If you enjoy traveling, one of the most annoying things can be returning home to find numerous foreign transaction fees on your credit card bill.
The foreign transaction fees can vary a great deal, but here we’ll cover the typical fees for the major issuers.
Issuer | Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|
American Express | 2.7% |
Bank of America | 3% |
Chase | 3% |
Citi | 3% |
Wells Fargo | 3% |
We’ve missed two of the major issuers in the above table, Capital One and Discover because both of these companies don’t have any cards with a foreign transaction fee.
Here are our best cards with no foreign transaction fee for 2025:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great option for those who want additional card benefits. Despite the fairly modest annual fee, there is Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, trip cancellation and lost luggage insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver and even a one year complimentary DashPass.
The card offers a solid welcome bonus and a tiered rewards system that’s especially rewarding for travel and dining expenses. Plus, you can maximize your points by redeeming them through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where you can get up to 25% more value when booking hotels, flights, cruises, and car rentals.
There is also Pay Yourself Back, which gives your points 25% more value when you redeem for statement credits against existing purchases in select categories.
- Rewards Plan: 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services. 2x on other travel purchases. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- APR: 20.99% – 27.99% variable APR
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% or $5, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Point Sign-Up Bonus
- Bonus Points
- No Blackout Dates
- 25% More through Ultimate Chase Rewards
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- $95 Annual Fee
- Low Merchandise Rewards
- No Introductory 0%
- Balance Transfer Fee – 5% or $5, whichever is greater
- Does the travel rewards points expire? Your points won’t expire once you keep the credit card account open.
- Does card Chase Sapphire Preferred offer pre-approval? Yes, you are able to pre-qualify for this card.
- What is the initial credit limit? The minimum credit limit that you can get with this card type is usually $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? You can redeem your points in a variety of ways through the Chase credit card reward portal. Some of the perks you can get include cash, travel credit, statement credit, and gift cards.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? All purchases will earn cashback through this card.
- Should You Move to Chase Sapphire Preferred card? If you travel frequently and do not want to pay a large annual fee.
- Why did the Chase deny me? You might not have met one of its requirements. You will usually find out where you fell short. You might be able to rectify the issue or you might have to look elsewhere.
- How hard is it to get a Chase Sapphire Preferred card? If you meet all of the requirements, then it is relatively straightforward to get a Chase Sapphire Preferred card. The requirements are easier compared to Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
- Is there a limit to rewards/cash back on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card? No limit
- Can I get car rental insurance with a Chase Sapphire Preferred card? how? Yes, you can get car rental insurance with this card if you decline the collision cover of the rental company and pay for the entire cost of the rental car with this card.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
If you are a frequent traveler, you’ll appreciate the flexible travel rewards offered from the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card. While this card has a modest annual fee, there are some excellent perks including no foreign transaction fees.
The card has a tiered rewards structure weighted towards travel purchases, but you can also earn miles on your everyday purchases. There is also a miles bonus for new cardholders if you meet the minimum spend requirement.
The card flexibility also extends to redeeming your rewards. You can use your rewards to book travel via the Capital One portal, transfer your miles to partner programs or receive a statement credit.
- APR: 19.99% – 29.74% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Sign Up bonus: 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Flexible Rewards Redemption
- Great Sign-Up Bonus
- No Blackout/Expiration Dates
- No Accumulation Limit on Miles
- High Variable APR
- Airline Partners Limitations
- $95 Annual Fee
- Redeem Points for a Statement Credit
- What are Capital One Venture card income requirements? Capital One often required monthly income to be at least $800. Sometimes, you will need to show some proof of income.
- Does rewards points expire? They do not expire.
- Can I get pre-approved on card Capital One Venture Card? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit ? The minimum credit limit is set at $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? You can do so in a number of ways, such as spending your accumulated miles directly on travel purchases, or redeem as cash, using at participating retailers, and so on.
- What purchases don't earn cash back with the Capital One Venture Card? Every purchase earns cashback.
- Should You Move to Capital One Venture Card? If you spent a decent amount of time and money on travel expenses.
