Currency and card fee glossary

Short definitions for terms used across our calculators. Each calculation still depends on your own card terms and the available Cotizave reference.

Reference rate: A published comparison rate used for an estimate. It is not necessarily the rate your bank or card network applies.
Cross rate: A rate derived from two observations sharing a base currency. AussieSpend derives some AUD conversions through Cotizave USD references.
Exchange-rate markup: The difference between a comparison rate and the rate a provider offers, expressed as a percentage with a stated direction.
Foreign transaction fee: A card issuer charge that can apply to overseas or foreign-currency transactions under a specific product’s terms.
Dynamic currency conversion: An offer by a merchant, ATM or payment processor to convert a foreign price into your home currency at checkout.
ATM operator fee: A charge set by the ATM owner, separate from any fee your bank applies. It may be shown before you confirm a withdrawal.
Effective statement rate: The AUD amount charged on your statement divided by the original foreign amount. It can include fees and timing effects.

Reference rate