Citi Vs NAB Vs Wise - a Comparison of ATM Withdrawals Overseas

88mph on 29/01/2024 - 10:02
Last edited 30/01/2024 - 18:31

Just a FYI post to assist fellow travellers using the Citi debit card, contemplating the NAB replacement.

Long-term Citi member, recently received the NAB debit card replacement, and a new Wise joinee.

A few days ago withdrew IDR 500,000 from each card, a few minutes apart, from a Bali ATM.

  1. NAB Visa debit (Citi replacement) IDR 500,000 > AUD 48.33 No fee, glad they kept their word for us Citi converts.

  2. Citi MasterCard debit (soon obselete) IDR 500,000 > AUD 48.65 No fee as usual

  3. Wise Visa debit IDR 500,000 > AUD 48.40 inclusive of a minor fee of AUD 0.27

DYOR but looks like NAB's slightly ahead in my experiment, intend to use them with a Wise backup card after Citi goes the way of the dodo…

Financial Debit Card

Related Stores

Citibank Australia
Citibank Australia
National Australia Bank Group (NAB)
National Australia Bank Group (NAB)
Wise
Wise

Comments

  • salin on 29/01/2024 - 10:30
    +4

    Thanks for sharing!

    • HeWhoKnows on 10/07/2024 - 18:23
      +1

      Just for the record here is the NAB deal for Citibank customers

      https://www.nab.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/transaction-ac…

      Certainly Citibank customers appear to have retained all the advantages of their old Citibank account including:
      No international transaction fees
      No overseas ATM withdrawal fees

      This really puts CitiBank customers way ahead of NAB customers so do retain your new NAB-Citi account and feel free to use the Visa debit card overseas!

      But anyway, lets see how long this lasts.
      Like always, banks get hungry and this will change in due course

  • kolorijo on 29/01/2024 - 10:34
    +3

    Can I also add that my Bankwest Easy Transaction ATM Card didn't work on multiple atms (BCA, BRI, Bank Mandiri & BNI) in Bali last December. I chatted with the Bankwest CS and they told me that nothing should prevent me from withdrawing money from the ATM in Bali.

    I can withdraw money (Yen) during my Japan travel back in September.

    So word of caution for people who wants to rely on Bankwest ATM Card to fund their Bali holiday.

    • star-ggg on 29/01/2024 - 11:04
      +3

      Had the same issue with Macq Bank card in India. Also told me the card should just work if the ATM accepts international Mastercard. I think best to have multiple backups everywhere you go.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/819930

      • kolorijo on 29/01/2024 - 13:25

        True, I was lucky enough to travel with relatives from Indonesia that carried enough Rupiah to last me through my holiday.

        Plus I got $500 in my wallet as contingency which was completely used up.

      • HeWhoKnows on 30/01/2024 - 11:43

        Which Macq card exactly?

        • star-ggg on 30/01/2024 - 13:28
          +1

          Macq transaction account debit MC

          • HeWhoKnows on 30/01/2024 - 18:03

            @star-ggg: Yes I have that one too.
            best debit card and transaction account in Australia!
            but I also carry a Platinum Mastercard credit card.

    • tunzafun001 on 31/01/2024 - 00:05

      Did you call Bankwest to let them know you are traveling to Bali before you left?
      Might have been fraud protection.

      Cheers for sharing Citi/ NAB info.

      • kolorijo on 06/06/2024 - 08:21

        Yes I have made my travel plan known to them beforehand via Bankwest app. I can use my Bankwest credit card but withdrawing money from Bankwest Debit card is a no no.

    • HeWhoKnows on 22/06/2024 - 11:58

      Always take more than one card and plenty of CASH!

    • HeWhoKnows on 10/07/2024 - 18:28
      +1

      Bankwest has gone way down the girgler!

      Im in the process of closing all my accounts with Bankwest including my long held Zero Platinum Credit card as they have just stripped out the Free Travel insurnace along with all the other insurances.

      • 88mph on 11/07/2024 - 10:23

        Yes, I thought that was a dirty move too, stripping the insurances. Only reason left now to retain it is the decent conversion rate when making credit purchases overseas/eBay/Ali.

        If you have zeroed in on a credit card with nil fees and better features, do share…

        • HeWhoKnows on 11/07/2024 - 14:45

          Several debit cards include free foreign exchange purchases including Bankwest's very own Mastercard debit card.
          Add to this uBank Visa debit card (uBank spend account) and Macquarie Platinum Mastercard debit card.(Macquarie Transaction Account)
          Im sure there are more.

