International vs. National Credit Cards: Understanding Fees, Security, and Overseas Purchases

International vs. National Credit Card: Summary

1. What is the fundamental difference between a national and an international card?

The main difference between the cards lies in the geographical coverage and the currency of the transactions.

The national card operates only in Brazil, in reais. The international card transcends borders, allowing purchases in multiple currencies.

This distinction directly impacts costs and user experience.

A national card may work on foreign websites that process payments in Reais, but it will be useless when traveling abroad.

The international card, in turn, was designed to convert currencies at the time of purchase, whether in physical stores or online, anywhere in the world where its brand (Visa, Mastercard, and others) is accepted.

For example, Maria, using a national card, buys a book on an American website that charges in Reais.

The transaction works.

On a trip to Europe, however, your card is declined.

Likewise, João, a digital nomad, uses his international card to pay in Dollars in the US and in Euros in Spain, without any problems.

John's tool was made for a world without monetary borders, while Mary's, although efficient locally, has its limitations.

2. International vs. National Credit Card: What are the Fees Inherent to International Transactions?

Using a credit card abroad requires paying attention to the cost structure. Ignoring fees can turn a good purchase into a loss.

The main ones are the Tax on Financial Transactions (IOF) and the exchange rate spread.

The IOF is a federal tax. In October 2025, the rate for international credit card purchases will be 3.5% on the transaction value.

It's an unavoidable and significant cost. The exchange rate spread is the bank's profit margin on the dollar exchange rate.

This fee, which can reach 7% in some institutions, is rarely transparent, functioning as a hidden cost that makes the purchase more expensive.

It's like the difference between the buying and selling price of a currency by a money changer: you always pay a little more.

Other costs include the annual fee, although many cards offer exemptions, and revolving credit interest, which in Brazil is among the highest in the world.

According to the Central Bank, revolving interest can reach 438% per year.

The analogy is clear: using an international card without knowing its fees is like sailing in uncharted waters without a map; you might reach your destination, but the risk of getting lost and the cost of the trip will be much higher.

3. How Does Security Manifest When Shopping Abroad?

Security in international transactions is a two-way street.

On the one hand, financial institutions offer protection mechanisms; on the other, users need to adopt good practices.

The first step is the travel notice.

Communicating your international itinerary to your bank prevents legitimate transactions from being viewed as suspicious and blocked.

Brands like Mastercard offer global assistance services, such as Mastercard Global Service™, in cases of loss or theft.

Additionally, using virtual cards for online purchases provides an extra layer of protection, as it creates a single-use number, protecting your primary card data.

On the user side, vigilance is essential.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions and monitor your spending through your bank app.

Security is a partnership: what's the point of having a robust safe if the key is exposed?

Constant vigilance is the best defense.

4. International Credit Card: When is it Really Worth It?

The convenience of the international card comes at a price.

The decision to use it should come from a cost-benefit analysis.

For frequent travelers and consumers of imported products, the benefits may outweigh the costs.

The convenience of not carrying large amounts of cash and the wide global acceptance are strong points.

Additionally, many cards offer benefits like travel insurance, lounge access, and robust rewards programs, which can offset the fees.

For those who make few purchases abroad, however, the cost may not be worth it.

The rhetorical question remains: does the convenience of one click justify the hidden cost of various fees?

The answer depends on your consumption profile.

5. What Alternatives Are There to Optimize Your International Expenses?

Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives. Global accounts, like those offered by Wise and Nomad, are the smartest option.

They allow you to have a balance in foreign currency (dollars, euros, and others) and use an international debit card.

The big advantage is the fees. The IOF (Federal Operations Tax) to send money to these accounts is 1.1%, compared to 3.5% for credit cards.

The exchange rate spread is also usually smaller and more transparent. You convert your money when the exchange rate is favorable and spend the balance without surprises from exchange rate fluctuations.

The savings, in the end, may outweigh the benefits of credit card rewards programs.

Feature	International Credit Card	Global Account with Debit Card
IOF	3,5%	1.1% (upon shipment)
Exchange Spread	Generally high and not very transparent	Low and transparent
Exchange Rate Variation	Risk of paying more on the bill	No risk, the balance is already in foreign currency
Benefits	Points, miles, insurance programs	Focus on fee savings

6. International vs. National Credit Card: Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Response
Can I use my national card for online purchases on foreign websites?	Yes, as long as the website processes the payment in Brazilian Reais. Otherwise, it will be declined.
What is the main cost difference between an international credit card and a global account?	The main difference is in the IOF (3.5% on credit vs. 1.1% on remittance to the global account) and in the exchange rate spread, which is generally lower on global accounts.
Is it safe to use a credit card when traveling internationally?	Yes, taking the necessary precautions: notify your bank about your trip, avoid public Wi-Fi networks for transactions, and monitor your spending.
What is a travel advisory and why is it important?	This is a communication you send to your bank informing them that you will be using your card abroad. This prevents it from being blocked due to suspected fraud.
Is it worth having an international card even if I don't travel often?	It depends on your profile. If you frequently shop online on foreign websites, it might be worth it. Otherwise, alternatives like global accounts are more cost-effective.

International vs. National Credit Card: References

[1] Check credit card fees for international purchases.

[2] Travel Medical Insurance – Masterassist Black.

[3] What is the best international credit card in Brazil?

By: Andre Neri updated ago 4 months back