- Why did Capital One Venture Card deny me? What to Do Next? You might not have met all of the requirements. You can enquire as to where your application fell short. If you cannot proceed, you can look at some of the other available options.
Citi Premier® Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Citi Premier Card is a great card for those who want to earn rewards on travel and everyday purchases. The tiered reward structure is weighted towards air travel, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and gas station purchases.
However, the biggest advantage of this card is that there are bonus reward categories, which mean that you can earn the highest rewards across dining out, gas and groceries.
There is a generous welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com. There is also an annual hotel savings benefit.
The Citi Premier card also offers flexible redemption options, with most methods offering the same redemption value. This includes travel booked through Citi, cash back, gift cards, bill payments, or transfers to Citi partners, including international airlines, at a 1:1 ratio.
- Rewards Plan: 10X per dollar on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3X points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, and air travel and other hotels purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
- APR: 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: None
- Sign-Up Bonus
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Thank you Points + No Limit
- Protection & Free Credit Score
- $95 Annual Fee
- No Intro 0% APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Complicated Rewards Structure and Redemption
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
Reward Details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards credit card stands out as a no-annual-fee option catering to foodies, social explorers, and streaming enthusiasts. The sign up bonus include $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
The standard cash back rate is unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). You’ll also earn 1% on all other purchases. Plus, you get 10% cash back on purchases through Uber and Uber Eats, 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The card comes with a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, making it attractive for those looking to avoid interest while paying down balances.
- Rewards Plan: unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). You’ll also earn 1% on all other purchases. Plus, you get 10% cash back on purchases through Uber and Uber Eats, 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- APR: 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up Bonus: $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- No Annual Fee
- Versatile Cash Back Categories
- Welcome Bonus
- Introductory 0% APR
- High Credit Requirement
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Not the Highest Rewards Rate
Are there foreign transaction fees associated with this card?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international use.
Can cash back rewards be redeemed at any time?
Yes, cash back rewards can be redeemed at any amount, at any time.
Which purchases earn the highest cash back rates?
The card offers boosted cash back rates on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery store purchases.
Can rewards be transferred to other Capital One cards?
Yes, rewards earned on the SavorOne can be transferred to the Capital One Venture card at a 1:1 rate.
United Explorer Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
If you tend to prefer to fly United, the United Explorer is a superb credit card choice. There is a modest annual fee that is waived for the first year, but there are some excellent card benefits.The United Explorer card included on our top airline card list for 2025
These include credit back on in flight purchases, a one year complimentary DashPass, credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, trip cancellation insurance, free first checked bag for you and a travel companion and two United Club one use passes per year.
While the card is United branded, you can also earn decent rewards on restaurant purchases and hotel accommodation, with the base rewards rate for all your other purchases.
- Rewards Plan: 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
- APR: 21.49% – 28.49% variable APR
- Annual fee: $95 ($0 first year)
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Free Checked Bag & Priority Boarding
- Annual United Club Passes
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Mileage Rewards & Sign-Up Bonus
- Annual Fee
- Balance Transfer Fee
- High APR for purchases
What are the card income requirements?
Chase does not disclose any minimum income requirements. However, Chase will use your income to determine your credit limit, which may require proof of income.
Should you move to the Explorer card?
If you’re a frequent flyer with United, the Explorer card will offer some great rewards. If you’re currently not getting good travel rewards and you want to make the most of your travels, these cards do represent a good option.
What's the rewards limit?
There is no cap on how many miles you can earn in any statement year.
What are the top reasons not to get it?
The Explorer card are specifically designed to offer great rewards for United travel. This does mean that there are not great rewards for other purchases. So, if you’re looking for an all round card for every day purchases, this card are not the right choice for you.
What is the initial credit limit?
The starting credit limit for the United Explorer is $3,000. However, depending on your credit limit and income, your initial credit limit may be higher
American Express® Gold Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
If you enjoy dining out at home or when you travel, the American Express Gold Card is an excellent option. This is a no foreign transaction credit card, but the reward structure favors restaurants, U.S supermarket purchases and flights. There is a welcome offer with a very reasonable spending requirement within the first six months.
