Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

Comparing the credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

A closer look at the best no foreign transaction fee cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is consistently ranked as one of the top all-around credit cards. With no foreign transaction fees and a reasonable $95 annual fee, this card offers excellent earning rates and a host of travel and consumer protections.

Rewards rate: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.24%–28.24% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Our verdict: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is best suited for frequent travelers and individuals who value flexible rewards. The card’s notable perks include primary rental car insurance coverage, trip delay coverage, and the ability to transfer points to various travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Its rewards structure and comprehensive benefits make it a top choice for many.

Pros:

• Generous rewards rate on travel, dining, and select categories
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Extensive travel and consumer protections

Cons:

• Annual fee

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

For those seeking a straightforward rewards-earning card with exceptional rates and top-tier benefits, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is worth considering. This premium card offers high-end benefits similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve but with a lower annual fee.

Rewards rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel.

Annual fee: $395

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months

Our verdict: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is ideal for individuals who prioritize luxury travel perks and are willing to pay a higher annual fee. The card’s benefits, including an annual travel credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit, and lounge access, make it a competitive choice for frequent travelers.

Pros:

• Outstanding rewards rates on travel-related purchases
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Premium benefits such as lounge access and travel credits

Cons:

• Relatively high annual fee

Apply now: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking for a no foreign transaction fee card without an annual fee and prefer cash back rewards, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option. It offers cash back on various categories, making it particularly attractive for dining and entertainment enthusiasts.

Rewards rate: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $0

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

Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable

Signup bonus: $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.

Our verdict: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for individuals who want to avoid annual fees while enjoying cash back rewards. Its robust cash back rates on dining and entertainment, along with the absence of foreign transaction fees, make it an appealing option for those who value simplicity and savings.

Pros:

• No annual fee
• Competitive cash back rates on dining and entertainment
• Solid welcome bonus

Cons:

• Limited additional benefits compared to premium cards

Apply now: SavorOne Rewards from Capital One

Learn more: Capital One SavorOne Rewards Review

United℠ Explorer Card

For frequent flyers who prioritize airline benefits and want a card without foreign transaction fees, the United℠ Explorer Card is an excellent choice. It offers exclusive perks and additional award availability on United Airlines flights.

Rewards rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable

Signup bonus: Get 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Our verdict: The United℠ Explorer Card is a fantastic option for loyal United Airlines customers and frequent travelers. The card’s benefits include additional award availability, free checked bags, United Club passes, and the ability to earn Premier Qualifying Points. While its annual fee kicks in after the first year, the perks provided may outweigh the cost for those who frequently fly with United.

Pros:

• Access to additional award availability on United Airlines flights
• Free checked bags and United Club passes
• Potential to earn Premier Qualifying Points

Cons:

• Annual fee of $95 after the first year

Apply now: United℠ Explorer Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

For travelers who prefer staying at Hyatt hotels, The World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent option. This hotel credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers benefits specifically tailored to Hyatt enthusiasts.

Rewards rate: Earn 9 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels, 2 bonus points per dollar on restaurants and eligible travel expenses, and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.24%–28.24% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus up to 30,000 additional bonus points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent within the first 6 months.

Our verdict: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent choice for travelers who frequently stay at Hyatt properties. Its standout benefit is the annual Category 1 to 4 free night certificate, which can easily outweigh the annual fee. The card also offers elite qualifying nights and additional perks for World of Hyatt members.

Pros:

• Valuable annual free night certificate
• Enhanced status and elite qualifying nights
• Earn bonus points on Hyatt stays and dining

Cons:

• Benefits limited to Hyatt properties

Apply now: The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

For individuals seeking an introductory APR offer along with no foreign transaction fees, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is worth considering. It offers solid rewards for travel-related purchases and flexible redemption options.

Rewards rate: Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with the potential to earn additional points when booking travel through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account.

Regular APR: 17.99% to 27.99% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.

Our verdict: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for individuals who want to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee. The card’s additional points on travel bookings made through Bank of America Travel Center provide extra earning potential. While it may lack premium perks, its nonrestrictive redemption options make it a solid option for many travelers.