          The best and identical replacement for the "average" person for the now nullified Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard credit card is the Bendigo Bank Ready Credit card that comes wth all the same (if not better) Platinum benefits and with no annual fee as well.

          Its just that Bendigo bank are very "anal" very thier application and approval process.

  • cerealsmok3r on 29/01/2024 - 10:36
    +2

    Thats pretty decent. Always good to have a few backups in case things go sour as I found with my trip to Japan lol

  • FlyingPanda99 on 29/01/2024 - 10:38
    +2

    thank you for sharing

  • mbck on 29/01/2024 - 10:42
    +1

    Nab (citi) was also comparable to macquarie.

    Those are my main/backup

  • Gunnar on 29/01/2024 - 11:00
    +1

    Thanks for sharing! Good info

  • burningrage on 29/01/2024 - 11:10

    This is good to know. Was it any ATM or specific brand ATM? It will be interesting to test this in Japan / Singapore.

    • 88mph on 29/01/2024 - 11:59

      Receipt says BCA. Seen them quite often…

  • KaTst3R on 29/01/2024 - 11:29

    Citi debit (soon obselete) IDR 500,000 > AUD 48.65 No fee as usual

    Fee imbedded in the forex rate.

  • CodeXD on 29/01/2024 - 11:34

    Can you also list which ones are Visa vs Mastercard?

    In another thread about overseas withdrawal they mention for Japan - there is a fee for withdrawing with VISA card, no fee for Mastercard.

    Also if you use a Mastercard at 7 Eleven ATMs you won't be charged with the 110 yen fee.

    I used my UBank card which has no international fees, but because it's VISA (rather than Mastercard), 7-11 charged ¥110 per ¥10,000 withdrawal.

    • 88mph on 29/01/2024 - 11:56
      +1

      Looks like my NAB & Wise are Visa, Citi MasterCard.

    • burningrage on 29/01/2024 - 12:18
      +1

      I just want to respond on the Japanese ATM withdrawal with regard of using HSBC Global Yen and AUD account only because I have been there and tested.

      If you have HSBC Global Everyday Account:
      1. If you already purchased the Yen beforehand, you use 7-11 ATM and the fee will be ¥110 for ¥10,000 withdrawal. Contrary to what was said by someone in the previous thread, you CAN withdraw up to ¥100,000 per day and the maximum charge will be ¥220. So if you withdraw ¥30,000 or ¥50,000 or ¥100,000, the cost is the same at ¥220.
      2. You will be charged this fee by reason of Visa. I did not test it with Mastercard as I have no Mastercard debit but I think enough people who are using Citi Online Plus (which is Mastercard) were not being charged this fee.
      3. When you withdraw your Yen, ensure you choose the YEN withdrawal and NOT the AUD withdrawal as the screen will suggest you to do. The amount withdrawn in YEN will appear at the bottom left of the screen. Choosing this will take away your YEN from your HSBC Yen account.
      4. If you decide to tap and pay instead, I used Credit (but I think Savings will work too) and it will use the Yen account.

      On unrelated matter, I found using 28Degrees yield better exchange rate (up to 2 yen better) and the same goes with IDR.

      Also, if you are Bank of Melbourne / Westpac / BankSA customers, you can withdraw SGD in Singapore at UOB ATMs with no ATM fee BUT your account may then charge you international transaction fee so stick to either Credit Card or HSBC SGD account.

      • knobbs on 30/01/2024 - 10:29

        You say using your 28d card is that not a cash advance? Or can you credit your account before withdrawing and not pay a cash advance fee?

        • burningrage on 30/01/2024 - 17:09

          I used my 28degree purely as credit card. I did not preload the 28 degree to make it into credit balance but I suppose you could withdraw money from it but wouldn't that attract Cash Advance fee?

        • kawinuyo on 31/01/2024 - 02:14
          +1

          They closed this loophole ages ago unfortunately.

          • SydneySurfer on 21/06/2024 - 17:26

            @kawinuyo: Yes, very sad as that's what we used to do. The old 28 degrees was the best.

  • LanceVance on 29/01/2024 - 11:39

    Keep in mind that Wise has much better exchange rates in my experience than other banks when loading up other currencies (if NAB can even do that) so you might save quite a lot by withdrawing local currency with a Wise card.

  • JimB on 29/01/2024 - 11:46
    +3

    Learnt this the hard way.

    Remember to take your card AFTER withdrawing your 300,000 Indonesian Rupiah from the ATM.

    It's inverse in Indonesia. ATMs here won't dispense the cash until you take the card.

