Best cards with no foreign transaction fees of November 2024
If you’re traveling abroad, don’t forget to double-check that you’ve got a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card in your wallet. These cards are excellent for frequent and occasional travelers alike since fees are one less thing you have to worry about every time you make a purchase.
Plus, there are plenty of great credit card options that waive these fees and earn rewards like cash back, points and miles you can use in the future. Some even carry no annual fee. To help you narrow down your choices and find the card that suits you best, check out this roundup of some top cards from our partners with no foreign transaction fees, picked by TPG’s expert editorial team.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate earning
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for total value
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for entertainment spending
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for bonus earning
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining at restaurants
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury perks
- Bilt Mastercard®: Best for renters
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best for Bank of America customers
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card: Best for airline miles
- One Key+™ Card: Best for Expedia enthusiasts
- Discover it Cash Back: Best for no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee
- American Express® Green Card: Best for beginner travelers
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card: Best for ApplePay and mobile wallet users
Best for flat-rate earning
| 5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2 Miles | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles valued by TPG (not provided by the issuer) at $1,388
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
- Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
Cons
- Transfer ratios to a couple of partners are mediocre at less than 1:1 ratio
- Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines
- 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
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Best for total value
| 5x | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. |
| 2x | 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | 1x on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Pros
- Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
- You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Cons
- The card comes with a $95 annual fee
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 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.
- Member FDIC
Best for entertainment spending
| 8% | 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases |
| 5% | 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services |
| 1% | 1% Cash Back on all other purchases |
The Capital One Savor is a great cash back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Earning 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) is a great return for a no-annual-fee credit card
- This card is great for beginners.
- The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase.
Cons
- If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, there are cards that provide better value with higher rewards potential.
- The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn).
- For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 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; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Best for bonus earning
| 3X | Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year |
| 1X | Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn |
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card's sign-up bonus is a generous offer for the card. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
Pros
- Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
- Reasonable $95 annual fee.
- Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
- Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
Cons
- High spending needed to get 90,000-point sign-up bonus.
- No travel perks.
- Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Best for dining at restaurants
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Pros
- 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com
- Generous welcome offer
Cons
- Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Best for luxury perks
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full review of the Platinum Card from American Express.
Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, assorted annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway
Cons
- The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
- The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for renters
| 3X Points | 3x points on dining |
| 2X Points | 2x points on travel |
| 1X Points | 1x points on other purchases |
| 1X Points | Earn 1x points on rent without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points in a calendar year. When you use the card 5 times each statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases. |
The Bilt Rewards Mastercard is a credit card that allows renters to earn one point per dollar on their rent payments, without incurring credit card transaction fees. In addition, you can earn 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel (must make five transactions per statement period to earn points). Bilt Rewards points are transferable points and can be transferred to 12 airline partners and four hotel partners. Despite having no annual fee, the Bilt Rewards card features great travel and dining benefits like Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and World Elite Mastercard Concierge Service. Read more about the Bilt Rewards card here.
Pros
- Earn points on rent with no transaction fees
- Multiple bonus categories
- Transfer points to multiple travel partners
- Variety of travel benefits
Cons
- No welcome bonus
- Must make five purchases per statement period to earn points
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining
- Earn 2x points on travel
- Earn 1x points on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- Rates & Fees. Rewards & Benefits.
Best for Bank of America customers
| 2X | Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. |
| 1.5X | Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is great for using the points earned for rewards that normal airline miles or credit card points can’t cover. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members get a 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase. New cardmembers earn a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. Read our full review of the Bank of American Premium Rewards card.
Pros
- This card is more valuable for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members, who can get between a 25% and 75% bonus on points earned
- Comes with up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually and up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® statement credit and travel protections
- Can transfer points earned into a 529 college fund
Cons
- Other cards offer higher points for key bonus categories
- Must open a Bank of America account to get the best value for points
- Low $95 annual fee.
- Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
- Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 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.
Best for travel
| 10x | Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. |
| 5x | Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. |
| 1x | Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, generous points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Pros
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
- Access to Chase Travel hotel and airline travel partners
- 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
- 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
Cons
- Steep initial $550 annual fee
- May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 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.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Best for airline miles
| 3 miles | Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. |
| 2 miles | Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. |
| 1 mile | Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass from $122($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our full review of the Alaska Airline Visa credit card.
Pros
- Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation
- Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
- Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
- Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
- Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
- With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
- Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
- This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Best for Expedia enthusiasts
| 3% | Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo |
| 3% | Earn 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores, and on dining |
| 2% | Earn 2% in OneKeyCash on other purchases |
The One Key+™ card is the more premium of the two credit card options offered by the Expedia Group, which consists of Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. This card earns 3% OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo purchases as well as 3% on gas, dining and groceries.