Pros:

• No annual fee
• Flexible redemption options
• Additional points on travel bookings made through Bank of America Travel Center

Cons:

• Lacks premium perks and benefits

Apply now: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

For travelers who prioritize lounge access and a wide range of luxury perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a top contender. While it does charge an annual fee, its extensive benefits make it an excellent choice for frequent flyers.

Rewards rate: Earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. Earn 1 Membership Reward point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $695

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.99% to 28.99% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Our verdict: The Platinum Card® from American Express is perfect for frequent travelers who value luxurious travel experiences and exclusive perks. Its unparalleled lounge access, credits for expedited security screening, and various travel-related credits make it a top choice for those who want to travel in comfort and style. However, the high annual fee may not be justifiable for individuals who won’t fully utilize its benefits.

Pros:

• Extensive lounge access privileges
• A wide range of luxury perks and credits
• Valuable rewards program

Cons:

• High annual fee of $695

Apply now: American Express Platinum Card

How to choose the best card with no foreign transaction fees

Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to plan your finances wisely. One aspect to consider is the choice of a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. These fees can quickly add up and eat into your travel budget. To ensure you make the most of your money while overseas, follow these essential tips on choosing the best card with no foreign transaction fees.

• Research different credit card options: Start by researching credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees. Several financial institutions provide these cards, and it’s crucial to compare their features, benefits, and fees. Look for cards with low annual fees, competitive exchange rates, and rewards programs that align with your spending habits.
• Consider the card’s acceptance: While some credit cards are widely accepted globally, others may have limitations in certain regions or countries. Before deciding, check the card’s acceptance network to ensure it will be recognized and usable at your travel destinations. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted worldwide, making them reliable choices.
• Evaluate currency conversion rates: You’ll encounter currency conversion rates when using a credit card internationally. Some cards offer favorable rates, while others may include additional fees or markups. Look for a card that provides transparent and competitive exchange rates to avoid unnecessary charges and ensure you get the best value for your money.
• Examine additional travel benefits: Beyond no foreign transaction fees, consider other travel-related benefits that a credit card may offer. Some cards provide travel insurance, concierge services, airport lounge access, or even discounts on travel bookings. These perks can enhance your travel experience and provide additional value beyond fee savings.
• Assess security and fraud protection: Traveling exposes you to a higher risk of credit card fraud or theft. Choose a card that offers robust security measures, such as EMV chip technology and zero-liability fraud protection. It’s crucial to have peace of mind knowing that your card is secure and that you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges.

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

Once you’ve chosen the best card with no foreign transaction fees, it’s time to maximize its benefits and make the most of your travel experience. Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your no foreign transaction fee credit card:

• Inform your bank about your travel plans: Before your trip, inform your credit card issuer about your travel dates and destinations. This proactive step helps prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity when used abroad. It also ensures that the card company can reach you easily if there are any concerns or issues during your travels.
• Use your card for large purchases: Take advantage of the no foreign transaction fees by using your credit card for significant expenses. This approach allows you to avoid carrying large amounts of cash while benefiting from the security and convenience of using a credit card. Just ensure you can pay off the balance promptly to avoid accruing interest charges.
• Earn and redeem travel rewards: Many no foreign transaction fee credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar spent. Take advantage of these rewards by using your card for everyday expenses like dining, transportation, and accommodations. When you’ve accumulated enough rewards, redeem them for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses, further enhancing your travel experience.
• Monitor your account and transactions: While using your credit card abroad, regularly monitor your account for any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges. Set up transaction alerts or notifications to stay updated on your card activity. Promptly report any issues or discrepancies to your credit card issuer to ensure swift resolution and protect your finances.
• Plan for emergencies: In case of emergencies, such as lost or stolen cards, familiarize yourself with the card issuer’s customer service contact information. Keep a backup card or alternative payment method as a precautionary measure. It’s also advisable to carry some cash in the local currency when card payments are not accepted.

Methodology

The methodology used to calculate the best cards with no foreign transaction fees relied on several factors, with the most prominent of those being:

• The required credit score to apply successfully for the card
• The additional benefits offered by the card beyond rewards
• The rewards rate of the card
• The history of the card issuer itself
• Any potential costs associated with owning the credit card, like annual fees and ongoing APR
• International travel-specific benefits, like lounge access or worldwide availability

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.