- No foreign transaction fee credit cards save you money on purchases made abroad or online from international vendors.
- Some of the best cards with no foreign transaction fees are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Many cards without international fees often come with enticing rewards, such as bonus points or miles, cash back and travel perks.
- When selecting a no-foreign-fee credit card, consider factors such as international acceptance, additional fees, rewards and travel insurance coverage.
When you buy something using links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content is reviewed & supervised by The Los Angeles Times Commerce Team.
On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Our top picks for no foreign transaction fee credit cards
- No foreign transaction fee credit cards compared
- Best no foreign transaction fee cards: The highlights
- What are foreign transaction fees?
- How much are foreign transaction fees?
- Who should get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees?
- How to choose the best credit card with no foreign transaction fee
- How to avoid foreign transaction fees
- How to save on credit card fees when traveling abroad
- Alternatives to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
- FAQs: No foreign transaction fee credit cards
On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Our top picks for no foreign transaction fee credit cards
- No foreign transaction fee credit cards compared
- Best no foreign transaction fee cards: The highlights
- What are foreign transaction fees?
- How much are foreign transaction fees?
- Who should get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees?
- How to choose the best credit card with no foreign transaction fee
- How to avoid foreign transaction fees
- How to save on credit card fees when traveling abroad
- Alternatives to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
- FAQs: No foreign transaction fee credit cards
Best Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee of July 2024
Imogen Sharma - Finance Contributor
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Our top picks for the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for affordable premium travel benefits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for top-tier luxury travel benefits
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining and groceries
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for comprehensive travel benefits
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple reward-earning
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for frequent flyers
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for everyday cash back
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment
Our top picks for no foreign transaction fee credit cards
Advertiser Disclosure
Best for affordable premium travel benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X points on Chase Travel℠ purchases, 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, and 1X points on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For a mix of affordability and valuable travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the best options out there. With a low $95 annual fee, high point-earning potential on travel and non-travel purchases, and a solid reward redemption rate through Chase Travel, the Sapphire Preferred is an exceptional card for frequent and infrequent travelers alike. Its lack of foreign transaction fees makes it an ideal card for international travel, ensuring you don’t incur any additional expenses on your purchases made overseas. This card also has a generous welcome offer, helping jumpstart your rewards right from the get-go.
Best for top-tier luxury travel benefits
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3X points on non-Chase travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
22.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, while it boasts a hefty annual fee, comes with a multitude of valuable benefits that can easily make it worth it for the frequent traveler. The $300 flexible annual travel credit helps to offset over half of the yearly fee, effectively dropping the cost to a much more manageable $250 per year. Plus, its lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a handy companion when traveling overseas. We also love how it’s easy to rack up a ton of points with the Sapphire Reserve since it earns generously on travel purchases through Chase Travel, and if you redeem those points through Chase Travel they’re worth 50% more.
Best for dining and groceries
American Express® Gold Card
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.), on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X, 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
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Annual Fee
$325
Welcome Offer
LTO: 60,000 points + 20% bonus
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The exceptional rewards on purchases at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, coupled with over $400 worth of statement credits and no foreign transaction fee, make the Amex Gold Card a worthy option for travel and daily life.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Up to $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card as a payment method on your Uber account and automatically receive $10 in Uber Cash each month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. (Up to $120 annually.) To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States.
- Up to $120 Dining Credit: Enjoy up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use your American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys locations. Enrollment required.
- $100 experience credit: Receive a $100 experience credit when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit amounts vary by property, and are given only with a minimum two-night stay.
- Up to $100 Resy credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits every 6 months (up to $100 per year) when you use your Gold Card at U.S. Resy restaurants or other eligible Resy purchases.
- Up to $84 in annual Dunkin’ credits: Get $7 back per month in credits after you enroll and pay with your Amex Gold card at Dunkin’ locations
- Customize your card to fit your style: Gold, Rose Gold, or White Gold. White Gold is only available as supplies last.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- High rewards potential
- Many transfer partners available
Cons
- High annual fee
- Complicated statement credits
- Good or excellent credit recommended
Best for comprehensive travel benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Over $1,500 worth of annual statement credits, solid rewards on travel purchases, no foreign transaction fee, and an insanely valuable welcome offer make The Platinum Card® from American Express a standout option for premium travelers.
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Card Details
More card info
- $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when paying with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 back in statement credits every month when you make eligible purchases with your Platinum Card®. This offer applies to Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- Escape the hectic nature of the airport with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. With complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, you can enjoy more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Maximize savings on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership using your Platinum Card® and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one eligible airline and then get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you are charged incidental fees by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Receive Uber VIP status and get up to $200 annually ($15 per month, plus a $20 bonus in December) in Uber Cash on Rides or Eats orders in the U.S. Uber Cash and VIP status are only available to Basic Card Members. To receive this benefit you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Card must be a method of payment on your Uber account. This benefit may only be used in the United States. Terms apply.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Get to your gate faster at over 50 airports nationwide with CLEAR® Plus and receive up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use your card. Subject to auto-renewal. CLEARLanes are available at over 100 airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Enjoy either a $100 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee every 4 years or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also get access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Use your Platinum Card® to receive up to $100 in statement credits for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com annually (Up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually). Enrollment is required.
- Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile and enjoy access to exclusive reservations and unique dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
- Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
- Very generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee of $695
- Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
- Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular
Best for simple reward-earning
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays or rental cars booked through Capital One’s portal and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles + $250 bonus
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
While some travel credit cards have large fees and complicated bonus categories, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card keeps it simple with a low annual fee and flat-rate rewards.
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Card Details
More card info
- Miles don’t expire for the lifetime of the account plus there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Up to a $100 credit to use toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use miles for reimbursement on any travel purchase—or use them to book a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enhance every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
Pros
- Travel insurance protections incuded
- Earn flexible rewards for travel
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- Requires good or excellent credit
- No everyday spending bonus categories
- High APR
Best for frequent flyers
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on airfare purchased through the portal, and 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Venture X earns generously on hotels, rental cars, and flights booked through Capital One Travel, and its simple reward structure means it’s easy to earn and redeem miles. It also has a $300 yearly travel credit, making the $395 annual fee far less daunting.
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Card Details
More card info
- Get a $300 annual credit for booking trips through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every year, which is equivalent to $100 towards travel, starting on your first anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One lounges and the partner lounge network, for you and two guests
- Use Venture X miles to cover the cost of travel expenses, such as flights, hotels and rental cars; you can even transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs of your choice
- Enhance every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collection with a range of cardholder benefits, such as experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Pros
- Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transfers to international airlines, and more
- Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
- Huge welcome offer
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Large spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
- Excellent credit required
Best for everyday cash back
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
It’s not the best credit card for serious travelers, but the Quicksilver Cash Rewards’ 5% back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel coupled with its lack of a foreign transaction fee makes it a solid option for a double-duty card.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; after that, a variable APR of 19.99%-29.99% applies
- Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; Capital One may offer you a promotional 4% APR at any other time
- No rotating categories or sign-ups required to earn cash rewards; cash back won’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- Up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits until 11/14/2024
- No foreign transaction fees with this card
Pros
- No annual fee
- No cap on cash back
- Intro APR offer
Cons
- Lower welcome bonus than some cards
- Lower rewards rate than some cards with specific categories
- Requires good or excellent credit
Best for dining and entertainment
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Up to 10% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal. Earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
A solid cash-back credit card with no annual fee, the Capital One SavorOne can earn rewards in your daily life and while traveling. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees, so you can swipe it freely overseas.
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Card Details
More card info
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR).
- Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
- There are no rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
- Cash back won’t expire for the life of the account
- No limit to how much cash-back you can earn
- No foreign transaction fees
Pros
- No rotating categories that you need to sign up for
- No spending cap
- No annual fee
Cons
- High APR
- Good or excellent credit recommended
- Low sign-up bonus
No foreign transaction fee credit cards compared
Card name
Best for
Welcome bonus
Annual fee
Learn more
Best for affordable premium travel benefits
60,000 points
$95
Best for top-tier luxury travel benefits
60,000 points
$550
Best for dining and groceries
LTO: 60,000 points + 20% bonus
$325
Best for comprehensive travel benefits
80,000 points
$695
Best for simple reward-earning
75,000 miles + $250 bonus
$95
Best for frequent flyers
75,000 miles
$395
Best for everyday cash back
$200
$0
Best for dining and entertainment
$200
$0
What are foreign transaction fees?
Foreign transaction fees are charges that banks add on credit cards when you buy something in another currency or from a company based outside your country.
Banks add a percentage-based fee on top of the converted amount when you take cash out or spend money in a foreign currency. This also includes transactions processed outside your home country for online purchases.
With foreign transaction fees, let’s say you take your friends out to dinner and spend $100 in a foreign currency. If your bank charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that would mean you end up paying $103 altogether.
Banks use foreign transaction fees to cover the costs associated with converting currencies, processing payments across borders and managing the risks of international transactions. It’s something to be aware of when you travel abroad or shop online, as the fees can add up.
However, some of the best credit cards don’t charge any foreign transaction fees at all. For example, U.S.-issued Capital One cards and Discover cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees.
How much are foreign transaction fees?
Foreign transaction fees range from 1% to 3%. Let’s say you’re exploring the charming streets of Rome and buy a bougie leather handbag for $500. If your travel credit card levies an international transaction fee of 3%, you pay an extra $15.
Let’s take a look at the typical foreign transaction fees for each issuer:
| Issuer | Standard foreign transaction fees |
|---|---|
| American Express | Typically 2.7% to 3%, but some cards don’t have any |
| Capital One | None |
| Chase | Typically 3%, but some cards waive them |
| Citi | Typically 3% |
| Discover | None |
| U.S. Bank | Typically 3% |
Pros and cons of no foreign transaction fee credit cards
Pros
- Lower costs when traveling
- Additional travel-related benefits and rewards
- Easy budgeting
Cons
- Might have hefty fees
- Often require excellent credit scores
- Fewer non-travel-related rewards
Who should get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees?
