NAB to End Overseas Access Fee Waivers for Migrated Citi Plus Products

jlien on 27/08/2025 - 11:57
Last edited 27/08/2025 - 12:01 by 1 other user

welp i just got this email a couple minutes ago.

Overseas access fees

From 5 November 2025, overseas access fees (as outlined below) will no longer be waived for NAB Classic Banking accounts opened as part of the migration from Citi to NAB. This means you'll start paying the following standard overseas access fees where applicable:
ATM cash withdrawal – $5 per withdrawal
Balance enquiry – $1 per enquiry
International transaction fee – 3.5% of the Australian dollar amount charged when an international transaction is posted (completed) to your account

An end of an era.
I used my citi plus account extensively for OS ATM withdrawals over the years, and even recently as a NAB product with the fee waivers for migrated citi customers.

Sad times.

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Comments

        • igorekh on 29/08/2025 - 10:28

          Which ETF to buy for consistent 30%pa growth for the next 10 years? 😜

        • MELso on 29/08/2025 - 17:28
          +1

          Yes, and I don't care because 1. free $100 and 2. don't intend to use the savings account but rather the international fee-free debit card (which is a Visa).

    • benwaffle on 29/08/2025 - 00:46

      Macquarie or AMP are the way to go

      • Mugsy on 29/08/2025 - 06:51
        +1

        To be more specific with AMP, it's the AMP Go debit Mastercard that is good for travel.

        The one for normal AMP has international transaction fees… but it does rebate all domestic atm withdrawals.

      • tonydav on 01/09/2025 - 11:40

        Which Macquarie account?

    • jlien on 29/08/2025 - 08:57

      I'd probably go with mac, at least they're likely to stick around. Whereas HSBC are also looking to offload their australian retail arm.
      https://www.bankingday.com/hsbc-australian-arm-on-the-block

      Wouldn't be surprised at all if NAB ends up buying it and ends up ruining the same way.

      • burningrage on 01/09/2025 - 09:55

        There is a rumour that MUFG might be interested. Each of the big 4 banks have problem in particular ANZ and NAB. ANZ is still struggling with their systems and NAB is still busy with Citi integration. CBA has almost zero interest in acquisition and Westpac has security upgrade issues (which explain in part as to why they withdrew the Cardless options despite their ATMs are still capable to do Cardless withdrawal).

  • punkel on 28/08/2025 - 13:16

    Closed my NAB account and opened a Macqurie Transaction Account - very straightforward and instant.

  • JimB on 28/08/2025 - 14:36

    I haven't received the email yet but have no reason to doubt it will happen to me.

    Have Macq and use NAB ex-Citibank as a backup.

    Will need to replace NAB Classic Banking account with another card as a backup. Time to start looking at Wise and I've heard it being mentioned numerous times.

  • gviddy on 28/08/2025 - 15:26
    +1

    Yes I use this card constantly for overseas ATM withdrawals. Such a pity they are removing the benefits. I guess there is nothing special about this NAB ex-Citibank account anymore.

    So Thailand for example. Thai banks charge $10 to get cash from an ATM and now NAB will add $5 on top of that. $15 just to take out some money from the ATM. Wow!

    • Amazingly on 28/08/2025 - 18:42
      +4

      You're forgetting to add the 3.5% too…

      International transaction fee – 3.5% of the Australian dollar amount charged when an international transaction is posted (completed) to your account.

      This could be when paying online for an airline ticket overseas or withdrawing from an ATM.

      • dazza826 on 28/08/2025 - 23:31

        International tx fees also typically include transactions in AUD where the payment is processed outside of Australia.

        Think Steam, iherb, AliExpress etc.

        https://www.nab.com.au/personal/international-banking/intern…

        In these cases you are either better off paying in USD where you can or swapping to a fee free alternative, otherwise for iherb you get stung twice (once on their poor usd to aud rate, and then the Intl tx fee on the aud amount)

  • zidd on 28/08/2025 - 16:49
    -1

    End of an era. The only reason I kept it is the free overseas ATM withdrawal.
    I haven't received the email though, might move to Wise as alternative to Macquarie card.

    • punkel on 28/08/2025 - 17:39

      Wise + Macquarie is my combo for travel now

      • gviddy on 29/08/2025 - 09:07

        Which Macquarie account do you have and what does it offer? Is it a replacement for the NAB Citi card? As sounds like I am similar to you. I have Wise but really need an ATM free card now for cash.

    • Amazingly on 28/08/2025 - 18:49
      +4

      Wise isn't so great either (but better than NAB latest changes):

      - Up to 2 withdrawals totaling AUD 350 per month: Free.
      - After exceeding 2 withdrawals or AUD 350:AUD 1.50 per withdrawal + 1.75% of the amount over AUD 350.

      Note: Third-party ATM providers may charge additional fees.

      • mezje on 28/08/2025 - 19:19
        +4

        I preach this constantly, yet people still seem to think Wise is good for overseas travel with cash.

        • Amazingly on 28/08/2025 - 19:27

          Yes, Wise is good for sending money to an overseas bank account.

          I have a Wise ATM card but so far never used it.
          It's only good as a backup to a fee free account.

  • movieman on 28/08/2025 - 20:43
    +1

    So any good alternatives that are with MasterCard?

    Tried UP bank, but it didn't want to work at the ATMs in Brazil.

    • benwaffle on 29/08/2025 - 00:46
      +1

      AMP or Macquarie

      • Mugsy on 29/08/2025 - 06:53
        +1

        Bankwest worth a look if one values temporary virtual debit cards.

    • Coops1 on 29/08/2025 - 18:16

      Whats wrong with Visa?

      • MELso on 29/08/2025 - 18:58
        +2

        To minimise risk especially when overseas, you want both a Mastercard and a Visa.

      • movieman on 30/08/2025 - 20:45

        MasterCard (in theory) gives slightly better rates.

        • YesPleaseThankYou on 30/08/2025 - 21:31

          You mean Mastercard.

          What evidence do you have to support your assertion?

          • Mastercard-branded cards typically convert from foreign currency to US dollars then to AUD.
          • Visa-branded cards convert from foreign currency to AUD.

          The more conversions, the more markup.

          See various credit card terms and conditions to confirm the above.

          • movieman on 07/09/2025 - 13:13

            @YesPleaseThankYou: I remember reading it a few years ago, so have been prioritising MasterCard over visa.

            Refer:
            https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/currency-con…

            And: https://www.thinmargin.com/blogs/visa-vs-mastercard-who-give…

            Obviously depends on the currency, but it appears MasterCard has a very slight advantage.

            • YesPleaseThankYou on 07/09/2025 - 13:45

              @movieman: One old and one undated article that you've managed to scrounge from ChatGPT.

              I give very little credence to those articles.

              • movieman on 07/09/2025 - 16:03

                @YesPleaseThankYou: Well, here's someone's personal note on Reddit from 3 years ago.

                https://www.reddit.com/r/AusFinance/comments/v56zdp/does_it_…

                As previously mentioned, I recall coming across it being noted as slightly better with MasterCard.

                Best case would be to do two identical withdrawals on the same day, then repeat it a few days later.

                I recall MasterCard was slightly ahead (obviously depends on the country, exchange rate that day, etc).

                Would be great if others tested it and shared current experiences though.

                • Mugsy on 07/09/2025 - 16:16
                  +2

                  @movieman: People have been testing for years on this and the only conclusive findings is that 'it depends' and 'the difference is negligible'.

                  If one really must have the best rate then check the VISA and MC exchange rates before the transaction.

                  Otherwise, just pick one of the recommended no international transaction fee cards with $0 ATM withdrawal fees, know how to get cash out of an overseas ATM to avoid bad conversion rates, and enjoy your holiday.

    • povertytrap on 01/09/2025 - 10:56

      HSBC?

    • tonydav on 03/09/2025 - 07:11
      +1

      Macquarie super easy to setup. Under 5 minutes and my card is on its way. Google Pay already setup with the card.

  • YesPleaseThankYou on 28/08/2025 - 20:56
    +2

    Neither Wise nor Revolut are part of the Financial Claims Scheme. I would never use either of these.

  • sauce2k on 29/08/2025 - 11:00

    man glad I saw this post. thanks so much but very very sad

  • grasstown on 29/08/2025 - 12:03

    I haven’t paid for international withdrawals in years. Is it just a $5 fee or do you pay a percent of the amount withdrawn as well on top? And what is usual with other banks?

    • Mugsy on 29/08/2025 - 13:00

      OP says both.

      My usual with other banks is no international transaction fees at all… but then I only use accounts with no international transaction fees ;-)

      • grasstown on 29/08/2025 - 13:01

        Oops thanks

  • giu on 29/08/2025 - 14:43
    +2

    One less account to worry about. Welcome Macquarie.

  • Drakesy on 29/08/2025 - 16:34
    +6

    The enshitification of Australia's banking system continues

    • Amazingly on 30/08/2025 - 02:51

      I think it’s global , WEF and OECD.

  • mrvaluepack on 30/08/2025 - 12:04
    +1

    Thanks OP for the PSA, wouldnt have realised otherwise.

  • aerona on 30/08/2025 - 13:14
    +1

    Wow going to change

  • CodeXD on 30/08/2025 - 13:16
    +1

    Never got the email, time to look for new card 🥲

  • DevilsInDetails on 30/08/2025 - 15:43
    +1

    The greedy big 4.

