Planning an international trip or frequently shop from overseas websites? Using the right credit card can save you hundreds of dollars in hidden fees. Foreign transaction fees typically add 3% to every purchase made abroad or in foreign currency—that’s $30 extra on a $1,000 hotel stay. In this guide, we’ll explore the best international credit cards with no foreign transaction fee, helping you maximize your travel budget and earn valuable rewards along the way.
What Are Foreign Transaction Fees and Why Do They Matter?
Foreign transaction fees are surcharges that many credit card issuers add to purchases processed outside your home country or in a foreign currency. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the purchase amount and can significantly increase your travel expenses.
How Foreign Transaction Fees Work
When you make a purchase abroad, your credit card issuer may charge a fee for converting your purchase from the local currency to US dollars. This fee usually consists of two parts:
- A fee charged by the payment network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) – typically 1%
- A fee charged by the card issuer (your bank) – typically 1-2%
Combined, these fees can add up to 3% on every international transaction, which quickly accumulates during travel.
Why These Fees Matter for Travelers
Consider this scenario: During a two-week European vacation, you might spend $5,000 on hotels, dining, shopping, and activities. With a standard credit card charging a 3% foreign transaction fee, you’d pay an extra $150 just in fees.
Using a card with no foreign transaction fee allows you to:
- Save money on every international purchase
- Get the true interbank exchange rate without markups
- Simplify your travel budget without calculating extra fees
- Often access additional travel benefits and protections
Top 6 International Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee
We’ve analyzed dozens of credit cards to identify the best options for international travelers. Each of these cards eliminates foreign transaction fees while offering valuable rewards and benefits tailored to global adventurers.
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits
- Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within 3 months of account opening (worth $750 in travel)
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Miles transferable to 15+ travel loyalty programs
Card Details
- Annual Fee: $95
- Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Pros
- Simple, flexible rewards structure
- Generous welcome bonus
- Valuable travel credits and benefits
- No complicated bonus categories to track
Cons
- Annual fee not waived first year
- No intro APR offer
- Limited luxury travel perks compared to premium cards
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Key Benefits
- Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in first 3 months (worth $937 when redeemed through Chase Travel)
- Points are transferable to 14 airline and hotel partners
Card Details
- Annual Fee: $95
- Regular APR: 19.99% – 28.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Pros
- Excellent point value when redeemed through Chase Travel (25% bonus)
- Strong travel insurance benefits
- Flexible redemption options
- Valuable transfer partners
Cons
- Annual fee not waived first year
- High spending requirement for welcome bonus
- No airport lounge access
3. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Key Benefits
- Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, and popular streaming services
- 1x points on all other purchases
- 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in first 3 months (worth $200)
- Cell phone protection (up to $600)
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
Card Details
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 18.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Pros
- No annual fee
- Strong rewards in common spending categories
- Valuable cell phone protection
- Intro APR period
Cons
- Limited redemption options compared to transferable points
- No airline or hotel transfer partners
- Fewer premium travel benefits
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
- No minimum redemption amount for cash back
Card Details
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Pros
- No annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards structure
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- Long intro APR period
Cons
- Lower base rewards rate than some competitors
- Limited travel-specific benefits
- No bonus categories for everyday spending
5. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- 3 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Bank of America Travel Center
- 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in first 90 days (worth $250 in travel)
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles
- Preferred Rewards members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase
Card Details
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670-850)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Pros
- No annual fee
- Simple rewards structure
- Long intro APR period
- Flexible redemption for travel purchases
Cons
- Lower rewards value than competing cards
- No transfer partners
- Limited travel protections
- Best value requires Bank of America Preferred Rewards membership
6. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Key Benefits
- Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other purchases
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within 3 months of account opening
- $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary (worth $100)
