Citibank international transaction fees & limits
From a small bank in New York, Citibank has grown into a well-recognized global banking institution. Having been in business for over 200 years1, Citi has always been at the forefront of banking innovations. Aside from popularizing ATMs2, Citi has significant contributions in advancing the use of credit cards, mobile banking, and digital payments. Today, it’s one of the top banking institutions worldwide, serving clients in 180 countries3. In 2024 alone, it handled $380 billion worth of cross-border transaction value4. This huge amount shows how trusted Citi’s global services are.
While Citi services are reliable, the unwary can be caught by surprise when bills come with charges they didn’t expect. So if you’re a Citibank cardholder or plan to apply for one, it’s important to understand the fees involved.
This guide focuses on Citibank international fees. Travelers, expats, international shoppers, business owners, and anyone making payments and transfers abroad—this guide is for you.
What are international transaction fees?5,6
International or foreign transaction fees are charges applied to card purchases, cash advances, and other transactions processed in foreign countries or with foreign vendors. If you use your credit card abroad, you may incur a fee equivalent to a fixed fee and/or a percentage of your transaction amount. The fees may also be applied to purchases you make online from businesses abroad.
What are these fees for? Basically, these fees cover the cost of processing international transactions, including currency exchange and cross-border handling. They’re typically split between the card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), the card issuer (Citibank, Bank of America, etc.), and the merchant.
If your Citibank card is issued in the US, transactions you make outside the US and its territories may incur Citibank foreign transaction fees. These charges may appear on your bill under “wire fee,” “foreign currency fee,” or “foreign transaction fee.” We’ll explain these fees further in the next section.
Citibank international transaction fees
For debit and credit cardholders, Citibank may impose additional charges for wire transfers, online purchases from foreign merchants, ATM withdrawals in foreign currencies, and POS purchases abroad. The three most common international fees are:
1. Citibank wire transfer fees7,8
Incoming and outgoing international wire transfers incur fees starting at $15 and $25, respectively. When you receive an international wire transfer, you may be charged $15. If you send an international wire transfer from your account, you may be charged $25 to $45, depending on the channel you use.
Here are the charges you might expect for Citibank international wire transfers. Note that foreign currency transactions may also be subject to Citibank currency conversion fees.
| Standard | Priority | Citigold | Citigold Private Client | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming | $15 | waived | waived | waived |
| Outgoing (online, in USD) | $35 | $25 | waived | waived |
| Outgoing (online, in foreign currency) | waived | waived | waived | waived |
| Outgoing (other channels) | $45 | $45 | $45 | waived |
2. Foreign currency fees7
Citibank’s foreign currency exchange fee appears on statements as “foreign currency fee.” The fee is typically waived for Priority and Citigold clients, but Standard cardholders are charged $5.00 per transaction that involves currency conversion.
Note that market rates and currency conversion commissions may influence the amount posted on your account. Citibank uses either wholesale market or state-imposed exchange rates when converting foreign currencies into USD.
3. Foreign transaction fees7
Regardless of the currency you use in cross-border transactions, Citibank may apply foreign transaction or foreign exchange fees equal to 3% of the transaction amount. These fees are typically applied to international debit card and credit card purchases, ATM withdrawals in foreign countries, and signature-based POS transactions. However, they’re often waived for Citi Priority, Citigold, Citi Private Bank, and International Personal Bank (US) clients.
These fees, and other surcharges, apply to Citibank’s global services, including:
These are in-store purchases that you make abroad using your Citi debit or credit card. They may also incur foreign purchase transaction fees of up to 3% of the purchase amount9, depending on the type of card you use.
Citibank has thousands of proprietary ATMs in over 20 countries10, which Citibank cardholders may use for free. If none are available, you can use ATMs with the Visa or Mastercard logo. However, non-Citi ATM transactions may incur a $2.50 fee, plus other international transaction fees.
