What Is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)?
DCC is a service offered at point of sale terminals that allows international travelers to pay in their home currency instead of the local currency.
When you swipe your card abroad, the terminal identifies your card's origin and offers to show the price in a familiar currency. While this provides immediate clarity on the cost, it often includes a significant markup.
When a terminal in Mexico or the UAE asks if you want to pay in USD or the local currency, choosing USD activates DCC. In this case, the merchant’s provider handles the conversion.
This service is profitable for the bank and the merchant, meaning the exchange rate is usually much worse than the standard market rate. By opting for the local currency, you allow your card issuer to perform the conversion at a more competitive price.
KAST: Smarter Global Spending
KAST is designed for transparent and efficient global payments. When using your KAST Card internationally, you should always select the local currency at the terminal.
This simple choice ensures KAST processes the transaction using live market rates, protecting your balance from the hidden costs of DCC and keeping your crypto spending as cheap as possible.