- Complimentary airport lounge access (Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass)
Card Details
- Annual Fee: $395
- Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit Score: Excellent (740-850)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Pros
- Premium travel benefits at a lower annual fee than competitors
- Annual travel credit and anniversary miles effectively offset most of the annual fee
- Excellent airport lounge access
- Strong rewards earning structure
- Cell phone protection
Cons
- High annual fee may not be worth it for infrequent travelers
- Best rewards rates require booking through Capital One Travel
- Travel credit limited to Capital One Travel portal
Comparing International Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee
To help you choose the right card for your needs, we’ve created a side-by-side comparison of the key features of our top picks.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Rewards Rate | Key Travel Benefits | Best For |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | 75,000 miles ($750 value) | 2x miles on all purchases; 5x on travel booked through Capital One | Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; transfer miles to partners | Everyday spenders who want flexible travel rewards |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 75,000 points ($937 value through Chase Travel) | 5x on Chase Travel; 3x on dining, streaming, online groceries; 2x on other travel | 25% more value when redeeming through Chase; strong travel insurance | Travelers who want premium benefits at a moderate annual fee |
| Wells Fargo Autograph | $0 | 20,000 points ($200 value) | 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, streaming | Cell phone protection; no annual fee | Budget-conscious travelers who want rewards without an annual fee |
| Capital One Quicksilver | $0 | $200 cash back | 1.5% cash back on all purchases; 5% on travel booked through Capital One | No annual fee; simple cash back structure | Occasional international travelers who prefer cash back |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards | $0 | 25,000 points ($250 value) | 1.5 points per $1 on all purchases; 3x through BoA Travel Center | No annual fee; flexible redemption for travel purchases | Bank of America customers (especially Preferred Rewards members) |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 75,000 miles ($750 value) | 10x on hotels/rental cars and 5x on flights through Capital One Travel; 2x on everything else | $300 annual travel credit; airport lounge access; 10,000 anniversary miles | Frequent travelers who want premium benefits |
How to Choose the Best International Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee
Finding the right card depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and financial goals. Here are key factors to consider when making your decision:
Consider Your Travel Frequency
How often you travel internationally should guide your card choice:
- Frequent travelers (3+ trips/year): Premium cards with annual fees often provide enough value through travel credits and benefits to offset the cost.
- Occasional travelers (1-2 trips/year): Mid-tier cards with moderate annual fees typically offer the best balance of benefits and cost.
- Rare travelers (less than 1 trip/year): No-annual-fee cards are usually the most economical choice.
Evaluate Your Spending Habits
Choose a card that rewards your biggest spending categories:
- Dining and entertainment: Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Savor offer bonus points in these categories.
- Airfare and hotels: Travel-focused cards often provide the highest rewards for travel purchases.
- Everyday spending: If your spending is varied, flat-rate cards like Capital One Venture or Quicksilver might be better.
Consider Redemption Options
Think about how you prefer to use your rewards:
- Flexible travel redemption: Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One miles offer multiple redemption options.
- Specific airline or hotel: Co-branded cards might provide better value if you’re loyal to one brand.
- Simple cash back: If you prefer straightforward rewards, cash back cards eliminate the complexity of points programs.
Pro Tip: Calculate Your Break-Even Point
For cards with annual fees, calculate how much you need to spend to offset the fee:
- Identify the difference in rewards rate between a card with a fee and a no-fee alternative (e.g., 2% vs. 1.5%)
- Divide the annual fee by this difference (e.g., $95 ÷ 0.5% = $19,000)
- If you’ll spend more than this amount annually, the card with the fee is likely worth it
Example: The Capital One Venture ($95 annual fee, 2% rewards) breaks even compared to the Quicksilver (no fee, 1.5% rewards) at $19,000 in annual spending.
Additional Tips for Using Credit Cards Internationally
Beyond choosing a card with no foreign transaction fee, these strategies will help you maximize your international spending:
Before Your Trip
- Notify your card issuer: Inform them of your travel dates and destinations to prevent fraud alerts freezing your card.
- Set up mobile alerts: Enable transaction notifications to quickly spot any unauthorized charges.
- Download your card’s app: This allows you to manage your account, check balances, and report issues while traveling.
- Bring multiple cards: Always carry at least two different cards from different networks (Visa, Mastercard) in case one isn’t accepted.
- Check card benefits: Review travel insurance, rental car coverage, and other protections before departing.
During Your Trip
- Always pay in local currency: Decline offers to pay in USD (called dynamic currency conversion) as this typically includes hidden markups.
