*Advertiser disclosure: Capture the Atlas has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Some or all of the card offers appearing on the site may originate from advertisers, even though the site doesn`t include every card issuer or all accessible card offers. Capture the Atlas and CardRatings may receive payment from card companies, which could potentially impact how and where cards are exhibited on the site. |
When going to another country, one of the best things you can do is carry a credit card without foreigntransaction costs. This is among our top suggestions to travel economically, and it will prove helpful when you’re making ATM withdrawals and purchases overseas or even online with a retailer outside of the U.S.
We’ve had extensive travel encounters around the world for several years now, so we possess a great deal of experience with allocating finances in foreign nations. Determining your pecuniary circumstances ahead of time when going abroad is among the most vital steps in arranging your excursion, even though it can induce stress and overwhelm.
To help you make sense of all the different options on the market, I’m sharing the top 10 cards with no foreign transaction fees. Keep reading to get a closer look at these cards, such as their annual fees, rewards benefits, and other perks, as well as to learn what a foreign transaction fee is.
I also suggest reviewing our guide on the top travel credit cards, where you`ll find many of these cards without foreign transaction fees.
10 Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
In addition to considering international transaction fees, travelers should also evaluate factors like annual costs, rewards programs, and introductory offers when selecting travel credit cards. After review of several popular options, I`ve identified ten quality choices depending on desired perks.
To summarize, these are the 10 best credit cards without international transaction fees:
- American Express® Gold Card, a high-end credit card with no overseas transaction fees
- Capital One Venture Rewards, the best introductory credit card without foreign transaction fees
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, one of the top cards without foreign transaction fees
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, a cash back credit card without foreign transaction fees
- Citi Premier® Card, the finest credit card without international transaction charges with dining incentives
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, another credit card without foreign transaction fees including extra perks
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®, the top travel rewards credit card devoid of foreign transaction fees
- American Express Gold Card, a luxury credit card without foreign transaction fees
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards, a credit card featuring no foreign transaction fee or annual fee
- Discover it® Miles, another beginner-friendly credit card without foreign transaction fees
The
1. American Express® Gold Card, a luxury credit card with no foreign transaction fees
If luxury travel is something you enjoy, the American Express Gold Card could be a good option. You`ll earn excellent rewards on dining and other purchases, plus receive a generous welcome offer of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months. In addition, get annual dining and Uber credits up to $120 each a year (enrollment needed for selected perks). While this AmEx card avoids foreign transaction fees, it`s important to note that American Express acceptance isn`t as widespread as Visa or Mastercard globally. The $250 annual fee also might be steep for some.
- Welcome offer: 60,000 points
- Estimated Value: $600 †
- Annual fee: $250 ( Rates & Fees)
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards earnings rate: 4 membership rewards points at dining establishments; 4 membership rewards points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 annually in purchases; 3 membership rewards points for flights booked straight with airlines or through amextravel.com; 1 membership rewards point on other purchases. Conditions and limitations apply.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the best starter credit card with no foreign transaction fees
If you’re searching for a Capital One credit card free of foreign transaction costs, take into account . This Visa credit card is widely approved around the world, and while it has a small annual fee of $95, it has a great rewards rate. Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, daily. Plus, you can get approximately a $100 statement credit to use for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application.
- Welcome offer: 75,000 points
- The estimated worth is $600 †
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 5 miles per dollar on hotels/rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2 miles per dollar on every purchase
The following contains an intact HTML element and link: “
3. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, one of the top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Here is another credit card option with no foreign transaction fees. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards card offers fewer rewards than some other options on this list, but you’ll still earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll access Capital One’s best prices on thousands of travel possibilities. You can use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase made, or redeem miles by booking a trip through Capital One Travel. There is no limit on how many miles you can earn, and you can transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs. So, if you’re looking for a no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee credit card option, this is an excellent choice.
- Welcome offer: 20,000 points
- The estimated worth is $750 †
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 5x miles per dollar on hotels/rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 1.25x miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, a cash-back credit card with no foreign transaction fees
The Greenwich Hotel is another fashionable NYC lodging, specifically in TriBeCa, a trendy district in Manhattan along the Hudson River. This family-friendly part of the city is a superb place to dine, shop, or get some fresh air, and The Greenwich Hotel is a lovely place to temporarily call home.
