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Best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards of March 2024

Updated March 14, 2024

Foreign transaction fees are only one of many unnecessary charges travelers and online shoppers are likely to encounter. This surcharge can be up to 3 percent of the cost when making international purchases or withdrawing funds from a foreign ATM. Here’s what you need to know about the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees from our partners as well as some tips on how to avoid other unnecessary fees when shopping internationally.

Best for occasional travelers
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
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on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$340

Offer valuation

Info

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

BEST FOR EXPANDED TRAVEL REWARDS CATEGORIES
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$250

Offer valuation

Info

1.5X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

BEST FOR ROTATING CATEGORY REWARDS
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
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on Discover's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

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1% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
BEST FOR FLAT-RATE CASH BACK
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$200

Offer valuation

Info

1.5% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
BEST TRAVEL CARD FOR BEGINNERS
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1200

Offer valuation

Info

1x - 5x

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
BEST FOR FLAT-RATE TRAVEL REWARDS
Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
4.9
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1275

Offer valuation

Info

2 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

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2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR STUDENTS
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
No Credit History
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
BEST FOR LOUNGE ACCESS
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1600

Offer valuation

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5X - 5X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
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2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR BUDGET LUXURY TRAVEL
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1275

Offer valuation

Info

2 Miles - 10 Miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

BEST FOR FIRST-YEAR VALUE
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

N/A

Offer valuation

Info

1.5X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
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2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR TRAVEL REWARDS ON DINING
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1200

Offer valuation

Info

3X - 4X

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR LUXURY PERKS
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

$1200

Offer valuation

Info

1x - 10x

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

BEST FOR EVERYDAY TRAVEL
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American Express® Green Card
*

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Info
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

3X - 3X

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Compare Bankrate’s top no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

Card name Annual fee Best for Bankrate review score
$0

Occasional travelers

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
$0

Expanded travel rewards categories

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
$0

Bonus category variety

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
$0

Flat-rate cash back

3.8 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
$95

Redemption value

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
$95

Flat-rate travel rewards

4.9 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
$0

Students

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
$695

Lounge access

4.8 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
$395

Budget luxury travel

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
$0

First-year value

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
$250

Travel rewards on dining

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
$550

Luxury perks

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Image of American Express® Green Card
American Express® Green Card
$150
Everyday travel

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

What to know about foreign transaction fees

When you use a credit card overseas to buy something in the local currency, your credit card issuer has to convert the money you’ve spent into U.S. dollars. It may seem like any other transaction, but the credit card issuer covers various costs associated with international purchases like transferring money through a foreign bank. Many issuers offset these costs by charging a foreign transaction fee for overseas purchases.

Why do banks charge a foreign transaction fee?

Overseas transactions are more complex than standard transactions as they require banks to convert the money spent into U.S. dollars. The total fee you pay often involves adding the charge from the issuing bank and the processing fee from the payment network (like Visa or Mastercard). However, Capital One and Discover don’t charge foreign transaction fees on any of their credit cards.

Foreign transaction fees are becoming less common, particularly among premium or travel credit cards. However, many cards still impose the charge.

When can banks apply foreign transaction fees?

It can be hard to avoid foreign transaction fees when making purchases abroad. Unless you pay with a credit card that waives this fee, you’ll likely pay a foreign transaction fee for:

  • Hotel bookings: While it largely depends on the location of the hotel and the specific travel provider, your issuer may charge a foreign transaction fee when you book a stay in another country.
  • Online purchases: If you purchase something from a seller based outside the U.S. and your transaction is processed abroad, your issuer could charge a foreign transaction fee — even if you’re shopping from the comfort of home.
  • Debit card, charge card or gift card purchases: Unfortunately, you can't escape foreign transaction fees just by using a different type of card. Credit cards, debit cards, charge cards and even prepaid gift cards commonly charge foreign transaction fees.

Foreign transaction fees typically show up on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle and you pay them when you pay your credit card balance.

How much are foreign transaction fees?

Depending on the issuer and card, a foreign transaction fee typically ranges from 1 percent to 3 percent, but it can go as high as 5 percent.

