Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Traveling to other countries is an exciting adventure, full of new places, sounds, tastes, and experiences. However, if you plan to use your credit card when exploring foreign lands, get ready to encounter an unwelcome surprise. These charges usually vary between 1% to 3% of the transaction or purchase amount. They can significantly inflate your overall spending when you travel abroad.

Is there a solution to sidestep these unwanted expenses? Luckily, there are also many credit cards without foreign transaction fees to cater to the needs of savvy travelers and let them get the most out of their international adventures.

Benefits of Using Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Whether you are an occasional adventurer or a globetrotter, opting for a no foreign transaction fee credit card can be a game-changer. Here’s why:

• Cost Savings: Without any added fees, you will save money with each international purchase. You can indulge in local delicacies, snag souvenirs, or book accommodations;
• Convenience: Carrying cash while traveling can be risky and inconvenient. A travel credit card is a much better option. Plus, you’ll have access to emergency funds you can use if needed without added charges;
• Rewards and Perks: Many cards with no foreign transaction fee also offer lucrative rewards programs, such as cashback, airline cards, travel miles, or hotel stays. These benefits can be leveraged to reduce travel costs or support the financing of upcoming journeys.
• Consumer Protection: Credit cards offer additional layers of security for consumers, such as fraud protection and dispute resolution services.

How to Choose an International Credit Card With No Fees

Consider the following factors:

• Rewards: Assess the card’s rewards program to see if it matches your spending patterns and travel preferences;
• Annual Fee and APR: Some credit cards may waive foreign transaction fees but charge a “heavy” annual fee and feature quite high APRs. Assess whether the merits and rewards outweigh the annual cost;
• Worldwide Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are common globally accepted networks, offering greater convenience and accessibility;
• Additional Benefits: Seek out additional merits like travel insurance, access to airport lounges, or concierge services, which offer value that extends beyond the mere absence of foreign transaction fees.

What Is the Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees for 2024?

Today, banks and credit unions throw multiple solutions at customers, striving for their loyalty and trying to outcompete each other. So, there is no lack of cards without foreign transaction fees, and you’ll spot a bunch of them at a glance. Yet, they are not all made equal.

To save you time and effort on the deep research, we’ve made a list of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees that come up with favorable terms in 2024.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

This card seems to be the best credit card with no foreign fees for international travelers. The travel benefits provided are exceptionally attractive:

• 60,000 intro bonus points credited after you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of card use will translate into $750 for travel when retrieved through Chase Ultimate Rewards;
• The branded trip cancellation insurance will keep you protected against non-refundable travel costs. You can get a reimbursement of $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip;
• A special baggage delay insurance will compensate up to $100 per day for 5 days for purchasing prime essentials due to the luggage being delayed by a carrier;
• In case of trip delays for over 12 hours, you can get compensation for meals and lodging up to $500 per ticket;
• An extended list of airline and hotel partners allows for 1:1 point transfers to benefit from their frequent traveler programs;
• Get up to $50 in statement credits for hotel costs incurred through Chase Ultimate Rewards;
• You can earn 5x points on trips acquired through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Pros

• A generous intro bonus;
• Exclusive travel perks and protections;
• A decent set of general rewards;
• Flexible redemption options.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Cons

• $95 annual fee;
• No introductory APR on purchases;
• Available for good to excellent credit scores only;
• No premium add-ons for travelers like a business lounge, TSA PreCheck credit, etc.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

This card is renowned for its flexibility. With no foreign transaction fees in place and maintained by Visa, it can be used globally without incurring additional charges.

Why choose this option?

• 75,000 miles for new cardholders spending over $4,000 during the first 3 months;
• This card allows for unlimited earning of 2x miles on all purchases, simplifying the process of gathering rewards for future travel costs;
• Miles can be utilized for travel statement credits, reserving future journeys, or transferring to partner loyalty schemes;
• It offers travel accident insurance at no charge when using your credit card;
• 24/7 concierge service;
• Up to $100 for TSE PreCheck or Global Entry;
• 5x miles on car rentals and hotels booked through Capital One Travel.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Pros

• Lucrative signup bonus;
• Straightforward rewards structure;
• Rewards redemption with PayPal;
• $0 fraud liability;
• Capital One Shopping tool for automatic coupon codes application;
• Shopping with rewards at Amazon;
• Global acceptance with Visa;
• Special perks from Capital One Travel.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Cons

• $95 annual fee;
• A limited list of travel transfer partners (only 10);
• An excellent credit score is required for signup.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

It’s one of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for travelers. This card earns unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all spending and purchases, with the flexibility to redeem points for statement credits toward travel expenses. There’s no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for occasional travelers. Additionally, Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%–75% more bonus points on purchases, further maximizing rewards potential.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Pros

• No annual fee;
• 25,000 bonus points that will convert into $250 for new cardholders spending over $1,000 within 90 days of initiating an account;
• 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles within 60 days;
• Non-expiring rewards;
• No blackout dates or restrictions on travel redemption.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Cons

• Lower reward rates;
• Limited additional travel benefits.

American Express Platinum Card

It’s a premium international credit card with no fees, offering a suite of luxury benefits. Cardholders earn Membership Rewards points on qualified purchases, which they can redeem for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or transfer to various airline and hotel partners. Additionally, cardholders enjoy:

• Global airport lounge access in 1,400 airports across 140 countries;
• $200 hotel credit annually for bookings via American Express Travel;
• Up to $200 airline fee credits per year;
• Lower fares with the International Airline Program for trips starting in and returning to the US;
• Added points, perks, and rewards with the Fine Hotels + Resort program;
• Elite status for Marriott and Hilton hotels.

American Express Platinum Card Pros

• 125,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in 6 months after opening an account;
• 5x points for flights and prepaid online hotel bookings via Amex Travel;
• 1x points on eligible purchases;
• $155 Walmart+ statement credit for a monthly Walmart subscription;
• $200 in cash annually for rides and eats with Uber and Uber Eats;
• Extensive shopping and entertainment rewards

American Express Platinum Card Cons

• $695 annual fee;
• No intro APR;
• Limited acceptance in some regions compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Conclusion

There are multiple feature-rich and attractive no foreign transaction fee credit cards on the market, each having its specific pluses and minuses. Which will best work for you? It depends on your spending habits, travel plans, and willingness to pay for premium perks. We hope our brief review will help you make the right choice.

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