How Bankwest Handles Overseas Fees
If you are planning an overseas holiday or frequently buy goods from international online stores, you’ll usually encounter foreign transaction fees. These charges are added to your purchases whenever a transaction is processed outside of Australia, even if the final price is listed in Australian Dollars. Over time, these small percentages can really add up, making a noticeable dent in your overall travel budget.
For Bankwest customers, the amount you pay generally depends on the specific card you carry in your wallet. While standard credit cards charge a percentage fee for overseas purchases, some Bankwest cards and accounts may not charge a foreign transaction fee, depending on the product type. Knowing exactly which card to use can help you avoid unnecessary surcharges while traveling.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Fee | Typically 2.95% on Bankwest Classic credit cards |
| Waived Fee (0%) | Platinum/World credit cards and Easy Transaction debit cards |
| Processing Time | Calculated and applied when the transaction clears |
| Key Requirements | Third-party ATM operators overseas may still apply their own fees |
How to Check Your Card Settings and Avoid Fees
To figure out if you are paying too much on international purchases, you’ll usually need to check your current account tier. Here is how you can manage your cards:
- Log in to your Bankwest App or online banking portal using your PIN or biometrics.
- Navigate to the Cards section to see if your current card is a Classic, Platinum, or World tier, or an Easy Transaction debit card.
- If you hold a Classic credit card, you’ll typically be charged a 2.95% fee on all foreign transactions.
- To avoid this, you can usually consider upgrading to a card that offers lower or no foreign transaction fees, if eligible
- Once your new fee-free card is approved and activated, update your digital wallet and online subscriptions to start saving on international charges.
Troubleshooting App and Card Issues
If you run into technical hurdles while trying to check your card details or upgrade your account, here is how to handle the most common issues:
- MFA / Login code delays: Sometimes, the SMS security code you need to verify an account upgrade simply won't arrive. This usually happens when mobile networks are congested or you have a weak signal. Move to an area with better reception and wait a minute before requesting a new code. If it still fails, you might need to call Bankwest to ensure your phone number is correct.
- Browser or app errors: You might tap the application button for a new Platinum card, but the screen hangs or shows an error message. This is often just a temporary glitch caused by stale cache data on your phone. Force close the app entirely and reopen it. If the app keeps crashing, logging in via a desktop computer usually bypasses the problem.
- Locked account / PIN issues: If you forget your password and guess incorrectly too many times, the system will temporarily lock your digital access to protect your profile. You won't be able to apply for new cards while locked out. You'll typically need to use the online password reset tool, or call the bank's customer service line to verify your identity and unlock the account.
Pro-Tip: If you are traveling, try to use your Bankwest Easy Transaction debit card to pull cash from physical ATMs rather than your Platinum credit card. Even though both of these cards waive the 2.95% foreign transaction fee, using a credit card to withdraw physical money triggers an immediate "cash advance" fee. This also means you start accruing high interest on that cash from day one, which essentially defeats the purpose of avoiding the initial overseas charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was I charged a foreign fee on an Australian website?
Imagine you bought a pair of shoes from a website ending in ".com.au" and paid in Australian Dollars, but a 2.95% fee still appeared on your bank statement a few days later. In most cases, this happens because the merchant's payment processing center is physically located overseas. The banking system looks at where the transaction is legally processed, not just the currency you clicked on. To prevent this next time, check the website's terms and conditions or switch to a Platinum card that waives the fee regardless of where the merchant is based.
Why did an overseas ATM charge me if Bankwest waives the fee?
Say you used your fee-free Bankwest debit card at a tourist ATM in Bali, but your physical receipt shows an extra $5 charge. While Bankwest generally doesn't charge you a percentage to convert the currency, the local company that owns that physical ATM machine usually applies their own fixed usage fee for the convenience. This is entirely out of Bankwest's control. You’ll typically need to look for major bank ATMs in your destination country, as they often charge lower access fees than independent machines found in convenience stores.
What happens if I try to use my card in a sanctioned country?
If you are traveling through a heavily sanctioned region, your card will likely get declined at the hotel checkout, even though you have plenty of money in your account. This depends on international finance laws, which strictly restrict Australian banks from processing any payments in certain countries. Your card simply won't work in these areas, and there is no setting you can toggle in the app to fix it. You'll usually need to carry cash or arrange alternative local payment methods before you cross the border into those specific regions.
