, making it a strong fintech alternative. You can check the details via Betterment.
• Alternative 2: Morgan Stanley CashPlus provides unlimited global ATM fee rebates and no foreign transaction fees on its debit card, though it carries a $15 monthly fee unless you meet specific balance or deposit criteria . More info is available at Morgan Stanley.
• Note on Fidelity: While the Fidelity Cash Management Account refunds global ATM fees , its standard debit card often passes along a 1% foreign transaction/currency conversion fee on international transactions that is not reimbursed , making Schwab the cleaner choice for pure overseas use.

Would you like help comparing the application process for Charles Schwab, or do you need recommendations for no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards to use as a backup while traveling?

If you’re a U.S. customer looking for one account that works well internationally, two particularly strong choices are Fidelity Cash Management and Charles Schwab Investor Checking.

🥇 Fidelity Cash Management Account

This is probably the closest match to exactly what you're asking for. Fidelity states that its Cash Management Account provides unlimited global ATM-fee reimbursement and no foreign debit transaction fees.

The important details:

• $0 monthly account fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• ATM fees charged by other institutions are reimbursed
• Works at ATMs worldwide displaying Visa, Plus, or Star
• Fidelity says reimbursements are credited the same day the ATM fee is debited.
• No minimum balance requirement for the account.

One caveat: decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when an overseas ATM asks whether you want the transaction converted to USD. Fidelity's policy doesn't make the ATM's exchange-rate markup disappear; you generally want the ATM to charge you in the local currency.

🥈 Charles Schwab Investor Checking

Schwab is arguably the classic U.S. travel account. It also offers unlimited ATM-fee rebates worldwide and no foreign transaction fees on debit-card transactions.

The major caveat is the same one: Schwab doesn't reimburse dynamic currency conversion fees. If the ATM offers to convert, choose local currency rather than USD.

My recommendation

I'd choose Fidelity Cash Management if you want the simplest all-around setup. Its current published terms explicitly say “unlimited global ATM reimbursements” + no foreign debit transaction fees, which is almost exactly your requirement.

Schwab would be my second choice, particularly if you already use Schwab for investing.

If you tell me how often you travel internationally and which countries you visit most, I can also compare Fidelity vs. Schwab vs. a few newer options (including Wise, Capital One, and Chase) for exchange rates, ATM limits, deposit requirements, and travel protections.

Finding an account that offers unlimited global ATM fee refunds alongside zero foreign transaction fees is the holy grail for international travelers and digital nomads. Only a select few options truly check both boxes without hidden catches:

• Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking : Widely considered the absolute best option for international travel . It features unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements (deposited as a lump sum at the end of the month), no foreign transaction fees, no monthly maintenance fees , and no minimum balance requirements. Note: It requires opening a free, linked Schwab brokerage account, though you aren't required to fund or use the brokerage side. You can review the details on the Charles Schwab Checking Account page.
• Fidelity Cash Management Account : A very strong alternative that functions similarly to a checking account. It offers worldwide ATM fee reimbursements, no foreign transaction fees , and no monthly fees . You can check out their card features via the Fidelity Debit Card Info page.
• Betterment Checking : An online-only financial service utilizing partner banks that provides unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements and charges no foreign transaction fees . It has no minimum balance or monthly account fees, though it doesn't function as a traditional full-service bank (e.g., no physical branch deposits).

Pro-tip when using these cards abroad: If a foreign ATM asks whether you want to be billed in your home currency (USD) or the local currency, always choose the local currency . Choosing USD allows the foreign ATM operator to apply a terrible proprietary exchange rate (known as Dynamic Currency Conversion), whereas declining it lets your bank apply the fair, standard network rate for free.

Would you prefer an account with a traditional brokerage tie-in (like Schwab or Fidelity) or an online-only fintech/app platform (like Betterment)? Let me know so I can give you the exact setup steps for your preferred choice.

If your goal is a U.S. bank account you can use abroad with no foreign transaction fee and reimbursement of ATM fees worldwide, there are two standout choices:

🥇 Charles Schwab — best overall for frequent travelers

Charles Schwab’s Schwab Bank Investor Checking is probably the cleanest match.

• Unlimited ATM-fee rebates worldwide — including fees charged by foreign ATM operators.
• No foreign-exchange transaction fees on debit-card purchases.
• No monthly service fee regardless of balance.
• Works at ATMs worldwide where the Visa network is accepted.
• The ATM rebates are automatic, generally credited by the end of the same month.

Important: If a foreign ATM offers to convert the withdrawal to USD (Dynamic Currency Conversion), decline it and choose the local currency. Schwab does not reimburse DCC fees.

🥈 Fidelity — excellent alternative

Fidelity Investments's Cash Management Account also fits your requirements:

• No foreign transaction fees on the Fidelity debit card.
• Worldwide ATM access.
• All ATM fees reimbursed for Cash Management Account owners.
• No annual fee for the debit card.

My pick

I'd lean toward Schwab if your primary concern is international travel and ATM access. Fidelity is particularly attractive if you already use Fidelity for investments.

One caveat: neither bank can eliminate every possible cost at a foreign ATM. The ATM's own exchange-rate markup/DCC is separate from an ATM fee, so always select “local currency” / “without conversion” when offered.

If you tell me how often you travel internationally and which countries you visit most, I can also compare Schwab vs. Fidelity vs. a few newer travel-focused accounts and identify the best one for your situation.

Finding a checking account that offers both unlimited global ATM fee refunds and zero foreign transaction fees narrows the field to a select few standout options.

The top recommendations that fit these exact criteria include:

• Charles Schwab Bank (High Yield Investor Checking) : Widely considered the gold standard for international travelers and digital nomads. It features unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements, no foreign transaction fees, no monthly maintenance fees , and no minimum balance requirements. Note: The checking account requires a linked Schwab brokerage account, which is also free and easy to open. Learn more on the Charles Schwab Checking Account page.
• Fidelity Cash Management Account : Functions similarly to a brokerage-backed cash account. It offers worldwide ATM fee reimbursements and no foreign transaction fees . Many users note that Fidelity sometimes processes and returns ATM fee rebates even faster than Schwab. You can check details on the Fidelity Cash Management Account overview.
• Betterment Checking : This online checking account reimburses all ATM operator surcharges worldwide and explicitly covers the 1% Visa foreign transaction/currency conversion fee on international withdrawals and purchases. It has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Review the offering directly via Betterment Checking.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Do you prefer a traditional bank/brokerage setup like Schwab/Fidelity, or an app-based fintech?
• Are you looking to avoid monthly direct deposit minimums?

I can help you pick the best fit for your travel style.

If you want global ATM fee refunds + no foreign transaction fees, the strongest U.S. options are usually these:

My top picks

1. Charles Schwab Investor Checking — best overall for international travel

• Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• No monthly maintenance fee.
• No minimum balance requirement.
• Requires opening a linked Schwab One brokerage account.

2. Fidelity Cash Management Account — excellent alternative

• Fidelity’s debit card offers worldwide ATM access, ATM fee reimbursement, and no foreign transaction fees.
• Good choice if you already invest with Fidelity or want a cash-management account rather than a traditional bank checking account.

A few travel tips:

• Always choose “withdraw in local currency” at foreign ATMs. Declining the ATM’s currency conversion usually avoids unfavorable exchange rates.
• Carry a backup card from a different institution in case a card network or fraud block affects your main card.
• Check whether your destination commonly accepts Visa debit cards and whether ATMs impose local operator fees.

For a traveler whose main priority is never paying ATM fees abroad, I would generally start with Schwab Investor Checking, with Fidelity Cash Management as a close competitor.