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Foreign transaction fees are just one of a number of unnecessary charges travelers and online shoppers are likely to come across. This surcharge can add up to 3 percent to the costs when making international purchases or withdrawing funds from a foreign ATM. Here’s what you need to know about our best credit cards for no foreign transaction fees and some tips on how to avoid other unnecessary fees when making international purchases.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1.5X
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
Intro offer
25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
With no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and a generous rewards program, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a safe bet for low cost of ownership and high levels of travel rewards, particularly if you’re a Bank of America customer.
Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can improve on their rewards rate with a bonus of 25 percent to 75 percent depending on their membership tier.
You can redeem your points for any travel purchase.
Cons
You need a minimum of 2,500 points to start redeeming your rewards.
There are no bonus categories to further maximize rewards.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. After the intro APR offer ends, 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR will apply.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
$200
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
One of a handful of cash back credit cards that skip foreign transaction fees, this popular Capital One card combines consumer-friendly terms with a decent rewards program. We particularly like it for first-time rewards credit cardholders.
There’s no minimum requirements for redeeming cash back.
You can redeem rewards for previous purchases.
Cons
You could earn more rewards with other flat-rate or bonus category cash back cards.
The 16.49 percent to 26.49 percent ongoing variable APR is higher when compared to competitor cards.
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 16.49%-26.49% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
1.25X
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro offer
20,000 miles
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Truly a travel card for the fee-averse, this alternative to Capital One’s flagship Venture Rewards Credit Card offers lower rewards in exchange for a $0 annual fee. It maintains other consumer-friendly features, including no foreign transaction fees and flexible redemption options.
There’s a low spending requirement associated with the card’s current welcome offer.
You could potentially increase the value of your miles by transferring them to Capital One’s travel partners.
Cons
Depending on your spending habits, you could earn more with the traditional Venture card, even after paying its annual fee.
Capital One’s transfer partners currently do not include a major U.S. airline.
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 16.49% - 26.49% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
3x
3x on dining.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
17.49% - 24.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This popular travel credit card operates on all cylinders, touting an excellent rewards rate on travel and dining, a lucrative sign-up bonus, robust ancillary perks (like trip cancellation insurance), and, yes, no foreign transaction fees.
This card typically has a great sign-up bonus offer.
Points are worth 25 percent more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Cons
The $95 annual fee, though relatively low for the category, might price this card out of some travelers’ budgets.
There’s a steep spending requirement associated with the card’s sign-up bonus.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.49% - 24.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This classic card from Discover pairs forgiving terms (like no penalty APR for missed payments) with a generous rotating category cash back rewards program, making it a rare cash back credit card that skips foreign transaction fees. Its first-year Cashback Match™ sweetens the deal.
There’s no annual fee and Discover will waive your first late fee (up to $41 after that; missed payments will affect your credit.)
Rotating bonus categories tend to include everyday expenses like gas stations and grocery stores.
Cons
The card’s value goes down after the first year when the cash back match is no longer on the table.
Maximizing rewards takes some legwork; you have to enroll in bonus categories each quarter to earn the extra cash back.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
New Intro APR: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 13.49% to 24.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro offer
75,000 miles
New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
17.49% - 25.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
No foreign transaction fees are one standout feature of this overall stellar travel credit card, which also features a generous 2X miles on purchases, a lucrative welcome offer and an up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 23.49% Variable
Recommended credit
No Credit History
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
A top choice for students (particularly if you’re studying abroad, given the lack of foreign transaction fees), the Discover it Student Cash Back touts an uber-generous rewards program and consumer-friendly terms, including no annual fee. Consider applying if you don’t mind managing rotating cash back bonus categories.
It's a lucrative rewards credit cards available to students.
This card carries no annual fee, perfect for first-time cardholders.
Cons
Rotating cash back categories might be confusing to credit card newbies.
The opportunity to earn rewards could prove distracting to undisciplined spenders.
No credit score required to apply.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 14.49% - 23.49% applies.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$250
Regular APR
18.24%-25.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
International travelers who always remember to pack their appetites will find the American Express Gold Card a rich source of travel rewards, without swallowing foreign transaction fees. The generous rewards and annual credits should go a long way toward offsetting the card's $250 annual fee.
This card offers best-in-class base rewards on food purchases.
Features travel and shopping protections, including trip delay insurance, baggage insurance and extended warranty coverage.
Cons
Earning the full value of some of this card’s credits requires careful attention to the terms and conditions.
