travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

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Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees of October 2024

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+ Show Summary

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best starter travel card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for travel sign-up bonus
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for budget luxury travel
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for flexible travel redemption
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for occasional travelers
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate cash back
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for luxury perks
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for bonus category variety
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• Discover it® Miles : Best for low rates and fees
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for travel rewards on dining
• Discover it® Student Cash Back : Best for students
• Discover it® Chrome : Best for balance transfers

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LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Best starter travel card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bankrate score

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.

on Chase 's secure site

Intro offer

Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.

$300 Chase Travel℠ Credit + 60,000 bonus points

Rewards rate

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. 2x on all other travel purchases. 1x on all other purchases.

Regular APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Why you'll like this: It earns valuable rewards in key everyday categories, so it’s easy to rack up points even if you don’t spend a ton on travel.

Best for travel sign-up bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One 's secure site

75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

75,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

2 Miles - 5 Miles

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: Its sign-up bonus is one of the best it’s ever had, offering terrific first-year value on top of already-great rewards and flexible redemption.

Best for budget luxury travel

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

2 Miles - 10 Miles

Why you'll like this: It offers several of the travel perks that matter most, including credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, travel statement credits and airport lounge access.

Best for flexible travel redemption

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

on Bank of America 's secure site

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.

25,000 points

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 as long as your account remains open.

18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Why you'll like this: It has some of the most flexible redemption options, allowing you to use points to offset a wide range of travel expenses.

Best for occasional travelers

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

20,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Why you'll like this: It offers a straightforward and consistent rewards structure, so it’s a great fit if you value simplicity.

Best for flat-rate cash back

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

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, Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

Why you'll like this: It keeps things simple with its unlimited flat cash back rate on all purchases.

Best for luxury perks

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Why you'll like this: Its boasts valuable, comprehensive travel benefits, including a generous annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select membership.

Best for bonus category variety

Discover it® Cash Back

on Discover 's secure site

Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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.

Cashback Match

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

17.74% - 27.74% Variable APR

Why you'll like this: You can maximize rewards in a ton of popular categories thanks to its elevated cash back in rotating bonus categories.

Best for lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

on American Express 's secure site

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

See Pay Over Time APR

Why you'll like this: Its extensive list of perks includes comprehensive airport lounge access, annual travel credits and hotel and resort benefits.

Best for low rates and fees

Discover it® Miles

Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Discover Match®

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

Why you'll like this: Its unique bonus offer matches all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year — a big boost in short-term value.

Best for travel rewards on dining

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

60,000 points + earn up to $100 back

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Why you'll like this: Foodies and frequent travelers will get a ton of value out of its generous rewards on dining and groceries, plus valuable credits and travel perks.

Best for students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR

Why you'll like this: Its Cashback Match offer gives a huge boost to the rewards you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Best for balance transfers

Discover it® Chrome

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 18 months

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Why you'll like this: It’s a great option if you need to pay off a balance but still want to earn rewards and use your card abroad.

Best for everyday travel

American Express Green Card®

*The information about the American Express Green Card® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 40,000 points

Rewards Rate

Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: There’s no fluff — it offers a nice mix of everyday rewards and practical travel perks.

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

What you should know about foreign transaction fees.

When you use a credit card abroad to buy something in the local currency, your credit card issuer has to convert the money you’ve spent into U.S. dollars. It may seem like any other transaction, but the credit card issuer covers various costs associated with international purchases, such as transferring money through a foreign bank. 

Many issuers offset these costs by charging a foreign transaction fee for purchases made abroad, which can go as high as 5 percent on some cards. Considering  these fees could easily eat through many cards’ rewards rates, a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card could be a big help if you often use your card abroad or make other purchases that could charge foreign transaction fees. Travel rewards cards are naturally the most common type of no-foreign-transaction-fee card, but some issuers offer cash back, credit-building and other cards without these fees.

Foreign transaction fees by issuer

While not every card offered by these major issuers charges foreign transaction fees, when you do come across a card that charges them, here’s what you can expect to pay:

Expert advice for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

As you search for a card for your upcoming international trip, it’s important to fully understand how you can maximize a no-foreign-transaction-fee card.

How to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees

Find perks that serve your travel interests.

While choosing a travel credit card , compare the full list of benefits each offers. Along with rewards and no foreign transaction fees, the best cards for international travel usually have perks like annual travel credits, trip cancellation insurance, expedited airport security screening and airport lounge access that can significantly improve your travel experience.

Compare other rates and fees

Common credit card fees include annual fees, late fees, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees and returned payment fees. You can dodge most of these costs through responsible card use. Annual fees are most common among mid-tier and premium travel credit cards . You may find that some cards with annual fees are worth it when they offer rewards and benefits that can easily offset the annual fee.

Make sure your card will be accepted

One of the simplest yet most important factors is to make sure your card will work while traveling abroad . Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted more widely internationally than cards on the American Express and Discover networks .

Tips for maximizing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

When using your credit card internationally, follow these tips to ensure you’re making the most of your no-foreign-transaction-fee card and not racking up unnecessary fees.

Have a mix of credit cards

Not every credit card may work in every country depending on the card network, so it’s wise to have at least two no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards from different networks. Carrying multiple credit cards could also help you earn better rewards on more purchases and make it easier to adapt your travel plans if needed.

Avoid cash advances

Withdrawing cash from an ATM using your credit card could cost you up to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn and incur high interest charges. Try to keep some local currency or a debit card on hand for emergencies. Some banks, like Charles Schwab , offer debit cards that waive ATM fees worldwide, which is much better than taking out a cash advance. 

Use your digital wallet or a chip-and-PIN credit card

If possible, get a credit card with chip and PIN technology: a small metallic computer chip and a four-digit identification number that verifies your card once inserted into a reader. This card security method is more common internationally than the typical “chip and signature” method in the U.S. However, digital wallets are becoming more commonly used, which reduces the need for chip and PIN cards.

How this Bankrate expert chose their no-foreign-transaction fee card

Here’s how Bankrate writer and credit card reviewer Seychelle Thomas chose her card with no foreign transaction fees:

“Initially, I chose the Capital One Quicksilver* for its flat-rate rewards and how gracious it was towards my credit score at the time (which wasn't the best). No foreign transaction fees was more of a hidden benefit for me that became useful after building my credit and starting to travel. My Quicksilver card proved useful on a trip to Iceland in 2017 because it didn't charge foreign transaction fees and automatically converted prices from Icelandic Króna to USD for me. It also came in handy on a trip to the Dominican Republic a few years later. Having account notifications set gave me some peace of mind in making sure my card stayed safe — and that I stayed on budget. After realizing travel rewards became more valuable to me than cash back, I swapped over to the Capital One VentureOne*. It also meant I could keep enjoying benefits I had with my Quicksilver card, like no foreign transaction fees and elevated rewards on Capital One Travel hotel and rental car bookings. I've already earned about 11,000 miles and tested out the card on a trip to El Salvador last year. I plan to use the card again during an upcoming trip to Mexico so I can keep earning travel rewards without paying an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.” — Seychelle Thomas, Writer, Credit Cards

*( See Rates & Fees for the Capital One Quicksilver); ( See Rates & Fees for the Capital One VentureOne)

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

Erica Sandberg

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Contributor, Credit Cards

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

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

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

Contributor, Personal Finance

There are so many card options out there these days that there is absolutely no reason to use any of your vacation money to pay foreign transaction fees on your credit card. Even if you only take a big international trip just once a year, you’ll always be better off using a card with no foreign transaction fees. If you don’t already have one in your wallet, I’d recommend a Visa over American Express or MasterCard for ease of international acceptance.

What people say about no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

MyFICO users and Reddit users across related subreddits often recommend credit cards with no foreign transaction fees when discussing the best options for travelers heading overseas. Here’s what a couple of them had to say about their favorite no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards:

“I have the [Amex] Gold and it has no foreign/international fees! It's a great credit card if you're looking to use it for points and travel . . . it's definitely the card I reach for the most.” — Reddit User

“Bank of America's Travel Rewards card is pretty good with no foreign transaction fee. I've used it frequently in Canada and the spot rate is way better than any exchange agent.” — myFICO User

* See Rates & Fees for Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Frequently asked questions about credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

When are foreign transaction fees charged.

Foreign transaction fees typically appear on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle and you pay them when you pay your credit card balance. Here are some examples of when you’d likely incur a foreign transaction fee:

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

Should I pay in local currency on my no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card?

Yes, because you will almost always get more favorable exchange rates from issuers when you pay in the local currency. Many issuers have their exchange rates available on their website which are generally more favorable than currency exchanges as well. Also, you’ll avoid dynamic currency conversion fees , which may be charged by both the merchant and the issuer to convert your purchase to U.S. dollars.

How do you determine if your existing credit card charges a foreign transaction fee?

How do i calculate a foreign transaction fee.

If you’re curious to know how much you’ll pay for a foreign transaction fee, multiply the purchase price by the fee percentage. Then add the result to the purchase price. If a purchase costs $100 and the fee is 3 percent, your total cost is  $103 ($100 x 3 percent = $3, $100 + $3 = $103).

How we assess the best cards with no foreign transaction fees

When evaluating the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fee, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders. While we tend to favor travel-centric cards given the context of foreign transaction fees, we also feature cards that will appeal to people looking for everything from a large sign-up bonus to an intro APR.

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

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology and details we considered when putting together our list of the best rewards cards.  