On its own, one or two foreign transaction fees may seem reasonable, but the more you spend, the more those fees start to add up. When traveling overseas or shopping with international vendors, you may also have to deal with other common credit card fees that can decrease your purchasing power, including cash advance fees, ATM fees and conversion fees.

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Bankrate Insight

It’s a common misconception that paying in U.S. cash is a way to get out of paying a foreign transaction fee. It isn’t, and paying in U.S. dollars will likely cost you more because the price will include a currency conversion fee.

Top credit card issuers' foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees by credit card issuers vary widely. Issuers like Amex and Discover have their own payment networks while other issuers, like Capital One or Chase, use Visa or Mastercard’s networks. Also, it’s not unusual for an issuer to charge a foreign transaction fee with some cards but not with others.

Here's a quick look at how the fee structure breaks down among several major credit card issuers:

Issuer Foreign transaction fee (%)
American Express 2.7%
Bank of America 3%
Capital One 0%
Chase 3%
Citi 3%
Discover 0%
Wells Fargo 3%
U.S. Bank 3%
Barclays 3%
Synchrony 3%
Credit One 3%

Tips for choosing the best no-foreign-transaction-fee card

As you search for a card to use for your upcoming international trip, it’s important to fully understand foreign transaction fees, how they work and how you can avoid them. Here’s what to think about when searching for a card with no foreign transaction fees:

Still unsure if a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool to get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

Expert advice for no foreign transaction fee cards

If you travel overseas or make purchases in foreign currencies, it's worth understanding why a card with no foreign transaction fee might benefit you. 

Reasons to get a card with no foreign transaction fees

  1. Fewer costs

    If you're making multiple purchases in different currencies with a credit card that has foreign transaction fees, it can quickly add up. And if you're using a credit card that already has a high balance and charges interest, those fees can be even more painful.

  2. Peace of mind

    Using your debit card overseas comes with many benefits — but beware of some of the drawbacks. For example, if you become a victim of pickpocketing in a foreign country, your cash will be gone without any recourse, and there’s a chance that you still would be held liable for unauthorized charges with a stolen debit card. Credit cards can protect you against fraud and identity theft. Plus, you can request an overnight replacement card from the issuer.

  3. More reward earnings

    The average foreign transaction fee rate is 3 percent, and some cards only offer 1 to 2 percent cash back, effectively negating your rewards. If you have a card with no foreign transaction fees, spending abroad won’t eat into your earnings.

  4. Better exchange rates

    Using a Visa or Mastercard overseas can help you save on converting currency at a local ATM, bank or airport. Visa and Mastercard typically charge 1 percent to convert currency to U.S. dollars, saving you the added costs that could come with a merchant’s dynamic currency conversion rate (DCC).

  5. Tracking expenses

    If you charge everything to your credit card without foreign transaction fees, you won't have to keep track of different payment methods or currency exchange fees.

How to save on credit card fees when traveling abroad

When using your credit card internationally, follow these tips to ensure you’re spending your money wisely and not racking up unnecessary fees.

  • Have a mix of credit cards. The excessive cost of foreign transaction fees can ruin a great experience when traveling abroad. While traveling internationally, you should use at least one credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees if you want to keep these charges to a minimum. Be aware that not every credit card will work in every country, so before you go on your trip, make sure at least a couple of your credit cards use networks available in the places you’ll visit.
  • Avoid cash advance fees. Withdrawing cash from an ATM with your credit card could cost you up to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn with each transaction. Additionally, you’ll also be on the hook for interest charges that are typically much higher than the normal interest charges you pay for carrying a balance. Try to avoid having to take out a cash advance by keeping some cash or a debit card on hand for emergencies.
  • Check if you’re eligible for VAT refunds. Value-added tax (VAT) is a flat tax levied on purchases. The consumer owes the full amount of the tax to the government at the time of purchase. Some destinations offer visitors a refund on value-added tax for goods or merchandise. Details will vary by country, but typically you’ll need to ask the merchant to help you fill out a tax form and then show that form to customs upon your departure.
  • Have a chip-and-PIN credit card.  If it's time for you to get a new card, go for one that has both a chip and a PIN — as it can save you from having to get cash from an ATM when you're visiting another country, and the transaction fee might be less than the foreign exchange fee the bank tacks on to your withdrawal. These cards will have a small metallic computer chip and require a 4-digit personal identification number to help verify purchases. These cards are also more secure in general if you don’t want to worry about any fraudulent activity like stolen card data or a stolen physical card.