Citi checking or savings account holders may transfer funds directly to other Citi checking or savings accounts through Citi Online or Citi Mobile. If this service is available for your account, you may send any amount to eligible Citi cardholders. The transfer amount will be credited to the recipient’s account in the primary currency they use. There are no fees for sending or receiving a Citibank Global Transfer, but exchange rates may include a conversion commission.
You may send money to non-Citi account holders through Citibank’s wire transfer services. When you send a transfer request, you authorize Citibank to debit funds from your Citibank checking or savings account and send them to another bank account. Service fees and foreign transaction fees may apply for this type of transfer.
Citibank international transaction limits
Citibank transaction limits7 vary depending on the transaction type, account, and card. For instance, Citibank daily spending limits can range from $5,000 to $50,000. Generally, these are the limits per transaction per day:
| Account type | Purchase limit | Cash withdrawal limit | P2P payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $5,000 | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Priority | $10,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Citigold | $25,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 |
| Citigold Private Client | $50,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 |
International wire transfers in foreign currencies are capped at $50,000 per day for Standard accounts and $500,000 for higher-tier accounts8. For account-to-account Citibank Global Transfers processed through online or mobile banking, the daily transfer limits range from $50,000 to $100,00011 depending on the account type.
| Account type | Daily transfer limit | Weekly transfer limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Priority | $75,000 | $100,000 |
| Citigold | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Citigold Private Client | $100,000 | $500,000 |
To request lower caps or higher limits, contact Citibank directly. You may be asked to provide additional information, including income sources, bank account statements, and proof of financial capabilities.
How to avoid or minimize Citibank’s international fees
Citibank credit card foreign transaction fees can add up. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize these fees. Here are some easy ways to avoid them:
1. Use Citibank cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some Citibank cards designed for frequent travelers have no foreign transaction fees12. If you plan to use your credit card often while abroad, consider applying for Citi Strata Premier, Citi World Elite Mastercard, and Costco Anywhere Visa.
2. Opt for local currency vs. USD when making purchases
When using your debit or credit card abroad, choose local currency for payments. When you pay in the local currency, Citibank applies exchange rates based on wholesale market rates or state-imposed rates. If you opt for USD, the merchant or payment processor sets the exchange rate they wish to use. Often, this can result in inflated fees and poor rates.
3. Use the Citibank ATM network to reduce withdrawal fees
Citibank’s ATM network spans over 20 countries. Withdrawal fees from these Citi-branded ATMs are usually waived for Citibank cardholders10. Some non-Citi ATMs also offer surcharge-free withdrawals, though other international transaction fees may apply.
4. Enrolling in premium banking plans like Citigold for reduced fees
Check if you’re eligible for higher-tier accounts like Citigold and Citigold Private Client. Most international transaction fees for these premium accounts are waived or reduced. Moreover, transfer limits for them are higher.
5. Explore alternative services like Wise, Revolut, and BOSS Revolution for international money transfers
Aside from Citibank, there are other banking and financial institutions that offer money transfer services. Wise, Revolut, and BOSS Revolution all offer instant transfers in different currencies across multiple locations. Wise offers a multi-currency e-wallet, while Revolut allows crypto transactions. For flexible payment methods and multiple receiving options, BOSS Revolution provides the best services.
Citibank vs. BOSS Revolution for international transactions
Citibank’s wide global reach makes it reliable for international transactions. Aside from purchases and payments, it can also be used for sending money abroad. However, its strict account requirements and high transaction fees make it somewhat restrictive. Simply put, getting a Citi card isn’t that easy and the transfers are very expensive.