Most cards with no foreign transaction fee earn rewards or cash back. Our rating methodology for these cards focuses heavily on rewards value — what kind of return we’d expect based on the average person’s spending and a card’s added bonuses and annual fee.

• Value 65.00%
• Flexibility 15.00%
• Perks 15.00%
• Customer experience 5.00%

Solid rewards value

Since many cardholders looking for a card with no foreign transaction fee are eager to earn rewards (particularly on travel), a key criteria for a card’s inclusion in our list is whether it offers impressive rewards value. This includes a card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories, as well as how closely those categories match the average person’s spending habits. In other words: Does the card earn rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories? We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $22,500.

Some of the major spending categories that contribute towards the annual spend include:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries. We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value.

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other cards in its primary category. The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

• Ongoing rewards value 30%
• Sign-up bonus value 25%
• Annual fee & average APR 20%
• Rewards rate 15%
• Annual bonus value 10%

Reasonable fees and APR

Naturally, all of the cards on this list do not charge foreign transaction fees.

We also rate all cards based on how their ongoing average APR compares to the average APR you’ll find other cards in their primary category. However, the impact of an especially high or low APR on a card’s overall score depends on its primary category.

For rewards-earning cards, this factor has only a minor influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance. That said, rewards-earning cards may get a solid boost in score and be more worthy of inclusion in our list if they also offer an intro APR on balance transfers or new purchases, since such offers aren’t always present on these cards.

More important to these cards’ scores and their inclusion in our list is how their annual fees influence their overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees.

Interest rates and intro APR offers play a much larger role in a card’s score and whether it’s included in our list when the card is designed specifically for users looking to save on interest charges, such as dedicated balance transfer or low-interest cards.

Other fees considered include cash advance and late payment fees, along with penalty APRs.

Flexibility and perks

Along with rewards value and cost, we consider other factors that could give cards great long-term value, like flexible rewards redemption and especially unique and valuable perks.

We rate rewards-earning cards based on the restrictions they impose on earning and redeeming rewards and consider this when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list.

These restrictions could include only allowing users to earn a high rewards rate on a small amount of spending or requiring users to meet a certain earning threshold before they can redeem rewards. We also examine whether points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners.

We also evaluate each card’s perks based on their value, usefulness and uniqueness. Cards that offer top-tier benefits like airport lounge access or travel credits are likely to stand out, but we also aim to highlight cards that offer valuable under-the-radar perks, like cellphone protection or one-off credits for everyday expenses like dining and streaming services.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

What is Dynamic Currency Conversion? Visa. Accessed on October 3, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

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6 Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards in Canada for 2024

Have you ever looked at your credit card bills after returning home from a trip abroad and been shocked at how much each purchase actually cost you? Or ordered something online from an American retailer that turned out to be more expensive than you expected? It’s not that the exchange rate is worse than you thought — your credit card issuer likely added a foreign transaction fee, or FX fee, to the purchase.

‘No foreign transaction fee’ credit cards, sometimes referred to as international credit cards , don’t charge you extra when you shop abroad. If you travel often or make frequent foreign transactions online, one of these credit cards could help you save some cash.

Here are the best ‘no foreign transaction fee’ credit cards, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.

Best ‘no foreign transaction fee’ credit cards

Rewards breakdown, nerdwallet's take, card details, methodology.

NerdWallet Canada selects the best credit cards based on unique attributes, overall consumer value and suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodologies may include annual fees, rewards rates, interest rates and other noteworthy features specific to the card type. To learn more about how we evaluate and select financial products, you can review our  credit card methodology .

What to know about credits card with no foreign transaction fee

Credit card fees can be confusing to untangle, and foreign transaction fees are no different. Learn how and when they’re applied so the bill from your next international adventure doesn’t include any surprises.

What is a foreign transaction fee?

When you buy something that’s not in Canadian dollars using your credit card, the issuer typically charges a fee — such as 2.5% of the purchase price. This fee is called a foreign transaction fee. You may not have noticed it before, since it’s rolled into the total charge that shows up on your statement .

It doesn’t matter if you’re making an online purchase in U.S. dollars from your Canadian living room or paying for dinner out in Istanbul. If the product or service is being sold in a foreign currency, it’s typically subject to fees. Fortunately, there are credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. However, the card’s network may markup the exchange rate by a small amount.

Visa and Mastercard exchange rate markups

In addition to the transaction fee charged by the issuer, credit card networks typically markup the cost of converting money. For example, the Bank of Canada may list the exchange rate from USD to CAD as 1.35 (for every $1 USD you spend abroad, you’re spending $1.35 CAD). But when you use your credit card, the network (e.g., Visa) may be using a slightly marked up rate of 1.36, meaning for every $1 USD you spend, you’re actually spending $1.36 CAD. So, the conversion is costing you slightly more.

You can use the below calculators from Visa and Mastercard to estimate your total transaction costs. American Express does not post conversion markups for Canada publicly.

Dynamic currency conversion

It’s worth noting that some merchants allow you to choose between the local currency or your home currency, which is known as dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. If you choose to pay in CAD, you’ll pay the exchange rate set by the merchant at that moment, which can be considerably higher than the standard rate. Therefore, it’s often advisable to pay in the local currency.

How to calculate foreign transaction fees

While most credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2.5%, some can be higher. You’ll have to check your credit card terms and conditions for the specific fee you’ll be charged.

To calculate how much you’re paying in FX fees, follow the below steps:

Convert the amount you’re spending to Canadian dollars using the most up-to-date exchange rate. (If you want a more accurate calculation, you can use the currency exchange rate issued by your credit card network).  

Divide that figure by 100. 

Then multiply it by the transaction fee.

🤓 Let’s do the math

Let’s say you’re visiting the United States and you want to pay for a meal that costs $50 USD, and your card’s foreign transaction fee is 2.5%. Assuming your credit card’s network’s current exchange rate for USD to CAD is 1.35, here is how the calculation works out:

$50.00 USD x 1.35 = $67.50 CAD

$67.50 / 100 = $0.675

$0.675 x 2.5 = $1.69

The foreign transaction fee for this purchase would be $1.69. And your total would be $69.19 CAD.

Should I use a U.S. dollar credit card?

If the majority of your purchases are in American dollars, credit cards like the BMO U.S. Dollar Mastercard or Roger’s World Elite Mastercard can be handy, as U.S. purchases earn a higher reward rate. However, a foreign transaction fee will still apply.

You also need to consider how you’ll pay your monthly credit card bills . A U.S. dollar credit card may require you to pay your bill in USD. If you don’t have a steady stream of U.S. income, you’ll need to convert your Canadian dollars to USD before you can pay your bills — which also comes with fees.

Although paying a 2.5% conversion fee may not seem like a lot, it can add up over time. If you travel frequently and plan to make more than a few sporadic purchases in foreign currencies, consider getting a ‘no foreign transaction fee’ credit card to help you keep costs down.

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

Best cards with no foreign transaction fees of October 2024

If you’re traveling abroad, don’t forget to double-check that you’ve got a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card in your wallet. These cards are excellent for frequent and occasional travelers alike since fees are one less thing you have to worry about every time you make a purchase.

Plus, there are plenty of great credit card options that waive these fees and earn rewards like cash back, points and miles you can use in the future. Some even carry no annual fee. To help you narrow down your choices and find the card that suits you best, check out this roundup of some top cards from our partners with no foreign transaction fees, picked by TPG’s expert editorial team.

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, more details on the best cards with no foreign transaction fees, what is a foreign transaction fee.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate earning
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for total value
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for entertainment spending
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for bonus earning
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury perks
• Bilt Mastercard® : Best for renters
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card : Best for Bank of America customers
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for airline miles
• One Key+™ Card : Best for Expedia enthusiasts
• Discover it Cash Back : Best for no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee
• American Express® Green Card : Best for beginner travelers
• U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card : Best for ApplePay and mobile wallet users

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

• This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles valued by TPG (not provided by the issuer) at $1,388
• You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
• Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
• Transfer ratios to a couple of partners are mediocre at less than 1:1 ratio
• Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee
• Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne is a great cash back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full  review of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card .

• Earning 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) is a great return for a no-annual-fee credit card
• This card is great for beginners.
• The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase. You’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after, there's a 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months or 4% at the promotional APR offered at any other time).
• If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, there are cards that provide better value with higher rewards potential.
• The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn).
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card's sign-up bonus is a generous offer for the card. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
• Reasonable $95 annual fee.
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
• Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
• High spending needed to get 90,000-point sign-up bonus.
• No travel perks.
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on global dining (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly ,  Wine.com and Five Guys. Enrollment required. It also offers up to $120 annually ($10 per month in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S.) Card must be added to Uber app to receive this benefit. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card .

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) within the first six months of card membership.
• Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories
• Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
• Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
• Few travel perks and protections
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $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.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, assorted annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required)
• The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway
• The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
• Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
• The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• See Rates & Fees

Bilt Mastercard®

The Bilt Rewards Mastercard is a credit card that allows renters to earn one point per dollar on their rent payments, without incurring credit card transaction fees. In addition, you can earn 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel (must make five transactions per statement period to earn points). Bilt Rewards points are transferable points and can be transferred to 12 airline partners and four hotel partners. Despite having no annual fee, the Bilt Rewards card features great travel and dining benefits like Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and World Elite Mastercard Concierge Service. Read more about the Bilt Rewards card here .

