Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
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Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

No foreign transaction fee credit cards are essential for frequent flyers, and the best offers lucrative travel benefits. Here are our picks:
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

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 2024:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

chase_sapphire_preffered

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Reward details

2X – 5X 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.

Current Offer

60,000 points 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$95

0% Intro

N/A

APR

21.24%–28.24% variable 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 has a generous welcome bonus and the tiered reward structure favors travel and dining purchases. Additionally, you can get extra value when you redeem your rewards. You can get up to 25% more value when you use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to book hotels, airfare, cruises and car rental.

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: 21.24%–28.24% 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.
Sapphire Preferred overview on Chase app
Sapphire Preferred overview on Chase app (Screenshot taken by our team from Chase app)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

capital-one-venture

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Reward details

2X – 5X 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Current Offer

75,000 miles 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$95

0% Intro

N/A

APR

19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)

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% – 29.99% (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 CardYes, 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 CardIf 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

1X – 10X 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

Current Offer

75,000 points 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

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$95

0% Intro

None

APR

21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)

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

Capital-One-Savor-One

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards

Reward Details

1% – 8% Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 1 percent on all other purchases. 10% percent cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats. 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel.

Current Offer

$200 $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

15 months on purchases and balance transfers

APR

19.99% – 29.99% variable

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 $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

The standard cash back rate is Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 1 percent on all other purchases. 10% percent cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats. 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using 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: Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 1 percent on all other purchases. 10% percent cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats. 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel.
  • APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
  • Sign Up Bonus: $200 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

1X – 2X 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases

Current Offer

50,000 miles 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$95 ($0 first year)

0% Intro

N/A

APR

21.99% – 28.99% variable

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 2024

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: 21.99% – 28.99% variable
  • 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

United Explorer Card overview
(Photo by NaMong Productions/Shutterstock)

American Express® Gold Card

Reward details

1X – 4X 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

Current Offer

60,000 points 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. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$325

0% Intro

N/A

APR

21.24% – 29.24% Variable

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 does have a slightly high annual fee, but Amex allows you to redeem your rewards with a comprehensive list of travel partners. With some programs, your points could be worth as much as 2 cents per point or higher. Just be aware that if you are traveling in Asia or Europe, you may find that there are fewer merchants who accept Amex.

  • APR: 21.24% – 29.24% Variable
  • 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. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
  • 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 CardYes, 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 CardIf 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-approvedYes, you can get pre-approval.
  •  What is the initial credit limit? The credit limit will usually be at least $5,000.
Book travel with Amex gold points
Book travel with Amex gold points (Screenshot taken by our team from American Express app)

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Reward details

1X – 2X 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

Current Offer

40,000 Miles 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$150, $0 intro first year

0% Intro

N/A

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

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: 20.99%-29.99% 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: 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
  • 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.

Boeing 777 Delta Airlines flying over the clouds
Boeing 777 Delta Airlines (Photo by Miguel Lagoa/Shutterstock)

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Reward Details

3X – 10X 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.

Current Offer

140,000 Points 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$99

0% Intro

N/A

APR

21.49%–28.49% variable

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: 21.49%–28.49% 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
Search hotels and redeem IHG points on IHG app
Search hotels and redeem IHG points on IHG app (screenshot taken by our team from IHG app)

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Reward details

3X – 7X 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

Current Offer

70,000 points 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

N/A

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

The Hilton Honors American Express card is an excellent option for Hilton lovers and is included on our top hotel card list for 2024. 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: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Balance Transfer Fee: n/a
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
  • Welcome Bonus:70,000 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.

Hilton Honors American Express Credit Card
(Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card review 2019

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Reward details

Up to 14X 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.

Current Offer

50,000 points 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro

None

APR

21.49%–28.49% variable

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
Book hotel stay with Marriot bold card
Book hotel stay with Marriot bold card (screenshot taken by our team from Marriot website)

Discover it® Miles

Reward details

1.5X unlimited 1.5x miles for every dollar spent on all purchases

Current Offer

Discover Match® All miles earned at the end of the first year are matched.

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$0