Transacting overseas
Using your Visa card overseas
Whether your trip is for work or leisure, changing between currencies can be complicated. The following tips on using your Visa card will help you make the most of your money overseas.
Visa Debit and Credit Cards will be accepted anywhere the Visa logo is displayed, at millions of locations across the globe.
Use your card at restaurants and retailers or find one of the ATMs in over 200 countries that will accept foreign Visa cards.
If you choose to withdraw cash, it can be best to withdraw larger amounts at once as each foreign transaction may attract a fee.
Overseas travel notification
By logging onto Internet Banking, you can inform us of your upcoming travel plans safely and securely without needing to call or email us. By informing us when you are travelling, this will enable us to keep an eye out for unusual activity.
We're providing a self-service option to make it easier for Bank First Members to inform us of upcoming travel plans via Internet Banking, enabling us to keep an eye out for unusual activity.
Notify us of your travel plans via Internet Banking.
Contacting us from overseas
Make a note of your Visa Debit or Credit Card number(s) and the phone number you need to call if your card is lost or stolen overseas +613 9834 8560. Keep the phone number separate from your card.
Alternatively, the Visa International toll-free number for your destination can be located via the Visa website.
Alternative ways to pay
Add your Visa Debit or Credit Card to your mobile wallet. Mobile Wallets securely store a digital version of your Visa Debit Card or Credit Card, allowing you to make payments without carrying the physical card.
To make purchases press 'credit' and enter your PIN or sign for the transaction.
To withdraw cash from an ATM select the 'credit' button and enter your PIN. This is a chargeable transaction; a fee of $2.50 is incurred on a pay per use basis.
Over the counter cash advances are accepted at any bank displaying the Visa logo. Photo identification will be required. This is a chargeable transaction; a fee of $2.50 is incurred on a pay per use basis. Note, cash advances from your Visa Credit Card incur interest from the date of the withdrawal.
Overseas banks may charge a fee for the use of their ATMs and for cash advances.
A conversion fee to Australian dollars of 3% of the transaction value, applies to all overseas Visa Debit/Credit Card transactions. Premier Package Home Loan holders are exempt from the Currency Conversion Fee. Transactions on our Platinum Credit Card are also exempt from the Currency Conversion Fee.
If you lose your card call 1300 654 822 (Australia) or +613 9834 8560 (overseas), or contact Visa Global Assistance.
Visa provides emergency assistance to all Visa cardholders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Visa Global Assistance can arrange for an Emergency Cash advance of up to US$400 within 48 hours (higher amounts may take additional time). An emergency card can also be provided within 48 hours. (Please note PIN numbers are not provided with Emergency Cards and so cannot be used in ATMs or for any other PIN transactions). A fee of $150 for an Emergency Card is also applicable. (This fee is waived for Visa Platinum Credit Card holders, please refer to Terms and Conditions Part B - Fees and Charges).
Lock your card immediately or put a temporary lock on it in the Bank First App. You can also lock your card while you look for it, which restricts all purchases and withdrawals.
After reporting a card lost or stolen via our Bank First App you have the option to re-order your card immediately. Follow these instructions:
Login to the Bank First App
Select Cards
Swipe to find your Card
Select Need help with your card?
Select 'Lost your card', 'Card been stolen' or 'Damaged your card' and follow the prompts.
Select if you would like a replacement card.
Your card will be stopped immediately.
You can also contact Visa Global Assistance.
Learn more about managing your cards.
If your card won't work when overseas you can contact us via phone +613 9834 8560 (overseas) Monday – Friday 8am-6pm AEST (excluding Public Holidays) to seek assistance. You can also lodge an enquiry via our online form.
For non-urgent issues email us at info@bankfirst.com.au.
There are plenty of prepaid travel cards on the market, some with better terms than others. The advantage of these cards is that they are typically not linked to your normal accounts and are designed for overseas use.
International transfers and foreign currency
Bank First offers sending and receiving of international funds transfers in partnership with Convera. You can also order foreign cash in branch or by contacting our team.