• Earn points on rent with no transaction fees
• Multiple bonus categories
• Transfer points to multiple travel partners
• Variety of travel benefits
• No welcome bonus
• Must make five purchases per statement period to earn points
• $0 Annual Fee
• Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• Earns 3x points on dining
• Earn 2x points on travel
• Earn 1x points on other purchases
• Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
• Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
• Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
• Rates & Fees . Rewards & Benefits .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is great for using the points earned for rewards that normal airline miles or credit card points can’t cover. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members get a 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase. New cardmembers earn a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. Read our full  review of the Bank of American Premium Rewards card .

• This card is more valuable for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members, who can get between a 25% and 75% bonus on points earned
• Comes with up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually and up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® statement credit and travel protections
• Can transfer points earned into a 529 college fund
• Other cards offer higher points for key bonus categories
• Must open a Bank of America account to get the best value for points
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• 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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, generous points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Access to Chase Travel hotel and airline travel partners
• 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
• Steep initial $550 annual fee
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 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 Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines Visa  credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass from $122($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our full  review of the Alaska Airline Visa credit card .

• Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation
• Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• $95 annual fee
• Limited Time Online Offer—Buy One, Get One + 50,000 Bonus Miles!
• Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
• Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
• With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

One Key+™ Card

The One Key+™ card is the more premium of the two credit card options offered by the Expedia Group, which consists of Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. This card earns 3% OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo purchases as well as 3% on gas, dining and groceries. 

All other purchases earn 2% in OneKeyCash. The card also comes with a fair OneKeyCash welcome bonus after you meet the spending requirements, but it’s worth noting that OneKeyCash can only be redeemed on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, which makes for very limited redemption options.

• Automatic Gold status
• $100 in OneKeyCash on each cardholder anniversary
• Trip protection coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption
• Limited earning and redemption options
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn $600 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®. To learn more, please refer to the One Key Terms and Conditions at www.expedia.com/one-key-terms .
• Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores, and on dining and 2% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
• $99 annual fee.
• Get Automatic Gold tier in the One Key rewards program with savings of 20% or more with Gold Member Prices on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. Unlock Platinum when you spend $30,000 per calendar year.
• Get $100 in OneKeyCash each year upon your cardholder anniversary.
• Receive one statement credit up to $120 for Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck®

Discover it Cash Back * *The information about the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

• Dollar-for-dollar cash back match offer in your first year of card membership
• Earn 5% cash back in rotating quarterly bonus categories
• Rotating bonus categories must be activated each quarter to earn 5% cash back

The Discover It® Cash Back* is a great no annual fee product that offers 5% cash back in select rotating categories each quarter. The card features a 0% introductory APR in the first 15 months of card ownership and a generous first-year cash-back match offer. The rotating bonus categories must be activated each quarter and are capped at $75 cash back per quarter, but with no annual fee, the Discover It Cash Back remains a solid addition to any wallet.

American Express® Green Card * *The information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

• Decent earning rates across popular spend categories
• Annual Clear Plus credit
• Annual LoungeBuddy credit
• $150 annual fee
• May not offer much value if you’re not a frequent traveler

The American Express® Green Card* is an excellent option for travelers looking for a card with no foreign transaction fee. It offers elevated rewards on travel and dining worldwide, making it a good contender for frequent jetsetters. Amex Membership Rewards are transferable to any of Amex’s transfer partners . 

Additionally, the card offers up to $199 in Clear credits and up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits annually to better streamline your airport experience. To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Green Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card * *The information about the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
• High annual fee
• Non-transferable rewards

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* is a premium travel credit card. It earns 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and rental cars when you book through the Altitude Rewards Center. This card also earns 3 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite also comes with $325 in annual statement credit that gets automatically applied towards travel and dining purchases — including takeout and restaurant delivery — essentially bringing its annual fee down to $75. This, combined with up to $100 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, a solid welcome bonus and no foreign transaction fees makes the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa a winner.

Simplicity, strong earning potential and a low annual fee are all strengths that come to mind for this card. Travelers will enjoy earning bonus rewards on all purchases without having to memorize bonus categories, instead focusing on redeeming rewards, such as transferring miles to one of Capital One’s partners. 

Travelers interested in earning rewards in a simplified manner, especially toward travel redemptions. Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for eligible travel purchases as a statement credit or transferred to Capital One travel partners. 

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone's wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards' bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent card for those who would prefer to stay within the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. You’ll still earn generously across travel, dining and select streaming services.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is well known within the world of travel rewards credit cards. The card offers a strong return on travel and dining purchases, an annual hotel credit and amazing travel protections — all for a low annual fee. Points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each toward travel booked through Chase and can gain even more value when transferred to one of Chase’s airline and hotel partners.

The card is an excellent choice for those looking to earn on dining and travel at solid rates with the option of redeeming points for travel with one of Chase’s transfer partners. Card members will enjoy travel protections to help ensure their journeys go smoothly.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it's hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great alternative. It is known for its impeccable earning hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and solid flat earning rate on everyday purchases, plus a strong welcome bonus. 

The Capital One SavorOne is a cash-back card and a great addition to a beginner’s wallet. The card offers a solid rewards structure and no annual fee (see rates and fees ). The bonus categories of dining, entertainment and groceries are easy to maximize, and it’s very rare for a card to have all three high-value bonus categories.

Individuals who don’t want to pay an annual fee but still want to earn cash back by simply using their card in the bonus-earning categories. 

The card is easy to use since it doesn’t require activating quarterly bonus-earning categories, streamlining the rewards-earning process for cardholders.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for those looking for a simpler cash-back credit card with no annual fee. Cardholders earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is great if you have expenses that fall outside of the SavorOne's bonus categories.

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is incredibly high and something to consider when looking to open this card. The card earns bonus points across four categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers), which are some of the most popular for businesses. In addition, the card provides travel and shopping protections, including primary coverage for car rentals and purchase protection. 

Business owners who spend within the card’s bonus-earning categories would benefit most from this card, especially business travelers. If you already have another Chase credit card, you can also easily combine your points to maximize value and redemption opportunities. 

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I've found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers cardholders a flat rewards rate on all purchases, which may be useful for those who cannot utilize the Ink Business Preferred’s bonus categories.

This card not only has an appealing metal design but also delivers substantial benefits. Cardholders earn bonus Membership Rewards points on worldwide dining and U.S. supermarket purchases while receiving benefits like an annual dining credit, Uber Cash credits and more (enrollment required for select benefits).

The Amex Gold is a great card for those looking to redeem points for travel by transferring points to airline and hotel partners. The card earns on dining globally, so cardholders who travel often should use this card to continue earning points worldwide. 

“There's no better card for groceries and dining than the Amex Gold. I earn 4 points per dollar in both of these categories, and with additional perks like a monthly Uber credit and the ability to transfer my Membership Rewards points to valuable airline partners, the card is a mainstay in my wallet.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a low annual fee while offering bonus rewards on dining and travel and maintaining a great list of transfer partners that can help maximize your return on points earned. 

The Amex Platinum comes with unmatched travel perks and benefits. For those looking for lounge access, hotel elite status, annual statement credits and other benefits meant to elevate your travel and lifestyle experiences, this card is well worth the high annual fee.

The Amex Platinum is perfect for frequent travelers who like to enjoy the more luxurious aspects of travel. Benefits include statement credits tailored toward flights and hotels, in addition to lifestyle-based credits for gym membership and streaming services. 

“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus statement credits (enrollment required for select benefits). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a more affordable annual fee (see rates and fees ) while still offering perks that rival those of the Amex Platinum. Additionally, you’ll earn bonus rewards on purchases outside of just travel, which can be helpful if you’re hoping to apply rewards from everyday spending toward your travel experiences. 

The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points on your rent, generally a large monthly expense, without transaction fees. In addition, you can earn elevated rewards on travel and dining. The Bilt Mastercard is a great way for renters to get cash back on their largest expenses, and the card comes with many travel benefits and no annual fee! 

Renters who are looking for a way to earn travel rewards on their rent, without transaction fees, can find a lot of benefits in this card. 

The Bilt card can be a great addition to your wallet because no other card lets you earn on rent as widely. In addition, it comes with travel and Cellular Telephone Protection while featuring no annual fee — making this card a no-brainer for any renter’s wallet. 

Unfortunately, there is no other credit card like the Bilt Mastercard. If you are looking for a simple cash-back card and your landlord takes credit cards without charging a transaction fee, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) which earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill).

The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card generously offers 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, while giving cardholders 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, a higher bonus-earning potential than other travel cards. Flexible redemption options and the ability for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members to get a 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase make the card even more outstanding. 

Individuals who currently have a Bank of America account and want a stress-free card that offers simplicity. For semifrequent travelers, this card offers solid benefits such as an annual airline incidental credit, comprehensive travel protection insurance and unique redemption options such as transferring points into a 529 college fund.

The card offers benefits and a variety of redemption options to suit almost any individual. Strong earning potential in broad categories such as travel and dining make this an excellent choice for a card with a low annual fee. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a strong contender for those looking for a BofA card tailored more toward travel with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top premium travel card among TPG staffers and many travel aficionados. Offering a generous travel credit and bonus earnings on dining and travel purchases, this card is an easy way to build up your points balance for your next adventure. With such excellent benefits offered, the annual fee on the card is easy to justify for many travelers. 

The card is best for those who spend a lot on travel and dining. If you travel often, this card is also a must-have for its travel protections, statement credits and lounge access. 

