When do international transaction fees apply?
We apply an international transaction fee for:
- All transactions occurring outside Australia (whether effected in a foreign currency or Australian dollars)
- All transactions in Australia (for example online) where the merchant, or the financial institution or entity processing the transaction, is located overseas.
If you have a personal Bankwest Platinum or World tier credit card you will continue to receive the benefit of having these fees waived.
Transactions in Australian dollars with an overseas connection
In some cases, overseas merchants will allow you to pay in Australian dollars ($AUD). This is still considered an international transaction because your transaction is processed overseas.
Although a merchant might have a ‘.com.au’ website address and displays prices in Australian dollars it doesn’t necessarily mean they are located in Australia or process payments in Australia. It’s best to check with the merchant before you pay if you are unsure.
You can view the merchant location for each transaction, this can be found next to the transaction listing on your monthly credit card statement.
Here are some well known merchants that process some online and telephone card transactions overseas.