  • Mugsy on 30/08/2025 - 16:24
    +2

    For those that haven't received and email, NAB's notification emails are going out in batches it seems. I haven't gotten mine yet either but peeps on Whirlpool say the webpage for the change is the same as the email…

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

    It initially reads as if nothing is changing… confusing that they put the changes in as footnotes.

  • yoho on 31/08/2025 - 12:54

    What a shame, just waiting waiting for a couple of Aliexpress USD purchases to arrive then closing it down. Signing up for the Macquarie card was 15 seconds (albeit I had a Macquarie CMA account already). All in all, it is probably time I moved more to Macquarie. I like their website, can attach documents to every transaction, and their approval app is really good (feel more secure than SMS).

    • playbargain on 31/08/2025 - 14:24
      +1

      Curious what you use the CMA account for when the Mac savings account has a higher interest?

      • yoho on 31/08/2025 - 15:23

        I dont have a great answer. I have had the account for 25years plus, it used to be up there for a good interest rate and cheque book at the time! Too many shares and other payments go into it. Christmas holiday action to start moving things out.

  • AndyRates on 31/08/2025 - 15:04
    -1

    Which bank is HSBC Aus likely to buy it have similar fate like the Citi one

  • bargaino on 01/09/2025 - 11:42

    Banks invented enshitification long before Cory coined the term.

    ING still does not screw customers for overseas transactions - on certain conditions:

    deposit $1,000+ to any personal ING account each month and make 5+ eligible ING card purchases

    https://campaigns.ing.com.au/cards

    • Baysew on 07/09/2025 - 14:39
      +1

      From 15/10/2025, all Orange Everyday customers will automatically get access to 1% cashback on eligible utility bills (T&Cs apply), $0 ING international transaction fees, and $0 ING international ATM withdrawal fees - all without needing to meet any monthly eligibility requirements. For domestic ATM withdrawals, there will continue to be no fees charged by ING, but third party operator fees will no longer be rebated.

      Existing Orange Everyday benefits will continue to apply up until 14 October 2025 for customers that met the eligibility criteria in September 2025.

  • CodeXD on 01/09/2025 - 11:56

    They're sending them out in batch. I got the email today.

  • tanksinatra on 01/09/2025 - 12:28

    End of an era for me. I've been using the blue citibank for years.
    As far as I can tell, NAB has removed the last remaining perks from this card.
    The lack of a international transaction fee was the reason why I kept it.

    NAB's enshitification is complete.

  • burningrage on 01/09/2025 - 12:51

    I got the email today too.

    Included in that message an interesting comment about this

    "that transactions made on non-banking days or after payment cut off times may be treated as having occurred on the next banking day"

    Although it falls under Statements and Transaction History, I wonder that means if your credit card (especially on a 44 days card which all NAB credit cards subscribed to) payment is due on a weekend, paying it on that weekend date will be treated as the next day, which then incurs the late payment fee.

  • mshanann on 01/09/2025 - 13:02
    +3

    Such bull$shit from NAB - this was their original wording from 2023 - and less than 2 years later they are renegin

    https://www.nab.com.au/content/dam/nabrwd/documents/terms-an…
    Key differences between the Citibank Plus Transaction Account and NAB Classic Banking account

    Personal Banking Fees – A guide to fees and charges will apply to the NAB Classic Banking account from the Account Creation Date as follows:

    • All fees listed in Personal Banking Fees – A Guide to fees and charges available at nab.com.au/fees apply except the table in Section 2 Services Fees, Account Related Services, which is replaced
      with the table below. This information may also be viewed at: nab.com.au/cititransaction

    Overseas Access (NAB Visa Debit card):
    ATM cash withdrawal: Fee Waived
    Balance enquiry: Fee Waived
    International Transaction Fee : Fee Waived

    International transactions refer to using your card overseas including overseas ATM cash withdrawals or, using your account in Australia but the goods or service provider (commonly referred to as a ‘merchant’), financial institution or entity processing the transaction is located outside Australia.

    International transactions are either:

    • Single-currency international transaction: where the transaction is made in Australian dollars (AUD)
    • Multi-currency international transaction: where the transaction is made in a currency other than Australian dollars (AUD)

    I've got an overseas holiday and associated incidentals booked with this product for December - and now they want to sting 3.5% on transaction fee alone.

    • Amazingly on 01/09/2025 - 18:06

      Yeah I notified NAB of my travels (I'm away now) and returning well AFTER the fee increase.

      Do you think if I ask nicely they would reimburse any fees? :)

      • Dacs on 01/09/2025 - 18:17
        +1

        No harm in trying.