“I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year, along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I'm able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

The Platinum Card® from American Express provides additional travel and lifestyle benefits over the Chase Sapphire Reserve and is aimed toward travelers looking to upgrade their travel experiences with perks such as lounge access, automatic elite status and more.

The Alaska Airlines Visa credit card is loved by many thanks to the ability to earn miles with the airline’s highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. In addition to earning coveted Alaska miles, cardholders earn Alaska’s Companion Pass, an outstanding perk for those who fly with Alaska often.

Those who are frequent flyers on Alaska Airlines benefit the most from this card because of airline-specific perks such as a free checked bag and priority boarding. The card is an excellent way to earn Alaska miles, which can redeemed for travel on Oneworld alliance airlines and other partners. 

Alaska MileagePlan miles are among the most difficult to earn within the world of credit card points and miles, so having a card that helps boost your mileage balance can provide a lot of value. 

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good choice for those looking to be flexible with their rewards, as Capital One miles transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners.  

The One Key+™ card is a decent travel credit card for those who prioritize booking flights, stays and other travel via Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. Additionally, the One Key+™ features no foreign transaction fees, automatic Gold status and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credit for a reasonable annual fee of $99.

The One Key+™ card might not have any standout benefits but can be a good option for travelers who regularly use Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo and want to get the most out of their spending on these platforms.

The Expedia Group sometimes offers decent prices on travel bookings and your savings can be even greater when you use the One Key+™ card.

If you’re looking for a reasonable mid-tier travel credit card but want more flexibility in terms of redemption options, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card. The Sapphire Preferred offers great travel perks and benefits and a comparable annual fee of $95.

We love the Discover It® Cash Back* because it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and features rotating quarterly bonus categories.

*The information for the Discover it® Cash Back card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Discover It® Cash Back* is great for people who are getting into the credit card world that wants a fee with no fees and great perks.

“I love the Discover It® Cash Back* because it has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Plus the first year cash back match means you can get a lot of value from this card.” - Christina Ly , credit cards writer

If you still want a card with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a simpler cash-back structure, consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card . It offers elevated cash back, but there’s no activation of rotating bonus categories required.

The Amex Green* features no foreign transaction fee, annual statement credits and elevated reward rates on travel and dining out.

*The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Amex Green* has no foreign transaction fee and earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and transit, which makes earning transferable Amex membership points which makes it an excellent option for travelers.

The Amex Green* is a solid entry-level travel card with decent travel perks and benefits for a reasonable $150 annual fee.

If you’re looking for a similar travel card that earns transferable reward points and features no foreign transaction fees, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . The card earns 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ and 3 points per dollar spent on dining and groceries. Additionally, it features a slightly lower annual fee of $95.

The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* features healthy reward rates in popular categories, statement credits and no foreign transaction fees, making it a great travel companion.

*The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* is especially handy for mobile wallet enthusiasts and travelers who will benefit from the bonus categories and credits.

If you’re looking for a travel credit card with easy statement credits and elevated bonus categories, the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* may be a good fit for you.

If you’re looking for a card with similar perks and benefits but want to earn transferable rewards instead, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . This card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, complimentary lounge access and earns transferable rewards that can be used with any of Chase’s transfer partners .

A foreign transaction fee is charged by your card issuer every time you swipe your card outside of the U.S. When you buy something abroad or on a non-U.S website, the cost of the purchase will likely need to be converted into U.S. dollars. This comes at a cost, which the foreign bank then passes onto the issuer, which then passes that fee onto you, the consumer.

Top credit card issuers' foreign transaction fees

While a few issuers don’t charge foreign transaction fees across any of their cards, others offer a mix of cards with foreign transaction fees and without. Here is a rundown of the standard transaction fees charged by the major U.S. credit card issuers for the cards that do have these fees. 

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to travel with a card that doesn’t charge those fees. When applying for a card, you can check the terms and conditions for a rate table that should list any fees that the card will incur — including foreign transaction fees. 

When shopping online with retailers or travel companies based outside of the U.S. it’s also good practice to use a card that doesn’t charge these fees. Even though you may be pressing the purchase button while in the U.S., if the store or brand you’re shopping with is based abroad, that purchase may still be considered a foreign transaction, which would incur the fee.

Be especially diligent about which card you use when booking travel at hotels abroad. While Hilton and Marriott are both U.S.-based companies, many of the individual hotels within those brands are locally owned and operated and could charge a foreign transaction fee for bookings when you don’t use the right credit card.

How we rate cards

Maximizing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, enjoy multicountry trips with ease.

Jumping from country to country within different regions of the world has its complications in terms of money due to varying currencies. When a credit card charges a foreign transaction fee, it can often outweigh the potential benefits of earning rewards on those purchases abroad. However, you can travel knowing that wherever you go, you don’t have to worry about pesky foreign transaction fees charged by banks when swiping one of TPG’s best cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Check category spending restrictions

When a credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee, you want to make sure that your travel card is earning bonus points during your travels. For example, the American Express® Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets only (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), so your supermarket purchases abroad will not earn bonus points. It’s always a good idea to check if cards in your wallet have any restrictions on earning bonus points, especially if you plan on earning those points overseas. 

Beware of dynamic currency conversion

Even if you have a card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’ll want to watch out for dynamic currency conversion . This is when a merchant in a foreign country offers to charge you in your home currency rather than the local one. For example, a shop in London might ask if you want to be charged in British pounds instead of U.S. dollars. While it may seem like a nice option, it will almost always cost you. In fact, some TPG staffers have data points with conversion rates that would’ve added more than 7% to the purchase price!

Stick to the local currency, since your card issuer will convert the transaction at the spot rate at the time of the transaction.

How to choose the best no foreign transaction fee card

• 1 Annual fee An annual fee card may be well worth it if the card features benefits that are worth more than the card’s annual fee. Depending on your travel lifestyle, it might be beneficial to consider a card with an annual fee.
• 2 Welcome bonus Welcome bonuses are an important part of determining a card’s value. It is often significantly more difficult to earn as many points as a card’s welcome bonus through regular spending alone. Generally, the higher the welcome bonus is, the higher the required spend will be so make sure you can earn your card’s welcome bonus through your normal spending habits.
• 3 Bonus categories Cards on this list feature a variety of bonus categories. Choosing a card with elevated earning rates on your regular spending categories is the best way to get the most out of your card. You want to choose a card that best benefits you and your earning strategy.

Ask our experts

What’s your favorite credit card with no foreign transaction fee — and why.

Pros and cons of cards that waive foreign transaction fees

• When traveling outside the U.S., cards that waive foreign transaction fees can save you up to 5% on every purchase.
• These credit cards offer valuable rewards on your purchases — both inside and outside the U.S.
• Responsibly using a card with no foreign transaction fees can improve your credit score.
• Some cards that waive foreign transaction fees include many other valuable perks — including lounge access or statement credits for select purchases.
• If you spend beyond your means, you can harm your credit score and rack up interest charges that far outweigh the savings you get from not paying foreign transaction fees.
• Many cards that waive foreign transaction fees come with an annual fee — in some cases nearly $700.
• If you never leave the U.S. on a trip, you won’t benefit from a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Frequently asked questions

These fees are charged by some card issuers every time you swipe your card outside of the U.S.

When you buy something abroad or on a non-U.S. website, the cost of the purchase will likely need to be converted into U.S. dollars. A foreign transaction fee is generally charged to mitigate the financial risks of the ever-changing foreign exchange market. Once the purchase is converted into U.S. dollars, then a foreign transaction fee is charged.

Foreign transaction fees vary for each issuer but are generally anywhere between 2% and 5%. Given that most bonus rewards categories fall into the same earning percentage, a foreign transaction fee on purchases can easily completely offset any value you’d be getting from your credit card’s rewards structure. 

You don’t have to be in another country to rack up a foreign transaction fee. If you make a payment online with a brand that isn’t based in the U.S., you might still be charged a foreign transaction fee, even if you were in the U.S. when you made the purchase. 

This can happen when you are buying from a company that is not based in the U.S., but it also happens when booking hotels abroad . Most properties within major hotel brand portfolios like Hilton or Marriott are individually owned and managed, but reservations are facilitated through a brandwide website. 

This means that while your reservation may be made on a U.S. website and you may pay in U.S. dollars, the room charges may be processed by the hotel itself through a non-U.S. bank. It’s generally hard to tell in these cases whether you’ll be charged a foreign transaction fee until after the payment is already processed. So it’s a best practice to use a card with no foreign transaction fees just in case.

If foreign transaction fees are charged on purchases made for business purposes then the fees are tax deductible, but all foreign transaction fees for personal expenses are not tax deductible. 

Foreign transaction fees are not refundable. The best way to avoid incurring these fees is to use a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee to begin with (or to use cash while abroad, but then you’ll miss out on the potential to earn rewards). 

However, there are some cards that will refund you for foreign ATM fees when traveling abroad. ATM fees are not the same thing as foreign transaction fees — ATM fees are charged by a bank when using an ATM that is not affiliated with your bank — but are an example of fees you may be charged while traveling abroad. A Schwab Bank Investor Checking account from Charles Schwab comes with a debit card that will refund any fees incurred from using ATMs while abroad. 

When applying for a new card or evaluating an existing card, look at your cardholder agreement and rates and fees page, which will highlight if the card charges foreign transaction fees or not.

There are U.S. credit card issuers that never charge foreign transaction fees, regardless of which credit card you have — most notably Capital One and Discover . 

