Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees | Bankrate (2024)

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A no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card is exactly that — a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on purchases you make outside the U.S. No-foreign-transaction-fee cards are often associated with travel rewards cards. However, some issuers may also offer cash back, balance transfer, credit-building, student and business cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

What you should know about foreign transaction fees

• Hotel bookings

  While it largely depends on the location of the hotel 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, 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. Credit cards, debit cards, charge cards and even prepaid gift cards commonly charge foreign transaction fees.

As you search for a card to use for your upcoming international trip, it’s important to fully understand foreign transaction fees, what to consider when choosing a no-foreign-transaction fee card and how you can best use this type of card.

How to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees

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

Tips for maximizing a no-foreign-transaction fee card

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

  Every credit card may not work in every country depending on the card network, so it may be handy to have at least two no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards from different networks — especially if one is an American Express or Discover card. Carrying multiple credit cards could also help you earn rewards on a wider variety of purchases and make it easier to adapt your travel plans for different hotel or airline brands if needed.

• Take advantage of your rewards and perks

  Having no foreign transaction fees is a valuable card feature, but making the most of your cards’ rewards and perks can help you save even more on your travel. Rideshare partner perks, travel insurance, waived airline baggage feesand travel statement credits are all popular benefits that are worthwhile as well.

• 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 avoid needing a cash advance by keeping some cash or a debit card on hand for emergencies.

• Have a chip-and-PIN credit card

  Opt for a credit card that features both a chip and a PIN: a small metallic computer chip and a four-digit identification number to verify your card once it’s inserted. This card security method is more common internationally than the typical “chip and signature” method in the U.S., and it can save you from the hefty fees of a foreign ATM cash withdrawal.

MyFICO users and Reddit users across r/CreditCards, r/personalfinance, r/Travel and other related subreddits often recommend an array of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees when discussing the best options for travelers heading overseas. Here’s what a few of them had to say about some of 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

“[The] chase sapphire preferred is a solid option for no foreign transaction fees[,] especially if you have any [of] the chase freedom cards. [It] does have an annual fee but 3x points on dining is good when traveling outside the country.”

— Reddit User

“Capital One SavorOne* has been an amazing card for me. 3% back in dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming services! It covers so many categories despite not having an annual fee or foreign transaction fees!”

— 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

Overall, Reddit users generally agree that many no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards are the best option when traveling overseas. They provide the convenience and cost savings that travelers are looking for, along with the ability to earn rewards or points along the way.

*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.

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)

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

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

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

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