travel rewards credit cards with no foreign transaction fee

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Best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards of April 2024

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Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit card guides focused on cash back, credit scores and card offers.

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Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate,  focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs, point valuation and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more. Through his thorough card reviews and product comparisons, Nouri strives to demystify personal finance topics and credit card terms and conditions to help readers save money and protect their credit score.

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Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.

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Foreign transaction fees are only one of many unnecessary charges travelers and online shoppers are likely to encounter. This surcharge can be up to 3 percent of the cost when making international purchases or withdrawing funds from a foreign ATM. Here’s what you need to know about the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees from our partners as well as some tips on how to avoid other unnecessary fees when shopping internationally.

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Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best overall
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for expanded travel rewards categories
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for bonus category variety
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate cash back
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best travel card for beginners
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate travel rewards
• Discover it® Student Cash Back : Best for students
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for budget luxury travel
• Discover it® Miles : Best for first-year value
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for travel rewards on dining
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for luxury perks

Additional Options:

• American Express® Green Card:  Best for everyday travel
• What to know about foreign transaction fees
• Pros and cons of no-foreign-transaction-fee cards
• Expert advice for no-foreign-transaction-fee cards

How we assess the best cards with no foreign transaction fee

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How do we choose the best overall card?

In determining which cards were worthy of “Best Overall” distinction on marketplace pages, our editorial team reviewed the cards currently available on each page and narrowed the list of candidates to only those cards that either:

• A) had received a minimum 4.0-star overall rating in their primary scoring category based on our proprietary card rating methodology , or 
• B) were currently the highest-rated card on the page. 

We then surveyed an internal panel of expert credit card writers and editors as to which card from the candidate list was most deserving of a “Best Overall” distinction. The winner was selected based on popular vote.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Intro offer

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Regular APR

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Why it’s the best overall: "I got this card because I was going to be temporarily living abroad. It was also my first card so I needed something easy to use. This was the perfect choice thanks to its low fees, intro APR offer and flat-rate rewards, which helped me to get used to having a credit card without sacrificing value." — India Davis , Editor, Credit Cards  What we love: This card is great for low-hassle travel rewards with its flat earning rate and easy redemption of miles for any recent, travel-related purchases, including flights with any airline. Learn more: Is the Capital One VentureOne worth it? Alternatives: While this card is great for someone who doesn’t want to worry about offsetting the cost of an annual fee, travel rewards maximizers who travel often are likely better off with a more premium card, such as the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card .

• Occasional travelers can earn miles on everyday purchases.
• You could potentially increase the value of your miles by transferring them to Capital One’s travel partners.
• Many travel cards with annual fees come with more valuable benefits.
• Capital One’s transfer partners currently don’t include any major U.S. airlines.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• 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.
• 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.
• 1.5X 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.

What we love: What makes this card stand out is that you can redeem for more than just flights, hotels or rental cars. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card lets you redeem points for statement credits for purchases at campgrounds, zoos, art galleries, aquariums and more. Learn more: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card benefits guide Alternatives: The Citi Premier® Card is a solid alternative if you don’t mind a modest annual fee in exchange for competitive rewards rates on everyday purchases. 

• Qualifying for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program makes this card one of the most lucrative flat-rate travel cards available.
• You could benefit from a temporary break on interest charges thanks to this card’s intro APR offer.
• You won’t get some of the most coveted travel benefits like trip cancellation insurance or complimentary lounge access.
• The minimum amount of points you need to redeem is high compared to other cards.
• 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 18.24% - 28.24% 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.

Discover it® Cash Back

• 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 - automatically.

• 5% 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.
• 1% Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

What we love: This classic card from Discover pairs forgiving terms (like no penalty APR for missed payments) with a generous rotating category cash back rewards program, making it a rare cash back credit card that skips foreign transaction fees. Its end-of-first-year Cashback Match also sweetens the deal. Learn more: Is the Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card worth it? Alternatives: Discover’s rotating rewards program requires quarterly activation and tracking categories, so the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card may be a better match if you’re looking for a more low-maintenance rewards strategy.

• The card is cost-effective since there’s no annual fee and Discover will waive your first late payment fee (up to $41 after that).
• Rotating bonus categories tend to include popular everyday categories.
• The card’s value decreases after the first year when the Cashback Match is no longer on the table.
• Maximizing rewards takes some legwork; you have to enroll and spend in bonus categories each quarter to earn the best cash back rates.
• 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—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• 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 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

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 Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

• 5% 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
• 1.5% Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

What we love: This cash-back card combines consumer-friendly terms with a decent rewards program. We particularly like it for first-time rewards credit cardholders. Learn more: Why I love the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card Alternatives: If you want to maximize cash back earnings in multiple categories or have a higher rewards rate, we suggest the Discover it® Cash Back credit card .  

• You won’t need a minimum amount of rewards to redeem cash back.
• The welcome offer is fairly attainable compared to other cash back cards.
• You could earn more rewards with other flat-rate or bonus category cash back cards.
• The ongoing variable APR is higher compared to competing cards.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• 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

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

• 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.

What we love: This popular travel credit card operates on all cylinders, touting an excellent rewards rate on travel and dining and a lucrative sign-up bonus. You can also enjoy 25 percent more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠. Learn more: Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide Alternatives: Travelers looking for luxury perks such as airport lounge access or free checked bags may prefer the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .  

• The easy value boost by simply redeeming rewards for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal is a stellar feature.
• You’ll get travel perks like trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage delay insurance.
• No intro APR offers means you won’t save on interest if you have to carry a balance.
• There’s a steep spending requirement to earn the card’s sign-up bonus.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• 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, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

2 Miles - 5 Miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: A primary draw for this travel card is a generous 2X miles on all purchases, allowing you to earn toward travel without making a lot of travel purchases. Learn more: Why I love the Capital One Venture Rewards card Alternatives: If you exclusively fly one airline or stay at one hotel chain, you’re probably better off with a co-branded card — and you can also consider this card’s low-cost alternative, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card .