    Lucky I had two ATM cards.

    I found the Macquarie card offered slightly better rates than Citibank from the same ATM. And of course I left the Macquarie card in the ATM lol.

  • c2pv1ru5 on 29/01/2024 - 12:32

    My experience in Japan is same as above. Visa 220yen. Mastercard no fee. Depending on the cards, some will ask whether you want to withdraw in home currency converted or not converted. As I need 500,000 yen cash on a daily basis, I have multiple cards witthdrawing one after the other. Sometimes I found that even with the fee, Visa was better and sometimes the other way around.

    • CodeXD on 29/01/2024 - 12:35

      As I need 500,000 yen cash on a daily basis

      Not sure if this is a flex or you owe a lot of money to debtors lol

      • c2pv1ru5 on 29/01/2024 - 12:37

        I am a gambler

        • KaTst3R on 29/01/2024 - 13:11

          500k yen just to play Pachinko? lol…

          • burningrage on 29/01/2024 - 13:18

            @KaTst3R: Hey I don't get this. Does Pachinko actually award winnings in currencies? All I saw the last time I was there were small metal balls….

            • KaTst3R on 29/01/2024 - 13:22
              +1

              @burningrage: Japan has no casino (until the first one that is expected to be completed in 2029). So Pachinko is the only legal form of "gambling". From my understanding in walking around the Pachinko shops and what i read online, you win metal balls which can be exchanged for small items or tokens (as such not considered gambling). Patrons then take that to exchange for cash at other "discrete locations". It is a grey area for gambling.

              • terlalu on 29/01/2024 - 13:30

                @KaTst3R: these other "discrete locations" are often right next door.

                • KaTst3R on 29/01/2024 - 13:42

                  @terlalu: Cant make your elderly patrons walk too far. Even the yakuzas have compassion.

  • Nillionaire on 29/01/2024 - 13:03
    -3

    Due to ATM skimming, I try to not use ATMs in certain countries and prefer to walk into a branch and deal with a teller. Which multinational banks would be the best for this? Anyone have experience with HSBC or Citi in that regard? If I have an Australian bank account with them, can I easily withdraw from their branches in other countries?

    • terlalu on 29/01/2024 - 13:31
      +1

      how many languages can you speak?

    • Ryk on 30/01/2024 - 21:37

      you may pay additional fees for a manual cash advance, even from a debit card

  • MisplacedGaijin on 30/01/2024 - 08:32

    Good write-up … thanks !

  • Mugsy on 30/01/2024 - 09:11

    Always have a Mastercard AND a VISA. Sometimes, you'll encounter a vendor who only accepts on or the other.

    Back ups for each would be welcome too and always make sure you have a second account with the same bank to move money to in the case your main card is lost.

    Plenty of $0 international transaction fee debit cards out there these days though, I'd pick ones with good card management functionality on their mobile apps. The ability to lock and cancel cards is invaluable.

  • TheMatrix on 30/01/2024 - 11:37

    Anyone has experience with CBA Ultimate Award Mastercard, in term of exchange rate etc? This card doesn't have international transection fee. Planing to use it in Japan (I also have Citi bank visa card, now NAB but because it is a debit Visa I have to transfer money into it, which is a bit inconvenient.). Thanks

    • giveback on 07/02/2024 - 01:21

      That's correct. I've used CBA UA since last year for that purpose.

      I've also just moved from Citi to NAB. Hopefully, no withdrawal fee when overseas. Citi used to charge $5 per withdrawal.

  • wartex11 on 30/01/2024 - 11:39

    Has anyone tried and compared the BankWest Easy Transaction debit card to the Citibank card?

  • kusala on 30/01/2024 - 12:35

    • I was informed by NAB that there will be fees on international ATM withdrawals after 24 February. I guess someone will test this in the field.

    • Up to the first $385 per month, there is no charge for Wise international ATM withdrawals. After that, it is $5 per withdrawal.

    • Macquarie doesn't charge fees for international ATM withdrawals. I got good exchange rates in India, but unfortunately, the card didn't work at some ATMs, e.g. SBI & Indian Bank

    • burningrage on 30/01/2024 - 17:10

      Post 24 February, I don't see why I want to keep the accounts with NAB tbh.

      • 88mph on 30/01/2024 - 18:29

        Agreed, though it's not mentioned anywhere in the terms and conditions of the Citi transfer document we all received. I'll probably test it out myself in my next trip, really hoping NAB don't charge and stick to their word/T&C's.

