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In 2012, NAB released a Traveller Card with the intention to make it easier for jet-setters to access their cash while abroad.
However, since November 2020, the bank closed the card to new customers. These days, NAB customers travelling overseas can opt for one of NAB’s other cards that can be used internationally, or use a rival bank or money transfer service.
This guide outlines the pros and cons of the Traveller Card for those existing customers whose cards may not have reached their expiration date yet, as well as the other NAB cards that can be used overseas. We break down international fees; conversion rates; included insurance; and other features.
All fees, interest rates and benefits are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change.
NAB Debit Cards For Travelling
The debit cards offered by NAB that can be used for travelling—as in, used overseas—include the discontinued NAB Traveller Card, the NAB Visa Debit Card, and the NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card.
The details of each card, primarily in relation to international use, are outlined below.
Note that as these are debit cards, there is no interest rate to take into consideration. The NAB credit cards for travelling, which we explore later, will outline the various interest rates among different credit cards.
NAB Credit Cards For Travelling
There are eight credit cards on offer from NAB, all of which can be used abroad. For ease of reference, we have split the comparisons of these cards into standard credit cards and rewards credit cards.
Let’s start with the standard credit cards—the NAB Low Fee Card, NAB Low Fee Platinum Card, NAB Low Rate Card and the NAB StraightUp Card.
As these are credit cards, there is the interest rate to consider on purchases, whether at home or abroad. This is unless it is an interest-free card.
Related: Balance Transfer Credit Cards Explained
Now, let’s look at the rewards cards, including the frequent flyer credit cards that allow you to earn travel perks, such as bonus points to redeem on flights or upgrades, lounge access, complimentary travel insurance and more.
It’s worth noting that on June 12, NAB made some significant changes to its NAB Rewards Signature card, including ditching the annual fee for a $24 per month payment (which works out slightly cheaper); a waiver on the monthly fee when more than $5,000 is spent each month; the scrapping of international transaction fees, which were formerly 3%; and the addition of mobile phone insurance. Reward earn rates have also changed, with uncapped potential added, and complimentary lounge passes will be available to passengers whose flights are delayed. For full details of the change, visit Nab’s dedicated Signature Rewards page.
NAB economics data shows a third of Australians say they’re saving and planning for a holiday this year.
“Our customers and bankers have told us one of the key pain points for travel cards is around international transaction fees,” said Tim Peters, NAB executive of Personal Lending Experience.
For information on what you could buy with bonus points, read our guide on what Qantas points are worth, including how many points you would need to redeem domestic and international flights.
Related: Our Pick Of The Best Qantas Points Credit Cards For Frequent Flyers
Should I Use A Bank Card or Travel Card While Abroad?
There are many cards on the market that can be used when travelling, with some companies offering cards designed for this purpose alone. Wise and Revolut, for example, offer debit cards that allow Australian cardholders to store numerous currencies on the single card, create local bank account details in multiple countries, and save on foreign transaction fees and/or currency conversion fees.
As stated, NAB discontinued its travel-specific card that allowed its customers to hold multiple currencies. However, its Big Four competitors still have their own versions available: the Westpac Travel Money Card allows for 11 currencies, while the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card can hold 13.
Like NAB, ANZ discontinued its version of a travel card in recent years as well.
Bottom Line
While it’s unfortunate that NAB no longer offers its travel-specific card with multiple currencies, NAB still has options for Australians when travelling.
If you are after a NAB card to use abroad, you will need to consider whether you want a debit or credit card, whether you’re willing to pay an annual or monthly fee, any additional perks you are after, and the foreign transaction fees you’ll be charged while travelling—although NAB has scrapped foreign transaction fees on its Signature Credit Card as of June 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does NAB have travel cards?
NAB used to have a travel-specific card, allowing Australians to travel internationally and spend money in one account with various currencies while abroad. This card was discontinued in recent years, with NAB not publicly explaining why this occurred.
Now, NAB customers wanting to use their NAB cards while overseas will have to consider the foreign transaction fees as well as any ATM withdrawal fees. If they’re using a credit card, they will also need to consider the interest rate on purchases if they don’t pay their card off in full each month.
Luckily, all NAB cards can be used abroad.
Is NAB’s travel insurance good?
Some of NAB’s card offerings include complimentary domestic and international travel insurance when you book your trip with your card. Often this complimentary insurance offered by credit card companies is more of a ‘bare bones’ policy, rather than a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
With NAB, the complimentary international travel insurance can be claimed if you:
- charge at least $500 of your prepaid travel costs to the account holder’s card account before leaving Australia
- have a return overseas travel ticket before leaving Australia
- be aged under 81 years at the time you become eligible for the cover by meeting the conditions above.
On NAB’s website, it states that the “the below information is a limited summary only and is subject to applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses that may apply”. In summary, it says it may cover:
- Overseas emergency assistance and medical expenses;
- Accidental death and loss of income;
- Cancellation;
- Travel delay and alternative transport expenses;
- Luggage and luggage delay;
- Rental vehicle excess; and
- Personal liability.
It’s important to read the terms and conditions of your individual card and its travel insurance conditions before you rely on it for your insurance needs while abroad.
What are the international transaction fees on NAB cards?
International transaction fees charged on NAB cards vary from card to card, but are usually around 3% to 4% of the transaction. There are additional charges for cash withdrawals overseas, as well as a transaction fee, and usually a withdrawal fee from the ATM operator. As of June 12, 2024, NAB has scrapped these international fees on its Rewards Signature card.
