Yes, you can use Discover internationally, but not everywhere

Discover works in most countries, but not all. Discover has agreements with local payment networks in roughly 190 countries and territories. The catch: Discover's own network is smaller than Visa or Mastercard, so in some places — particularly smaller towns, rural areas, or certain countries in Africa and parts of Asia — you may find merchants who don't accept it. Before you travel, check Discover's website for the specific country you're visiting to see which local networks accept Discover there.

ATMs are generally easier than merchants. You can withdraw cash at ATMs worldwide using your Discover card, as long as the ATM displays the Discover or PULSE network logo. This gives you a backup plan if a store won't take your card. Be aware that your bank will charge a foreign transaction fee (usually 1% of the withdrawal) and the ATM operator may charge their own fee as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Discover works in roughly 190 countries through partnerships with local payment networks, but acceptance is not may provide everywhere.
  • You will pay a foreign transaction fee of 1% on all purchases and cash withdrawals made outside the United States.
  • ATMs are more reliable than merchants in countries where Discover acceptance is spotty, and you can withdraw cash at any ATM showing the Discover or PULSE logo.
  • Notify Discover before you travel so the card is not blocked as fraud, and ask about any travel protections your specific card offers.

Foreign transaction fees apply to every purchase

Discover charges 1% of the transaction amount as a foreign transaction fee on every purchase you make outside the United States, plus any fees the merchant or their bank charges. This fee is added to your statement — you won't see it at the register. If you spend $100 on a meal in London, you'll be charged $101 plus any local fees.

Cash withdrawals at ATMs also trigger the 1% foreign transaction fee, on top of whatever the ATM operator charges. Some ATMs charge $2 to $5 per withdrawal; others charge a percentage. The total cost of pulling out cash can add up quickly if you make multiple withdrawals.

If you have a Discover card that offers cash back rewards in the United States, those rewards do not apply to foreign transactions. You earn rewards only on purchases made within the US.

Notify Discover before you leave

Call Discover or use their mobile app to tell them you're traveling and the dates you'll be away. This prevents the card from being blocked as suspected fraud when it's used in an unfamiliar country. You can usually set up travel notifications online without calling, which takes less than a minute.

Even if you notify Discover, a single large or unusual transaction might still trigger a fraud hold. If that happens, you'll need to call the number on the back of your card to verify the purchase. Having that number written down before you travel saves time if you're in a time zone where reaching customer service is difficult.

Check what travel protections your card includes

Some Discover cards include travel protections like emergency card replacement, emergency cash advances, or travel accident insurance. These vary by card type, so log into your account or call Discover to confirm what's included on your specific card before you leave.

Emergency card replacement is the most useful: if your card is lost or stolen abroad, Discover can arrange to have a replacement card delivered to you or to your hotel. This usually takes a few business days. Emergency cash advances let you borrow money against your credit line if you run out of cash, though this comes with interest charges starting immediately.

Discover acceptance by region

Discover acceptance is strongest in North America, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan. In these areas, you'll find Discover accepted at most major retailers, restaurants, and hotels. Acceptance is weaker in Central America, South America, Eastern Europe, and most of Asia outside Japan and South Korea.

In countries where Discover is less common, smaller merchants and local businesses are less likely to accept it than large chains or tourist-oriented establishments. Rural areas almost always have lower acceptance than cities. If you're traveling to a country where Discover acceptance is uncertain, bring a second card (Visa or Mastercard) as backup, or plan to use ATMs for cash.

Currency conversion and exchange rates

When you use Discover abroad, the transaction is converted from the local currency to US dollars. Discover does not set the exchange rate — Visa's network does, since Discover uses Visa's conversion system in most countries. The rate you get is usually close to the mid-market rate (the rate banks use with each other), but it's not the best rate available.

You cannot choose your exchange rate or lock in a rate in advance. The conversion happens automatically at the time of the transaction, and the rate that applies is the one in effect that day. This is why using ATMs to withdraw cash in the local currency can sometimes be cheaper than paying with the card: you see the ATM's exchange rate upfront and can decide whether to proceed.

What to do if your card is declined

If a merchant declines your Discover card, ask if they accept it — some staff may not know. If they confirm they don't, you have three options: pay with cash (withdraw from an ATM), use a different card if you have one, or ask if they accept payment through a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which sometimes works when the physical card doesn't.

If your card is declined at an ATM, try a different ATM or a different bank's ATM. Some ATMs have daily withdrawal limits or temporary blocks that prevent the transaction. If multiple ATMs decline your card and you've notified Discover of your travel, call Discover's customer service line to check whether there's a block on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Discover card work in Europe?

Yes, Discover is accepted throughout Western Europe at most major merchants, restaurants, and hotels. Acceptance is strongest in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In smaller towns or rural areas, acceptance may be lower, so carry cash or a backup card.

Do I need to notify Discover before traveling?

You should notify Discover before you travel, though it's not required. Notification prevents your card from being blocked as fraud. You can set up a travel notification through the Discover app or website in under a minute, or call the number on the back of your card.

What's the cheapest way to get foreign currency with Discover?

Withdrawing cash at ATMs usually costs less than exchanging currency at a bank or airport, even with Discover's 1% foreign transaction fee and the ATM operator's fee. Compare the total cost before you decide. Using your card to pay merchants directly avoids ATM fees but still includes the 1% foreign transaction fee.

Can I use Discover in countries like China or India?

Discover acceptance in China and India is limited outside major tourist areas and large cities. In China, UnionPay is the dominant card network; in India, Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted. Bring a second card or plan to use ATMs and cash for most transactions.

What happens if my Discover card is lost while I'm traveling?

Call Discover immediately using the number on your statement or a collect call to the US. Discover can cancel the card and arrange emergency card replacement, which is usually delivered within a few business days. Ask about emergency cash advances if you need money before the replacement arrives.