• It comes with many flexible redemption options, not limited to travel.
• You could potentially increase the value of your miles by transferring them to select Capital One travel partners.
• There’s a steep spending requirement to achieve this card’s current sign-up bonus.
• Miles are worth 1 cent or less unless you use select airline transfer programs, which can limit your overall earning potential.
• 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
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Discover it® Student Cash Back

• 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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

What we love: A top choice for students, the Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card touts a generous rewards program and consumer-friendly terms, including no annual fee. Consider applying if you don’t mind managing rotating cash back bonus categories. Learn more: Is the Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card worth it? Alternatives: If you don't want to activate the card's rotating bonus categories each quarter, the Discover it® Student Chrome has a more simplified rewards program.  

• It's a lucrative rewards credit card available to students.
• This card doesn’t charge an annual fee, perfect for first-time cardholders.
• Rotating cash back categories might be confusing or tedious to credit card newbies.
• While it has an intro offer on new purchases, it’s much shorter than what you’d find on plenty of other cards.
• No credit score required to apply.
• No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on 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. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 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.

What we love: This card’s lounge access privileges make it a perfect fit for frequent flyers who want to travel in maximum comfort. The card also comes with plenty of perks, including statement credits for expedited security screening, airline incidentals, hotels and Uber.  Learn more: The Platinum Card from American Express benefits guide Alternatives: While this card’s benefits are nice, they’re also expensive and you may only use a handful of its benefits. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great alternative thanks to its lower annual fee and solid travel perks.  

• This card offers a long list of airline and hotel transfer partners, so you should have little trouble using your points for travel worldwide.
• Includes access to Priority Pass Select lounges, Centurion lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (if you’re traveling on Delta) and more.
• It’s not a great fit if you want to earn travel rewards on everyday spending, due to its low rewards rates on non-travel purchases.
• Several of the card’s perks are unrelated to travel and may only appeal to a small audience, making the annual fee harder to justify.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• 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 with American Express Travel when you pay with 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.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $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: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 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.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

2 Miles - 10 Miles

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: If you’re looking for some middle ground in the realm of luxury travel cards, this one has a lot to offer. With about half of the annual fees on other luxury travel cards, you still get some of the best travel protections, lounge access opportunities and annual credits. Bonus: the credits you earn will put a nice dent in the annual fee. Learn more: Capital One Venture X benefits guide Alternatives: If you want a card that rewards your personal travel habits, such as booking with your favorite airlines or hotels, cards with brand-specific perks could be a better alternative. Co-branded credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , help you earn rewards with the hotels and airlines you prefer. 

• You’ll get $300 in annual credits for Capital One Travel bookings.
• Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Select membership to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.
• While it has a lower annual fee than other premier travel cards, it could still be steep for some.
• You must book through the Capital One Travel portal to earn the highest rewards rates.
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Discover it® Miles

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Offer valuation is not available for this credit card.

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

• 1.5X Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

What we love: This budget-friendly travel credit card combines a decent return on purchases, a generous first-year welcome offer and consumer-friendly terms. Occasional travelers should consider applying. Learn more: Why I love the Discover it® Miles Credit Card Alternatives: If you’re looking for travel perks or the ability to transfer miles to airline or hotel loyalty programs, cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card may be better suited for your needs.

• Miles don’t lose value when you redeem for cash back.
• Discover forgives your first late payment (up to $41 late fee after that; missed payments can hurt your credit score).
• The card has no ancillary travel benefits or perks.
• The card’s value drops significantly after the first year’s miles match welcome bonus.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

What we love: International travelers who always remember to pack their appetites will find the American Express Gold Card a rich source of travel rewards, without foreign transaction fees. The generous rewards and annual credits should go a long way toward offsetting the card's $250 annual fee. Learn more: Is the Amex Gold worth the annual fee? Alternatives: For travelers who want premium travel perks like airport lounge access, you’d be better off with the Chase Sapphire Reserve , as it comes with some of the highest rewards for travel and dining compared to other luxury travel cards.  

• This card offers best-in-class base rewards on food purchases.
• Features travel and shopping protections, including trip delay insurance, baggage insurance and extended warranty coverage.
• Earning the full value of some of this card’s credits requires careful attention to the terms and conditions.
• The steep annual fee will price this card out of many non-frequent flyers’ budgets.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $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.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

• 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.

What we love: This popular luxury travel credit card from Chase comes fully loaded, featuring generous base rewards, a sweet sign-up bonus, ancillary perks (including airport lounge access and certain travel protections) and a high-value travel credit that’ll go a long way toward offsetting the steep $550 annual fee. Learn more: Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits guide Alternatives: If you only travel occasionally, aren’t comfortable with a hefty annual fee or you’re not sure you’d get $550 of value out of this card each year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a better choice.  

• The annual travel credit is one of the easiest credits on the market to redeem.
• You’ll get a 50 percent boost when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠.
• The card’s ongoing APR is high and the card has no intro APR offers to shield you from interest charges.
• The card’s lounge access pales a bit in comparison to comparable luxury credit cards.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $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.
• 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

American Express® Green Card

*The information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

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.

Rewards Rate

Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.

• 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.

What we love: This travel card comes with solid perks at a relatively low cost, allowing you to get a taste of luxury travel even if you only take a few flights per year. It also offers one of the most generous rewards rates out there on transit, making it a great pick for commuters. Learn more: Why the American Express Green card is great for flexible spending Alternatives: Though the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card carries a higher annual fee, it offers more than enough value to make it worth the cost. It may be a better value than the Amex Green overall thanks to its wider-reaching lounge access privileges, annual travel credit and ongoing anniversary bonus.   

• City dwellers and people who frequently use public transit can get plenty of rewards with this card.
• You’ll get an annual statement credit for CLEAR membership.
• Unless you use the Pay Over Time feature, you'll be required to pay your balance in full each month.
• It has lackluster lounge access compared to other premier travel cards.