The steep annual fee will price this card out of many non-frequent flyers’ budgets.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
Updated $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10X
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5X
5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
18.49% - 25.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you’re looking for some middle ground in the realm of luxury travel cards, this one has a lot to offer. With a $395 annual fee (about half of the $600+ annual fees on other luxury travel cards), you still get some of the best travel protections, lounge access opportunities and annual statement credits. Bonus: the statement credits you earn will put a nice dent in the annual fee.
Pros
You’ll get up to $300 in annual statement credits for Capital One Travel purchases.
Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Select membership to over 1,400 lounges worldwide.
Cons
There is a $395 annual fee to carry this card.
There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,400+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1.5X
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
Intro offer
Discover Match®
Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.49% - 24.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This budget-friendly travel credit card sweetens a decent return on purchases with a generous first-year welcome offer and consumer-friendly terms, like no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Sometimes-travelers should consider applying.
Miles don’t lose value when they are redeemed for cash back.
Discover lets you skip your first late fee (up to $41 each time after that; missed payments will hurt your credit score.)
Cons
There are no ancillary travel benefits or other standard credit card perks.
The card’s value drops in the second year as there’s no longer a match for miles on the table.
Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
New Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 13.49% - 24.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch either on the mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10x
Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
5x
Earn 5x total points on air travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3x
Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
1x
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
18.49% - 25.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This popular luxury travel credit card from Chase comes fully loaded, featuring generous base rewards, a sweet sign-up bonus, ancillary perks (including airport lounge access and certain travel protections) and a high-value travel credit that’ll go a long way toward recouping the steep $550 annual fee.
The annual travel credit is one of the easiest credits on the market to redeem.
You’ll get a 50 percent boost when you redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Reward.
Cons
The steep annual fee will price this card out of a budget traveler’s budget.
The card’s lounge access pales a bit in comparison to comparable luxury credit cards.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
With Pay Yourself Back(SM), your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
The information about the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card By Citi, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, and Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Compare Bankrate’s top no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards
A closer look at the top no-foreign-transaction fee credit cards
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card: Best for no annual fee
What we love about the Bank of America Travel Rewards card: If you book travel through Bank of America Travel Center, you can earn an additional 1.5 points per dollar for a total of 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, hotels and rental cars. Plus, purchases at campgrounds, zoos, art galleries, aquariums and more can be redeemed for travel statement credits.
Who this card is good for: This card offers solid travel rewards and nonrestrictive redemption options for travelers looking for flexibility.
Alternatives: This credit card lacks premium perks like airport lounge access that many luxury travelers are looking for, so a traveler searching for premium rewards and perks might find a card like The Platinum Card® from American Express to be a better fit.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for cash back on international purchases
What we love about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card: You can automatically redeem your cash back, making this one of the most streamlined rewards experiences out there.
Who this card is good for: Simplicity lovers and credit card beginners, as this card provides a simple solid rewards structure for no annual fee.
Alternatives: If you’re looking to maximize cash back earnings in multiple categories or have a higher rewards rate, we would suggest the Discover it Cash Back card.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for foreign travel beginners
What we love about the Capital One VentureOne Rewards card: Capital One lets you redeem miles as statement credits to cover travel purchases made in the previous 90 days. This feature gives you extra flexibility to hunt for deals on third-party sites or book travel before you’ve earned all the miles you’d need to book through the portal.
Who this card is good for: Someone who only travels occasionally and wants to earn miles on everyday purchases, as cardholders will earn a respectable 1.25X miles on all purchases.
Alternatives: While this is a great card for someone who doesn’t want to worry about offsetting the cost of an annual fee, travel rewards maximizers who travel often are likely better off with a more premium card such as the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for redemption flexibility
What we love about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred’s sign-up bonus is a steal, competing with bonuses offered by luxury cards with much higher annual fees. You can also enjoy elite ongoing value at a budget price with its robust travel protections and 25 percent redemption boost toward Ultimate Rewards travel.
Who this card is good for: Occasional travelers seeking flexibility, as points transfer at a 1:1 ratio when booking hotels and airlines with Chase’s extensive list of travel partners.
Discover it Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back categories
What we love about the Discover it Cash Back card: This card’s terrific category variety, rock-bottom rates and fees, first-year Cashback Match™and bonus category calendar announced for the full year give it an exclusive edge.
Who this card is good for: People who enjoy bonus category variety to cover popular seasonal expenses or already have a card that rewards staple categories year round like purchases on groceries.