All other purchases earn 2% in OneKeyCash. The card also comes with a fair OneKeyCash welcome bonus after you meet the spending requirements, but it’s worth noting that OneKeyCash can only be redeemed on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, which makes for very limited redemption options.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee
- Automatic Gold status
- $100 in OneKeyCash on each cardholder anniversary
- Trip protection coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption
Cons
- Limited earning and redemption options
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn $400 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®. To learn more, please refer to the One Key Terms and Conditions at www.expedia.com/one-key-terms.
- Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores, and on dining and 2% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
- $99 annual fee.
- Get Automatic Gold tier in the One Key rewards program with savings of 20% or more with Gold Member Prices on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. Unlock Platinum when you spend $30,000 per calendar year.
- Get $100 in OneKeyCash each year upon your cardholder anniversary.
- Receive one statement credit up to $120 for Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck®
- No foreign transaction fees.
Best for no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee
Discover it Cash Back
| 5% | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. |
| 1% | Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically. |
Pros
- Dollar-for-dollar cash back match offer in your first year of card membership
- Earn 5% cash back in rotating quarterly bonus categories
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Rotating bonus categories must be activated each quarter to earn 5% cash back
The Discover It® Cash Back* is a great no annual fee product that offers 5% cash back in select rotating categories each quarter. The card features a 0% introductory APR in the first 15 months of card ownership and a generous first-year cash-back match offer. The rotating bonus categories must be activated each quarter and are capped at $75 cash back per quarter, but with no annual fee, the Discover It Cash Back remains a solid addition to any wallet.
Best for beginner travelers
American Express® Green Card
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Decent earning rates across popular spend categories
- Annual Clear Plus credit
- Annual LoungeBuddy credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $150 annual fee
- May not offer much value if you’re not a frequent traveler
The American Express® Green Card* is an excellent option for travelers looking for a card with no foreign transaction fee. It offers elevated rewards on travel and dining worldwide, making it a good contender for frequent jetsetters. Amex Membership Rewards are transferable to any of Amex’s transfer partners.
Additionally, the card offers up to $199 in Clear credits and up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits annually to better streamline your airport experience. To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Green Card.
Best for ApplePay and mobile wallet users
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
| 5X | 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center |
| 3X | 3X points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending on Apple Pay®, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay |
| 1X | 1X point on all other eligible purchases |
Pros
- Multiple bonus categories
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- High annual fee
- Non-transferable rewards
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* is a premium travel credit card. It earns 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and rental cars when you book through the Altitude Rewards Center. This card also earns 3 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite also comes with $325 in annual statement credit that gets automatically applied towards travel and dining purchases — including takeout and restaurant delivery — essentially bringing its annual fee down to $75. This, combined with up to $100 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, a solid welcome bonus and no foreign transaction fees makes the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa a winner.
Comparing the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | flat-rate earning | 75,000 miles Open Intro bonus 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 2 - 5X miles | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | total value | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 5X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | entertainment spending | $250 Cash Back Open Intro bonus $250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 1 - 8% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | bonus earning | Earn 90,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 3X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | dining at restaurants | 60,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 4X points | $325 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | luxury perks | Earn 80,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 5X points | $695 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bilt's secure site | renters | N/A | 1 - 3X points | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | Bank of America customers | 60,000 points Open Intro bonus Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | 1.5 - 2X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | travel | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 10X points | $550 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | airline miles | 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ Open Intro bonus Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. | 1 - 3X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Wells Fargo's secure site | Expedia enthusiasts | Earn $400 in OneKeyCash™ Open Intro bonus Earn $400 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®. To learn more, please refer to the One Key Terms and Conditions at www.expedia.com/one-key-terms. | 2 - 3% cash-back | $99 |
Discover it Cash Back * *The information about the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 11/18/2024 | no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee | Cashback Match Open Intro bonus 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. | 1 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
American Express® Green Card * *The information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 09/20/2024 | beginner travelers | Earn 40,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points
after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 3X points | $150 |
U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card * *The information about the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 11/18/2024 | ApplePay and mobile wallet users | 50,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 50,000 points if you spend $4,500 in the first 90 days. | 1 - 5X points | $400 |
More details on the best cards with no foreign transaction fees
Simplicity, strong earning potential and a low annual fee are all strengths that come to mind for this card. Travelers will enjoy earning bonus rewards on all purchases without having to memorize bonus categories, instead focusing on redeeming rewards, such as transferring miles to one of Capital One’s partners.