Compare Bankrate’s top no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

What is a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card?

A no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card is exactly that — a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on purchases you make outside the U.S. Naturally, no-foreign-transaction-fee cards are often travel rewards cards . However, some issuers may also offer cash back, balance transfer, credit-building, student and business cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

What you should know about foreign transaction fees

When you use a credit card overseas to buy something in the local currency, your credit card issuer has to convert the money you’ve spent into U.S. dollars. It may seem like any other transaction, but the credit card issuer covers various costs associated with international purchases like transferring money through a foreign bank. Many issuers offset these costs by charging a  foreign transaction fee for overseas purchases. However, Capital One and Discover don’t charge foreign transaction fees on any of their credit cards.

Depending on the issuer and card, a foreign transaction fee typically ranges from 1 percent to 3 percent, but it can go as high as 5 percent. Here's a quick look at how the fee structure breaks down among several major credit card issuers:

Unless you pay with a credit card that waives this fee, you’ll likely pay a foreign transaction fee for:

Hotel bookings

While it largely depends on the location of the hotel and the specific travel provider, your issuer may charge a foreign transaction fee when you book a stay in another country.

Online purchases

If you purchase something from a seller based outside the U.S. and your transaction is processed abroad, your issuer could charge a foreign transaction fee — even if you’re shopping from the comfort of home.

Debit, charge or gift card purchases

Unfortunately, you can't escape foreign transaction fees just by using a different type of card. Credit cards, debit cards, charge cards and even prepaid gift cards commonly charge foreign transaction fees.

Foreign transaction fees typically show up on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle and you pay them when you pay your credit card balance.

Bankrate Insight

When traveling overseas or shopping with international vendors, beware of other travel-related credit card fees that can decrease your purchasing power, including cash advance fees, ATM fees and conversion fees.

Pros and cons of no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

If you travel overseas or make purchases in foreign currencies, it's worth understanding why a card with no foreign transaction fee might benefit you.

Save on purchases abroad. The average foreign transaction fee rate is a costly 3 percent, which can also eat into — or entirely outweigh — some cards’ rewards rates.

Better exchange rates. A credit card can help you save on converting currency at a local ATM, bank or airport. For example, Visa and Mastercard typically charge 1 percent to convert currency to U.S. dollars, saving you the added costs of a merchant’s dynamic currency conversion rate (DCC).

More secure than cash or debit cards. Lost or stolen cash is gone without any recourse, and there’s a chance that you’ll be liable for unauthorized charges with a stolen debit card. Credit cards can be replaced overnight and have more protections against fraud and identity theft.

Expense tracking. You won't have to keep track of different payment methods or currency exchange fees if you charge everything to your credit card without foreign transaction fees.

Most options are travel cards. No-foreign-transaction-fee cards are less likely to carry cash back bonus categories tailored to everyday spending than travel rewards and perks.

Some card networks aren’t widely accepted abroad. Cards from American Express or Discover might not be as accepted widely by merchants overseas as Mastercard and Visa cards.

More likely to charge an annual fee. Since cards with no foreign transaction fees tend to be travel cards, annual fees are more common, and can run high depending on the rates, categories and redemption options you’re interested in.

Expensive if you need cash. Although these cards save you money on foreign transactions and other travel-related fees, the cash advance fees and APR are likely far more expensive than debit cards’ ATM fees if you’re in a pinch and need foreign cash.

Expert advice for no-foreign-transaction-fee card

As you search for a card to use for your upcoming international trip, it’s important to fully understand foreign transaction fees, what to weigh when considering a no-foreign-transaction fee card and how you can best use this type of card.

How to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees

Pick a card that fits your needs.

For some people, a card with no foreign transaction fees can offer hundreds of dollars in savings. People who travel overseas frequently, students studying abroad and some online shoppers may benefit most from picking a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If you’re hoping to earn rewards on these purchases, avoiding a foreign transaction fee is even more important since the common 3 percent rate could more than outweigh any rewards you’d earn from your purchases.

Look for a rewards card that offers cash back, points, or miles in categories that match your spending habits.

Look for perks that serve your travel interests

While choosing a travel credit card , compare the full suite of benefits each one offers. Along with rewards and no foreign transaction fees, top-tier travel credit cards usually carry benefits like annual travel credits , trip cancellation insurance, expedited airport security screening and airport lounge access. You may need to pay a higher annual fee to get all the perks you want, so pick the card that offers the best cost-to-benefit balance for you.

Compare rates and fees

Common credit card fees include annual fees, late fees, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees and returned payment fees. An annual fee is the hardest to avoid since you can dodge most other costs with responsible card use. 

Annual fees are most common among mid-tier and premium travel credit cards, even if these cards skip foreign transaction fees. Weigh whether you can offset an annual fee with reward earnings and added benefits, as you may find some cards with annual fees are worth it when they offer rewards.

Consider the card network

Although you shouldn’t have much of a problem with credit card acceptance, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted more widely internationally than cards on the American Express and Discover networks .

Still unsure if a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool to get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

Tips for maximizing a no-foreign-transaction fee card

When using your credit card internationally, follow these tips to ensure you’re making the most of your no-foreign-transaction-fee card and not racking up unnecessary fees .

Have a mix of credit cards

Every credit card may not work in every country depending on the card network, so it may be handy to have at least two no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards from different networks — especially if one is an American Express or Discover card. Carrying multiple credit cards could also help you earn rewards on a wider variety of purchases and make it easier to adapt your travel plans for different hotel or airline brands if need be

Take advantage of your rewards and perks

Having no foreign transaction fees is a valuable card feature, but making the most of your cards’ rewards and perks can help you save even more on your travel. Rideshare partner perks, travel insurance , waived airline baggage fees and travel statement credits are all popular benefits that are worthwhile as well.

Avoid cash advances

Withdrawing cash from an ATM with your credit card could cost you up to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn and tack on sky-high interest charges. Try to avoid having to take out a cash advance by keeping some cash or a debit card on hand for emergencies.

