| *Advertiser disclosure: Capture the Atlas has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers, although the site does not include all card companies, or all available card offers. Capture the Atlas and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers, which may impact how and where cards appear on the site. |
When traveling abroad, one of the best things you can do is bring along a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. This is one of our top tips to travel cheaply, and it will come in handy when you’re making ATM withdrawals and purchases overseas or even online with a retailer outside of the U.S.
We’ve been traveling around the world for several years now, so we have a lot of experience with spending money in different countries. Figuring out your money situation before you go abroad is one of the most important steps in planning your trip, although it can be stressful and overwhelming.
10 Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
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, including their annual fees, rewards benefits, and other perks, as well as to learn what a foreign transaction fee is.
I also recommend looking at our guide to the best travel credit cards, where you’ll find several of these zero foreign transaction fee credit cards.
10 Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
In addition to international spending fees, you should also think about factors like annual fees, rewards, and welcome offers. After reviewing a handful of the most popular travel cards, I’ve found ten great ones to choose from, depending on what kind of benefits you want.
To sum up, these are the 10 best no foreign transaction fee credit cards:
- American Express® Gold Card, a luxury credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Capital One Venture Rewards, the best starter credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards, one of the top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, a cash back credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Citi Premier® Card, the best no foreign transaction fee credit card with dining rewards
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, another no foreign transaction fee credit card with extra perks
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®, the best travel rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold®, the best hotel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards, a credit card with no foreign transaction fee or annual fee
- Discover it® Miles, another beginner-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees
1. American Express® Gold Card, a luxury credit card with no foreign transaction fees
If you like to travel in style, the American Express Gold Card is for you. Enjoy great reward rates and a generous welcome offer of 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months. Plus, get annual dining and Uber credits of up to $120 each (enrollment required for select benefits). While this AmEx card has no foreign transaction fees, you should be aware that American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard. Also, the $250 annual fee is a bit steep.
- Welcome offer: 60,000 points
- Estimated value: $600†
- Annual fee: $250 (Rates & Fees)
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants; 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per year in purchases; 3x Membership Rewards points for flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 1x Membership Rewards points on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the best starter credit card with no foreign transaction fees
If you’re looking for a Capital One credit card with no foreign transaction fees, consider Capital One Venture Rewards. This Visa credit card is widely accepted 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, every day. Plus, you can get up to a $100 statement credit to use for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application.
- Welcome offer: 75,000 points
- Estimated value: $750†
- 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
3. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, one of the top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Here is another Capital One credit card with no foreign transaction fees. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards card has fewer benefits than some of the other cards on this list, but you’ll still earn 5x miles per dollar 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. In addition, there is no limit to how many 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, this is a great option.
- Welcome offer: 20,000 points
- Estimated value: $200†
- 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
Last but not least, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is another option to consider. This Capital One credit card has no foreign transaction fees, no annual fee, and a welcome offer for new cardholders. Therefore, it’s another good starter card, especially since you only have to spend $500 in your first three months to earn the welcome offer. Plus, it’s a Visa, so it’s a great card to have on hand while traveling internationally.
- Welcome offer: 20,000 points
- Estimated value: $200†
- 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
The Citi Premier Card is a Mastercard, so you should be able to use it around the globe at most places. It has a small annual fee but a great welcome offer of 60,000 points, which you can transfer to several airline loyalty programs. This no foreign transaction fee Citi card also offers a $100 annual hotel savings credit you can put toward a stay of $500 or more.
- 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 extra rewards and travel benefits, check out the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card. It’s the best no foreign transaction fee credit card from U.S. Bank, offering up to 5x points on travel purchases. You may also take advantage of 1x points on all other purchases, an annual $30 credit for streaming services, and up to $100 in statement credits when you use 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
- Estimated value: $500†
- Annual fee: $95 (waived for first year)
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 5x points on hotels/rental cars booked through Altitude Rewards Center; 4x points on gas, EV charging stations, and other travel expenses; 2x points on groceries, dining, streaming services; 1x points on all other purchases
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred®, the best credit card with no foreign transaction fees
First, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a Visa credit card, so you shouldn’t have problems using it around the world. It does have an annual fee, but it’s relatively small, and the rewards rate makes up for it. For example, you can earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3x points on dining (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs). You’ll also get 2x points on all other travel purchases and a complimentary DashPass membership ($96 value) every year with $10k in annual card spend. DashPass members enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on every eligible order (you must activate before December 31, 2024). As long as you have a good credit score rating, you should get approved, so it’s the best no foreign transaction fee credit card from Chase for beginners.