- Welcome offer: 20,000 points
- The estimated worth is $750 †
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 5% cash back on hotels/rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 1.5% cash back on every purchase
5. Citi Premier® Card, the best no foreign transaction fee credit card with dining rewards
If you book through Papillon Grand Canyon Tours, you can find possibilities starting at as low as $169. We enjoy flying with Papillon because they provide the best rates and give you the choice to upgrade your GrandCanyon air tour with a flight over the Las Vegas Strip if you depart from Sin City. You can even request a private helicopter for your group.
- Welcome offer: 60,000 points
- Estimated Value: $600 †
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations; 3x points on flights and hotels; 1x points on all other purchases
6. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, another no foreign transaction fee credit card with extra perks
For additional incentives and travel advantages, examine the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card. It’s considered the bestcredit card from U.S. Bank without foreign transaction fees, providing up to 5x points on travel purchases. You may also benefit from 1x points on all other purchases, an annual $30 credit for streaming services, and up to $100 in statement credits when you employ your card to apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Not only that, but the $95 annual fee is waived for your first year.
- Welcome offer: 50,000 points
- The estimated worth is $200 †
- The yearly charge is $95 ( waived for the initial year).
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 5x points earned on hotel bookings/rental cars secured through the Altitude Rewards Center; 4x points earned on gas, EV charging stations, and other travel costs; 2x points earned on groceries, dining, streaming services; 1x points earned on all other purchases
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred®, the best credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Initially, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card operates on the Visa network, so worldwide usage should not be problematic. It does impose an annual cost, but the amount is relatively modest and the rewards rate compensates for it. For example, one can earn 5x points on travel bought through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3x points on dining (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs). Additionally, a complimentary DashPass membership ($96 value) comes each year with $10k in annual card spending. DashPass subscribers enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service costs on every eligible order (activation required before December 31, 2024). Provided a sufficient credit rating, approval seems likely, rendering it the best no foreign transaction fee credit card from Chase for beginners.
- Welcome offer: 60,000 points
- The estimated worth is $600 †
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: An individual earns 5x points on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3x points are given on dining; 2x points are provided on all other travel purchases; A $50 Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit is offered
Click Here to Learn More
8. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, the best hotel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Marriott Bonvoy Bold is another suitable beginner travel credit card with no fees charged for foreign transactions. Along with not having an annual cost, it provides a decent welcome offer and additional travel advantages. Some benefits of this card include getting 15 yearly Elite Night Credits to utilize at Marriott properties, as well as reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage. As a Visa card, it’s one of the top credit cards with no yearly fee and no fee for foreign transactions that can be employed globally.
- Welcome offer: 30,000 points
- The estimated worth is $500 †
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards proportion: 3x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 2x points on other travel expenses; 1x points on all other purchases
Click Here to Learn More
9. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card, a credit card with no foreign transaction fee or annual fee
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is also a Visa credit card, allowing it to be accepted worldwide. Additionally being a credit card with no fees for foreign transactions, it has no annual fees and utilizes a secure chip-and-PIN system. You can redeem your points for various travel expenses, like flights, hotels, rental cars and accommodations, dining, and attractions. However, it best suits Bank of America account holders, who can gain maximum benefits.
- Welcome offer: 25,000 points
- The estimated worth is $500 †
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards accrual: Unlimited 1.5 points earned per $1 spent on all purchases
10. Discover it® Miles, another beginner-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Discover it Miles is a Discover card without costs for foreign transactions, nor does it include an annual fee. Additionally, there is no minimum spending requirement and no limit on how many miles can be earned. As a welcome offer, any points earned in your initial year will be doubled by Discover Match. This no foreign transaction fee Discover credit card is accepted worldwide, although you won’t have the ability to utilize it in several nations in the Caribbean, eastern Europe, and South America.
- Welcome proposition: Uncover Match (twofold the focuses you procure in your first year)
- Estimated value: Varies (depend on expenditures)
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards earning: 5x miles for every $1 spent on all purchases
Comparing the best no foreign transaction fee cards
This table shows a comparison of the best credit cards that do not charge fees for foreign transactions, including their annual fees, welcome bonus offers, and rewards rates.