Travelers interested in earning rewards in a simplified manner, especially toward travel redemptions. Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for eligible travel purchases as a statement credit or transferred to Capital One travel partners.
“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone's wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards' bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent card for those who would prefer to stay within the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. You’ll still earn generously across travel, dining and select streaming services.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is well known within the world of travel rewards credit cards. The card offers a strong return on travel and dining purchases, an annual hotel credit and amazing travel protections — all for a low annual fee. Points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each toward travel booked through Chase and can gain even more value when transferred to one of Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
The card is an excellent choice for those looking to earn on dining and travel at solid rates with the option of redeeming points for travel with one of Chase’s transfer partners. Card members will enjoy travel protections to help ensure their journeys go smoothly.
“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it's hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great alternative. It is known for its impeccable earning hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and solid flat earning rate on everyday purchases, plus a strong welcome bonus.
The Capital One Savor is a cash-back card and a great addition to a beginner’s wallet. The card offers a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. The bonus categories of dining, entertainment and groceries are easy to maximize, and it’s very rare for a card to have all three high-value bonus categories.
Individuals who don’t want to pay an annual fee but still want to earn cash back by simply using their card in the bonus-earning categories.
The card is easy to use since it doesn’t require activating quarterly bonus-earning categories, streamlining the rewards-earning process for cardholders.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for those looking for a simpler cash-back credit card with no annual fee. Cardholders earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is great if you have expenses that fall outside of the Savor
's bonus categories.
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is incredibly high and something to consider when looking to open this card. The card earns bonus points across four categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers), which are some of the most popular for businesses. In addition, the card provides travel and shopping protections, including primary coverage for car rentals and purchase protection.
Business owners who spend within the card’s bonus-earning categories would benefit most from this card, especially business travelers. If you already have another Chase credit card, you can also easily combine your points to maximize value and redemption opportunities.
“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I've found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter, senior writer
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers cardholders a flat rewards rate on all purchases, which may be useful for those who cannot utilize the Ink Business Preferred’s bonus categories.
This card not only has an appealing metal design but also delivers substantial benefits. Cardholders earn bonus Membership Rewards points on worldwide dining and U.S. supermarket purchases while receiving benefits like an annual dining credit, Uber Cash credits and more (enrollment required for select benefits).
The Amex Gold is a great card for those looking to redeem points for travel by transferring points to airline and hotel partners. The card earns on dining globally, so cardholders who travel often should use this card to continue earning points worldwide.
“There's no better card for groceries and dining than the Amex Gold. I earn 4 points per dollar in both of these categories, and with additional perks like a monthly Uber credit and the ability to transfer my Membership Rewards points to valuable airline partners, the card is a mainstay in my wallet.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a low annual fee while offering bonus rewards on dining and travel and maintaining a great list of transfer partners that can help maximize your return on points earned.
The Amex Platinum comes with unmatched travel perks and benefits. For those looking for lounge access, hotel elite status, annual statement credits and other benefits meant to elevate your travel and lifestyle experiences, this card is well worth the high annual fee.
The Amex Platinum is perfect for frequent travelers who like to enjoy the more luxurious aspects of travel. Benefits include statement credits tailored toward flights and hotels, in addition to lifestyle-based credits for gym membership and streaming services.
“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus statement credits (enrollment required for select benefits). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a more affordable annual fee (see rates and fees) while still offering perks that rival those of the Amex Platinum. Additionally, you’ll earn bonus rewards on purchases outside of just travel, which can be helpful if you’re hoping to apply rewards from everyday spending toward your travel experiences.
The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points on your rent, generally a large monthly expense, without transaction fees. In addition, you can earn elevated rewards on travel and dining. The Bilt Mastercard is a great way for renters to get cash back on their largest expenses, and the card comes with many travel benefits and no annual fee!
Renters who are looking for a way to earn travel rewards on their rent, without transaction fees, can find a lot of benefits in this card.
The Bilt card can be a great addition to your wallet because no other card lets you earn on rent as widely. In addition, it comes with travel and Cellular Telephone Protection while featuring no annual fee — making this card a no-brainer for any renter’s wallet.
Unfortunately, there is no other credit card like the Bilt Mastercard. If you are looking for a simple cash-back card and your landlord takes credit cards without charging a transaction fee, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) which earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill).
The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card generously offers 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, while giving cardholders 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, a higher bonus-earning potential than other travel cards. Flexible redemption options and the ability for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members to get a 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase make the card even more outstanding.