Have a chip-and-PIN credit card

Go for a credit card that has both a chip and a PIN : a small metallic computer chip and a four-digit identification number to verify your card once it’s inserted. This card security method is more common internationally than the typical “chip and signature” method in the U.S., and it can save you from the hefty fees of a foreign ATM cash withdrawal.

How this Bankrate expert chose their no-foreign-transaction fee card

Here’s how Bankrate writer and credit card reviewer Seychelle Thomas chose her card with no foreign transaction fees:

“Initially, I chose the Capital One Quicksilver* for its flat-rate rewards and how gracious it was towards my credit score at the time (which wasn't the best). No foreign transaction fees was more of a hidden benefit for me that became useful after building my credit and starting to travel. My Quicksilver card proved useful on a trip to Iceland in 2017 because it didn't charge foreign transaction fees and automatically converted prices from Icelandic Króna to USD for me. It's also come in handy on a trip to the Dominican Republic a few years later. Having account notifications set gave me some peace of mind in making sure my card stayed safe — and that I stayed on budget. After realizing travel rewards became more valuable to me than cash back, I swapped over to the Capital One VentureOne*. It also meant I could keep enjoying benefits I had with my Quicksilver card, like no foreign transaction fees and elevated rewards on Capital One Travel hotel and rental car bookings. I've already earned about 11,000 miles and tested out the card on a trip to El Salvador last year. I plan to use the card again during an upcoming trip to Mexico so I can keep earning travel rewards without paying an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.” — Seychelle Thomas Writer, Credit Cards

*( See Rates & Fees for the Capital One Quicksilver); ( See Rates & Fees for the Capital One VentureOne)

When evaluating the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fee, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards to scoring a large sign-up bonus to saving on interest.

We analyzed over 250 of the most popular credit cards and selected standouts that carry no foreign transaction fee. We scored each card based on the factors most relevant to its primary category, including its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, intro APR period, ongoing APR, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Solid rewards value

Since many cardholders looking for a card with no foreign transaction fee are eager to earn rewards, a key criteria for a card’s inclusion in our list is whether it offers impressive rewards value. This includes a card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories, as well as how closely those categories match the average person’s spending habits. In other words: Does the card earn rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories?

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $22,500.  

Some of the major spending categories that contribute towards the annual spend include:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries. We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other cards in its primary category.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable fees and APR

Naturally, all of the cards on this list do not charge foreign transaction fees.

We also rate all cards based on how their ongoing average APR compares to the average APR you’ll find other cards in their primary category. However, the impact of an especially high or low APR on a card’s overall score depends on its primary category.

For rewards-earning cards, this factor has only a minor influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance. That said, rewards-earning cards may get a solid boost in score and be more worthy of inclusion in our list if they also offer an intro APR on balance transfers or new purchases, since such offers aren’t always present on these cards.

More important to these cards’ scores and their inclusion in our list is how their annual fees influence their overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees.

Interest rates and intro APR offers play a much larger role in a card’s score and whether it’s included in our list when the card is designed specifically for users looking to save on interest charges, such as dedicated balance transfer or low-interest cards.

Other fees considered include cash advance and late payment fees, along with penalty APRs.

Flexibility and perks

Along with rewards value and cost, we consider other factors that could give cards great long-term value, like flexible rewards redemption and especially unique and valuable perks.

We rate rewards-earning cards based on the restrictions they impose on earning and redeeming rewards and consider this when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list.

These restrictions could include only allowing users to earn a high rewards rate on a small amount of spending or requiring users to meet a certain earning threshold before they can redeem rewards. We also examine whether points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners.

We also evaluate each card’s perks based on their value, usefulness and uniqueness. Cards that offer top-tier benefits like airport lounge access or travel credits are likely to stand out, but we also aim to highlight cards that offer valuable under-the-radar perks, like cellphone protection or one-off credits for everyday expenses like dining and streaming services.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Frequently asked questions about no foreign transaction fee credit cards

Which banks charge no foreign transaction fees.

• Capital One 360
• Charles Schwab Bank

Which travel rewards card is best for international transactions?

The best overall card for international transactions will vary depending on your specific overseas travel needs, but Bankrate has rated cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, Platinum card from American Express and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards card as some of the best travel rewards cards with no foreign transaction fee.

How do you determine if your existing credit card charges a foreign transaction fee?

How do i calculate a foreign transaction fee.

If you’re curious to know how much you’ll pay for a foreign transaction fee, multiply the purchase price by the fee percentage. Then add the result to the purchase price. For example, let’s say your nephew’s favorite soccer team is Manchester United F.C., so you buy him a jersey from an online retailer based in England using a credit card that charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee. If this purchase costs $100, the fee would be $3, bringing your total cost to $103 ($100 x 3 percent = $3, $100 + $3 = $103).

How do I calculate currency conversion?

To understand what you're being charged overseas versus what you'd be paying in your home currency, just divide the base amount (base currency) by the finishing amount (foreign currency) to determine the exchange rate. 

You may be able to see exactly what the currency conversion and its cost would be if your card network has an online currency converter, such as Visa’s exchange calculator and Mastercard’s currency converter calculator .

Can you avoid foreign transaction fees without using a credit card?

If you're looking for an alternative to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, here are some great options:

Using a prepaid debit card

These cards let you load money onto them at home, then use them to make purchases wherever you go — no matter where in the world you are. You can even use these cards online or over the phone, just as if they were a traditional credit card.

Exchanging currency before you travel

It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case you're somewhere that doesn’t accept credit cards. Before you travel, stop by your local bank and ask to exchange your dollars for your destination’s currency. Your bank will likely charge lower exchange fees than you’ll find at the airport (or none at all).

Using a traveler's check

When obtained through an eligible bank, you can use a traveler’s check almost anywhere in the world to make purchases. The paper document is cashed in exchange for local currency once you’re abroad. They are also safer than carrying cash, since you can replace them if they are stolen or lost.