Alternatives: The Discover it rewards program requires that cardholders activate a bonus category each quarter, track their spending and potentially change how they spend to maximize rewards, so the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card may be more suitable if you’re looking for a more low-maintenance rewards strategy.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for travel rewards
What we love about the Capital One Venture Rewards card: You can earn unlimited 2X miles on all purchases, which can be very lucrative even without a jet-setting lifestyle since your everyday purchases rack up as many bonus miles as your travel purchases.
Who this card is good for: Occasional travelers in search of flexible rewards (you’ll rack up unlimited 2X miles toward your next trip on all eligible purchases, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel for the road).
Alternatives: If you exclusively fly one airline or stay at one hotel chain, you’re probably better off with a co-branded card — and if you’re fee-averse, consider this card’s low-cost alternative, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card.
Discover it Student Cash Back: Best student cash back card
What we love about the Discover it Student Cash Back card: The Cashback Match is an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Unlike a sign-up bonus, there’s no spending minimum, so there’s less pressure to overspend.
Who this card is good for: Students with a limited credit history ready to dive into the world of credit card rewards. Along with a generous cash back program, this card boasts Discover’s acclaimed customer service and minimal fees, making it an ideal starter pick for credit newbies.
Alternatives: If you don’t want to activate the card’s rotating bonus categories each quarter, the Discover it® Student chrome, which has a more simplified rewards program, is a better alternative.
American Express Gold Card: Best for international dining
What we love about the American Express Gold card: Although a few cards reward dining both at home and in restaurants, this card’s generous annual foodie-related credits are harder to come by.
Who this card is good for: Foodies who want to earn travel rewards on their meals at home and abroad (you’ll earn boosted points on dining at restaurants, Uber Eats and at U.S. supermarkets).
Alternatives: For travelers seeking premium travel perks like airport lounge access, you’d be better off with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, as it comes with some of the highest rewards for travel and dining compared to other luxury travel cards.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for premium travel benefits
What we love about the Capital One Venture X Rewards card: It strikes a unique balance between premium and mid-tier travel card features. You’ll still get plenty of top-of-the-line travel benefits without having to pay extra for niche perks that you may not use in the long term.
Who this card is good for: Frequent travelers who want to cash in on essential travel benefits but don’t need elite cards’ bloated features and over $500 in annual fees.
Alternatives: If you’re looking for travel that rewards your particular travel habits, there are cards with more brand-specific perks on things like booking with certain airlines or hotels, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
Discover it Miles: Best for first-year miles bonus
What we love about the Discover it Miles card: Discover will automatically match all miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year, which could prove even more valuable than a traditional sign-up bonus. It’s also one of the few travel cards that lets you redeem miles for cash back without sacrificing rewards value.
Who this card is good for: Occasional travelers looking for a simple rewards program and flexible redemption options.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for luxury card perks
What we love about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which is much more flexible than many of the credits you’ll find on competing cards. Your points are also worth 50 percent more when you redeem for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Who this card is good for: Frequent travelers looking to capitalize on travel and dining purchases.
Alternatives: If you only travel occasionally, aren’t comfortable with a hefty annual fee or you’re not sure you’d get $550 of value out of this card each year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a better choice.
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 to properly bill you. It may seem like any other transaction from your perspective, but the credit card issuer pays various costs associated with currency conversion, including transferring money through a foreign bank and more.
Many issuers offset these costs by charging a foreign transaction fee for overseas purchases.
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 actually cost you more most of the time because the price will include a currency conversion fee.
Why do banks charge a foreign transaction fee?
Overseas transactions are a bit more complex than standard transactions as they require banks to convert the money spent into U.S dollars. Foreign transaction fees are essentially a charge for this service. The total fee that 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 do not charge foreign transaction fees on any of their credit cards.
Foreign transaction fees are becoming less common, particularly among premium or travel credit cards, due to automation improvements in the global banking system. 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 waive this fee, you’ll likely be charged a foreign transaction fee for:
Hotel bookings: While it largely depends on the location of the hotel and the specific travel provider, you may be charged 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, you may be charged 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.
How much are foreign transaction fees?
Depending on the issuer and card, a foreign transaction fee will typically range from 1 percent to 3 percent. Here’s what that might look like:
Foreign purchase in dollars
+3% foreign transaction fee
+5% foreign transaction fee
$50
$50.50
$51.50
$100
$101
$103
$500
$505
$515
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. To make matters worse, you may also have to deal with other common credit card fees that can erode your purchasing power. When traveling overseas or shopping with international vendors, watch out for other common fees, including cash advance fees, ATM fees and conversion fees.
Who should get a no-foreign-transaction fee credit card?
One less fee to worry about is always a nice thing, but do you really need to prioritize no foreign transaction fees when looking for a credit card? For some people, this feature can save hundreds of dollars.