- Keep your card in sight: When possible, don’t let your card out of your view during transactions.
- Use secure ATMs: If you need cash, use ATMs inside banks rather than standalone machines which may have skimming devices.
- Save receipts: Keep all transaction receipts until you’ve verified charges on your statement.
- Have emergency contacts: Save your card issuer’s international customer service number in case you need assistance.
Avoid These Common International Card Mistakes
- Dynamic currency conversion: Always choose to pay in local currency, not USD, to avoid markup fees of 3-7%.
- Cash advances: These typically incur high fees and immediate interest charges with no grace period.
- Using debit cards extensively: Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards when traveling.
- Forgetting PIN numbers: Some international terminals require PINs even for credit cards.
- Not checking card acceptance: American Express and Discover have less international acceptance than Visa and Mastercard.
Understanding Currency Conversion
When you make a purchase in a foreign currency, here’s what happens:
- The merchant processes the transaction in local currency
- Your card’s payment network (Visa/Mastercard) converts the amount to USD using their exchange rate
- Cards with foreign transaction fees add their surcharge (typically 3%)
- Cards with no foreign transaction fee skip this surcharge
Payment networks typically offer exchange rates very close to the interbank rate (the “true” exchange rate), making cards with no foreign transaction fees one of the most cost-effective ways to spend abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Credit Cards
Do debit cards have foreign transaction fees?
Yes, most debit cards charge foreign transaction fees, often ranging from 1% to 3%. Some online banks and credit unions offer debit cards without these fees, such as Charles Schwab Bank and Capital One 360. However, credit cards generally provide better fraud protection and rewards than debit cards for international travel.
How can I avoid currency conversion markups when traveling?
To avoid currency conversion markups:
- Always choose to pay in the local currency when given the option
- Decline “dynamic currency conversion” offers from merchants
- Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee
- Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks, which typically offer poor rates
- If you need cash, withdraw from bank ATMs using a debit card with no foreign ATM fees
Which credit card networks have the best international acceptance?
Visa and Mastercard have the widest international acceptance and are accepted in virtually every country. American Express has good acceptance in major tourist areas and cities but may be declined in smaller establishments or less-traveled regions. Discover has the most limited international acceptance, though it has partnerships in certain countries like China (UnionPay) and Japan (JCB).
Do I need to notify my credit card company before international travel?
While many card issuers no longer require travel notifications, it’s still a good practice to inform your credit card company about your international travel plans. This helps prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity when transactions appear in foreign countries. Most issuers allow you to set travel notices through their mobile app or online banking portal.
Are there credit cards specifically designed for international students?
Yes, several credit cards cater to international students studying in the US:
- Deserve EDU Mastercard – designed for international students without a Social Security Number
- Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards – offers 1.5% cash back with no foreign transaction fees
- Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students – provides travel rewards with no annual fee
These cards typically have more accessible approval requirements and features beneficial for international students.
Do all premium travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees?
Nearly all premium travel credit cards (those with annual fees of or more) waive foreign transaction fees. However, this isn’t universal, so it’s important to check the card’s terms and conditions. Some cards marketed for domestic use may still charge foreign transaction fees despite having high annual fees or premium benefits in other areas.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right International Credit Card
Selecting a credit card with no foreign transaction fee is essential for international travelers who want to avoid unnecessary charges. The best card for you depends on your travel frequency, spending habits, and whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards.
For frequent travelers, premium cards like the Capital One Venture X offer substantial benefits that can outweigh their annual fees. Moderate travelers might find the best value in mid-tier options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture. And for occasional international trips, no-annual-fee cards like the Wells Fargo Autograph or Capital One Quicksilver provide excellent value without ongoing costs.
Remember that the right card isn’t just about avoiding foreign transaction fees—it’s about finding a card that rewards your specific spending patterns and provides benefits you’ll actually use. By choosing wisely, you can save money while traveling and earn valuable rewards that help fund your next adventure.
Ready to Start Saving on International Purchases?
Compare these top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees side-by-side to find your perfect match. Apply now and you could be earning rewards on your next international adventure!
Adam G
This post was created by Adam G, a seasoned financial writer with a passion for explaining currency exchange and market movements