However, even the credit card issuers who do charge foreign transaction fees across some of their cards almost always offer at least a few credit cards within their lineup that don’t charge these fees — many of which are included in this list. These cards are usually geared toward travelers and include bonus categories and benefits that are suited for those who want to make the most of their travels. 

What TPG readers have to say about their top pick for best no foreign transaction fee card

We surveyed our readers to see which no foreign transaction fee cards are their favorite. With several great options to choose from, one card came out on top as a fan-favorite while it’s sibling is also well-loved thanks to a number of benefits in addition to the lack of foreign transaction fees when making purchases abroad.

Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.

“Chase Sapphire Preferred - easily the best all-around option. Low annual fee, abundance of convenient and useful features such as rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. Combined with an intuitive platform, host of valuable transfer partners, and excellent service - I'll likely never drop this card.” - Jacob K via a TPG newsletter survey

Chase Sapphire Reserve® 

“Sapphire Reserve - get all the insurance benefits, rental car protection, no foreign transaction fee, and lounge access. And global entry credit.” - James M via a TPG newsletter survey

“The Chase Sapphire Reserve has great insurance coverage, no foreign transaction fees, Priority Pass, Lyft, Door Dash, Global Entry and TSA precheck benefits and $300 of your travel expenses credited back each year. I figure it pays for itself.” - Tamara K via Facebook

• No Annual Fee
• Sub-$100 Annual Fee
• Premium Travel
• Premium Benefits
• Simplest Rewards
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee of 2024

• Discover it® Cash Back: Best with no annual fee
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best travel card with an annual fee under $100
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best premium travel card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best premium card with the most benefits
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best card with the simplest reward structure

Introduction to No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

Foreign transaction fees are some of the most irritating charges associated with credit cards. They punish you with a fee ranging from 3% to 5% of your purchase for spending your money outside the U.S. Whenever you travel abroad, you may be subject to foreign transaction fees. Luckily, plenty of the best credit cards don't charge pesky foreign transaction fees. 

Below, you'll find some of our favorite rewards credit cards without foreign transaction fees. We emphasize travel rewards credit cards that offer bonus points and miles for airfare, hotels, and more.

Compare the Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

17.74% - 27.74% Variable

Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. From October 1 to December 31, 2024, earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Target on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If the quarterly categories aren't convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card

The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards that offers 5% back on popular rotating categories up to a spending limit. Your rewards are matched by Discover after the first 12 months, and the card has no annual fee.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–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 you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
• Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points plus get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 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 Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $50 experience credit and free upgrades on Capital One Lifestyle Collection bookings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee Reviews

When you travel abroad, it's important to recognize what's in your wallet: The wrong credit card can easily cost you an extra 3% to 5% on every purchase, simply because of foreign transaction fees. 

None of the credit cards on this list charge foreign transaction fees, and they also offer significant travel benefits. That's why Business Insider's credit card experts have chosen the following cards as our top choices for travelers in 2024.

Best Cash Back with No Annual Fee: Discover it® Cash Back

Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 17.74% - 27.74% Variable

Annual Fee: $0

Rewards: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically

The Discover it Cash Back earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent each quarter in bonus categories once activated (then 1%) (from October 1 to December 31, 2024, earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Target on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). There's no traditional welcome bonus; instead, Discover will match all the rewards you earn after the first year. Along with no foreign transaction fees, Discover cards do not charge an annual fee.

Discover it Cash Back Card Review

Best Travel Card with Sub-$100 Annual Fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Introductory APR: N/A

Annual Fee: $95

Rewards: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, and 1x on all other purchases

One of the most popular and recommended travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards ® points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5x points on Lyft rides through March 2025, 2x points on all other travel purchases, including internationally, and 3x points on dining.

Dining includes things like restaurants, bars, pubs, coffee shops, and more, while travel includes airfare, hotels, Airbnb, taxis, rideshare services like Uber, subways, and more. Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review

Best Premium Travel Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual Fee: $550

Rewards: 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually, 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases

The Sapphire Reserve is essentially a beefed-up version of the Preferred, with a higher annual fee and a few key differences.

You get a $300 travel statement credit each cardmember year to cover your first $300 of travel charges, and a higher earning rate of 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (after earning the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on other travel and dining (plus 10x points on Lyft rides through March 2025 and 1 point per dollar on everything else).

The Sapphire Reserve offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Reserve cardholders can now activate a complimentary two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership (value of $199 per year) for discount pricing, priority pickup, unlimited rides, and more. And with the card, you can access the new Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport (AUS).

As with the Preferred, the Sapphire Reserve got a refresh, with improved or new bonus categories and benefits like access to the new Chase Sapphire Lounges at Hong Kong airport (HKG) and Boston (BOS), with more locations to come. As a Visa Infinite card, it offers top-notch travel insurance and purchase protection as well.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card Review

Best Premium Card With Luxury Benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Introductory APR: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership

Annual Fee: $695

Rewards: 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other purchases

The Platinum Card® from American Express is more or less the flagship premium travel card and one of the best metal cards , offering rewards, perks, and benefits that can net a ton of value for cardholders — whether you're traveling or staying close to home. You can more than offset the card's $695 annual fee if even a handful of card perks fit into your normal spending habits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has no foreign transaction fees and earns 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline and through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

There's also an excellent welcome offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

You'll also get up to a $200 annual airline incidental fee credit **, up to $200 in Uber credits (including Uber Eats)** each year ($15 each month, plus a bonus of $20 in December), access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world, complimentary hotel elite status with Hilton and Marriott**, and up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits per year**.

American Express Platinum Card Review

Best Card with the Simplest Reward Structure: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards: 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 2x miles on every other purchase

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another great option without foreign transaction fees and with an annual fee under $100, especially because you can transfer Capital One miles to various airline and hotel programs with an improved 1:1 ratio for most partners ( rates and fees ).

The card earns 2 miles per dollar on most purchases (along with 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel Portal) — the simplest rewards structure among travel credit cards. You can also redeem Capital One miles at a fixed rate of 1 cent each toward travel purchases made with your card, without having to worry about award charts and blackout dates.

Capital One Venture Card Review

No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

When you're using a credit card that charges a foreign transaction fee and you make a purchase abroad, you'll be charged an extra fee, as a percentage of your purchase amount. The fee is generally 3% of your purchase, and it will be added to your monthly bill.  

Your foreign transaction fee may be broken down into two parts: a fee charged by the payment network (as in Visa or Mastercard) and a fee charged by your credit card company.

In addition to applying to purchases you make while traveling abroad, a foreign transaction fee could be charged when you purchase from a vendor that's based outside of your home country. If you're shopping with a retailer or travel company based abroad, your best bet is to pay with a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees just to be safe.

Some merchants may offer the option to pay in local currency or your home currency when you use your credit card for a purchase. You should always pay in local currency because merchants can give a conversion rate much lower than the market exchange rate. Therefore, local currency rates will be closer to the actual market rate.

Plus, if you pay in US dollars, you'll typically be charged an additional fee (usually around 3%) from Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which is an unaffiliated third-party service that converts transactions to your home currency. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Virtually all of the best travel rewards credit cards waive foreign transaction fees by this point, so for this guide, we focused on narrowing it down to the best options in various categories. We drew heavily from our editors' expertise and the input of experts, as quoted in our guide to the best rewards credit cards , to come up with this list of the most popular categories of cards. 

You'll find a top pick for cash back, a top pick for travel rewards (in two different budget categories), our top airline credit card options, and more.

You can learn more about how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.

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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

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

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• Best Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer
• No Annual Fee

On this page

• Our top picks
• Card details
• What is a foreign transaction fee
• Pros and cons
• How to choose a card
• How to make the most of your card
• Foreign transaction fees by issuer
• Our methodology
• Frequently asked questions

Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of 2024

October 4, 2024

How we Choose

A foreign transaction fee is a common charge that your credit card issuer adds to your bill for purchases made outside of the U.S. Usually around 3% of the purchase price, foreign transaction fees can apply to travel purchases when you are physically outside of the United States, as well as online purchases with foreign merchants.

The good news is that there are plenty of credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees. Some credit card issuers, like Capital One and Discover, have no foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.

Keep reading to learn more about how foreign transaction fees work and how to avoid them. Below you’ll find the top offers from our partners, followed by a full list of editor picks.

Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees for 2024

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:  Best for sign-up bonus
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for flexible travel
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee ( See rates and Fees )
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for streamlined rewards
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for rotating bonus categories
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for point value
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for annual credits
• Discover it® Miles : Best for travel beginners
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for restaurants worldwide

Additional Options :

• American Express® Green Card: Best for starter travel perks

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

What traveler doesn’t enjoy a warm welcome? With this card, you’ll earn an outstanding sign-up bonus after meeting the spending requirement within the first three months of opening your account.

Even better, the Capital One Venture card has more in store beyond the sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fees.

• Miles don’t expire and there are no blackout dates.
• International travelers should find a lot to like about air travel partners such as Turkish Airlines and Avianca.
• The list of travel partners does not include most major domestic airlines.
• While not unreasonable for a card of this caliber, the $95 annual fee means you'll need a strategy to maximize the value of the rewards and benefits.

Bottom Line

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card isn’t quite in the heavyweight class, but it’s still a viable contender among the top travel credit cards.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Rates & Fees

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns kudos on many levels, including travel rewards, perks and value-added redemption options.

The rewards can add up quickly, especially for those who enjoy food as well as travel. You’ll earn 5X points on travel purchased through the Chase portal, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases. The lack of foreign transaction fees can help you get the most value out of the card.