        • kawinuyo on 31/01/2024 - 02:17

          I'll test it, will be overseas on the 24th, don't return until 27th. Surely they can't change the t&cs without giving written notice?

          • 88mph on 31/01/2024 - 17:14

            @kawinuyo: Please do, and update the thread below, or pm me the outcome and I'll edit in an addendum to my main post towards the bottom.

            • kawinuyo on 25/02/2024 - 02:26

              @88mph: Citibank stopped working today so used the NAB. Took out 2k HKD and nab says that was $390.56. Google tells me it should be $390.10 so right on the money.

              • 88mph on 26/02/2024 - 07:51

                @kawinuyo: Brilliant, thanks for the update. So far so good with NAB then. Hope it lasts…

  • Essem on 30/01/2024 - 20:21

    Having used Citibank for travel and international transactions I wasn’t feeling optimistic about the NAB swap as far as future fees so I signed up for Macquarie Platinum Transaction Debit account, no conversion fee, no ATM fees. But better than Citibank this one pays interest! (currently 4.75%). Haven’t used OS yet but will have alternatives. Don’t need to use the SMS code as Macquarie comes with own Authenticator app.

    • tunzafun001 on 31/01/2024 - 00:18

      Monthly fee?

      • Essem on 31/01/2024 - 07:42

        No fees at all

  • maiuspala on 31/01/2024 - 10:13

    Does anyone have experience using any of these cards in thailand?

    • 88mph on 31/01/2024 - 17:19

      Phuk-No from me.

      (thai frequents will get it…)

    • Jasonethel on 14/02/2024 - 09:27

      Just got back. All ATMs charge a pretty hefty flat withdrawal fee (I think it was around 220baht). Aeon bank ATM is the cheapest charging 150baht but they’re not widely available. I was able to withdraw with HSBC from the AEON ATM but was rejected for my Macquarie Bank debit card (which worked at other ATMs in Bangkok at the higher fee). Hope that helps.

      • 88mph on 14/02/2024 - 15:46

        Thanks for sharing.

        Did you try with a NAB card or only have the 2 mentioned above?

  • MisplacedGaijin on 01/02/2024 - 08:05

    Over on Whirlpool, https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/91qpmyx9?p=1084
    poster "Danster8" talks about booking Japanese shinkansen train tickets from Oz, using his

    NAB debit card (newly transferred to NAB as part of the NAB buyout of Citibank)

    then

    So decided to use the NAB debit card – first time. "This credit card is not accepted." Rang NAB – no problem with the card and no transaction had been attempted.

    So,
    . the Japanese website seemed to think NAB debit card is a credit card ?
    . the card balance itself seemed not an issue, as NAB Support said "no transaction had been attempted" ?

    Hmmm …

    • MisplacedGaijin on 01/02/2024 - 08:08

      Update: further down, "jhau" says

      With regard to credit cards, unfortunately, there's quite a well-known issue with some Japanese websites not accepting overseas credit cards.

      Once you're in Japan, it's typically fine to use the cards; it's just when you're overseas and trying to purchase something from Japan. I believe this is some sort of security issue with the card-issuer and not the Japanese companies, but it's obviously very frustrating when you're overseas and attempting to purchase something in Japan.

      So, YMMV !

      • 88mph on 01/02/2024 - 10:27

        One change I have noticed in the transition, others may have too.

        Our Citi debit card was classified as "checking"

        Our NAB replacement card is classified as "savings"

        I learnt it the hard way doing an eftpos payment at Aldi to avoid the tap surcharge. Initial transaction declined, then successful after selecting "savings"

        Totally unrelated to the Japanese situation above, but FYI only.

  • SlickMick on 01/02/2024 - 13:02

    I understand that Up is also a Citi/NAB backup. Seems that there are a few options now.

  • rakka on 13/02/2024 - 03:53

    7 ATMs in Japan:

    NAB isn’t a good replacement for the Citi card.
    Fee and limited to 10000yen at a time. Feels restricted as heck.

    Luckily happened to also have a Macquarie card. I think it’s the best replacement for the Citi.

    Maybe the nab is better at a different ATM. Let
    me know if so, anyone!

    • kawinuyo on 25/02/2024 - 02:34

      That's really interesting. I wonder if maybe yeah that's a Japan thing then… Didn't get charged any fees today in HK at non citi branded atm.