Individuals who currently have a Bank of America account and want a stress-free card that offers simplicity. For semifrequent travelers, this card offers solid benefits such as an annual airline incidental credit, comprehensive travel protection insurance and unique redemption options such as transferring points into a 529 college fund.
The card offers benefits and a variety of redemption options to suit almost any individual. Strong earning potential in broad categories such as travel and dining make this an excellent choice for a card with a low annual fee.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a strong contender for those looking for a BofA card tailored more toward travel with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top premium travel card among TPG staffers and many travel aficionados. Offering a generous travel credit and bonus earnings on dining and travel purchases, this card is an easy way to build up your points balance for your next adventure. With such excellent benefits offered, the annual fee on the card is easy to justify for many travelers.
The card is best for those who spend a lot on travel and dining. If you travel often, this card is also a must-have for its travel protections, statement credits and lounge access.
“I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year, along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I'm able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen, director of content
The Platinum Card® from American Express provides additional travel and lifestyle benefits over the Chase Sapphire Reserve and is aimed toward travelers looking to upgrade their travel experiences with perks such as lounge access, automatic elite status and more.
The Alaska Airlines Visa credit card is loved by many thanks to the ability to earn miles with the airline’s highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. In addition to earning coveted Alaska miles, cardholders earn Alaska’s Companion Pass, an outstanding perk for those who fly with Alaska often.
Those who are frequent flyers on Alaska Airlines benefit the most from this card because of airline-specific perks such as a free checked bag and priority boarding. The card is an excellent way to earn Alaska miles, which can redeemed for travel on Oneworld alliance airlines and other partners.
Alaska MileagePlan miles are among the most difficult to earn within the world of credit card points and miles, so having a card that helps boost your mileage balance can provide a lot of value.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good choice for those looking to be flexible with their rewards, as Capital One miles transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners.
The One Key+™ card is a decent travel credit card for those who prioritize booking flights, stays and other travel via Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. Additionally, the One Key+™ features no foreign transaction fees, automatic Gold status and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credit for a reasonable annual fee of $99.
The One Key+™ card might not have any standout benefits but can be a good option for travelers who regularly use Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo and want to get the most out of their spending on these platforms.
The Expedia Group sometimes offers decent prices on travel bookings and your savings can be even greater when you use the One Key+™ card.
If you’re looking for a reasonable mid-tier travel credit card but want more flexibility in terms of redemption options, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The Sapphire Preferred offers great travel perks and benefits and a comparable annual fee of $95.
We love the Discover It® Cash Back* because it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and features rotating quarterly bonus categories.
*The information for the Discover it® Cash Back card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Discover It® Cash Back* is great for people who are getting into the credit card world that wants a fee with no fees and great perks.
“I love the Discover It® Cash Back* because it has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Plus the first year cash back match means you can get a lot of value from this card.” - Christina Ly, credit cards writer
If you still want a card with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a simpler cash-back structure, consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). It offers elevated cash back, but there’s no activation of rotating bonus categories required.
The Amex Green* features no foreign transaction fee, annual statement credits and elevated reward rates on travel and dining out.
*The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Amex Green* has no foreign transaction fee and earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and transit, which makes earning transferable Amex membership points which makes it an excellent option for travelers.
The Amex Green* is a solid entry-level travel card with decent travel perks and benefits for a reasonable $150 annual fee.
If you’re looking for a similar travel card that earns transferable reward points and features no foreign transaction fees, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The card earns 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ and 3 points per dollar spent on dining and groceries. Additionally, it features a slightly lower annual fee of $95.
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* features healthy reward rates in popular categories, statement credits and no foreign transaction fees, making it a great travel companion.
*The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* is especially handy for mobile wallet enthusiasts and travelers who will benefit from the bonus categories and credits.
If you’re looking for a travel credit card with easy statement credits and elevated bonus categories, the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* may be a good fit for you.
If you’re looking for a card with similar perks and benefits but want to earn transferable rewards instead, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. This card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, complimentary lounge access and earns transferable rewards that can be used with any of Chase’s transfer partners.
How we rate cards
Ask our experts
What’s your favorite credit card with no foreign transaction fee — and why?
What TPG readers have to say about their top pick for best no foreign transaction fee card
We surveyed our readers to see which no foreign transaction fee cards are their favorite. With several great options to choose from, one card came out on top as a fan-favorite while it’s sibling is also well-loved thanks to a number of benefits in addition to the lack of foreign transaction fees when making purchases abroad.
Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
“Chase Sapphire Preferred - easily the best all-around option. Low annual fee, abundance of convenient and useful features such as rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. Combined with an intuitive platform, host of valuable transfer partners, and excellent service - I'll likely never drop this card.” - Jacob K via a TPG newsletter survey
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
“Sapphire Reserve - get all the insurance benefits, rental car protection, no foreign transaction fee, and lounge access. And global entry credit.” - James M via a TPG newsletter survey
“The Chase Sapphire Reserve has great insurance coverage, no foreign transaction fees, Priority Pass, Lyft, Door Dash, Global Entry and TSA precheck benefits and $300 of your travel expenses credited back each year. I figure it pays for itself.” - Tamara K via Facebook
How to choose the best no foreign transaction fee card
- An annual fee card may be well worth it if the card features benefits that are worth more than the card’s annual fee. Depending on your travel lifestyle, it might be beneficial to consider a card with an annual fee.1Annual fee
- Welcome bonuses are an important part of determining a card’s value. It is often significantly more difficult to earn as many points as a card’s welcome bonus through regular spending alone. Generally, the higher the welcome bonus is, the higher the required spend will be so make sure you can earn your card’s welcome bonus through your normal spending habits.2Welcome bonus
- Cards on this list feature a variety of bonus categories. Choosing a card with elevated earning rates on your regular spending categories is the best way to get the most out of your card. You want to choose a card that best benefits you and your earning strategy.3Bonus categories
Pros and cons of cards that waive foreign transaction fees
Pros
- When traveling outside the U.S., cards that waive foreign transaction fees can save you up to 5% on every purchase.
- These credit cards offer valuable rewards on your purchases — both inside and outside the U.S.
- Responsibly using a card with no foreign transaction fees can improve your credit score.
- Some cards that waive foreign transaction fees include many other valuable perks — including lounge access or statement credits for select purchases.
Cons
- If you spend beyond your means, you can harm your credit score and rack up interest charges that far outweigh the savings you get from not paying foreign transaction fees.
- Many cards that waive foreign transaction fees come with an annual fee — in some cases nearly $700.
- If you never leave the U.S. on a trip, you won’t benefit from a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Frequently asked questions
These fees are charged by some card issuers every time you swipe your card outside of the U.S.
When you buy something abroad or on a non-U.S. website, the cost of the purchase will likely need to be converted into U.S. dollars. A foreign transaction fee is generally charged to mitigate the financial risks of the ever-changing foreign exchange market. Once the purchase is converted into U.S. dollars, then a foreign transaction fee is charged.
Foreign transaction fees vary for each issuer but are generally anywhere between 2% and 5%. Given that most bonus rewards categories fall into the same earning percentage, a foreign transaction fee on purchases can easily completely offset any value you’d be getting from your credit card’s rewards structure.
You don’t have to be in another country to rack up a foreign transaction fee. If you make a payment online with a brand that isn’t based in the U.S., you might still be charged a foreign transaction fee, even if you were in the U.S. when you made the purchase.
This can happen when you are buying from a company that is not based in the U.S., but it also happens when booking hotels abroad. Most properties within major hotel brand portfolios like Hilton or Marriott are individually owned and managed, but reservations are facilitated through a brandwide website.
This means that while your reservation may be made on a U.S. website and you may pay in U.S. dollars, the room charges may be processed by the hotel itself through a non-U.S. bank. It’s generally hard to tell in these cases whether you’ll be charged a foreign transaction fee until after the payment is already processed. So it’s a best practice to use a card with no foreign transaction fees just in case.
If foreign transaction fees are charged on purchases made for business purposes then the fees are tax deductible, but all foreign transaction fees for personal expenses are not tax deductible.
Foreign transaction fees are not refundable. The best way to avoid incurring these fees is to use a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee to begin with (or to use cash while abroad, but then you’ll miss out on the potential to earn rewards).
However, there are some cards that will refund you for foreign ATM fees when traveling abroad. ATM fees are not the same thing as foreign transaction fees — ATM fees are charged by a bank when using an ATM that is not affiliated with your bank — but are an example of fees you may be charged while traveling abroad. A Schwab Bank Investor Checking account from Charles Schwab comes with a debit card that will refund any fees incurred from using ATMs while abroad.
When applying for a new card or evaluating an existing card, look at your cardholder agreement and rates and fees page, which will highlight if the card charges foreign transaction fees or not.
There are U.S. credit card issuers that never charge foreign transaction fees, regardless of which credit card you have — most notably Capital One and Discover.
However, even the credit card issuers who do charge foreign transaction fees across some of their cards almost always offer at least a few credit cards within their lineup that don’t charge these fees — many of which are included in this list. These cards are usually geared toward travelers and include bonus categories and benefits that are suited for those who want to make the most of their travels.