• It pays to use the portal. When you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠ their value increases by 25%.
• Generous sign-up bonus and rewards rate
• There's a $95 annual fee with no first-year waiver. You'll have to factor in that cost as you maximize the rewards and benefits.
• You can transfer points to travel partners, but the list is a little short on major U.S. airlines and hotel chains.

If the sign-up bonus is the appetizer, brace yourself for the main course. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great source of rewards and value.

• Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Nobody likes to feel rushed when they travel, so why feel rushed when you’re using rewards to pay for travel? The window for redeeming points as statement credits for travel purchases made with this card is 12 months, as opposed to 90 days with other issuers.

You earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, and purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center earn 3 points per $1. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members could see the value of their points increase by 25%-75%, depending on their membership tier.

• You can redeem points as statement credits for any travel purchase made within the last 12 months, which is a long window compared with many other cards.
• No foreign transaction fee means that you don't have to worry about the cost of currency conversion when you use it overseas, and no annual fee means low cost of ownership.
• If you have a favorite airline or hotel chain, you can earn much higher rewards rates with a co-branded airline or hotel card.
• If you're looking for airport lounge access, concierge service and so on, look elsewhere. This card's travel-specific perks are pretty pedestrian.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a strong choice for people who like minimum hassle. Preferred Rewards members will get the most value.

• 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 as long as your account remains open.
• 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% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America 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.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

One advantage of a flat-rate travel rewards card is earning minus the strategizing. The 1.25X Miles you’ll earn on all eligible purchases means that even casual travelers have the opportunity to rack up rewards without having to focus on particular spending categories.

In terms of overall value, this card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or an annual fee. You won’t have to worry about currency conversion costs on international purchases or seeing the annual fee show up on your statement every year.

• If your list of travel worries includes blackout dates and minimum redemption requirements, you can remove both of them.
• The travel benefits, including upgrades, are particularly generous for a no-annual-fee card.
• The value of your Miles can vary significantly when you transfer them to Capital One travel partners, which could make the process confusing.
• If you're a frequent traveler, you'll probably get a lot more value out of a card with higher rewards rates.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers an easy way to earn travel rewards, even if you’re not a mile-devouring jet-setter.

• $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
• 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
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Although it’s not a travel card, its lack of foreign transaction fees makes the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card handy for purchases made from businesses outside the United States, including online merchants. You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases, which means steady earnings with no ceiling.

There’s more good news when you’re ready to redeem the cash back you’ve earned. You can redeem in any amount (some cards have minimum redemptions and set increments) and rewards don’t expire as long as the account is in good standing.

• The flat-rate cash back program means you don't have to track special categories, worry about earning limits or adjust your spending based on calendars.
• Easy and flexible redemption options include the Capital One App, which lets you redeem cash back as statement credits applied to purchases made within the previous 90 days.
• Flat-rate cash back has its appeal, but the question of scale still applies. Using a card with bonus rate categories, you can earn comparable cash back without spending nearly as much.
• The sign-up bonus ($200 when you spend $500 in the first three months) is easy to obtain but many competitors have richer welcome offers.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card isn’t the flashiest card on the market, but it’s a potentially lucrative source of no-hassle cash back.

• Earn a 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
• 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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• Discover it® Cash Back

For those who don’t mind doing some card and budget maintenance, this card can pay off handsomely. You’ll earn 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, followed by 1%) when you activate the bonus categories each quarter.

If the bonus categories line up, you could even pair it with a travel card when you venture overseas. The lack of foreign transaction fees makes it useful for international purchases.

• By making full use of the bonus categories up to the quarterly limit, you could earn $300 cash back per year in those categories alone.
• Thanks to Cashback Match™, Discover will automatically match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year owning the card.
• Tracking the bonus categories, activating each quarter and adjusting your spending accordingly does require some effort on your part.
• Discover's international payment network is smaller than those of some competitors, which means that cards using the Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted in more locations.

If you maximize the bonus categories, the Discover it® Cash Back has considerable potential to help you get the most out of your spending.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–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 you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
• Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

No foreign transaction fees are just the beginning. This premium travel card excels in just about every area we can think of, including rewards, benefits and perks, redemption options and more.

Rather than resting on their laurels, Chase seems determined to up their game. Recent upgrades include the addition of the Pay Yourself Back℠ program, which provides more value when you redeem points for statement credits against eligible purchases.

• Redeeming your points for travel through Chase Travel℠ increases their point value by 50%, which is how you can turn 60,000 points into $900 for travel instead of $600.
• Loyalty can be more than its own reward. Every year on your account anniversary, you qualify for an up to $300 travel credit to reimburse you for travel purchases.
• For some, the $550 annual fee could induce sticker shock. You'll need to travel frequently and take advantage of the many benefits and perks to offset that annual expense.
• The list of Chase travel partners isn't as extensive as those of some competitors and tilts more toward airlines than hotels.

Pay attention, serious travelers: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a world-class travel credit card, annual fee and all, and keeps getting better.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 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 Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

Travel inevitably involves waiting, but there’s nothing that says you can’t wait in style. This card can help you do it by offering access to the Global Lounge Collection, a suite of well over 1,300 airport lounges across the United States and the globe.

It also offers outstanding rewards rates on eligible airfare and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. If you’re shopping overseas or making an online purchase from an international vendor, you won’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees.

• Similar to the Amex Gold Card, you'll get opportunities to maximize the value of Uber. In this case, the benefits are Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber cash on rides or food orders in the U.S. every year (benefit renews annually).
• You'll get twice as much time as the industry standard to earn the welcome offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 with your new card in your first six months of card membership.
• The $695 annual fee, steep even for a premium travel card, might seem like the elephant in the room. Instead of ignoring it, though, you can focus on how to counteract it with the rewards and the long list of perks and benefits.
• Speaking of perks and benefits, Amex typically has very specific conditions and enrollment requirements that can make them seem overcomplicated.
• Terms apply

The $695 annual fee looms large, but so do the rewards and perks. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a top choice for frequent, food-oriented travelers.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you are a frequent traveler and love sign-up bonuses, Capital One’s Venture X has an impressive offer for you. New cardmembers will earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending 4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Those miles are worth $750 in travel redemptions.

• No spending limits. Earn unlimited miles in all purchase categories (with no expiration or blackout dates).
• Cardmembers get 10,000 bonus miles every year (worth $100 toward travel), starting on their first anniversary, as well as an annual travel credit of $300 for travel booked through Capital One Travel.
• To get the most value out of the card, you’ll need to book your travel through Capital One Travel.
• The annual fee of $395 will take a large bite out of all the rewards you can earn with this card.

Capital One’s entry into the premier travel rewards credit card space is an instant winner, thanks to the generous sign-up bonus and unlimited rewards you can earn on all purchases.

• 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 a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip 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 and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• 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
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection

Discover it® Miles

Not everyone is a travel expert. With this card, you don’t have to be. You can enjoy the simplicity of earning a steady flat rate on all eligible purchases and redeeming your Miles for statement credits you can apply to past travel expenses.

You can also look forward to some delayed (but lucrative) gratification. Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year as a cardholder, effectively doubling your first-year earnings.

• By earning 1.5X Miles on all eligible purchases, travel-related or not, you can earn a considerable amount of rewards without being a globetrotter.
• One of Discover's trademarks is its aversion to fees. This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or annual fees, among others.
• You might not have to search as far as you think for a comparable travel card that offers more travel benefits while also going easy on the fees.
• If you feel that convenience and versatility have a value all their own, a card that offers a travel booking portal and transfer partners might be a better choice.

The Discover it® Miles has a lot to offer casual travelers who would rather enjoy the journey than strategize their rewards game.

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 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
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.74% - 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.

American Express® Gold Card

It boasts not only a terrific rewards rate at restaurants worldwide, but also valuable credits foodies will love, including annual dining credits and Uber Cash. Plus, Amex points are among the most valuable rewards out there and can be transferred to a long list of airline and hotel partners.

• Also earns rewards at a high rate at U.S. supermarkets, making it a terrific option for frequent travelers, restaurant-lovers and home cooks alike.
• Since it earns rewards at a high rate in everyday categories — not just travel — it should be easy to rack up points toward your next trip even if you don’t spend a ton on travel.
• You’ll only get good value for your rewards if you redeem for travel or transfer to airline or hotel partners, so cash back fans will want to look elsewhere.
• Other cards earn a high (if not quite as high) rewards rate on dining, groceries and in other everyday categories without charging an annual fee.

If you’re a foodie looking for an easy way to earn travel rewards on everyday spending, this card will likely be a great fit.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $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.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.

Haven’t found the right card yet?

Check out these other card categories — we think they’re just what you’re looking for:

…or see more cards with no foreign transaction fees

*All information about the American Express® Green Card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card, the Chase Freedom Flex and the Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

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

Comparing the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

Editor’s picks: no foreign transaction fee credit card details, best for flat-rate rewards: capital one venture rewards credit card.