Should I get a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card or traveler’s checks?

Whether you should get traveler’s checks or a credit card with no foreign transaction fee depends on your preferences, but keep in mind that getting traveler's checks may be more difficult than using a credit card. Some banks no longer offer traveler's checks, so you may have to jump through more hoops to get them. 

However, with a credit card you can enjoy the same protections and benefits as you would with a traveler's check, such as:

  • Replacement protection: If you lose or have your traveler's checks stolen, you can replace them, but many credit cards also come with replacement protection. If your card is lost or stolen, you may notify your issuer and they will deactivate the existing card and send you a new one.
  • Broad acceptance: You could use traveler's checks at places that didn't take personal checks. However, you wouldn't have to worry about acceptance with a Visa or Mastercard credit card. 
  • Cash alternative:  While an added benefit of a traveler's check is that you could exchange it for cash, using a credit card with adequate security features makes using cash internationally unnecessary.

Alternatives to cards with no foreign transaction fees

If you're looking for an alternative to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, here are some great options:

  • Travel

    Using a traveler's check

    When obtained through an eligible bank, you can use a traveler’s check almost anywhere in the world to make purchases. The paper document is cashed in exchange for local currency once you’re abroad. They are also safer than carrying cash, since you can replace them if they are stolen or lost.

  • Credit Card

    Using a prepaid debit card

    These cards let you load money onto them at home, then use them to make purchases wherever you go — no matter where in the world you are. You can even use these cards online or over the phone, just as if they were a traditional credit card.

  • Bank

    Exchanging currency before you travel

    It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case you're somewhere that doesn’t accept credit cards. Before you travel, stop by your local bank and ask to exchange your dollars for your destination’s currency. Your bank will likely charge lower exchange fees than you’ll find at the airport (or none at all).

How we assess the best cards with no foreign transaction fee

Checkmark
250+
cards rated
Rewards
50+
rewards programs valued
Search
5000
data points analyzed
Congrats
40+
perks evaluated

When evaluating the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fee, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards to scoring a large sign-up bonus to saving on interest.

We analyzed over 250 of the most popular credit cards and selected standouts that carry no foreign transaction fee. We scored each card based on the factors most relevant to its primary category, including its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, intro APR period, ongoing APR, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Frequently asked questions about no foreign transaction fee credit cards

Ask the experts: Is it worth it to get a credit card with no foreign transaction fee for a one-time overseas trip?


Contributor, Credit Cards

Absolutely! Foreign transaction fees can be expensive. Unless you have a credit card that does not charge them, be prepared to be charged an extra 3 percent on your transactions. For example, if you take a trip to France and spend $5,000 on your card, an additional $150 may be added to that amount. Your money could have gone to a lovely meal at a special café instead. The good news is that there are many credit cards available that do not charge foreign transaction fees. If you know that you will be traveling internationally, apply for one before you go.

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Depending on how much you plan to spend on your trip, and assuming you don’t already have a card with no foreign transaction fees, it may be worth it to shop for a card that will help you avoid the 3 percent typical fee. Be aware that most recommended cards will require good to excellent credit in order to be approved. You may want to consider zero-fee cards which also have other perks or rewards you will use in the future.

Contributor, Personal Finance

There are so many card options out there these days that there is absolutely no reason to use any of your vacation money to pay foreign transaction fees on your credit card. Even if you only take a big international trip just once a year, you’ll always be better off using a card with no foreign transaction fees. If you don’t already have one in your wallet, I’d recommend a Visa over American Express or MasterCard for ease of international acceptance. You can even find one like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card that has no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee.