Best Travel Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

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* Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

Surprise fees suck. No one wants to go on vacation and quietly accumulate nuisance fees, increasing the price of their excursion, just for using a credit card. We’ve built this guide to help you sort out a special class of worry-free travel buddies: credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. 

No foreign fee transaction cards are exactly what they sound like: credit cards that do not charge you extra fees when you’re out galavanting in a foreign country. These cards are another way that How To Money listeners can make their travel dollars stretch further, no matter where in the world they travel. From Toronto to Timbuktu you’ll be avoiding unnecessary fees completely.

Here’s to cheaper travel and smarter spending, the How To Money way!

HTM picks for the best travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s our list of the best travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. A little further down, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of how to best use these cards, application requirements, and other nerdy stuff you might want to know! 

Disclaimer: When using credit cards, please remember to follow the golden rules of plastic to make the most of bonuses and perks without finding yourself swimming in debt. If you can’t pay your balance in full and on time every month, pump the breaks on applying for a new credit card until you’re more comfortable financially.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

HTM Rating: The champ

Here is the welcome offer for new cardholders: bonus_miles_full

You’ll also enjoy other travel trophies such as:

• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
• 5x points on travel booked through  Chase Travel℠ & 2x on other travel purchases
• 3x points on dining, food delivery services, and takeout
• 3x points on online grocery purchases 
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other everyday purchases

Plus, cardholders get free trip cancellation insurance and your primary rental car insurance is covered! So whether you want to avoid foreign transaction fees on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation or you often make purchases “across the pond,” you cannot go wrong with this card. 

Learn more: card_name

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

HTM Rating: No brainer

This card also has a annual_fees annual fee and a great sign-up bonus offer: bonus_miles_full

The perks that come with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card make it a smart choice for many members of the HTM crew:

• 5X miles on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on every purchase
• Free hotel room upgrades
• $100 credit for Global Entry & TSA Precheck
• 2 Free access passes to Capital One airport lounges every year

This card simplifies the rewards process without compromising on perks, making it highly valuable for occasional and frequent travelers looking to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Learn more: card_name

3. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

HTM Rating: Frugal find

New cardholders can earn bonus_miles_full. Pretty sweet!

Here’s more of what the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers for overseas purchasers:

• Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and at grocery stores
• Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel
• 10% cash back on Uber & Uber Eats purchases
• Free travel accident insurance
• Cash back never expires for open accounts

These perks can certainly come in handy when traveling or at home. Plus, cash back doesn’t expire as long as your account is open so you keep what you earn! 

Learn more: card_name

4. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

HTM Rating: The co-pilot

Fasten your seatbelts and cruise with these perks in your pocket:

• $75 annual travel credit
• 4 flight upgrades per year based on availability
• 25% back on inflight purchases
• 3 points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Reward hotels and car rentals
• 2 points per $1 on local transit services and public parking
• 2 points per $1 on internet, phone, and select streaming services
• 1 point per $1 on everyday purchases

Got a plus one? Consider adding the SW Companion Pass! You won’t regret it! 

Learn more: card_name

5. The Platinum Card® from American Express

HTM Rating: Mac daddy

Here are the welcome offer details: bonus_miles_full

And since you’re in the market for the best travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, take a look at this card’s other travel perks: 

• $200 annual airline credit for incidentals
• $200 annual hotel credit for Fine Hotels or Hotel Collection
• $240 annual digital entertainment credit
• $200 in Uber cash ($15/month and bonus in December)
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit for skipping airport TSA lines
• Airport lounge access 

And those are just the travel perks! You’ll also get a $300 annual Equinox credit, a free Walmart+ subscription, and more. So if you’re a frequent traveler and higher spender, a luxury card like this could easily have your name on it. Remember, you can always close the card after a year to take advantage of the perks and switch to a card with a lower annual fee that still works for your travel habits. 

Learn more: card_name

6. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

HTM Rating: Rockstar

You’ll bonus_miles_full

Here are some travel perks that scream celebrity status:

• $300 annual travel credit 
• $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• Unlimited access to Capital One airport lounges for you and 2 guests
• 10x miles on rental cars and hotels
• 5x miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on everyday purchases 

These cardholders also get 10,000 bonus miles every year on the account anniversary. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is definitely one to consider to maximize your spending and avoid extra fees when spending outside of the US. 

Learn more: card_name

7. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

HTM Rating: The hustler

bonus_miles_full

Here are some of the ways this card works hard for you:

• 3 points per $1 on purchases for internet, phone, and cable services, shipping, digital advertising, and travel
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases with no cap
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more 
• No expiration on cash back rewards as long as your account is open

This card is an excellent option for those who own a business and ship to overseas customers. And if you have employees, you can maximize your rewards with employee cards at no additional cost!

Learn more: card_name

8. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card 

HTM Rating: Savvy spender

Other card perks for our savvy spenders out there:

• Unlimited 5% cash back on rental cars and hotels
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases 
• 6-month Uber One membership
• Rewards don’t expire as long as the account is active
• Redeem cash back for any amount 

Plus if you’re considering a balance transfer, you’ll get 0% APR on transfers for 15 months. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is very attractive if you’re looking to spend little and receive big payoffs in cash back rewards. 

Learn more: card_name

9. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

HTM Rating: Globetrotter

We know you have a choice in selecting the best travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees and here are some other perks to choosing the card_name card:

• $300 travel credit every year
• 5x points on travel booked through  Chase Travel℠
• 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked via Chase
• 3x points on dining at restaurants & on eligible delivery and takeout!
• Ultimate rewards points do not expire in open accounts
• $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck or NEXUS Fee credit
• VIP Lounge access via Priority Pass for you and 2 guests

This card does have a annual_fees annual fee, but because each Chase Ultimate Rewards point is worth at least 1 cent (when exchanged for cash back), and more if redeemed through the Chase portal, it’s well worth the annual fee.

Plus, you’ll also enjoy a 1-year InstaCart and DoorDash membership—amazing if you’re making foreign purchases at home or across the globe. 

Learn more: card_name

10. Capital One Spark Miles for Business

HTM Rating: Road warrior

The good times don’t end there, here are more perks to make traveling and overseas purchases easy like a Sunday morning drive:

• $0 intro for first year; $95 after that
• 2x miles on everyday purchases
• 5x miles on rental cars and hotels booked via Capital One Travel
• $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Redeem miles for flights, hotel stays, and even vacation packages

Sometimes, you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. With double points on everyday purchases and flexible redeeming opportunities, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business card is a solid choice!

Learn more: card_name

11. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

HTM Rating: Gold star

Not only will you save money on your vacation by purchasing a Costco Travel package, but you also won’t ever see any foreign transaction fees.

Take a look at these buy-in-bulk benefits:

• $0 annual fee
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 4% cash back at Costco Gas and EV charging

And when you’re not on vacay, you’ll enjoy other benefits, including 2% cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases and an extra 2-year warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty on appliances, TVs, laptops, etc. 

Learn more: card_name

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There’s no such thing as having too much information when it comes to your finances. Below, we’re sharing even more about credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

What are no foreign transaction fee credit cards?

No foreign transaction fee credit cards eliminate the extra charges that are typically applied to purchases made in a foreign currency or outside the card issuer’s country.

Fee rates

Traditional credit cards often come with a hefty fee (typically 3%) on these transactions. These fees can quickly add up, significantly increasing the cost of spending on your fancy overseas trip. By removing this fee, these specialized credit cards offer a cost-effective solution when making purchases overseas or online shopping from international sites.

Why use no foreign transaction fee credit cards? 

Why pay for something when you can get it for free!? Using no foreign transaction fee credit cards can be a more strategic choice for your overall credit card game. It helps you avoid extra charges while abroad or making online purchases from international sites.

Benefits of credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees

No foreign transaction fee credit cards save you money by eliminating the 1-3% foreign transaction fee that many traditional credit cards impose by default. This feature makes them an invaluable financial tool for frequent international travelers and online shoppers who frequently buy stuff online from international retailers.

Avoid extra charges abroad

Opting for no foreign transaction fee credit cards that eliminate annoying fees allows you to relax more while traveling. You can fully immerse yourself in your well deserved overseas excursions without the worry of unnecessary or surprise charges. We want every dollar in your travel budget to be spent on enriching experiences, not on avoidable transaction fees.

Example of how you can save oversees

Example Scenario: Sarah, an avid traveler, used her no foreign transaction fee credit card during her month-long trip across Europe. By avoiding the typical 3% foreign transaction fee on her total expenses of $3,000, she saved $90. By saving this 90 bucks, she was able to spend that money instead on a 1-hour guided tour in Rome that she initially thought was out of reach.

Save on online foreign purchases

For savvy online shoppers that often buy from international websites, no foreign transaction fee credit cards offer a significant advantage. These cards eliminate the usual transaction fees that accumulate on cross-border purchases, making global marketplaces more accessible and budget-friendly. This benefit opens up a wider array of shopping options without the deterrent of additional costs.

How it works online

Case Study: Mark, a tech enthusiast who lives in Colorado, purchased a high-end camera from a Japanese online store. The camera cost $1,500, and by using his no foreign transaction fee card, Mark avoided the standard $45 fee (3% of the purchase price) that a traditional card would have charged. With that $45 saved, he splurged and invested in a fancy protective cover to keep his new camera safe. By using the right credit card and saving on fees, Mark can stretch his photography budget even further.

Key features of no foreign transaction fee credit cards to consider

To help find the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards that suit you, it’s a good idea to look beyond the basic feature of avoiding fees abroad.

Each travel card we recommend offers many other key features you should consider that can multiply your rewards. We always recommend folks analyze their personal lifestyle and spending patterns, and then find the right credit cards to match for the highest benefit. Digging deeper into no foreign transaction fee credit cards, here are some other attractive features to maximize rewards and protections.

Feature	Description
Low or No Annual Fees	Cards that either have a $0 annual fee or have a very low fee, making them cost-effective to keep in your wallet long term.
Reward Programs Tailored to Travel	Programs that offer points or miles for every dollar spent. These can be redeemed for travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, and more.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance	Coverage that includes trip cancellation, interruption insurance, lost luggage insurance, and emergency medical insurance.
No Foreign Transaction Fees	Cards that do not charge the typical 1-3% fee on transactions made in a foreign currency or outside the cardholder’s home country.

Applying for these cards

Applying for no foreign transaction fee credit cards starts with researching and comparing options online. The goal is to choose a card that you will easily qualify for, as well as best suits you and your spending habits. 

Understand eligibility criteria

Before applying for any credit card, it’s really important to understand the card issuer’s eligibility criteria. Each card criteria is different, and includes a bunch of factors.

Aspects of eligibility

Things like your credit score, income level, age, or even where you reside. It’s a good idea to double-check that you meet all these qualifications before applying. This will streamline the application process and prevent potential rejection.

Criteria	Description	Common Requirements
Credit Score	A numerical expression based on a level analysis of a person’s credit files, to represent the creditworthiness of an individual.	Typically, a score of 700 or higher is required to be approved for a travel credit card.
Income Level	The amount of money an individual earns annually, which can affect their ability to repay the credit.	Varies by card; some premium cards may require proof of higher income.
Age	Legal age requirement to apply for a credit card.	Must be at least 18 years old; under 21 may require proof of independent income or a co-signer.
Citizenship/Residency	The applicant’s legal status in the country where the credit card is issued.	Must be a citizen or a legal resident of the issuing country.

Apply online or in person

Once you’ve chosen the card you want and know you’ll meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to submit an application!

Online applications

You can apply online, which is obviously the most convenient way to submit your information electronically. Online applications usually take under 10 minutes, and most issuers give instant decisions if you’re approved.

In-person applications

However, if you prefer a more personal touch or face-to-face interaction, applying in person at a bank branch is also an option. 

Potential drawbacks of cards that charge no foreign transaction fees

Before you jump in and think these cards will solve all your travel problems, it’s important to note the potential downsides of no foreign transaction fee credit cards. Understanding these potential limitations is vital for ensuring you don’t get caught off guard later. There’s no sense in saving a bunch of money on transaction fees, if you have to pay an equal amount of fees in another area.

Possible higher annual fees

Probably the biggest aspect to consider with no foreign transaction fee credit cards is the potential for higher annual fees. Although you can save a bunch on foreign transaction fees (especially for frequent international spenders) the annual fees imposed by some of these cards may diminish those savings.

Annual fee vs. benefits

You must very carefully evaluate the annual fee in relation to the benefits you’ll likely receive, to make sure the card offers a net positive value.

Rewards may not suit all

The rewards programs associated with many no foreign transaction fee credit cards are typically designed with travelers in mind. So they might offer perks that don’t really align with everyone’s lifestyle.

For those who don’t travel often, pump the breaks

For those who travel less frequently, the discounts and perks included might not be as valuable. All in all, it’s important to research and understand how the rewards structure matches your spending patterns and lifestyle.

Credit card options

You’ll notice we recommend a lot of Chase and Capital One cards for travelers… This is because these issuers typically have the most flexible reward programs for redeeming points, beyond offering no foreign transaction fees.

Maximizing card benefits

To fully leverage the advantages of no foreign transaction fee credit cards, cardholders should be mindful in how they swipe their plastic!

Use for all eligible purchases

Maximizing the benefits of no foreign transaction fee credit cards involves using the card for all eligible purchases. This strategy ensures that each transaction, particularly those in foreign currencies, leverages the card’s potential to save on fees and accumulate valuable rewards. Even when you’re not traveling overseas, incorporating the card into daily spending might let you exploit the other card benefits, like accumulating points or cash back.

Strategies & Tips

Here are some HTM-approved tips and tricks to make sure you get the most of your credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Set as Default Payment

Make your no foreign transaction fee card the default payment option on frequently used online shopping sites and apps. While you’re traveling overseas, make sure you use it for all purchases to avoid those transaction fees! If you use a payment app on your phone (like Apple Pay or iPhone Wallet), make sure the right credit card is synced to that account.

Add an Authorized User to your credit card

If you’re traveling overseas with a spouse or trusted partner, consider adding them as an authorized user to your account. This will give them their own card, so they can get the benefit of no transaction fees while traveling, too.

Use for Recurring Payments

Switching all your recurring payments, such as subscriptions and utility bills, to your no foreign transaction fee card can maximize other rewards accumulation.

Visual Reminders

Place a sticker or a note on your regular use items, like your phone or laptop, to remind you to use your no foreign transaction fee card for online purchases on foreign sites.

Combine loyalty programs

Combining no foreign transaction fee credit cards with loyalty programs can significantly boost the card’s value. This approach multiplies the rewards of every purchase by adding loyalty points or miles to the card’s inherent benefits. This maximizes the return on spending, particularly for travel related purchases.

Examples

Airline Miles Boost

John, a frequent flyer, uses his no foreign transaction fee card linked to his favorite airline’s loyalty program for all his travel bookings and everyday purchases. This strategy helped him accumulate enough miles for two round-trip tickets to Europe within a year.

Hotel Points Strategy

Sarah, who travels often for work, uses her no foreign transaction fee card that earns points with her preferred hotel chain for all her business expenses. By combining her card’s rewards with the hotel’s loyalty program, she enjoys several free stays and room upgrades every year, enhancing her travel experience

Comparing no foreign transaction fee credit cards with regular credit cards

You might think the main advantage of using no foreign transaction fee credit cards (vs regular credit cards) is saving on fees when spending internationally. But these are other, potentially more valuable, secondary benefits that travelers shouldn’t overlook.

Cost benefits on international spending

Let’s draw a chart comparing potential savings on international transactions between no foreign transaction fee cards and regular credit cards:

Overseas Spending Amount	Regular Credit Card Fee (3%)	No Foreign Transaction Fee Card	Savings
$100	$3	$0	$3
$500	$15	$0	$15
$1,000	$30	$0	$30
$5,000	$150	$0	$150

Additional perks for travelers

Comparing additional perks for travelers offered by no foreign transaction fee cards versus regular credit cards:

Feature	No Foreign Transaction Fee Card	Regular Credit Card
Rewards Programs	Often tailored to travel, offering points or miles for every dollar spent on travel-related purchases.	May offer rewards, but not specifically tailored to travel.
Travel Insurance	Comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency medical insurance.	Limited or no travel insurance coverage.
Airport Lounge Access	Complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide for higher end travel cards.	Rarely offered.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit	Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application.	Rarely offered.
No Foreign Transaction Fees	$0	Typically 1-3% of each transaction in a foreign currency.

Managing multiple credit cards

Successfully managing multiple credit cards involves balancing the rewards you get, with the fees you might have to pay.

Balancing rewards and fees

It’s in your best interest to use each card you own in situations where its unique benefits most effectively offset any associated costs.

What this actually looks like

For example, using an airline-specific credit card to pay for flights might earn you a bonus multiplier, offsetting the cost of its annual fee. By strategically evaluating where you make the most credit card transactions, and cross-referencing the perks of the cards you own, you can optimize your rewards strategy. This will greatly help with both points accumulation and minimize fees!

Strategies you can use

Utilize Specific Cards for Specific Purchases

Use cards according to their rewards categories (e.g., travel, dining, groceries) to maximize rewards.

Tools/apps to help use your credit card

Empower, YNAB (You Need A Budget)

Set Reminders for Payment Due Dates

Avoid late fees and interest by setting reminders for each card’s payment due date.

Tools/apps to help remember to pay your bill

Google Calendar, Todoist

Track Spending Across Cards

Monitor overall spending across all cards to avoid overspending and accruing debt.

Tools/apps to help track spending

Empower, Credit Karma

Future of no foreign transaction fee credit cards

No foreign transaction fee cards are becoming more and more popular. With every major credit card issuer fighting for more clients, the entire financial industry is starting to offer more comprehensive rewards programs and valuable card features. This is good news for international spenders and frequent travelers! No foreign transaction fee credit cards aren’t going away any time soon – if anything, they are getting better!

No foreign transaction fee credit cards FAQs

Related:

• Best Travel Credit Cards Offers of 2024
• Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards of 2024
• Best Hotel Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers
• 6 Best Credit Cards for Sales Reps
• 8 Best Credit Cards for Consultants
• Best Travel Reward Credit Cards For Beginners

_{*Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact on how and where card products appear on the site. Lastly, the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.}

_{*Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.}

_{*User Generated Content Disclosure: Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.}

_{*For rates and fees of the card_name, See Rates and Fees. For the card_name, See Rates and Fees}