The card comes with a somewhat higher annual fee, but it’s balanced by the ability to redeem rewards through a wide range of travel partners. In some programs, your points could be worth 2 cents or more per point. However, keep in mind that if you’re traveling in Asia or Europe, you might encounter fewer merchants that accept Amex.
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Annual fee: $325
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/a
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Rewards Plan: 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Welcome Bonus + Premium Point Rewards Rate
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Special Gold Status Perks
- $325 Annual Fee
- High Requirements
- Is there a limit to rewards? There is a cap on getting the premium rate of cashback on certain types of purchases.
- Can I get car rental insurance with Amex Gold Card? Yes, you will get it automatically once you decline the car insurance from the rental company and you pay the full rental charge using this card.
- What are Amex Gold Card income requirements? There is no out and out income requirement outlined by Amex when it comes to the Gold card.
- Does card Amex Gold points expire? They do not have an expiration date.
- How do I redeem cash back on Amex? There is a points-based system. You can redeem the points for a variety of rewards that are showcased on the Amex website. These include statement credit, gift cards, paying for certain services etc.
- What purchases don't earn rewards? The minimum rate is 1 point for every $1 spent.
- Should You Move to Amex Gold Card? If you need a versatile card that covers a wide range of purchases, with a main focus on travel-related purchases and perks.
- Why did Amex deny me? You might not have met one of the requirements. You can ask the customer support team if there is something you can do to change this eventuality. Otherwise, you can look for an alternative card.
- How to maximize rewards on Amex Gold Card? Use it for a versatile range of purchases, make sure you are aware of the different perks and credit that you get with this card.
- Top Reasons NOT to get the Gold Card? If you do not travel a lot.
- Can I get pre-approved? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit? The credit limit will usually be at least $5,000.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card is a solid choice for travelers who want to enjoy some great perks.
The card has a modest annual fee, but it has a $0 intro annual fee the first year, and there is a generous welcome bonus with a modest spend requirement for the first three months. The card has a basic reward structure, prioritizing Delta purchases, U.S supermarkets and restaurants worldwide.
However, where this card really stands apart is its travel perks. There is Delta flight credit if you meet the annual spend requirement, a discount on eligible in-flight purchases, priority boarding and free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions.
- APR: 20.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $150, $0 intro first year
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: 2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases (Terms Apply)
- Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership.
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Welcome Bonus (Terms Apply)
- Attractive rewards for Delta flyers
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Free Checked Bag
- Priority Boarding
- Annual Fee
- Limited Acceptance
- No Path to Elite Status
- Niche Card
Is there a mileage limit?
The Skymiles Gold Card allows you to earn unlimited rewards, so you don’t need to worry about timing your purchases towards the end of the year, so you don’t exceed a rewards cap. In fact, it encourages you to accumulate more rewards with additional perks.
What Are the Card Income Requirements?
As with most credit cards, American Express will rely on your credit score as a major factor when deciding your approval status. The SkyMiles Gold requires a good to excellent credit score, which will only be feasible if you have a fairly low debt to income ratio. However, Amex may use your income to determine your credit limit if you are approved.
Can I Redeem for Flights with Airline Partners?
Delta has a list of airline partners where you can use your SkyMiles to book flights. There are over twenty airline partners, including Virgin America, KLM, and Hawaiian Airlines. However, keep in mind that transferring miles to another program may result in a fee, and you may not be able to access the best redemption rates.
Can I get Car Rental Insurance?
The SkyMiles Gold offers car rental insurance. When you decline the rental counter collision waiver coverage, and pay for the rental with your card, you’ll have theft and damage protection in most territories. Please review the terms and conditions before to make sure you're covered.
Do the Miles Expire?
You don’t need to worry about miles or points expiring. However, if you’re considering closing your account – it may expire , so you will need to think about your miles before you finalize the account closure.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Reward Details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
Intercontinental Hotel Group’s card gives you free anniversary nights at IHG hotels and free Platinum Elite status for as long as you have the card.
You also get a free reward night every time you stay at a hotel for 4 nights or more. With the Elite status, you always get free internet and late checkout. You can also get periodic room upgrades and cheaper room rates.