• Best features : The Venture Rewards’ sign-up bonus is straightforward and plentiful: earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. It does come with a $95 annual fee ( See rates and Fees ), but this card also offers high rewards in bonus travel categories and 2X miles on all other purchases, plus convenient features like a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and easily transferable miles.
• Biggest drawbacks : The Venture’s list of airline partners in the U.S. is limited.
• Alternative : The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a rewards program that isn’t as simple or flexible, but it will likely provide more value if you are willing to book your travel through Chase Travel.
• Bottom line : Big spenders who regularly go abroad will find a lot to love about the versatile Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card beyond the sign-up bonus.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for sign-up bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• Best features : This top Chase credit card has everything you need in a travel rewards credit card. Cardmembers get a generous base rewards program of 5X points on travel purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal, 3X points on dining and 2X points on other travel purchases (1X points on general purchases). There’s also a lucrative sign-up bonus and of course, no foreign transaction fees.
• Biggest drawbacks : The spend required to earn the bonus may be out of reach for someone on a tight budget. Plus, you’ll need to redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠  to get the best value.
• Alternative : The Sapphire Preferred offers the biggest bang for your buck when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠, but the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card will be the better option for travelers who like flexibility and want to keep things simple when it comes to earning and redeeming rewards.
• Bottom line : If you’re on the hunt for one of the best travel credit cards and you don’t mind paying a modest annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred allows you to accrue Ultimate Rewards points quickly.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for flexible travel: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• Best features : The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card makes travel rewards even more accessible by allowing you to redeem your points as a statement credit for any travel or dining purchase made on the card within the last 12 months. Plus, you can earn 25,000 welcome bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of card membership. On top of all that, there’s no foreign transaction fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : The rate for cash redemptions is disappointingly low at 0.6 cents per point.
• Alternative : If you like to travel, you could get more value by upgrading to a card with a modest annual fee. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a more robust rewards program and a bigger sign-up bonus. It costs $95 ( See rates and Fees ), but that fee is easily offset through strategic spending. (Read more about how you can easily offset this annual fee in our review.)
• Bottom line : With an easily attainable welcome bonus and flexible flat-rate rewards program, this is a great card for travelers who can’t be bothered to keep track of spend categories. Bank of America customers can earn even more through the Bank of America Travel Center .

Read our Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : The VentureOne offers travelers a 1.25X miles rate on all purchases, plus no annual fee ( See rates and Fees ) . Miles don’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn with this card. To welcome new cardholders, Capital One awards 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first three months (a $200 value towards travel).
• Biggest drawbacks : Travelers may feel a tad underwhelmed by the list of airline partners, which so far excludes any major domestic carriers.
• Alternative : The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is also a no-annual-fee credit card that won’t charge foreign transaction fees. But it edges out the VentureOne Rewards with its unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases.
• Bottom line : Anyone with good or excellent credit (a score of 670 or higher) who is on the hunt for a rewards card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee ( See rates and Fees ) will want to take a look at the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for streamlined rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best features : The Quicksilver is an easy-to-understand rewards card: It gets unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has a sign-up bonus of $200 for spending $500 in the first three months. As an added welcome, this flat-rate card offers a 0% intro APR offer on purchases for 15 months (19.99% to 29.99% variable rate thereafter) ( See rates and Fees )– a perfect window to purchase a trip to be paid off in increments while temporarily avoiding interest. In addition, this card charges no annual fee.

• Biggest drawbacks : Its flexible rewards and intro offer make this an easy-to-use card, but there are more valuable rewards out there for experienced cardholders.
• Alternative : Thanks to a flat cash rewards rate of 2%, you might get more value on your everyday expenses with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card . But you’ll miss out on paying no foreign transaction fees as the Active Cash card comes with a 3% fee for foreign currency conversion.
• Bottom line : Travelers with good or excellent credit (a score of 670 or higher) who prefer an uncomplicated rewards program will be pleased with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which charges no foreign transaction fee.

Read our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for rotating bonus categories: Discover it® Cash Back

• Best features : One of a select few offering its level of rewards, the Discover it Cash Back offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spend each quarter on rotating categories such as restaurants, wholesale clubs and even online retailers (activation required). After hitting the $1,500 threshold in a quarter, the rewards rate drops to 1% (the same as all other purchases).
• Biggest drawbacks : Due to limited international availability, travelers should research whether Discover is accepted where they’re traveling.
• Alternative : The Chase Freedom Flex® also has 5% cash back in rotating categories. But it also has fixed rewards rates in numerous bonus categories, including 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Travel℠ and 3% on dining and on drugstore purchases. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee if you plan to use it for overseas spending.
• Bottom line : The Discover it® Cash Back is a versatile cash back card that is a good match for travelers willing to be strategic in their spending. But if you think you’ll have difficulty keeping up with rotating categories, you might be better served by a flat-rate credit card .

Read our Discover it® Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for point value: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best features : Unlike most, this card features an annual travel credit of $300 for cardholders to spend anywhere in the world. And when purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal, you can earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals as well as 5X points on air travel. You can even earn 3X points on other travel and dining purchases and 1X points elsewhere. (The 10X, 5X and 3X travel rewards rate only applies after you earn your $300 travel credit.) And here’s the kicker: Points are unlimited, don’t expire and receive a 50% boost on travel rewards when redeeming through the Chase Travel℠ portal .
• Biggest drawbacks : This is a well-rounded card, but it comes with a high annual fee of $550. And despite the versatile redemption options (including travel, cash, and gift cards), there is a lower rewards value when you redeem for cash, gift cards or merchandise than when you redeem for travel booked through Chase.
• Alternative : Depending on your spending habits and the level of premium features you’re looking for, the  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  could be a better fit. It has a smaller annual fee and still packs a punch when it comes to luxury perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. Learn more about the  Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve .
• Bottom line : The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is for jetsetters who spend enough on dining and travel to justify the high annual fee.

Read our  Chase Sapphire Reserve® review  or jump back to this  card’s offer details .

Best for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best features : With the Platinum Card in your wallet, you’ll enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection , which Amex states has over 1,300 airport lounges in 140 countries. The high-end card also offers flexibility while traveling, with 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. This option also features unlimited points that won’t expire, a welcome offer of 80,000 points after a $8,000 spend within the first six months and no credit card foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ).
• Biggest drawbacks : The Platinum Card does not come cheap – bringing along a $695 annual fee. If your spending habits align with the impressive list of credits and perks that are worth over $1,000, you’ll have no trouble making up that fee. But that immense value starts to drop if you aren’t interested in things like memberships at Walmart or Equinox gyms.
• Alternative : If you want luxury but don’t want to pay such a steep price, you’ll want to consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . It has a smaller annual fee of $395 ( See rates and Fees ) and is a solid pick if you like lounge access and only need a limited amount of luxury perks. Learn more about the Capital One Venture X vs. Amex Platinum Card .
• Bottom line : Those willing to shell out the $695 annual fee will certainly get their money’s worth in top-notch travel perks including lounge access, Hilton Honors gold status and a number of handy travel related statement credits. If you’re constantly on the go, these benefits can be enormously useful.

Read our review of The Platinum Card® from American Express or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for annual credits: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : Compared to other premier travel rewards credit cards, the Venture X’s modest annual fee and unlimited miles on all purchases, along with all the other bonuses and perks, make it an instant challenger for the best credit card of its class.
• Biggest drawbacks : The $395 annual fee ( See rates and Fees ) and $4,000 spend requirement within three months of account opening to earn the 75,000 bonus miles should be considered carefully before applying for the Venture X.
• Alternative : With an annual fee of $695, The Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t cheap, but some travelers looking for luxury may prefer the convenience of Amex’s Membership Rewards program, as well as the opportunity to earn the Platinum Card’s welcome offer.
• Bottom line : The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option for anyone who travels often, uses their credit card regularly, and will take advantage of as many of the Venture X’s perks as possible. This includes the yearly bonus and travel credit, cellphone protection, and free lounge access.

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for travel beginners: Discover it® Miles

• Best features : The lack of annual fees, foreign transaction fees and miles limits, plus the flexible redemption options make for a powerhouse travel card for beginners.
• Biggest drawbacks : While this may not be a total dealbreaker for budget travelers and new cardholders, miles can’t be transferred to airline loyalty programs
• Alternative : If you spend a lot on travel and dining, consider upgrading to a travel card with a modest annual fee ($95). The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card costs $95 a year, but compared to a basic travel card, it can help you to maximize the amount of rewards you earn while also providing enhanced benefits like an annual hotel credit, trip cancellation and trip-interruption insurance and a complimentary DashPass subscription ( when you activate by December 31, 2027 ).
• Bottom line : If you’re looking for a travel credit card but don’t want to get locked into confusing points offers or an annual fee, the Discover it Miles may just have what you’re looking for.

Read our Discover it® Miles review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for restaurants worldwide: American Express® Gold Card

• Best features : If you’re a foodie, this card’s generous rewards rates at both restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets should make it easy to earn travel rewards on the purchases you make every day. Add in the value of its annual dining credits and Uber Cash and you can easily justify this card’s $325 annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : The annual fee likely won’t be worth it unless you take advantage of its dining credits and redeem points for travel. If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance card, a no-annual-fee rewards card is probably a better option.
• Alternatives : The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great no-annual-fee option ( See rates and Fees ) for foodies and cash back fans. You’ll earn rewards on dining, grocery stores, entertainment and more and can redeem for cash back or travel without worrying about point values.
• Bottom line : This card is a great value if you want to earn travel rewards and benefit travelers who spend a good bit at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and prefer to redeem rewards on travel versus cash back.

Related : Who should get the Amex Gold?