Whether you should get traveler’s checks or a credit card with no foreign transaction fee depends on your preferences, but keep in mind that getting traveler's checks may be more difficult than using a credit card. Some banks no longer offer traveler's checks, so you may have to jump through more hoops to get them. 

However, with a credit card you can enjoy the same protections and benefits as you would with a traveler's check, such as:

• Replacement protection: Like with credit cards, traveler’s checks can be replaced if they’re lost or stolen.
• Broad acceptance: Traveler's checks may be accepted at places that don't take personal checks. However, you wouldn't have to worry about acceptance with a Visa or Mastercard credit card. 
• Cash alternative:   While an added benefit of a traveler's check is that you could exchange it for cash, using a credit card with adequate security features makes using cash internationally unnecessary.

Ask the experts: Is it worth it to get a credit card with no foreign transaction fee for a one-time overseas trip?

Erica Sandberg

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Contributor, Credit Cards

Absolutely! Foreign transaction fees can be expensive. Unless you have a credit card that does not charge them, be prepared to be charged an extra 3 percent on your transactions. For example, if you take a trip to France and spend $5,000 on your card, an additional $150 may be added to that amount. Your money could have gone to a lovely meal at a special café instead. The good news is that there are many credit cards available that do not charge foreign transaction fees. If you know that you will be traveling internationally, apply for one before you go.

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Depending on how much you plan to spend on your trip, and assuming you don’t already have a card with no foreign transaction fees, it may be worth it to shop for a card that will help you avoid the 3 percent typical fee. Be aware that most recommended cards will require good to excellent credit in order to be approved. You may want to consider zero-fee cards which also have other perks or rewards you will use in the future.

Contributor, Personal Finance

There are so many card options out there these days that there is absolutely no reason to use any of your vacation money to pay foreign transaction fees on your credit card. Even if you only take a big international trip just once a year, you’ll always be better off using a card with no foreign transaction fees. If you don’t already have one in your wallet, I’d recommend a Visa over American Express or MasterCard for ease of international acceptance. You can even find one like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card that has no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

“ What is Dynamic Currency Conversion? ” Visa. Accessed on March 21, 2024.

Lowry, C. “ Everything you need to know about traveler's checks ” Western Union. Accessed on March 21, 2024.

“ Consumer Expenditures 2022 ,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on March 21, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

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On this page

• Our top picks
• Card details
• What is a foreign transaction fee
• Pros and cons
• How to choose a card
• How to make the most of your card
• Foreign transaction fees by issuer
• Our methodology
• Frequently asked questions

No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

April 18, 2024

How we Choose

A foreign transaction fee is a common charge that your credit card issuer adds to your bill for purchases made outside of the U.S. Usually around 3% of the purchase price, foreign transaction fees can apply to travel purchases when you are physically outside of the United States, as well as online purchases with foreign merchants.

The good news is that there are plenty of credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees. Some credit card issuers, like Capital One and Discover, have no foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.

Keep reading to learn more about how foreign transaction fees work and how to avoid them. Below you’ll find the top offers from our partners, followed by a full list of editor picks.

Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees for April 2024

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee ( See Rates and Fees )
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for flexible travel
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for rotating bonus categories
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for streamlined rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:  Best for sign-up bonus
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate rewards
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for annual credits
• Discover it® Miles : Best for travel beginners
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for restaurants worldwide
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for point value
• Citi Premier® Card : Best for hotel rewards

Additional Options :

• American Express® Green Card: Best for starter travel perks

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

One advantage of a flat-rate travel rewards card is earning minus the strategizing. The 1.25X Miles you’ll earn on all eligible purchases means that even casual travelers have the opportunity to rack up rewards without having to focus on particular spending categories.

In terms of overall value, this card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or an annual fee. You won’t have to worry about currency conversion costs on international purchases or seeing the annual fee show up on your statement every year.

• If your list of travel worries includes blackout dates and minimum redemption requirements, you can remove both of them.
• The travel benefits, including upgrades, are particularly generous for a no-annual-fee card.
• The value of your Miles can vary significantly when you transfer them to Capital One travel partners, which could make the process confusing.
• If you're a frequent traveler, you'll probably get a lot more value out of a card with higher rewards rates.

Bottom Line

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers an easy way to earn travel rewards, even if you’re not a mile-devouring jet-setter.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Rates & Fees

Bank of america® travel rewards credit card.

Nobody likes to feel rushed when they travel, so why feel rushed when you’re using rewards to pay for travel? The window for redeeming points as statement credits for travel purchases made with this card is 12 months, as opposed to 90 days with other issuers.

You earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, and purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center earn 3 points per $1. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members could see the value of their points increase by 25%-75%, depending on their membership tier.

• You can redeem points as statement credits for any travel purchase made within the last 12 months, which is a long window compared with many other cards.
• No foreign transaction fee means that you don't have to worry about the cost of currency conversion when you use it overseas, and no annual fee means low cost of ownership.
• If you have a favorite airline or hotel chain, you can earn much higher rewards rates with a co-branded airline or hotel card.
• If you're looking for airport lounge access, concierge service and so on, look elsewhere. This card's travel-specific perks are pretty pedestrian.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a strong choice for people who like minimum hassle. Preferred Rewards members will get the most value.

• 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 18.24% - 28.24% 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.
• Discover it® Cash Back

For those who don’t mind doing some card and budget maintenance, this card can pay off handsomely. You’ll earn 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, followed by 1%) when you activate the bonus categories each quarter.

If the bonus categories line up, you could even pair it with a travel card when you venture overseas. The lack of foreign transaction fees makes it useful for international purchases.

• By making full use of the bonus categories up to the quarterly limit, you could earn $300 cash back per year in those categories alone.
• Thanks to Cashback Match™, Discover will automatically match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year owning the card.
• Tracking the bonus categories, activating each quarter and adjusting your spending accordingly does require some effort on your part.
• Discover's international payment network is smaller than those of some competitors, which means that cards using the Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted in more locations.