Just like with all-room branded cards, you have to be willing to always travel and stay at IHG hotels to get points. Make sure you are always booking your rooms with the card to earn your points.
- APR: 20.99% – 27.99% variable
- Annual fee: $99
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Rewards Plan: Up to 10X points from IHG® on stays for being an IHG One Rewards member. Up to 6X points from IHG® on stays with Platinum Elite Status. 5X total points on travel, dining, and at gas stations and 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Sign Up bonus: 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: N/A
- Big Rewards on All IGH Purchases
- Many Hotels to Choose From
- Quality Sign-up Bonus
- Automatic Platinum Status
- Annual Fee
- Rewards Limited to Hotel Redemption
- Not For Everyday Purchases
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Hilton Honors American Express card is an excellent option for Hilton lovers and is included on our top hotel card list for 2025. The card has no annual fee, but offers some great Hilton perks with no additional costs.
The card has a tiered reward structure, weighted towards eligible Hilton hotel or resort purchases, but you can earn high reward rates on purchases at U.S restaurants, U.S gas stations and U.S supermarkets.
In addition to having no foreign transaction fees, there is a generous introductory bonus and automatic Silver status, with the potential to upgrade to Gold status if you meet the spending requirement in a calendar year.
- Rewards Plan: 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
- APR: 20.24% – 29.24% variable APR
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: n/a
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus:100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
- 0% APR Introductory Rate: N/A
- Welcome Bonus & Rewards
- No Annual Fee
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Loyalty Program
- Too Niche
- Low Redeeming Rate
- High APR
Can I redeem for flights with airline partners?
Hilton Honors allows swapping points for miles with almost all of the major domestic airlines and some international carriers including British Airways and Air Canada. However, the transfer ration is typically 10:1. This means you’ll need 10,000 Hilton Honors points to get 1,000 miles.
Do the travel reward points expire?
Hilton Honors points do not actually expire, but if your account is inactive for 24 months, any points balance will be forfeited.
Can I get pre approved?
American Express does allow pre approval for the Hilton Honors card. This takes only 30 seconds and you’ll need to supply some basic information. You can then make an informed decision without impacting your credit.
What is the initial credit limit?
The card limit for the Hilton Honors American Express is $1,000 to $20,000, based on your score and other factors.
Should you move to the Hilton Honors Card?
If you are brand loyal to a particular hotel chain, getting a rewards card dedicated to this hotel chain is a good idea. You can not only earn free stays, but you can also enjoy other perks. So, if you love Hilton hotels, these cards could be a good option for you.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold is a decent credit card choice for the budget conscious traveler. It has no annual fee, but some nice perks including a sign up bonus, and a tiered reward structure weighted towards Marriott Bonvoy hotels and other travel purchases.
The primary stand out benefit of this card is that you will qualify for automatic elite status. With this card, you’ll have Silver Elite status that offers perks such as free Wi-Fi, bonus points on eligible hotel purchases, a dedication on elite reservation line, compensation if the hotel cannot honor your reservation and late checkout according to availability.
This card is a great option for those who are brand loyal to Marriott Bonvoy, as the best redemption values are for hotel rooms, flights or car rentals. However, you can transfer your points to a variety of multiple airline partners.
- Rewards Plan: 3X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: 50,000 points
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: None
- Sign-Up Bonus Low Threshold
- Silver Elite status
- No Annual Fee
- Transfer Points to Airline Miles
- Chase Restrictions
- Co-branded
- Lower Than Average Bonus
Discover it® Miles
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
The Discover It Miles card is a budget friendly card that offers some great features including no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee.
New cardholders can enjoy unlimited bonus match after the first year, and the reward structure is very straightforward with unlimited 1.5x miles for every dollar spent on all purchases.
Although the card does not offer any other ancillary travel benefits, you can skip your first late fee and Discover will help you to remove your personal information from select search websites.
The main advantage of this card is that you can redeem your miles to cover part of your monthly fee, redeem as statement credit or turn miles into cash. The miles keep the same value and don’t expire.
