7 Travel Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fee (Oct. 2024)
Updated:
Writer: Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer, Credit Analyst
Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Planning a trip to another country can often be an involved process as dealing with passports, new languages, and unfamiliar customs can add layers of complexity to any journey.
And, of course, there is the fact that currencies tend to change at the border, meaning your money will have to change, even if your language doesn’t. In an age where fewer Americans are carrying cash each year, the first thought on many minds is to turn to their trusty credit card while abroad.
But while many foreign businesses, especially in Europe, will accept credit cards from major issuers, many of those issuers charge cardholders for the cost of converting purchases to and from the local currency. These foreign transaction fees can be 3% or more of the purchase price, taking a bite out of your vacation budget. Luckily, tons of great no foreign transaction fee credit cards can be had these days, with many offering other great perks, too.
Let’s take a look at a few of our top choices for these kinds of cards, including cards that offer travel rewards, cash back, no annual, chip-and-pin cards, and business credit cards.
“Travel Rewards” Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
A natural fit for a credit card with no foreign transactions fees, travel rewards offer points or miles for every dollar spent, as well as often giving bonus miles for travel-related purchases. When comparing travel rewards cards, consider the rate at which you will earn rewards, as well as any bonus categories in which you may spend frequently.
Another thing to compare when looking at different travel rewards offers is the signup bonus. An easy way to jump-start your rewards, signup bonuses typically offer a large lump sum of points or miles for completing specific spending requirements in a given time period.
Our in-house experts rate Travel credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Travel statement credits
Travel insurance coverage
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Travel credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Travel statement credits
Travel insurance coverage
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
Our in-house experts rate Travel credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Travel statement credits
Travel insurance coverage
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Travel credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Travel statement credits
Travel insurance coverage
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
The best travel rewards programs will also offer flexible redemption options, allowing cardholders to redeem their rewards free from blackouts or brand restrictions. And while some travel rewards credit cards only allow points to be redeemed for airline tickets, the points and miles from our top picks can be used for many travel expenses, including flights and hotels.
Some travel rewards give more value when redeemed through the issuer’s travel portal.
Additionally, points redeemed for travel can often provide a greater per-point value than when they are redeemed for cash back or gift cards. The main catch here is that cardholders are typically required to use the credit card company’s branded travel portal to book their travel, so weigh the extra point value against the difference in price when you redeem.
“Cash Back” Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
When considering a trip overseas, or just over the border, cost is always of concern, so anywhere savings can be had is worth exploring. That’s where the cash back card comes in handy, acting like a rebate on every purchase that can save you a bundle on your trip — especially when your cash back card also charges no foreign transaction fees.
The main decision you’ll have to make when choosing a cash back card is whether you’d like to earn rewards at a flat rate for every purchase, or if you would benefit more from a category-based program that gives bonus points for specific purchases. You’ll also want to give some consideration to the signup bonuses offered by each card before making your choice.
Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:
Cash back earning rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:
Cash back earning rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:
Cash back earning rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:
Cash back earning rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Another factor to keep in mind when looking at cash back cards is the process for redemption. Some cash back programs will only redeem your rewards as a statement credit, while others will also send you a check or gift card. You’ll also want to note any minimum redemption requirements; at 1.5% cash back, it can take about $1,600 worth of purchase rewards to reach a $25 minimum redemption amount.
“No Annual Fee” Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
In a perfect world, every credit card would come without fees — and we’d all have jet-packs. Sadly, we’re still a long way from universal backpack propulsion devices, but we can get pretty close to a fee-free credit card by choosing one with no annual fee and zero foreign transaction fees. It can even help you travel.
In fact, our top picks for no annual fee cards to take abroad come complete with travel rewards programs that can help you save on your airfare or hotels. They can also eliminate the need to pay interest fees on your trip with an introductory 0% APR offer, making these credit cards about as fee-free as you can get.
Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:
Cash back earning rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house credit card experts rate Cash Back offers based on:
Cash back earning rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Reward redemption rates
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Furthermore, because there’s no annual fee to weigh down your rewards, the signup and spending rewards can be even more valuable, so compare programs carefully.
“Chip-and-Pin” Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Already becoming ubiquitous in the US, the EMV credit card is the latest effort to make credit card transactions more secure and the cards themselves harder to duplicate. The EMV credit card is often called a chip card for the prominent chip — actually an integrated circuit — embedded in it, used to store the card’s account and verification information.
The chip-and-pin cards standard in many European countries use a four-digit pin rather than a signature.
The EMV cards used in the US are often authorized by the cardholder’s signature, much like the traditional magnetic stripe cards. In many European countries, however, they instead use a chip-and-pin system, which requires a four-digit pin similar to a debit card.
Although most EU merchants can process chip-and-signature cards, travelers may run into some compatibility problems. This is particularly likely when trying to use self-service payment machines, such as ticket kiosks, which use an offline transaction verification processes that US credit cards are not typically configured to use.
To avoid any potential pitfalls — or the need to carry pocketfuls of the local currency — frequent travelers may wish to pick up a chip-and-pin card before their trip. With a good chip-and-pin card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, you’ll be buying like a native in no time.
Our in-house credit card experts rate Bank of America® cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel insurance and credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house credit card experts rate Bank of America® cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel insurance and credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Air Miles credit cards based on:
Miles earnings rates
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses and intro APRs
Travel insurance protection
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
$100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
As with other types of credit cards, you’ll want to compare rewards and signup bonuses when choosing a chip-and-pin card for your trip. You should also want to consider any annual fees, as these can take a bite out of your bonuses.
“Business” Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Although many of our no foreign transaction fee picks are perfect for a fee-free vacation, not all trips are for pleasure. And when you’re traveling for business, cost can be even more important than when you’re on a pleasure jaunt, with every penny coming out of your company’s bottom line. So why waste precious profits on foreign transaction fees?
Our picks for business cards with no foreign transaction fees are the perfect fit for any international executive or continent-hopping consultant, offering your choice of a card with unlimited cash back or one offering blackout-free travel rewards. You’ll also see solid signup bonuses that can really help your business purchases pay off.
Our in-house experts rate Business credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Business integration tools
Employee cards and restrictions
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Business credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Business integration tools
Employee cards and restrictions
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
Get the buying power you need to make large purchases, cover monthly expenses and help your business grow. While you must pay your Pay In Full balance each month, this card has built-in flexibility. The Flex for Business feature allows for qualifying purchases to be paid over time with interest.
Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
Our in-house experts rate Business credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Business integration tools
Employee cards and restrictions
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Business credit cards based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Annual and other fees
Signup bonuses
Regular and introductory APRs
Business integration tools
Employee cards and restrictions
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
No matter which card you choose, keep in mind that a business credit card is not intended for purchases you will need to pay off over a long period of time. The interest rates charged by credit cards make it a bad idea to carry a balance for very long.
Save a Little & Travel a Lot with the Right Card
No matter how well you plan and prepare, going on vacation can sometimes leave you feeling, well, as though you need another vacation. This is especially true when traveling abroad, and dealing with all of the paperwork and cultural complications that foreign travel entails. As exhausting as the trip can be, however, the bill you open afterward can be what really takes it out of you.
Fortunately, with the right credit card, you can cushion the blow. Not only can you cut your expenses by 3% or more by choosing a card that charges no foreign transaction fees, but you can boost your value by selecting one with great rewards, no annual fee, or a convenient chip-and-pin configuration. Yes, with the help of a good credit card, you can globe-trot like a pro. And, hopefully, your lasting vacation memories will be of unique landmarks, delicious food, and good times with friends and family, and not the balance on your credit card afterward.
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