If you maximize the bonus categories, the Discover it® Cash Back has considerable potential to help you get the most out of your spending.

• 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—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• 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 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Although it’s not a travel card, its lack of foreign transaction fees makes the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card handy for purchases made from businesses outside the United States, including online merchants. You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases, which means steady earnings with no ceiling.

There’s more good news when you’re ready to redeem the cash back you’ve earned. You can redeem in any amount (some cards have minimum redemptions and set increments) and rewards don’t expire as long as the account is in good standing.

• The flat-rate cash back program means you don't have to track special categories, worry about earning limits or adjust your spending based on calendars.
• Easy and flexible redemption options include the Capital One App, which lets you redeem cash back as statement credits applied to purchases made within the previous 90 days.
• Flat-rate cash back has its appeal, but the question of scale still applies. Using a card with bonus rate categories, you can earn comparable cash back without spending nearly as much.
• The sign-up bonus ($200 when you spend $500 in the first three months) is easy to obtain but many competitors have richer welcome offers.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card isn’t the flashiest card on the market, but it’s a potentially lucrative source of no-hassle cash back.

• 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
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• 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

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. This card also earns kudos on many other levels, including travel rewards, perks and value-added redemption options.

The rewards can add up quickly, especially for those who enjoy food as well as travel. You’ll earn 5X points on travel purchased through the Chase portal, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases. The lack of foreign transaction fees can help you get the most value out of the card.

• It pays to use the portal. When you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠ their value increases by 25%.
• Generous sign-up bonus and rewards rate
• There's a $95 annual fee with no first-year waiver. You'll have to factor in that cost as you maximize the rewards and benefits.
• You can transfer points to travel partners, but the list is a little short on major U.S. airlines and hotel chains.

If the sign-up bonus is the appetizer, brace yourself for the main course. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great source of rewards and value.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• 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, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

What traveler doesn’t enjoy a warm welcome? With this card, you’ll earn an outstanding sign-up bonus after meeting the spending requirement within the first three months of opening your account.

Even better, the Capital One Venture card has more in store beyond the sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fees.

• Miles don’t expire and there are no blackout dates.
• International travelers should find a lot to like about air travel partners such as Turkish Airlines and Avianca.
• The list of travel partners does not include most major domestic airlines.
• While not unreasonable for a card of this caliber, the $95 annual fee means you'll need a strategy to maximize the value of the rewards and benefits.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card isn’t quite in the heavyweight class, but it’s still a viable contender among the top travel credit cards.

• 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
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

Travel inevitably involves waiting, but there’s nothing that says you can’t wait in style. This card can help you do it by offering access to the Global Lounge Collection, a suite of well over 1,300 airport lounges across the United States and the globe.

It also offers outstanding rewards rates on eligible airfare and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. If you’re shopping overseas or making an online purchase from an international vendor, you won’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees.

• Similar to the Amex Gold Card, you'll get opportunities to maximize the value of Uber. In this case, the benefits are Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber cash on rides or food orders in the U.S. every year (benefit renews annually).
• You'll get twice as much time as the industry standard to earn the welcome offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 with your new card in your first six months of card membership.
• The $695 annual fee, steep even for a premium travel card, might seem like the elephant in the room. Instead of ignoring it, though, you can focus on how to counteract it with the rewards and the long list of perks and benefits.
• Speaking of perks and benefits, Amex typically has very specific conditions and enrollment requirements that can make them seem overcomplicated.
• Terms apply

The $695 annual fee looms large, but so do the rewards and perks. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a top choice for frequent, food-oriented travelers.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• 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 with American Express Travel when you pay with 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.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $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: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 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.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you are a frequent traveler and love sign-up bonuses, Capital One’s Venture X has an impressive offer for you. New cardmembers will earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending 4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Those miles are worth $750 in travel redemptions.

• No spending limits. Earn unlimited miles in all purchase categories (with no expiration or blackout dates).
• Cardmembers get 10,000 bonus miles every year (worth $100 toward travel), starting on their first anniversary, as well as an annual travel credit of $300 for travel booked through Capital One Travel.
• To get the most value out of the card, you’ll need to book your travel through Capital One Travel.
• The annual fee of $395 will take a large bite out of all the rewards you can earn with this card.

Capital One’s entry into the premier travel rewards credit card space is an instant winner, thanks to the generous sign-up bonus and unlimited rewards you can earn on all purchases.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Discover it® Miles

Not everyone is a travel expert. With this card, you don’t have to be. You can enjoy the simplicity of earning a steady flat rate on all eligible purchases and redeeming your Miles for statement credits you can apply to past travel expenses.

You can also look forward to some delayed (but lucrative) gratification. Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year as a cardholder, effectively doubling your first-year earnings.

• By earning 1.5X Miles on all eligible purchases, travel-related or not, you can earn a considerable amount of rewards without being a globetrotter.
• One of Discover's trademarks is its aversion to fees. This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or annual fees, among others.
• You might not have to search as far as you think for a comparable travel card that offers more travel benefits while also going easy on the fees.
• If you feel that convenience and versatility have a value all their own, a card that offers a travel booking portal and transfer partners might be a better choice.

The Discover it® Miles has a lot to offer casual travelers who would rather enjoy the journey than strategize their rewards game.

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.

American Express® Gold Card

It boasts not only a terrific rewards rate at restaurants worldwide, but also valuable credits foodies will love, including annual dining credits and Uber Cash. Plus, Amex points are among the most valuable rewards out there and can be transferred to a long list of airline and hotel partners.