- Rewards Plan: unlimited 1.5x miles for every dollar spent on all purchases
- APR: 18.74% – 27.74% Variable APR
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Sign Up bonus: Discover matches your first year miles automatically.
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Matches the Miles You Earn in Your First Year
- Flexible Redemption Options
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- No Annual Fee
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Not the Highest Rewards Rate as a Travel Credit Card
- Not For Everyday Spending
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What is a Foreign Transaction Fee?
A foreign transaction fee is an administration card that the card issuer levies on any transaction not made in US dollars. This charge is imposed by the card issuer as a fee for converting the payment into dollars when it is applied to your card account.
What Are the Costs of Foreign Transaction Fees?
Foreign transaction fees are usually a small percentage, but some cards do charge a flat fee. The percentage is typically 1 to 4%, with 3% being the average fee. In simple terms, this means that if you have a $100 charge to your account, you’ll incur a $3 fee.
Although this may seem like a very small amount, these small fees will apply to every foreign transaction on the account. So, if you’re on vacation, using your credit card to pay for meals, trips, transport, souvenirs and all your other expenses, these charges can quickly add up.
How to Choose a No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card
While we’ve highlighted our picks for the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards, there are plenty of other options if these don't appeal. You can narrow down the choices by evaluating:
- The Annual Fee: The first thing you need to look at is the amount of annual fee for the card. You may feel comfortable paying an annual fee, but you need to double check that you will recoup sufficient value to cover the annual fee. The general rule of thumb is that travel cards have higher the annual fee, the larger the benefits package. However, you need to check that you will make use of these benefits to offset the annual fee.
- Other Fees and Charges: While the card may have no foreign transaction fees, there may be other charges that could impact your account. You need to feel comfortable with any late fees, cash advance charges and other expenses.
- Your Credit Score: Another important consideration is to choose a card that meets your credit profile. Many of the cards we’ve covered earlier are designed for those with good to excellent credit, but if you have poor credit, you will not be able to access these cards. There are some cards that offer no foreign transaction fees for those with fair or poor credit, but you will have a tougher time compared to someone with excellent credit.
- The Reward Structure: You also need to choose a card with a reward structure matching your spending habits and preferences. The top travel cards enjoy a tiered reward structure, but this requires that you be aware of your typical spending categories, particularly if there are rotating categories. However, if you don’t want the hassle of dealing with categories or your spending habits can vary from month to month, you may prefer a card that offers a flat rate of rewards.
Pros and Cons of a No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card
As with any financial product, there are both positives and negatives associated with no foreign transaction fee credit cards. It is important to be aware of these before making a decision about which card is best for you.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Reduce Vacation Costs | Limited Non Travel Perks |
Shop with Overseas Merchants | Annual Fee |
May Provide Other Reduced Fees | Cash Advance Fees |
- Reduce Vacation Costs
The most obvious benefit of a no foreign transaction fee is that you can keep the budget for your vacation under control and allocate more money for pure travel.
As we discussed foreign transaction fees can quickly add up and when you’re already having to deal with currency conversions when you make a purchase, needing to also calculate the foreign transaction fee is a real hassle.
- Shop with Overseas Merchants
Many of us enjoy shopping online, but if you find the perfect item outside the U.S, a no foreign transaction fee credit card will ensure that you don’t incur additional charges for your item.
- May Indicate Other Reduced Fees
There are many no foreign transaction fee credit cards that also have reduced fees in other areas, such as no out of network ATM fee.
- Limited Non Travel Perks
No foreign transaction fees are often considered a travel perk and may indicate that the cards have limited non travel perks and rewards.
- Annual Fee
Another common characteristic of no foreign transaction fee credit cards is an annual fee. While there are cards with no annual fee that do not charge foreign transaction fees, it is not the typical format.
- Cash Advance Fees
There is a temptation to use your credit card for all your vacation transactions when there are no foreign transaction fees, but if you withdraw funds using an ATM, you will be hit with a cash advance fee.
What Should You Know Before Using Your Credit Cards Abroad?
If you’re not a frequent traveler or you’ve not used your credit cards abroad before, there are some things that you need to know before you go. These include:
- The Foreign Transaction Fee: Obviously, this article is focused on no foreign transaction fee credit cards, but it is still important to confirm what charges will apply when you make purchases in a currency other than U.S dollars.