Here’s a breakdown of who benefits most from a no-foreign transaction fee credit card:
- Frequent travelers. If you’re a jet-setter who frequently spends money abroad, even a few times a year, no foreign transaction fee cards save you a ton of cash.
- Global shoppers and diners. Love shopping international brands and trying out every restaurant while on vacation? A no-foreign transaction fee card lets you indulge without stacking up extra charges.
- Rewards maximizers. Many no-foreign transaction fee cards are travel-focused and offer impressive rewards on travel purchases. These can include airline miles, hotel points, lounge access or general points to redeem for travel.
- Anyone who values convenience. These cards simplify travel budgeting by removing the need to keep conversion costs and fee percentages in mind.
In short, if you value savings, rewards and the convenience of streamlined spending while traveling or shopping abroad, a no foreign transaction fee credit card is a no-brainer.
How to choose the best credit card with no foreign transaction fee
Need help choosing a credit card with no international fee? We’ve got you covered.
International acceptance
Not all cards are created equal when it comes to global acceptance. Visa and Mastercard boast the widest network, covering almost every corner of the world. On the other hand, Discover and American Express might be less readily accepted in some countries. Ensure your chosen card is compatible with the payment systems wherever you visit.
Fees
While a lack of foreign transaction fees is a major win, be sure to consider other costs. Premium travel cards often come with annual fees. Measure the annual fee against the perks to see if they align with your spending habits and travel style. Alternatively, you could opt for a no-annual fee card. Beyond annual fees, be mindful of potential balance transfer and cash advance fees, which typically accrue interest immediately.
Rewards
Maximizing your rewards is one of the biggest advantages of using a rewards credit card. Look for options with generous welcome bonuses that jump-start your points or miles right from the get-go. Do you travel frequently, dine out often or prioritize everyday purchases? Choose a card that rewards you most in your spending sweet spot.
Travel insurance
Many no-foreign transaction fee cards offer built-in travel insurance such as American Express and Chase. This benefit could save you money compared to purchasing separate policies for each trip. Be warned, though, some options deliver more comprehensive protection policies than others, so ensure the limits align with the type of trips you typically take.
Other travel benefits
Don’t forget to check out additional perks. Airport lounge access, complimentary upgrades and concierge services are often found with airline credit cards. They have the potential to bolster your overall travel experience and add significant value on top of avoiding foreign transaction fees.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees
The best way to avoid pesky foreign transaction fees is to use a credit card that doesn’t charge them at all. Focus on using this card for all eligible purchases while abroad to maximize savings, and consider carrying a backup just in case.
Bonus tip: Have a second no foreign transaction fee card tucked away in case of unexpected situations like a card not being accepted or getting lost.
How to save on credit card fees when traveling abroad
Smart, simple spending habits to help you sidestep additional costs beyond foreign transaction fees:
- Avoid cash advances
- Ensure your card has chip and PIN technology
- Pay using the foreign currency of the country you’re in
Alternatives to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Choosing the right credit card is often the most convenient way to dodge fees, but there are other ways to do it.
Traveler’s check
Prepurchased traveler’s checks function like cash abroad. However, they may be harder to find and are not as widely accepted as cards.
Exchanging to local currency
Exchange cash before your trip at your bank or a reputable exchange service. It’s good to have some local currency on hand, but cards still typically provide better exchange rates.
Prepaid debit card
Load up a prepaid debit card with funds in the foreign currency to avoid exchange fees, but be aware of potential card fees.
• • • • •
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.
FAQs: No foreign transaction fee credit cards
Which credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees?
Some major issuers such as Capital One and Discover offer cards without annual fees.
How do you check if a credit card has foreign transaction fees?
Read the card’s terms and conditions carefully to check if a credit card has foreign transaction fees. This information is always disclosed and easy to find on the issuer’s website.
How do I avoid foreign transaction fees?
Using a credit card designed for travel with no foreign transaction fees is the most effective way to avoid them.
Are foreign transaction fees refundable?
Usually, foreign transaction fees aren’t refundable.
Are foreign transaction fees tax deductible?
Foreign transaction fees are potentially tax deductible but only if you travel for business purposes. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.
About the Author
Imogen Sharma is an experienced writer, specializing in business, culture, and financial guidance for young adults. She has contributed to articles for Varo Bank, Lendzi, MoneyTips and Indeed, providing invaluable insights into budgeting, financial planning, and lines of credit.
As a dedicated self-employed writer, she cherishes the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with others, offering advice so they can master their bank accounts and secure their financial futures. Her articles, published in CMSWire, Reworked, WalletGenius and The Customer, serve as actionable guides to help people make solid financial decisions.
Prior to her writing career, Imogen honed her financial acumen in management roles, excelling in P&L analysis, budgeting and HR. During her tenure at Smith & Wollensky in London, her strategic contributions contributed to a 2% increase in EBITDA over a year, demonstrating her ability to drive financial performance and organizational success.
Imogen’s writing style combines expertise with accessibility, making complex financial topics easily understandable and actionable. With a focus on the long game, she encourages readers to approach financial matters with enthusiasm and determination.
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* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.