Amex Currency Exchange Calculator
The price of the item in the local currency where you are shopping.
Check the current interbank rate (e.g., if converting EUR to USD, enter 1.10).
Standard Amex Card (2.7% Fee)
Platinum/Gold Travel Card (0% Fee)
Custom / Other
Base Conversion Cost:
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Amex Foreign Transaction Fee:
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Total Billed to Card:
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Effective Exchange Rate:
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Understanding Amex Currency Exchange Rates and Fees
When using your American Express card abroad or for purchasing goods in a foreign currency, understanding the final cost involves more than just looking up the current exchange rate on Google. The Amex Currency Exchange Rates Calculator helps you estimate the actual amount that will appear on your billing statement by accounting for the base exchange rate and the applicable foreign transaction fees.
How American Express Calculates Exchange Rates
Unlike standard bank transfers, credit card currency conversion involves specific steps governed by the card network (American Express) and the issuing bank. The process generally works as follows:
- Base Rate: Amex uses a wholesale market rate determined on the day the transaction is processed (which may be a day or two after the actual purchase). This rate is typically very close to the interbank rate.
- Foreign Transaction Fee (FTF): This is a surcharge applied to the converted amount. For many standard American Express cards (like the Amex Everyday® Credit Card or Blue Cash Everyday®), this fee is typically 2.7%.
- Total Cost: The final amount billed is the converted base amount plus the FTF.
Example Calculation: If you spend €100 and the rate is 1.10 USD/EUR:
Base Cost: $110.00
2.7% Fee: $2.97
Total Billed: $112.97
Base Cost: $110.00
2.7% Fee: $2.97
Total Billed: $112.97
Which Amex Cards Have No Foreign Transaction Fees?
If you are a frequent traveler, the 2.7% fee can add up quickly. Fortunately, American Express offers several premium travel cards that waive this fee entirely. When using the calculator above, select "Platinum/Gold Travel Card" if you hold one of the following:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- American Express® Gold Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Cards (Gold, Platinum, and Reserve)
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
For these cards, the "Effective Exchange Rate" is essentially the market rate, making them highly cost-effective for international spending.
Why the "Effective Rate" Matters
The "Effective Exchange Rate" displayed in our calculator represents the true cost of your currency. Even if the market rate is favourable, a high foreign transaction fee makes the currency more expensive to buy. By comparing the effective rate to the market rate, you can determine exactly how much extra you are paying for the convenience of using your card versus cash or other payment methods.
Tips for Minimizing Currency Conversion Costs
- Pay in Local Currency: When a merchant asks if you want to pay in dollars (Dynamic Currency Conversion) or the local currency (e.g., Euros, Yen), always choose the local currency. The merchant's exchange rate is almost always worse than Amex's rate.
- Use the Right Card: Use a card with 0% foreign transaction fees for all international purchases.
- Check the Processing Date: Remember that exchange rates fluctuate. The rate applied is based on when the transaction processes, not necessarily the exact moment you swipe the card.