CARD |
FOREIGN TRANSACTION COST |
YEARLY PRICE |
WELCOME OFFERING |
ESTIMATED VALUE i️ |
REWARD RATES |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0% |
$95 |
60,000 pts |
$750 |
– 5x points on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases |
|
0% |
$95 |
75,000 pts |
$250 |
• 5 miles per dollar on hotels/rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
|
0% |
$95 |
80,000 pts |
$800 |
– 3x points at eating places, supermarkets, gas stations |
|
0% |
$95 (waived for first year) |
50,000 pts |
$500 |
• 5x points on hotels/rental cars booked through Altitude Rewards Center |
|
0% |
$250 |
60,000 pts |
$600 |
– 4x points on dining establishments |
|
0% |
$0 |
20,000 pts |
$200 |
• 5 miles per dollar on hotels/rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
|
0% |
$0 |
30,000 pts |
$250 |
– 3x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels |
|
0% |
$0 |
20,000 points |
$200 |
– 5% cash back on hotels/rental cars scheduled through Capital One Travel |
|
0% |
$0 |
25,000 pts |
$250 |
• Unlimited 1.5 pts per $1 on all purchases |
|
0% |
$0 |
Double the points earned in the first year through Discover Match |
Variable depending on spending amount |
– 1.5x miles per $1 on every purchase |
|
OPTIMAL NO FOREIGN EXCHANGE FEE CREDIT CARDS |
What is a foreign transaction fee?
Someone who withdraws cash from an out-of-country ATM or makes a purchase outside the U.S., even an online buy, may face a supplemental cost imposed by their card issuer or bank. Unless their credit card waives charges for foreign deals, they`ll likely pay between 1% and 5% additional on every transaction.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees while abroad
Now that you comprehend what a foreign transaction fee refers to, here are some top tips for avoiding these bothersome charges while abroad:
- Notify your bank before your trip and make sure you know whether or not your card charges for foreign transactions.
- Avoid additional ATM charges by utilizing your debit card to make withdrawals, if required.
- Have some local currency in your possession and wait to exchange your money until reaching your destination.
- Decline the dynamic currency conversion option and instead, choose to pay in the local currency at your destination.
- If traveling to Europe, strongly consider requesting a VAT refund to regain some funds spent paying foreign sales tax.
- Ensure your credit card uses a chip-and-PIN system for extra protection against fraudulent purchases.
To start, the Hotel Le Bleu provides an affordable lodging option in Brooklyn that delivers a boutique experience without the steep cost. This small hotel has only 48 rooms, so reserving well in advance is advised for those wanting to stay here.
FAQs – No foreign transaction fee credit cards
If you’re still uncertain about credit cards without foreign transaction fees, here are answers to some regularly asked questions.
Can fluctuations in exchange rates impact foreign transaction fees?
While the foreign transaction fee percentage charged by a card issuer will remain the same, the actual dollar amount of the fee can vary depending on currency exchange rate fluctuations.
What is the top no foreign transaction fee credit card?
There exist several excellent credit card options that do not charge additional fees for transactions made outside one`s home country. Depending on the particular perks you seek, you can find top-rated cards from issuers like Chase, AmEx, Capital One, and others.
Approximately how lengthy is a standard visit to tour Cueva de los Verdes?
If your credit card does not levy additional fees for overseas transactions, you can avoid paying extra charges for purchases abroad.
When do I pay a foreign transaction fee?
The overseas transaction fee gets utilized to your credit card statement, so you`re able to compensate it when you repay your balance each month.
Should I utilize my credit card or exchange my money abroad?
One will save the most funds if utilizing their credit card abroad without foreign transaction fees and sticking to the local currency.
I hope this guide clarified any uncertainty you had about what a foreign transaction fee is and how to avoid additional charges while overseas. If you have any inquiries about selecting a credit card without foreign transaction fees, leave me a comment below. I’d be pleased to hear from you!
Until later, enjoy your excursion!
*Advertiser disclosure: Capture the Atlas has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Some or all of the card promotions appearing on the website do not encompass all card companies, or every available card offer. Capture the Atlas and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers, which could impact how and where cards appear on the site.
*Editorial disclosure: Views, reviews, analyses, and recommendations are the creator`s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any financial institution, credit card company, hotel, airline, or any other entity included within the post.