- The Network Coverage: We’ve touched on this earlier, but it is vital travel preparation. Check the guidelines and tourist advice for the particular area or country where you’re traveling to ensure that your credit card will be readily accepted. There are four main credit card networks; Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Amex. Each one has its own network coverage limitations and potential.
- Your Credit Card Emergency Contact Number: If you’ve notified your credit card issuer that you intend to travel, they are likely to have provided you with an overseas emergency helpline. However, if you don’t have it to hand, make sure that you look it up and keep the number accessible. Should you have an issue or problem, you don’t want to waste time trying to log into the company website to find the right number to call.
- Your Card Pin: One of the most secure ways to use your credit card at home or abroad is to use the chip and PIN technology. This is particularly important in Europe, where cardholders need to use a PIN rather than signing a purchase receipt. So, make sure that you have a PIN set up and you have the number memorized before you leave home.
How to Maximize a No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card
Once you’ve chosen a no foreign transaction fee credit card, you need to know how to maximize your new card. There are a few tips and tricks that could help you.
- Check Coverage
The first thing that you need to do is check your card network coverage.
While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted around the world, the coverage for American Express and Discover can be limited in many areas.
For example, there are many retailers and vendors in Europe that do not accept Amex. So, you won’t be able to benefit from not having any foreign transaction fees.
- Verify the Exchange Rates
Generally speaking, your credit card issuer will offer you more favorable exchange rates compared to merchants converting your purchase amount to dollars.
Obviously, you won’t be able to do this for every purchase, but once you arrive at your destination, verify the exchange rates and make sure that you convert to dollars or charge in local currency accordingly.
- Notify Your Card Issuer
Before you travel abroad, be sure to let your card issuer know. This is particularly important if you don’t travel frequently as your purchases may be flagged as suspicious activity.
The last thing you want is for your card issuer to put a block on your card when you want to pay for your purchases with no foreign transaction fees.
- Adjust Your Spend Limits
Finally, be sure to adjust your card spending limits accordingly. While you don’t want the limit so high that you won’t have sufficient fraud protection, you don’t want to struggle to pay for all your purchases.
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Alternatives to Minimize Your Foreign Transaction Fees
If you are traveling and want to minimize your foreign transaction fees without using a no foreign transaction fee credit card, there are a few alternatives. These include:
- Checking Account with Debit Card: There are a number of banks that allow you to use your debit card abroad with minimal foreign transaction fees. This could be a good choice for those who may struggle to qualify for a no foreign transaction fee credit card.
- Intro Rate Credit Cards: If your card has a 0% introductory rate, you may be prepared to pay small foreign transaction fees as you can spread the cost of your vacation with no interest payments.
- Cash: While you won’t incur foreign transaction fees when you take cash on your vacation, it is far less secure. Even if you can get a good exchange rate before you travel, you will still have to worry about carrying lots of cash or securing it while you’re away from your hotel. Obviously, there are also no protections should you lose cash or if it is stolen, whereas your card issuer may have measures such as an expedited replacement card and fraud protections.
How to Make Savings With Your Credit Card When Traveling Abroad
Even if you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, there are still ways to make some great savings when you’re traveling abroad.
- Opt for a Dining Category: If your card has optional reward categories, make sure that you select dining for the period that you’re away. The chances are that you’ll be eating out a lot, so you want to get the most rewards on these purchases.
- Use your Promo Rate: If your card has a promotional rate, make sure that you use this to your advantage. Obviously, you should not simply go crazy with your spending, but it can be a great way to spread the cost of your vacation over a set period with no interest charges.
- Check your Statement Credit Potential: Many travel credit cards offer statement credit for a number of purchases, so make sure that you’re familiar with what you can qualify for. The most common statement credits include in flight purchases, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees and credit card issuer portal purchases.
FAQs
Which bank doesn’t charge international ATM withdrawal fees?
There are several banks that don’t charge international ATM withdrawal fees. These include Capital One, Fidelity, USAA, First Republic Bank, Alliant Credit Union, Charles Schwab, Aspiration and Betterment.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees?
