Why Was I Charged If KAST Offers 0% FX Fees in Brazil?

  • Updated

KAST offers a 0% KAST FX Fee promotion for eligible BRL card purchases.

This promotion applies only to KAST's own FX fee on eligible card spend in Brazilian Real (BRL). It does not remove fees charged by merchants, payment terminals, card networks, ATMs, or other third parties.

If you were charged more than expected, the most common reason is that the merchant processed your payment using Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).

What the 0% FX Fee Promotion Covers

The promotion covers eligible KAST Card purchases made in BRL.

What the Promotion Does Not Cover

The promotion does not cover:

  • Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
  • Merchant surcharges
  • Card network fees
  • Taxes
  • ATM fees or cash withdrawals
  • Bank transfer or payout fees
  • Other third-party charges

What Is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)?

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is a service offered by some merchants and payment terminals that lets international cardholders pay in their home currency instead of the local currency.

In Brazil, the terminal may offer you a choice between:

  • BRL (Brazilian Real) (recommended)
  • USD (US Dollars)

If you choose USD, the merchant or payment provider applies their own exchange rate. This rate is often less favorable and may include an additional surcharge, typically around 12%–16%.

This fee is not charged by KAST and is not covered by the 0% FX Fee promotion.

How to Avoid DCC Fees in Brazil

Whenever you pay with your KAST Card in Brazil, always choose:

BRL (Brazilian Real)

instead of:

USD (US Dollars)

Some payment terminals, including Getnet and Laranjinha, may require you to confirm BRL twice. Although it may look like you're cancelling the transaction, this is a normal part of the terminal's payment flow.

Why KAST Cannot Refund DCC Fees

KAST does not control whether a merchant offers Dynamic Currency Conversion, which currency options appear on the terminal, or what exchange rate the merchant or payment provider applies.

Because DCC fees are charged by the merchant or payment provider, KAST cannot reimburse them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 0% FX Fee promotion apply to all transactions?

No. The promotion applies to eligible BRL card purchases only. It does not apply to ATM withdrawals, payouts, transfers, taxes, merchant surcharges, DCC, or other third-party fees.

Why was I charged if KAST offers 0% FX fees?

The 0% FX Fee promotion covers KAST's own FX fee on eligible BRL card purchases. If you were charged extra, it was likely due to Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) or another third-party fee.

Which currency should I choose when paying in Brazil?

Always choose BRL (Brazilian Real). Do not choose USD if you want to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees.

Can KAST refund the DCC fee?

No. Since the fee is charged by the merchant or payment provider, it is not covered by the KAST 0% FX Fee promotion.
 

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