It may go without saying, but if you travel outside of the U.S. often, you should get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Being charged a foreign transaction fee on every swipe can amount to hundreds of dollars over the course of a year for a frequent international traveler.
Unfortunately, you can get burned by foreign transaction fees without leaving your couch. If you make an online purchase from a non-U.S. merchant, you’ll be charged a foreign transaction fee because the money is still passing through a foreign bank.
Even if you aren’t currently traveling, it’s smart to plan ahead. If you’re a student planning to study abroad or do some post-graduate traveling, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees should be in your wallet.
How to choose the best card with no foreign transaction fees
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 are a few things to think about when searching for a card with no foreign transaction fee:
If you want to get rewarded for how you spend in addition to skipping out on foreign transaction fees, look for cards that offer bonus rewards in categories that match your spending habits. In addition to travel cards offering points or miles, some of the best no-foreign-transaction-fee cards offer cash back rewards on popular spending categories.
If you are trying to choose a travel credit card, make sure you compare the full suite of benefits each one is offering. In addition to base rewards and no foreign transaction fees, top-tier travel credit cards commonly offer trip cancellation insurance, supplemental auto insurance, free checked bags, free amenities, like Wi-Fi or complimentary breakfast, airport lounge access and other notable travel benefits and coverages.
Annual fees are common among mid-tier and premium travel credit cards, which frequently skip foreign transaction fees. When considering cards with an annual fee, it’s important to weigh whether that fee can be offset or recouped with reward earnings, added benefits and perks, or if you can just generally shoulder the added cost. Luckily, there are many cards on the market that have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. Keep in mind that you may find some cards charging an annual fee are worth it due to the high-end rewards they offer.
Some cards that skip foreign transaction fees also offer other consumer-friendly terms. Others tout no foreign transaction fees as one of many travel perks. In either case, it’s important to know what fees you might incur (and how much you’ll be charged) while comparing options. Common credit card fees include annual fees, late fees (usually around up to $40 for each missed payment), balance transfer fees (usually 3 percent to 5 percent of the amount you’re transferring), cash advance fees and returned payment fees.
The annual percentage rate (APR) or interest rate on a card is a key facet to consider when picking a card with no foreign transaction fee. Some rewards credit cards have APRs that are usually on the higher end of average, which can mean a lot when it comes to carrying a balance on the card and what purchases you make abroad. Be sure to know what you’ll be charged if you can’t pay your bills off in full each month.
Still unsure if a no foreign transaction fee credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool, where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
Foreign transaction fees and credit card issuers
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’s 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:
The foreign transaction fee is 2.7 percent. American Express operates its own payment network, so a network processing fee doesn’t apply. American Express cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees include:
The foreign transaction fee is 3 percent (2 percent by Bank of America, 1 percent network processing). Bank of America cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees include:
The foreign transaction fee is 0 percent — Capital One doesn’t charge the fee and absorbs the 1 percent network processing fee. Even Capital One student cards and other Capital One starter cards waive foreign transaction fees, which helps elevate these options as some of the best in their class. Capital One’s no-foreign-transaction-fee cards include:
The foreign transaction fee is 3 percent (2 percent by Citi, 1 percent network processing). Citi cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees include:
The foreign transaction fee is 0 percent — Discover doesn’t charge the fee and operates its own payment network, so networking processing fees don’t apply. Note: Discover cards are not as widely accepted internationally as cards in the Visa, Mastercard and American Express networks. Discover’s no-foreign-transaction-fee cards include:
Money talks, but your money needs a translator when it goes overseas. Here are the important actions to take before traveling abroad with your credit card:
Contact your credit card issuer before you go
Purchases made on your credit card far from home could get flagged as suspicious. Notifying your card issuer that you’re traveling internationally will help avoid any inconveniences like frozen accounts due to suspected fraud.
Use a widely accepted credit card
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards worldwide. That means if a retailer accepts credit cards, you can typically rest assured that you’re covered if you carry one of those two cards.
Discover and American Express have similar acceptance rates to Visa and Mastercard in the U.S., but still lag behind in other countries. So if your go-to credit card is a Discover or Amex card, it’s a good idea to have a Visa or Mastercard as backup.
Take your chip and PIN credit card
Chip and PIN cards require users to enter a four-digit code after they insert their card into a card reader. These cards are more effective at cutting down on fraudulent charges than older cards that use a magnetic stripe along the back.