  • fozzie on 24/02/2024 - 09:32

    Has anyone used UP or Suncorp debit card to withdraw cash in Bali? If you have what were you charged? Thanks

  • jaybo on 24/02/2024 - 12:13

    i can't find any mention of the fee waiver in my new NAB account so hopefully it was in some small print i missed somewhere…
    ill try to remember to post an update but i'm heading to Malaysia next weekend so i'll need to test it out :D

    • Sickman on 24/02/2024 - 19:51

      Yeah, the fees and charges booklet (effective 4 Nov 2022) they supply with the NAB VISA Debit Card when you get it does not show the correct fees in Section 2 of the booklet for ATM fees for customers who have migrated from Citibank (citi variation).
      Here is the correct details for ex Citibank customers.
      https://www.nab.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/transaction-ac…

      They should have called the card another name to avoid any confusion, especially for people who already had a (non Citi variation) NAB VISA Debit Card. People are guessing the fee waivers will be removed at some stage for citi variation customers.

    • kawinuyo on 25/02/2024 - 02:33
      +3

      I didn't get charged any fees in HK today.

  • kusala on 29/02/2024 - 18:26

    Information for migrating from a Citi branded account to a NAB Classic Banking account.

    Overseas access NAB Visa Debit card
    ATM cash withdrawal: Fee waived
    Balance enquiry: Fee waived
    International transaction fee: Fee waived

    https://www.nab.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/transaction-ac…

  • povertytrap on 04/03/2024 - 14:14
    +1

    My wife used the NAB (formerly Citibank) debit card in the Philippines (BDO ATM, one of the major banks in the Philippines) and has been charged 2:5% extra. If that was a Citibank ATM in the past it would have been zero. NAB says it was the ATM operator not them who charged this. Disappointing, have put in a complaint but have no expectations of being refunded.

    • 88mph on 04/03/2024 - 14:35

      Interesting, thanks for the update.

    • cynical17 on 04/03/2024 - 17:43

      When did your wife use her card if you don't mind me asking?

    • lgacb08 on 05/03/2024 - 12:25

      Yeah, I suspect this is the case with lots of countries where banking regulations not tight, the atm operators can slap on whatever extra they like with their built-in rate and still advertise it as fee free.

      • Sickman on 05/03/2024 - 20:17

        ATM normally declares that % and gets you click accept before processing.

    • giveback on 09/07/2024 - 22:16

      just saw this on NAB website. Some operators might charge $5 per withdrawal, which I experienced a year or two ago when I was with Citi.
      https://www.nab.com.au/personal/international-banking/intern…

  • povertytrap on 04/03/2024 - 18:51

    Yesterday and the day before

  • 88mph on 30/04/2024 - 23:11

    Update: in the UK presently, did 2 test withdrawals from a Lloyds ATM yesterday.

    NAB: £10 > $19.22

    WISE: £10 > $19.23 inc $0.09 fee

    Pretty much on tie, but NAB may come ahead on large withdrawals 🤷

  • Sickman on 07/06/2024 - 03:42
    +1

    Did Euro200 withdrawal in France using NAB and Wise.
    NAB better but not by much.

    • 88mph on 07/06/2024 - 14:35

      Thanks for the update, sorta mirrors mine above.

      Good to know NAB is still keeping their side of the Citi takeover deal…

  • povertytrap on 07/06/2024 - 15:23

    They are not. They are not covering ATM costs like Citibank did with their ATMs.

    • 88mph on 07/06/2024 - 21:34

      Hmm, ok. So far I haven't been stung ATM fees in Bali nor UK. Could be just luck or their arrangements with the banks I used.

    • MELso on 07/06/2024 - 23:32

      They are, except for Citi-branded ATMs themselves (which are disappearing pretty much everywhere except the US). (This doesn't cover the ATM operator's fees which Citi never covered anyway)

      • povertytrap on 09/07/2024 - 22:47

        Citibank covered ATM operator fees in the Philippines on their ATMs.

    • Sickman on 08/06/2024 - 02:04

      No fees from ATMs used in Europe. Some ATMs will charge fees for Wise and NAB.
      Wise has $350 monthly limit for zero transaction fee at ATMs so NAB better for greater than $350 per month cash withdrawal.

      • JimB on 04/07/2024 - 12:18

        "Wise has $350 monthly limit for zero transaction fee at ATMs "

        Who is going on holidays and withdrawing less than $350?

        Good that NAB is still offering the Citibank benefits. Going OS soon. I had a new NAB sent to me somewhere, better find it before the holiday

        • Sickman on 23/07/2024 - 20:31

          We withdrew $300 cash from an ATM for the 2 months we were in Europe and had to find ways to use the cash in the last days of our travels as we used our digital cards everywhere. So $350 per month is ok.

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