Read our American Express® Gold Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for starter travel perks: American Express® Green Card

• Best features : It comes with credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus — two practical benefits that offer a ton of value, even if you only travel occasionally. It also carries one of the most generous rewards rates out there on transit purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : Amex cards are less likely to be accepted abroad, so it could be risky to rely on this as your only card for international travel. Its perks will also fall short if you’re looking for unlimited lounge access worldwide — Loungebuddy isn’t available at all airports and the credits included with the card will only cover a few lounge visits.
• Alternative : Believe it or not, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card could be an even better deal, despite its high annual fee of $395 ( See rates and Fees ). That’s because the Venture X comes with unlimited Priority Pass and Capital One lounge access for cardholders, an annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles — enough value to easily offset the fee.
• Bottom line : Thanks to its practical, high-value perks, this card should be worth it even if you only take a few flights per year.

Read our Amex Green card review .

What is a foreign transaction fee?

Foreign transaction fees are charges that credit card issuers and payment networks place on purchases made in a foreign currency or on purchases that involve a foreign bank. A foreign transaction can be a purchase processed through a foreign bank (such as when you buy something from a non-U.S. retailer website) or when you travel overseas, including when you use an ATM. Note that there can actually be multiple fees at a foreign ATM, including a flat-rate international ATM surcharge as well as an ATM access fee.

Usually, a credit card foreign transaction fee is around 3% of the purchase price. Of that 3%, your card issuer typically charges 2% for processing the transaction and the remaining 1% is for converting the transaction from one currency to another. To put this in perspective, a $100 purchase would cost you an additional $3 in foreign transaction fees.

Which credit cards work internationally?

You won’t have trouble using your credit card at home. In the U. S., the four major credit card networks – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover – have an acceptance rate of 99% or higher among merchants who accept credit cards. But it’s a different story overseas.

According to their respective websites, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted in over 200 countries and territories around the world. But Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted at over 70 million merchant locations compared to Discover’s network of over 50 million merchants. And while American Express has made great strides to increase its international presence beyond 160 countries, it still doesn’t match the power of Visa or Mastercard.

But that doesn’t mean your Discover or American Express card won’t provide tremendous value when traveling abroad or making purchases with a foreign bank. It’s just a good idea to have a backup plan, which should include carrying a Visa or Mastercard, as well as your debit card for cash withdrawals and that rare occasion when a merchant doesn’t accept any credit card.

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

The easiest way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a credit card that doesn’t charge for overseas purchases. Why? Typically, in terms of convenience and security, credit cards are the best payment method .

When you use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, you don’t just avoid an unnecessary fee that eats into your budget. You’ll have an easier time disputing credit card charges than you will debit card purchases or items paid for with cash. Your credit card may also come with built-in protections like extended warranty and purchase protection.

In addition to being safer to use, credit cards are also accessible, meaning anyone can avoid foreign transaction fees. There are credit cards that charge no foreign transaction fee for every credit score range. Take a look at the following cards that charge no foreign transaction fee, no annual fee, and offer a number of valuable consumer protections:

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for limited or no credit

• Discover it® Student Cash Back
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card ( See rates and Fees )
• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See rates and Fees )

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for bad credit

• Discover it® Secured Credit Card
• Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for fair credit

• Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
• Capital One Platinum Credit Card ( See rates and Fees )
• Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®*

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for good credit

• Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See rates and Fees )

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for excellent credit

• Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See rates and Fees )

Pros and cons of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

Pros of a no foreign transaction fee credit card.

• You can rack up rewards . Some credit cards with no foreign transaction fees offer cash back rewards on popular spending categories in addition to travel cards offering points and miles.
• You’ll have access to travel perks . Along with base rewards and no foreign transaction fees, premium travel credit cards typically offer trip cancellation insurance, supplemental auto insurance, free checked bags, airport lounge access and other notable amenities.
• You’ll get a fair exchange rate . When you get your statement after buying something with a credit card in a foreign country, you’ll see that the charge has been converted to U.S. dollars. Your payment network will take care of the conversion, and you can usually be confident that you’re getting a fair exchange rate.

Cons of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• You may need to pay an annual fee . Annual fees are common among mid-tier and premium travel credit cards, which often don’t charge foreign transaction fees. When evaluating whether to get a card that carries an annual fee, it’s important to determine whether that fee can be offset or recouped with reward earnings, added perks, or if you can shoulder the added cost.
• Your payment network may not have coverage . While Visa and Mastercard payment networks seem to be everywhere, some regions don’t accept certain credit card networks. When it’s time to travel, take credit cards from at least two different networks and always have cash on hand.

How to choose a no foreign transaction fee credit card

Who should get a no foreign transaction fee credit card.

• The frequent international traveler . If you travel abroad somewhat regularly, credit card charges for foreign currency transactions can have a significant impact on your personal finances.
• The international online shopper . You don’t necessarily have to travel in order to rack up foreign transaction fees. For someone who routinely shops at international online shops, those fees can really sting, especially once you factor in foreign shipping expenses.

Who should skip a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• The balance carrier . Some cards in this category 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. Make sure to be aware of what you’ll be charged if you can’t pay your bills off in full each month.

How to make the most of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• Contact your bank before you travel . Make sure to notify your bank before you travel, as banks will often freeze an account on suspicion of fraud if they detect unusual activity, such as a purchase being made thousands of miles from the cardholder’s address.
• Come prepared with multiple cards . Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, your ability to use a credit card at a merchant depends on whether the merchant accepts that card’s payment network. If you’re planning to travel internationally and your primary card is American Express or Discover , it’s best to bring along a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
• Know how your rewards programs define “travel.” It’s important to pay attention to the specifics to get the most from your rewards credit card . Many rewards cards offer bonus points on smaller travel purchases, but issuers have their own definitions of travel. Some issuers put expenses such as rideshares and parking fees in the travel category, while others don’t.

Foreign transaction fees by card issuer

Below are the standard credit card foreign transaction fees for top issuers. Some issuers, like Capital One and Discover, elect not to charge a foreign transaction fee on any of their credit cards. Of course, even different cards from the same brand can vary in their fees.

Do I need a chip-and-PIN card for foreign transactions?

It’s a good idea for overseas travelers to have a chip-and-PIN card , but not necessarily a requirement.

Until a few years ago, U.S.-issued cards were swiped using magnetic stripe technology. Now, like Europe, our credit cards have an EMV chip . What happens after you insert the chip differs depending on where you are. While U.S. merchants will usually ask for your signature, European merchants may ask for a four-digit PIN.

The PIN provides an added layer of security and may be required at some overseas vendors — for example, at European train kiosks. Nowadays, however, most merchants can bypass the pin portion of the transaction if you don’t have one.

How we picked the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

• Rewards: rates, type, ease of redemption : There are a variety of people who can benefit from avoiding credit card foreign transaction fees, from small business owners to travel enthusiasts. We chose credit cards with high rewards rates in spending categories to match, like business rewards and travel benefits.
• Travel perks : One reason you may be hoping to avoid foreign transaction fees is that you have international travel plans. Some of the travel perks you’ll find among our top credit cards with no foreign transaction fee include free checked bags, rental car insurance, airport lounge access and TSA PreCheck credits.
• Sign-up bonus/welcome offer value : Many of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees also come with lucrative sign-up bonuses or welcome offers. We compared the value of cash back, airline mile and point bonuses to ensure you’re getting the most overall value from these picks.

Number of no foreign transaction fee cards we analyzed : 938

All criteria used : Rates and fees, rewards rates, rewards categories, sign-up bonuses, point values, redemption options, redemption flexibility, credit needed, travel benefits, transfer partners, international customer service, security, ease of application.

More information on credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

• Best credit cards for international travel
• Can you use a Discover card for international travel?
• How to maximize your credit card rewards for international travel
• Capital One Venture Rewards benefits guide ( See rates and Fees )

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average foreign transaction fee + –.

Foreign transaction fees vary but are typically around 3% of any purchase made using an electronic form of payment outside of the United States or with a merchant that processes the transaction in a foreign currency.

When do you pay a foreign transaction fee? + –

When you make an overseas purchase, you may have to pay foreign transaction fees. This can happen when you travel abroad or make online purchases with vendors that are outside the U.S. If you’re using a credit card that charges foreign transaction fees, these charges will show up on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle. Just like any other statement, you’ll have at least 21 days before payment is due.

Do foreign transaction fees apply to online purchases? + –

Yes, it’s possible to get charged a foreign transaction fee on your online purchases. You’ll typically get hit with this surcharge whenever you make online purchases:

• With an online retailer located outside the United States.
• When the transaction processes in a foreign currency.
• When the payment is processed by a foreign bank.

Do foreign transaction fees apply to debit cards, charge cards and gift cards? + –

Yes. Just like a credit card, you’re likely to get charged a foreign transaction fee when you make international purchases using debit cards, charge cards and gift cards. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid these unnecessary fees.

• Don’t use gift cards for international purchases, as these usually charge foreign transaction fees.
• Check with your bank to see if your account has no debit card foreign transaction or ATM fees.
• Use a credit card or charge card that comes with no foreign transaction fees. The best cards with no foreign transaction fees have additional benefits like built-in protections that make credit cards safer to use than debit cards .

Does paying in U.S. dollars avoid a foreign transaction fee? + –

Even when paying a merchant in U.S. dollars, you could be charged a foreign transaction fee when making purchases abroad or if the transaction is processed through a foreign bank.

About the Author

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Sally Herigstad

Sally Herigstad is a certified public accountant, author and speaker who writes about personal finance for CreditCards.com. She also writes regularly for MSN Money, Interest.com, Bankrate and RedPlum.com, and has been a guest on Martha Stewart radio and other programs.

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