BOSS Revolution may be a better alternative for fast and affordable international money transfers. It offers lower fees, better exchange rates, and multiple payout methods that make its services accessible to more people, including immigrants, unbanked individuals, and expatriates.
| Citibank global transfers7, 11 | Citibank international wire transfers8 | BOSS Revolution money transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer limit | Up to $100,000 per day | Up to $500,000 per transaction | Up to $2,999 |
| Transfer fees | Free | $15 to $45 | As low as $1.99 |
| Exchange rate policy | Wholesale market rate or state-imposed rate plus currency conversion commission | Wholesale market rate or state-imposed rate plus currency conversion commission | Midmarket exchange rate |
| Cancellation policy | Can be cancelled within 30 minutes | Cannot be cancelled or reversed | Can be cancelled within 30 days |
| Delivery method | Citibank account only | Bank deposit |
|
| Best for | Citibank account holders | Business owners and individuals sending large amounts abroad | Expats, immigrants, and other individuals who frequently send money abroad |
Does Citibank charge foreign transaction fees on all credit cards?
No, Citibank doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on all credit cards. Some credit cards, including the Citi Strata Premier, Citi World Elite Mastercard, and Costco Anywhere Visa, do not have foreign transaction fees. Other credit card types may be subject to as much as 3% of each purchase transaction (in USD).12,13,14,15
How do I check if my Citibank card has foreign transaction fees?
To check if your Citibank card has foreign transaction fees, go to the Citi website or log into your Citi online account. View the Pricing & Information page to check the rates and charges that apply to your specific card type.
What is the Citibank ATM withdrawal fee abroad?
The standard fee for ATM withdrawals abroad, including those from Citi-branded ATMs, is 3% of the withdrawal amount if the transaction is made in a currency other than USD. These charges are credited under “foreign transaction fee.”7
How long do international wire transfers take with Citibank?
For international wire transfers, the cut-off is 6:00 PM Eastern Time. This means Citibank can send funds on the same business day if the transaction is processed before 6:00 PM.8
Can I send money internationally with Citibank without fees?
It’s possible to send money internationally with Citibank without fees through Citibank Global Transfers. However, the service is limited only to transfers between Citibank accounts. For money transfers to other bank accounts abroad, consider using BOSS Revolution instead.11
Save on international transaction fees
Citibank offers reliable global services and an extensive network for international transactions. However, the associated fees can be a bit steep. Cardholders must understand these costs before using their Citibank cards abroad. Fees for foreign purchase transactions, ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, currency exchange, etc. can stack up to a substantial amount.
For those looking to avoid higher fees, alternatives like BOSS Revolution offer more affordable and flexible options for international money transfers. These services often provide lower fees, better exchange rates, and faster transfer speeds. Before making a decision, take the time to compare Citibank's fees with those of other providers. Choosing the right option can help you save money.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of March 14, 2025
- https://www.citibank.com/icg/sa/emea/czech/english/insights/history.html
- https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/automated-teller-machines
- https://www.citigroup.com/global/about-us
- https://www.citigroup.com/rcs/citigpa/storage/public/Earnings/Q42024/4Q24-earnings-press-release.pdf
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/foreign-transaction-fee.asp
- https://wise.com/us/blog/foreign-transaction-fee
- https://online.citi.com/JRS/popups/ao/CDAA.pdf
- https://www.citi.com/online-services/wire-transfers
- https://www.citi.com/CRD/PDF/CMA/pricingTables/PIT_PID202-SimplicityADA-2.pdf
- https://online.citi.com/US/ag/worldwide-atm-network
- https://online.citi.com/US/ag/paymentHub/interCiti
- https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/compare/no-foreign-transaction-fee-credit-cards
- https://online.citi.com/US/ag/cards/displayterms?app=UNSOL&HKOP=44d62b77f58f046b30104e9ec898aeb46d98e2fc19ed3316a7a307509fa5dd32
- https://online.citi.com/US/ag/cards/displayterms?app=UNSOL&HKOP=96df08cbea1f382c2c2b7420888b25d8f4b4a2b0f057360f098d56d138de22ef
- https://online.citi.com/US/ag/cards/displayterms?app=UNSOL&HKOP=fe388e648e4576df67568b3b7b6adb908842cbf00060aeb95fbd8da544eb36e1
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