Choose a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees or check if your bank does not impose fees when you use your debit card abroad.
Which Citi credit card has no foreign transaction fee?
The Citi Premier and Citi AAdvantage credit cards have no foreign transaction fees. However, if you have the Citi Costco cards, you’ll not incur foreign transaction fees when you use them abroad.
Which Amex credit card has no foreign transaction fee?
There are several Amex credit cards that have no foreign transaction fees including the Platinum Card From American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, and the cards we mentioned above.
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Which Chase credit card has no foreign transaction fee?
Besides the cards we mentioned above, several Chase credit cards have no foreign transaction fees, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier, United cards, Marriott Bonvoy cards, World of Hyatt, Amazon Rewards, and Instacart Mastercard.
Which Discover credit card has no foreign transaction fee?
Discover does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you can choose any Discover cards without worrying about these fees.
Which Discover credit card has no foreign transaction fee?
Discover does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you can choose any Discover cards without worrying about these fees.
Which Capital One credit card has no foreign transaction fee?
Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you can take your pick of the issuers cards from its product line.
How to calculate a foreign transaction fee?
Typically, foreign transaction fees are a percentage charge. So, if the charge is 3%, for every $100, you’ll incur a $3 fee.
Which Bank of America credit card has no foreign transaction fee?
There are a handful of Bank of America credit cards with no foreign transaction fees including the Travel Rewards, Premium Rewards, Alaska Airlines, Free Spirit, Allegiant World, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line World cards.
For overseas travel, should I get a debit card or a credit card?
Generally, a credit card will offer greater protections when you travel. You also need to think about the implications of a fraud. If your card is lost or stolen, with a debit card there is a risk that your checking account will be cleaned out, which could lead to regular payments bouncing and incurring a wealth of fees and charges.
Do I have to inform my credit card company that I'll be away?
You don’t have to do this, but it is advisable. This will mean that your credit card issuer will not flag your overseas transactions as suspicious activity and block your card.
Does the cost of foreign transactions depend on exchange rates?
No, the fee is applied when the local currency has been exchanged to the U.S dollar on your account.
Which credit card is ideal for using while traveling in Europe?
Generally, a Visa or Mastercard is preferable when you’re traveling in Europe as they will be more readily accepted.
How We Picked The Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
There are numerous credit card options with no foreign transaction fees, but we picked our choices according to:
- The welcome bonus: We checked which cards offered generous welcome bonuses without unreasonable spending requirements.
- The annual fee: A higher annual fee tends to be offset with greater benefits and perks. We’ve considered the annual fee and the value the card represents.
- The rewards: While everyone’s spending habits tend to be different, we looked for cards that offer generous rewards across various spending categories.
- The redemption options: We also considered the various ways that you can redeem your rewards and if the card offers flexibility.
- Card perks and benefits: Finally, we looked at whether the card offered additional perks and benefits.
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How We Picked The Best No Foreign Transaction Credit Cards: Methodology
To identify the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards, our team meticulously evaluated offerings from various issuers, focusing on major banks and financial institutions. We rated these cards based on three key categories tailored for travelers:
Rewards & Benefits (40%): We assess the rewards program, including cash back percentages, points, or miles earned per dollar spent on purchases, bonus categories for accelerated rewards, and redemption options. Cards with higher rewards rates, versatile redemption choices, and valuable perks like sign-up bonuses score higher in this category.
Card Features & Offers (40%): We examine other features crucial for travelers, such as travel insurance coverage, airport lounge access, concierge services, and extended warranty protection. Cards offering a comprehensive range of benefits without excessive fees and competitive rates earn higher scores.
User Experience & Support (20%): We scrutinize the ease of application, customer service quality, and online account management tools provided by the issuer. Cards with streamlined application processes, responsive customer support, and user-friendly online portals or mobile apps receive higher ratings, ensuring a positive experience for cardholders.
This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards offer attractive rewards, valuable benefits, a seamless user experience, and a positive relationship with the issuer, catering to the needs of travelers who frequently make purchases abroad.
