ISA Fee – International Service Assessment

What is an ISA Fee?

The ISA (International Service Assessment) fee is an additional charge applied to:

Domestic transactions made with a foreign bank card

Transactions made by US cardholders when purchasing from international merchants

This fee is typically a small percentage of each transaction and is added by banks or card issuers.

When Does the ISA Fee Apply?

The ISA fee applies in the following scenarios:

• When traveling outside the USA and making purchases from international merchants
• When using a foreign bank card for transactions in the USA
• For online payments involving international cards or merchants

Card Brands That May Charge ISA Fees

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Bankcard USA
• Discover

ISA Fee Costs

• Typically ranges from 1% to 3% per transaction
• Appears as an automated bill on your statement for each applicable transaction

Who Pays the ISA Fee?

The card user is responsible for paying the ISA fee. This applies to:

• Travelers to other countries
• Users of credit cards from foreign banks
• Merchant account holders accepting non-USA payments
• International-based businesses

Foreign ATM and Transaction Fees

• Merchant accounts may see foreign transaction fees for accepting international payments
• International ATM fees can vary based on your bank, card, and the ATM itself

How to Keep Foreign Transaction Fees Low

Choose budget-friendly banks with minimal or no foreign transaction fees

Look for banks offering international benefits or travel bonuses

Inform your bank before traveling to prevent account freezes

Search for travel-friendly credit cards with rewards for offshore transactions

Consider exchanging cash at foreign exchange banks for some purchases

Final Thoughts

The ISA fee is a common charge for international transactions. By understanding when it applies and how to minimize its impact, both consumers and businesses can better manage their international payment strategies.