- Welcome offer: 60,000 points
- Estimated value: $750†
- Annual fee: $95
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 5x points on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3x points on dining; 2x points on all other travel purchases; $50 Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
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 good starter travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Along with no annual fee, it has a decent welcome offer and additional travel benefits. Some perks of this card include 15 yearly Elite Night Credits to use at Marriott properties, as well as lost or delayed luggage reimbursement. As a Visa card, it’s one of the best credit cards with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee that you can use worldwide.
- Welcome offer: 30,000 points
- Estimated value: $250†
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 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, so it’s accepted worldwide. In addition to being a no foreign transaction fee credit card, it has no annual fees and a secure chip-and-PIN system. You can redeem your points for all kinds of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and properties, restaurants, and attractions. That said, it’s best suited to Bank of America account holders, who can earn maximum benefits.
- Welcome offer: 25,000 points
- Estimated value: $250†
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases
10. Discover it® Miles, another beginner-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Discover it Miles is a Discover card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, nor does it have an annual fee. In addition, there is no minimum spending requirement and no limit to how many miles you can earn. As a welcome offer, any points you earn in your first year will be doubled by Discover Match. This no foreign transaction fee Discover credit card is accepted around the world, although you won’t be able to use it in several countries in the Caribbean, eastern Europe, and South America.
- Welcome offer: Discover Match (double the points you earn in your first year)
- Estimated value: Varies (depend on how much you spend)
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 0%
- Rewards rate: 5x miles per $1 on every purchase
Comparing the best no foreign transaction fee cards
Here is a table showing the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees, including a comparison of annual fees, welcome offers, and rewards rates.
CARD | FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE | ANNUAL FEE | WELCOME OFFER | ESTIMATED VALUE ℹ️ | REWARDS RATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0% | $95 | 60,000 pts | $750 | • 5x pts 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 restaurants, 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 restaurants |
|
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 pts | $200 | • 5% cash back on hotels/rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
|
0% | $0 | 25,000 pts | $250 | • Unlimited 1.5 pts per $1 on all purchases |
|
0% | $0 | Discover Match (double the points you earn in your first year) | Varies (depends on how much you spend) | • 1.5x miles per $1 on every purchase |
|
BEST NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE CREDIT CARDS |
|||||
What is a foreign transaction fee?
A foreign transaction fee is what card issuers and banks charge when you withdraw money from a foreign ATM or make a purchase outside of the U.S., even if you’re buying something online. Unless you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you’ll probably end up paying a 1% to 5% foreign transaction fee on each purchase.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees while abroad
Now that you know what a foreign transaction fee is, here are the top tips for avoiding these pesky fees while you’re overseas:
- Notify your bank before your trip and make sure you know whether or not your card charges for foreign transactions.
- Bring two or more cards, including a debit card with zero international fees. Also, consider opening a Wise account or getting a Revolut card if you plan on sending or receiving money while abroad.
- Avoid extra ATM fees by using your debit card to make withdrawals, if necessary.
- Have some local currency on hand and wait to exchange your currency until you reach your destination.
- Decline the dynamic currency conversion option and instead, choose to pay in the local currency at your destination.
- If you’re traveling to Europe, consider applying for a VAT refund to get some money back for paying foreign sales tax.
- Make sure your credit card is a chip-and-PIN card for added protection against fraudulent purchases.
FAQs – No foreign transaction fee credit cards
If you’re still unsure about no foreign transaction fee credit cards, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
Do exchange rates affect foreign transaction fees?
The exchange rate won’t directly affect foreign transaction fees since the fees are determined by the card issuer. That said, while the fee percentage won’t change, the fee’s dollar amount can change, depending on the exchange rate.
What is the best no foreign transaction fee credit card?
There are several great credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Depending on what kind of benefits you’re looking for, you can find top-rated cards from Chase, AmEx, Capital One, and more.
Will I get charged for using my credit card abroad?
If you have a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees, you can avoid paying extra charges for purchases abroad.
When do I pay a foreign transaction fee?
The foreign transaction fee gets applied to your credit card statement, so you can pay it when you pay off your balance each month.
Should I use my credit card or exchange my money abroad?
You’ll save the most money if you use your no foreign transaction fee credit card abroad and stick to the local currency.
I hope this guide cleared up any confusion you had about what a foreign transaction fee is and how to avoid extra charges while overseas. If you have any questions about choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you!
Until then, have a great trip!
*Advertiser disclosure: Capture the Atlas has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers, although the site does not include all card companies, or all available card offers. Capture the Atlas and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers, which may impact how and where cards appear on the site.
*Editorial disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses, and recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or any other entity included within the post.