• Also earns rewards at a high rate at U.S. supermarkets, making it a terrific option for frequent travelers, restaurant-lovers and home cooks alike.
• Since it earns rewards at a high rate in everyday categories — not just travel — it should be easy to rack up points toward your next trip even if you don’t spend a ton on travel.
• You’ll only get good value for your rewards if you redeem for travel or transfer to airline or hotel partners, so cash back fans will want to look elsewhere.
• Other cards earn a high (if not quite as high) rewards rate on dining, groceries and in other everyday categories without charging an annual fee.

If you’re a foodie looking for an easy way to earn travel rewards on everyday spending, this card will likely be a great fit.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $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.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

No foreign transaction fees are just the beginning. This premium travel card excels in just about every area we can think of, including rewards, benefits and perks, redemption options and more.

Rather than resting on their laurels, Chase seems determined to up their game. Recent upgrades include the addition of the Pay Yourself Back℠ program, which provides more value when you redeem points for statement credits against eligible purchases.

• Redeeming your points for travel through Chase Travel℠ increases their point value by 50%, which is how you can turn 60,000 points into $900 for travel instead of $600.
• Loyalty can be more than its own reward. Every year on your account anniversary, you qualify for an up to $300 travel credit to reimburse you for travel purchases.
• For some, the $550 annual fee could induce sticker shock. You'll need to travel frequently and take advantage of the many benefits and perks to offset that annual expense.
• The list of Chase travel partners isn't as extensive as those of some competitors and tilts more toward airlines than hotels.

Pay attention, serious travelers: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a world-class travel credit card, annual fee and all, and keeps getting better.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $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.
• 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

Citi Premier® Card

The rewards rate at hotels (3X points per $1 spent) is notable, especially for travelers who aren’t loyal to one particular hotel chain. The same rate applies to air travel (as with hotels, you’re not tied to a single airline) as well as restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10X points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024.

The combination of rewards rate and purchase categories makes this card useful both out of town and at home. With no foreign transaction fees, you don’t have to worry about currency conversion charges undercutting its overall value.

• The variety of rewards categories makes it easy to earn points without having to concentrate your spending in a single area.
• The $95 annual fee is comparable to that of similar cards and reasonable in terms of travel cards as a whole.
• You won't find the same versatility with booking travel as you do with earning points. You have to use the Citi ThankYou portal to book travel.
• Flyers who rarely venture overseas might be disappointed with the list of Citi's airline transfer partners. The majority are based outside the United States.

The Citi Premier® Card offers proof that you don’t necessarily need an elite-level travel card to earn generous rewards rates in a wide range of categories.

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Haven’t found the right card yet?

Check out these other card categories — we think they’re just what you’re looking for:

…or see more cards with no foreign transaction fees

All information about the American Express® Green Card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Flex has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Comparing the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

Editor’s picks: no foreign transaction fee credit card details, best for no annual fee: capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

• Best features : The VentureOne offers travelers a 1.25X miles rate on all purchases, plus no annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ) . Miles don’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn with this card. To welcome new cardholders, Capital One awards 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first three months (a $200 value towards travel).
• Biggest drawbacks : Travelers may feel a tad underwhelmed by the list of airline partners, which so far excludes any major domestic carriers.
• Alternative : The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is also a no-annual-fee credit card that won’t charge foreign transaction fees. But it edges out the VentureOne Rewards with its unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases.
• Bottom line : Anyone with good or excellent credit (a score of 670 or higher) who is on the hunt for a rewards card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee ( See Rates and Fees ) will want to take a look at the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for flexible travel: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• Best features : The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card makes travel rewards even more accessible by allowing you to redeem your points as a statement credit for any travel or dining purchase made on the card within the last 12 months. Plus, you can earn 25,000 welcome bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of card membership. On top of all that, there’s no foreign transaction fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : The rate for cash redemptions is disappointingly low at 0.6 cents per point.
• Alternative : If you like to travel, you could get more value by upgrading to a card with a modest annual fee. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a more robust rewards program and a bigger sign-up bonus. It costs $95 ( See Rates and Fees ), but that fee is easily offset through strategic spending. (Read more about how you can easily offset this annual fee in our review.)
• Bottom line : With an easily attainable welcome bonus and flexible flat-rate rewards program, this is a great card for travelers who can’t be bothered to keep track of spend categories. Bank of America customers can earn even more through the Bank of America Travel Center .

Read our Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for rotating bonus categories: Discover it® Cash Back

• Best features : One of a select few offering its level of rewards, the Discover it Cash Back offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spend each quarter on rotating categories such as restaurants, wholesale clubs and even online retailers (activation required). After hitting the $1,500 threshold in a quarter, the rewards rate drops to 1% (the same as all other purchases).
• Biggest drawbacks : Due to limited international availability, travelers should research whether Discover is accepted where they’re traveling.
• Alternative : The Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has 5% cash back in rotating categories. But it also has fixed rewards rates in numerous bonus categories, including 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and on drugstore purchases. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee if you plan to use it for overseas spending.
• Bottom line : The Discover it® Cash Back is a versatile cash back card that is a good match for travelers willing to be strategic in their spending. But if you think you’ll have difficulty keeping up with rotating categories, you might be better served by a flat-rate credit card .

Read our Discover it® Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for streamlined rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best features : The Quicksilver is an easy-to-understand rewards card: It gets unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has a sign-up bonus of $200 for spending $500 in the first three months. As an added welcome, this flat-rate card offers a 0% intro APR offer on purchases for 15 months (19.99% to 29.99% variable rate thereafter) ( See Rates and Fees )– a perfect window to purchase a trip to be paid off in increments while temporarily avoiding interest. In addition, this card charges no annual fee.

• Biggest drawbacks : Its flexible rewards and intro offer make this an easy-to-use card, but there are more valuable rewards out there for experienced cardholders.
• Alternative : Thanks to a flat cash rewards rate of 2%, you might get more value on your everyday expenses with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card . But you’ll miss out on paying no foreign transaction fees as the Active Cash card comes with a 3% fee for foreign currency conversion.
• Bottom line : Travelers with good or excellent credit (a score of 670 or higher) who prefer an uncomplicated rewards program will be pleased with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which charges no foreign transaction fee.

