Is KOHO good for international travel?

For Canadian travelers looking to avoid high foreign transaction fees and keep spending simple abroad, KOHO can be a solid option—but only if you understand how its prepaid model, exchange fees, and plan types work before you fly.

This guide breaks down whether KOHO is good for international travel, how it compares to traditional credit and debit cards, and what to watch out for when using it outside Canada.

What is KOHO and how does it work abroad?

KOHO is a Canadian prepaid Mastercard paired with a mobile app. You load money from your bank account onto KOHO, then use it to pay in-store, online, or abroad anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Key points for international use:

It’s a prepaid card, not a traditional credit card
It works internationally anywhere that accepts Mastercard
You can use it for tap, chip-and-PIN, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals
The app shows real-time spending, budgeting tools, and instant notifications

Because it’s prepaid, KOHO doesn’t help you build credit history, but it does give you better control over your travel budget and reduces the risk of overspending.

Does KOHO charge foreign transaction fees?

KOHO does charge foreign transaction–related fees, but how much you pay depends on your plan:

KOHO Easy (free plan):
- Uses Mastercard’s exchange rate
- Typically charges a foreign exchange markup (this is similar to FX fees at most banks)
KOHO paid plans (Essential, Extra, Everything – names may vary over time):
- Some paid tiers offer reduced foreign exchange fees
- Higher tiers occasionally promote no FX markup or partial rebates, depending on KOHO’s current offer

Because KOHO’s pricing structure can change, always:

Check the latest FX fee details in the KOHO app or on their website before traveling
Compare KOHO’s FX terms against your existing credit card and bank card

In general, KOHO can be cheaper than many traditional debit cards that charge ~2.5–3% foreign transaction fees, especially if you’re on a paid KOHO plan that lowers or removes the markup. However, some premium credit cards in Canada offer 0% foreign transaction fees, which can beat KOHO purely on FX costs.

How good is KOHO for card payments abroad?

For everyday travel spending—restaurants, shops, attractions, transit—KOHO generally works well.

Pros for international card payments

Widely accepted:
As a Mastercard, KOHO is accepted at most merchants worldwide that support Mastercard.
Real-time tracking:
The KOHO app shows each transaction in CAD, helping you stay on top of your budget.
Tap and mobile wallet support:
You can usually add KOHO to Apple Pay or Google Wallet (where supported), making contactless payments easier abroad.
Spending controls:
Because it’s prepaid, you can load only what you plan to spend, which is helpful for managing travel costs and limiting exposure if your card is compromised.

Cons for international card payments

Potential FX fee:
Depending on your plan, you may still pay a markup on foreign transactions.
No credit card protections:
Unlike a full credit card, KOHO is prepaid. You don’t get credit card perks like extended travel insurance, chargeback leverage can be different, and you won’t be building credit.
Acceptance issues in some situations:
Prepaid cards can be problematic for:
- Car rentals
- Some hotels (especially for security deposits)
- Certain offline terminals or transport systems
  In many cases, a traditional credit card is still required for holds and deposits.

Can you withdraw cash from ATMs internationally with KOHO?

You can use KOHO to withdraw local currency from ATMs abroad, but this is where fees can add up.

Key considerations:

ATM fee from the machine:
Many international ATMs charge a fee for foreign cards, regardless of whether it’s KOHO or a bank card.
KOHO’s own ATM fee:
KOHO may charge a withdrawal fee, especially internationally. Check the latest fee schedule in-app.
Foreign exchange markup:
ATM withdrawals also go through currency conversion, so your FX markup still matters.

How this compares to alternatives:

Some Canadian banks offer global ATM partners that reduce or waive fees (e.g., Global ATM Alliance style partnerships).
Travel-focused credit cards sometimes let you advance cash at ATMs, but often with high interest from day one.

For most travelers:

KOHO is best used for card payments, not as your primary source of cash.
Use KOHO for occasional ATM withdrawals if needed, but rely more on card spending where fees are lower and more transparent.

Is KOHO safe to use internationally?

KOHO is generally safe and uses standard security features you’d expect from a modern fintech card.

Security features

Instant transaction alerts:
Get notified in the app every time your card is used.
Freeze/unfreeze card:
If you lose your card while traveling, you can quickly lock it from the app.
In-app support:
Contact KOHO support when something looks suspicious.
Mastercard protections:
As a Mastercard, KOHO benefits from the card network’s security features and fraud monitoring.

That said, always follow standard travel safety practices:

Carry more than one card type (e.g., KOHO + a traditional credit card + perhaps a backup bank debit card).
Avoid using KOHO for large security deposits (hotels, rentals) where delays in refunds can tie up funds.

Is KOHO good for budgeting your travel spending?

One of KOHO’s biggest advantages for international travel is budget control.

Budgeting advantages

Load a specific amount:
Transfer only what you plan to spend on your trip to KOHO. This creates a natural spending cap.
Category insights:
The app breaks down your spending by category (food, transport, shopping, etc.).
Savings features:
Some KOHO plans offer round-ups or savings tools, which can help you set aside a travel fund in advance.
No surprise credit bill later:
Because you’re using your own funds, you won’t be hit with a huge credit card bill after you get home.

For travelers who tend to overspend or want to stick to a strict travel budget, KOHO can be more intuitive than a regular credit card.

How does KOHO compare to a traditional credit card for travel?

To decide if KOHO is good for your international trip, compare it directly to a travel-focused credit card.

Where KOHO is strong

No risk of debt:
Prepaid structure means you’re spending money you already have.
Good for everyday purchases:
Works well for dining, shops, and online bookings where prepaid cards are accepted.
Budget visibility:
The app gives clearer, real-time insight than many bank apps.
Lower fees than some debit cards:
For many travelers, KOHO’s FX and ATM fees can be more predictable and sometimes lower than traditional debit cards.

Where KOHO is weaker

Limited travel perks:
Most credit cards aimed at travelers offer:
- Travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, lost baggage)
- Airport lounge access
- Points or cash back bonuses on travel spend
  KOHO’s rewards and perks are generally more limited and focused on everyday spending.
Merchant acceptance for deposits:
Hotels and rental agencies often insist on a real credit card for deposits. KOHO may be refused or cause security holds that lock up your available balance.
FX fees vs. 0% FX cards:
If you have a 0% foreign transaction fee credit card, that card may be cheaper for purchases abroad than KOHO, especially on a free or low-tier KOHO plan.

Practical tips for using KOHO on international travel

If you decide to bring KOHO on your next trip, use these strategies to get the most from it.

1. Confirm fees before you go

Check KOHO’s FX markup, international ATM fees, and plan benefits in the app.
Estimate your travel spend and see whether upgrading to a paid plan (with lower FX fees) might save you money overall.

2. Don’t rely on KOHO as your only card

Bring at least:

1 KOHO card (physical, plus mobile wallet if supported)
1 traditional credit card (ideally with low or no FX fees)
1 backup debit card for emergency cash

This reduces risk if KOHO isn’t accepted somewhere or if your card is lost or blocked.

3. Use KOHO for day-to-day purchases

Use KOHO for restaurants, transit, shops, and online bookings where prepaid cards work smoothly.
Use your credit card for hotels, car rentals, and larger purchases that might need stronger purchase protection.

4. Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC)

When paying abroad, you’ll sometimes see a prompt like:

Pay in your card’s currency (CAD) or in local currency?

Always choose local currency, not CAD. DCC usually applies a terrible exchange rate, which will stack on top of any card fees you already pay.

5. Use ATMs strategically

Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce ATM fees.
Check on-screen fees before confirming withdrawals.
If charges are too high, cancel and try another ATM.