ByHow to Contest Ally Bank Debit Card International Fees
Have you used your Ally debit card when traveling out of the country only to come home and find that you have received a 1% additional fee for each transaction? Frustrating, isn't it?
While Ally doesn't hide its fees, you do have to dig around on the Help Center pages to find this information. So, can you contest it? Yes, you can try to fight as well as other bank fees on your own. Or you can use this thrifty little app called DoNotPay that can help you save money while making your life easier all from the comfort of your own smartphone.
A Brief History of Ally Financial
Today is an online banking site that offers checking and savings accounts, personal and auto loans, investment and retirement options, and mortgage refinancing. It is not a new company. In fact, Ally Financial dates back to 1919 when it was known as General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and is best known for its auto loans.
Based in Detroit, Ally's banking headquarters are in Sandy, UT. While there are no branch offices to physically go to do your banking, customers can access the bank for transactions through Allpoint® ATMs within the U.S., surcharge-free.
But internationally is a different story. The standard international transaction fee, whether it is an Allpoint® ATM or another ATM, is up to 1% of the transaction amount. The fee is charged to cover cross-border transactions and currency conversion.
Do All Banks Charge a Fee for International Debit Card Use?
It is not unusual for a U.S. bank to charge a fee for use of your debit card when you are out of the country. In fact, many banks charge more than Ally. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, and PNC Bank all charge $5 U.S. for a foreign withdrawal and 3% for other forms of a transaction when in another country. TD Bank charges $3 for a foreign withdrawal, but there is no fee for any other form of transaction.
Can You Get Your Ally Bank Debit Card International Fee Refunded?
Well, as the saying goes, "It doesn't hurt to ask." Ally prides itself on providing many services without fees. This could mean that when fees are applied it could be easier or even harder to get them waived or refunded.
Since Ally Bank does not have any branch services, you cannot go in and talk to your banker. You will have to try through the bank's website or over the phone.
| Online | In its Help Center, Ally addresses the point that Allpoint® ATMs within the U.S. may "present a surcharge screen," but tells you to go ahead and accept the fee, and you won't be charged. It further explains that if you are charged a fee, visit allpointnetwork.com/about/refund. You will be directed to a form to complete and submit, and you should hear from Allpoint® within 24 hours. You could try that. |
| Phone | You can also dispute an Ally transaction by calling 1-877-247-2559. You could try that line to dispute a bank debit card international fee as well. You may need to be transferred from one department to another, or someone may have to call you back. You should have a copy of your ATM receipt and bank statement at the ready when you call. |
Let DoNotPay Fight Your International Bank Fee for You
Trying to fight your Ally bank debit card international fees is beginning to sound like a major headache! Instead, let DoNotPay tackle the job. If it can be done, DoNotPay will make it happen. All you have to do is:
- Open the DoNotPay Fight Bank Fees product.
- Enter the name of your bank.
- Verify the last 4 digits of your bank account.
- Choose which fees you want to waive, including overdraft, ATM, and transaction fees.
You won't have to sit by the phone for a return call, nor login to your email every 15 minutes looking for a reply. DoNotPay will take care of your refund request and let you know when you get a response.
Are There Other Bank Fees You Want to Contest?
Let DoNotPay tackle them. Just use the same effortless steps and let DoNotPay request:
- Bank of America to waive your ATM fees
- An overdraft fee refund from Bank of America
- Chase Bank to overturn an overdraft fee
- A refund from TD Bank for an overdraft charge
- Citizens Bank to refund an overdraft charge
- A refund from Fifth Third Bank for an overdraft fee
- Ask Wells Fargo to refund a checking account overdraft charge
Can DoNotPay Help With Other Banking Questions?
Sure. For example, DoNotPay can provide you information on:
- Where you can do banking without worrying about overdraft fees
- Avoiding overdraft fees on weekends
- Fees for transferring funds to your bank from PayPal
DoNotPay offers many solutions to contesting and eliminating banking fees and more.
What Else Does DoNotPay Have to Offer You?
You will not believe all that DoNotPay can take care of for you. Put it to work:
- Finding you lost money
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