If you have a chip and signature card, you’ll be able to make most purchases when traveling abroad, but may run into problems at vending machines and self-service kiosks and gas stations. When that happens, you may need to use cash. If you’re unsure whether you have a chip and PIN card, check with your credit card issuer.
Bring cash as backup
It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand in case of an emergency. It may even be helpful to get it ahead of time at your bank or credit union since those locations may also be the best place to exchange your currency at the best rates before traveling abroad. Just make sure to only bring enough cash to use as a backup payment option.
While convenient, cash is easy to misplace, and there’s little you can do to replace it if it’s lost or stolen. If your credit card is lost or stolen, the maximum amount of fraudulent purchases you can be liable for is $50, thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act. Have your card issuer’s customer service number ready so you can report your card as lost or stolen quickly if you notice that it’s missing.
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.
Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card. Make sure you have at least one credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. This feature is one of the easiest ways to avoid adding up to 3 percent of the purchase price to your total cost each time you use your card.
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. On top of that, you’ll also be on the hook for interest charges that are typically 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.
Avoid dynamic currency conversion. Overseas merchants may offer to convert your credit card transaction to your local currency using dynamic currency conversion. Dynamic currency conversion almost always costs the consumer more than what the credit card issuer charges. On top of that, you’ll likely still be charged a foreign exchange fee because a foreign bank will process the transaction. Paying in the local currency will usually be the less expensive option.
Exchange currency before you travel. It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case you’re shopping 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).
Check if you’re eligible for VAT refunds. VAT or value-added tax 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.
The more you know…
Due to impacts of the pandemic, many cardholders requested a fee waiver for items such as annual fees or late payment fees. Of those who asked for a waiver, 82% got some form of relief, according to Bankrate’s study.
How we chose our top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Bankrate uses a comprehensive system to evaluate credit cards and produce a 5-star score. In the case of no-foreign-transaction-fee cards, we’ve emphasized the criteria most relevant to consumers looking to maximize the value of their international purchases.
Annual fee
Most cards on our list are free of both annual fees and foreign transaction fees. However, some annual-fee cards offer incentives, like a large welcome or introductory offer, that offset the yearly cost of membership. For this category, we evaluated whether the total value justifies the cost of using the card.
Rewards value
We place priority on cards that put money back in your wallet — regardless of whether you're using it in Tucson or Tuscany. For each card, we've evaluated the earnings rate and corresponding redemption value to identify the cards that accomplish more than just offering a line of credit.
Additional perks
Travel perks may not be your main motivation for getting a no foreign transaction fee card, but they often provide additional benefits that increase the card’s total value. Several credit card issuers offer additional features, like travel accident insurance or trip delay insurance, to make their cards more useful to consumers.
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
Frequently asked questions about no foreign transaction fee credit cards
Capital One and Discover are two of the only financial institutions that charge no foreign transaction fees on any of their credit cards. This will come in handy when shopping directly with foreign merchants.
To avoid foreign transaction fees when using an ATM, consider opening a bank account with an institution that doesn’t charge international withdrawal ATM fees. Some of the best options include:
Capital One 360
Chime
Charles Schwab Bank
Sofi Money
You’ll still have to watch out for other fees your bank may charge like out-of-network ATM fees and currency conversion fees.
The best overall card for international transactions will vary depending on your specific overseas travel needs, but Bankrate has rated cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the American Express Gold card, and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards card as some of the best cards with no foreign transaction fee.
Foreign transaction fees typically show up on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle and get paid when you pay your credit card balance.
If you’re curious to know how much you’ll pay for a foreign transaction fee, multiply the price of the purchase by the fee percentage. Then add the result to the purchase price.
For example, let’s say your nephew’s favorite soccer team is Manchester United F.C., so you buy him a jersey from an online retailer based in England using a credit card that charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee. If this purchase costs $100, the fee would be $3 and bring your total cost to $103 ($100 x 3 percent = $3, $100 + $3 = $103).
A dynamic currency conversion (DCC) converts an overseas credit card transaction into your home currency. Merchants market DCCs as a convenient way to help travelers understand the cost of a foreign purchase in real time.
However, DCCs are optional, and you should typically decline them. They won’t help you avoid foreign transaction fees and may even come with a conversion fee that can be as high as 7 percent to 8 percent of the purchase price.
Mariah Ackary is a personal finance editor who joined the Bankrate team in 2019, excited by the opportunity to help people make good financial decisions. Send your questions to mackary@bankrate.com
Former Senior Editor Barry Bridges has been writing about credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other personal finance products since 2017. Before joining Bankrate, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist in his native North Carolina.
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