        You could also open a new account (Macquarie/Revolut/Wise/etc) and add the card to your phone without having the physical card, but you may need a trustworthy person to check your physical mail to get the card numeber and/or a PIN.
        IIRC, you can add a virtual Revolut card to your phone immediately without having to wait for anything to be posted.

        • Amazingly on 01/09/2025 - 18:46

          Thanks Dacs, mail is held at the post office until I return but do have some backups.

          Although, none of them are free (including Wise after $350).

          Will get onto their messaging and plead my case!

          • Dacs on 01/09/2025 - 18:57
            +1

            @Amazingly: Yeah, those options would only be for debit-card purchase or transfers. If you want to draw cash overseas, you may have to have a physical card for ATMs.

            • tonydav on 03/09/2025 - 07:28

              @Dacs: Yes I had trouble withdrawing from and ATM in Singapore using my Wise virtual card. The NAB card worked fine.

        • Amazingly on 02/09/2025 - 14:29

          Got a reply from NAB about requesting to wave the fees until I return from overseas.

          "NO"

          • YesPleaseThankYou on 02/09/2025 - 14:34
            +1

            @Amazingly:

            Got a reply from NAB about requesting to wave the fees until I return from overseas.

            Sorry to hear that NAB won't waive the fees for you.

            You can wave 👋 NAB goodbye

            • Amazingly on 02/09/2025 - 14:50

              @YesPleaseThankYou: haha

              • Mugsy on 02/09/2025 - 15:29

                @Amazingly: Always travel with more than one bank's fee free debit card. Preferably a VISA and a Mastercard. Ideally 2x Mastercard and 2x VISA.

                • Amazingly on 02/09/2025 - 16:08

                  @Mugsy: Yes, I will next time.

                  One thing with having a bunch of accounts as backups, if unused the bank may close the account. This happened with my partners Citibank account back before NAB took it over.

                  • Mugsy on 03/09/2025 - 07:20
                    +1

                    @Amazingly: Schedule automated transfers in and out to maintain some form of activity to keep those accounts from getting cancelled.

                    What i like to do is to move $1 through all my accounts with automated transfers 3 days apart.

                    Also keep a greater than $0 balance. A few cents here and there will do the trick.

      • tonydav on 03/09/2025 - 07:30
        +1

        Why not just open a new Mac Bank account now and use the digital version of the card? I get you won't be able to get cash but just get the cash before the change in policy in November.

  • c64 on 01/09/2025 - 13:52
    +3

    soon to be charged interest at 20% p.a. if your NAB account becomes overdrawn

    "Debit interest rate changes
    From 5 November 2025, the debit interest rate (which is charged if your account becomes overdrawn*) will change from 0.00% to 20.00% p.a. This applies to NAB Classic Banking and NAB Reward Saver accounts that were opened as part of the migration from Citi to NAB. We encourage you to monitor your account to ensure it doesn’t become overdrawn. For more information, visit nab.com.au/overdrawnaccounts."

    • vchoy on 01/09/2025 - 20:45
      +1

      account closed - problem solved. No need to monitor

  • Trekky on 02/09/2025 - 08:53
    +1

    I got my email about this yesterday. Will transfer mt balance to my main bank, then will close it.

  • mrtin on 02/09/2025 - 09:20
    +1

    Before we proceed there are some things you should know about your Citi Branded NAB Account. The features and benefits that come with this account are exclusive to this account on your profile. Currently this account has no international transaction fees on purchases…

    If we proceed to close the account today you will not be able to get these current benefits and features. Are you still wanting to proceed with your account closure today and if so are you able to provide feedback to why you have chosen this?

    • Jacala on 02/09/2025 - 13:39
      +4

      I got the same thing. I was gobsmacked.

      I did provide feedback (which included the word "enshittification").

  • clover on 02/09/2025 - 21:25

    Closed my account today as well after receiving the email. Off to use ubank and Mac

  • User218134 on 02/09/2025 - 21:26

    Suncorp everyday option account. It has Visa debit card though

  • clover on 04/09/2025 - 01:11
    +3

    Got this from ING today:

    Changes to fees on Orange Everyday and Orange One
    From 15 October 2025, the following fees will no longer be charged on Orange Everyday and Orange One:
    ING International Transaction fee; and
    ING International ATM Withdrawal fee.
    This means that the monthly criteria to qualify for rebates of these fees is also being removed. While not all ATM operators (e.g., major banks) may charge a fee, where one is charged, we will no longer rebate these fees.

    Guess ING is now removing their hoops to get free international withdrawals.

    • timhn on 04/09/2025 - 08:32
      +1

      Guess ING is now removing their hoops to get free international withdrawals.

      Yes. You only need jump the hoops if want to earn bonus interest otherwise don't need do anything if just want to use it as a FX fee free debit card.

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