From saving at the ATM to scoring an EU passport, we’ve got two high-value tips for life on the move.

First, we break down the best travel debit cards for 2025—because no one should be flushing money away on ATM fees abroad. Then, we spotlight a little-known hack for securing a Spanish passport in just two years.

Let’s dive in ⬇️

This Week in Nomad Deals

🏧Avoid ATM Fees: We uncovered six U.S. debit cards that reimburse ATM fees worldwide.

🛂Spain Passport Hack: Learn about how citizens of former Spanish colonies can get an EU passport in just two years.

Finance

Best Debit Cards for Travel in 2025

If there’s one thing that I wish someone told me before I went abroad, it’s that paying ATM fees is like flushing money down the toilet. That’s why every heavy traveler needs a debit card that reimburses you for ATM fees.

Our updated article on the best debit cards for travelers provides up-to-date comparisons of six leading options. The key features considered are ATM fee rebates, foreign transaction fees, account fees, annual percentage yield (APY), and customer service.

Here's a summary of the top-rated cards:

Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card: Offers unlimited ATM fee rebates, no foreign transaction fees, and no account fees. It also has excellent customer service and physical locations (though you need to open a free brokerage account).

Betterment Visa® Debit Card: Provides unlimited ATM fee rebates, no foreign transaction fees, and no account fees. It's easy to apply online.

Fidelity Cash Management Card: Offers unlimited ATM fee rebates, no account fees, and a high APY of 2.21%. However, it has a 1% foreign transaction fee and may not automatically refund all ATM fees.

USAA Debit Card: Offers up to $10/month in ATM fee rebates, no account fees, and physical locations. However, it's only available to U.S. military and their families, and has a 1% foreign transaction fee.

NB Debit Mastercard®: Offers unlimited ATM fee rebates, no foreign transaction fees, and no account fees. It also has physical locations in the Boston area. However, the APY is low and customer service is not available on Sundays.

E*TRADE Max-Rate Checking Debit Card: Offers unlimited ATM fee rebates, a high APY of 3%, and no fees for wire transfers or stop payments. However, you must maintain a $5,000 balance to avoid the monthly account fee, and it has a 1% foreign transaction fee.

Passports

Are You Eligible for Fast-Tracked Spanish Citizenship?

As Malta’s golden passport program faces likely termination, the number of fast-track options for obtaining an EU passport is quickly shrinking. But one option that has actually gotten easier in recent years is Spain’s two-year pathway.

Who qualifies?

This expedited pathway is primarily available to citizens of former Spanish colonies, including:

• Latin American countries (e.g., Mexico, Argentina, Colombia)

• The Philippines

• Equatorial Guinea

• Puerto Rico

• Sephardic Jews with Spanish heritage

Updated Residency Requirements

Recent changes to the law have made the residency requirements more flexible. Applicants are no longer required to reside continuously in Spain. Instead, they must avoid being outside the country for more than three consecutive months during the two-year period. In practice, this means traveling to Spain roughly every 2–3 months, or about eight visits over two years.

Other Key Requirements

To be eligible for Spanish citizenship, applicants must also:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have no serious criminal record

• Demonstrate sufficient financial means to live in Spain

• Obtain a Spanish language certificate (DELE A2 or higher)

• Hold valid health insurance and a medical certificate

Applicants from Puerto Rico will need to obtain a Certificate of Puerto Rican (Certificado de Ciudadanía Puertorriqueña) issued by the Department of State of Puerto Rico.

Why Consider It?

This program offers a relatively quick and achievable route to an EU passport, granting the right to live, work, and travel freely across all Schengen countries. For digital nomads, remote workers, and those with cultural ties to Spain, it’s one of the most attractive citizenship pathways available in Europe.