Read our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for sign-up bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• Best features : This top Chase credit card has everything you need in a travel rewards credit card. Cardmembers get a generous base rewards program of 5X points on travel purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal, 3X points on dining and 2X points on other travel purchases (1X points on general purchases). There’s also a lucrative sign-up bonus (60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months), and, of course, no foreign transaction fees.
• Biggest drawbacks : The spend required to earn the bonus may be out of reach for someone on a tight budget. Plus, you’ll need to redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠  to get the best value.
• Alternative : The Sapphire Preferred offers the biggest bang for your buck when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠, but the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card will be the better option for travelers who like flexibility and want to keep things simple when it comes to earning and redeeming rewards.
• Bottom line : If you’re on the hunt for one of the best travel credit cards and you don’t mind paying a modest annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred allows you to accrue Ultimate Rewards points quickly.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for flat-rate rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : The Venture Rewards’ sign-up bonus is straightforward and plentiful: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. It does come with a $95 annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ), but this card also offers high rewards in bonus travel categories and 2X miles on all other purchases, plus convenient features like a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and easily transferable miles.
• Biggest drawbacks : The Venture’s list of airline partners in the U.S. is limited.
• Alternative : The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a rewards program that isn’t as simple or flexible, but it will likely provide more value if you are willing to book your travel through Chase Travel.
• Bottom line : Big spenders who regularly go abroad will find a lot to love about the versatile Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card beyond the sign-up bonus.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best features : With the Platinum Card in your wallet, you’ll enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection , which Amex states has over 1,300 airport lounges in 140 countries. The high-end card also offers flexibility while traveling, with 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. This option also features unlimited points that won’t expire, a welcome offer of 80,000 points after a $8,000 spend within the first six months and no credit card foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ).
• Biggest drawbacks : The Platinum Card does not come cheap – bringing along a $695 annual fee. If your spending habits align with the impressive list of credits and perks that are worth over $1,000, you’ll have no trouble making up that fee. But that immense value starts to drop if you aren’t interested in things like memberships at Walmart or Equinox gyms.
• Alternative : If you want luxury but don’t want to pay such a steep price, you’ll want to consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . It has a smaller annual fee of $395 ( See Rates and Fees ) and is a solid pick if you like lounge access and only need a limited amount of luxury perks. Learn more about the Capital One Venture X vs. Amex Platinum Card .
• Bottom line : Those willing to shell out the $695 annual fee will certainly get their money’s worth in top-notch travel perks including lounge access, Hilton Honors gold status and a number of handy travel related statement credits. If you’re constantly on the go, these benefits can be enormously useful.

Read our review of The Platinum Card® from American Express or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for annual credits: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : Compared to other premier travel rewards credit cards, the Venture X’s modest annual fee and unlimited miles on all purchases, along with all the other bonuses and perks, make it an instant challenger for the best credit card of its class.
• Biggest drawbacks : The $395 annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ) and $4,000 spend requirement within three months of account opening to earn the 75,000 bonus miles should be considered carefully before applying for the Venture X.
• Alternative : With an annual fee of $695, The Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t cheap, but some travelers looking for luxury may prefer the convenience of Amex’s Membership Rewards program, as well as the opportunity to earn the Platinum Card’s welcome offer.
• Bottom line : The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option for anyone who travels often, uses their credit card regularly, and will take advantage of as many of the Venture X’s perks as possible. This includes the yearly bonus and travel credit, cellphone protection, and free lounge access.

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for travel beginners: Discover it® Miles

• Best features : The lack of annual fees, foreign transaction fees and miles limits, plus the flexible redemption options make for a powerhouse travel card for beginners.
• Biggest drawbacks : While this may not be a total dealbreaker for budget travelers and new cardholders, miles can’t be transferred to airline loyalty programs
• Alternative : If you spend a lot on travel and dining, consider upgrading to a travel card with a modest annual fee ($95). The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card costs $95 a year, but compared to a basic travel card, it can help you to maximize the amount of rewards you earn while also providing enhanced benefits like an annual hotel credit, trip cancellation and trip-interruption insurance and a complimentary DashPass subscription.
• Bottom line : If you’re looking for a travel credit card but don’t want to get locked into confusing points offers or an annual fee, the Discover it Miles may just have what you’re looking for.

Read our Discover it® Miles review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for restaurants worldwide: American Express® Gold Card

• Best features : If you’re a foodie, this card’s generous rewards rates at both restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets should make it easy to earn travel rewards on the purchases you make every day. Add in the value of its annual dining credits and Uber Cash and you can easily justify this card’s $250 annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : The annual fee likely won’t be worth it unless you take advantage of its dining credits and redeem points for travel. If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance card, a no-annual-fee rewards card is probably a better option.
• Alternatives : The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great no-annual-fee option ( See Rates and Fees ) for foodies and cash back fans. You’ll earn rewards on dining, grocery stores, entertainment and more and can redeem for cash back or travel without worrying about point values.
• Bottom line : This card is a great value if you want to earn travel rewards and benefit travelers who spend a good bit at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and prefer to redeem rewards on travel versus cash back.

Related : Who should get the Amex Gold?

Read our American Express® Gold Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for point value: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best features : Unlike most, this card features an annual travel credit of $300 for cardholders to spend anywhere in the world. And when purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal, you can earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals as well as 5X points on air travel. You can even earn 3X points on other travel and dining purchases and 1X points elsewhere. (The 10X, 5X and 3X travel rewards rate only applies after you earn your $300 travel credit.) And here’s the kicker: Points are unlimited, don’t expire and receive a 50% boost on travel rewards when redeeming through the Chase Travel℠ portal .
• Biggest drawbacks : This is a well-rounded card, but it comes with a high annual fee of $550. And despite the versatile redemption options (including travel, cash, and gift cards), there is a lower rewards value when you redeem for cash, gift cards or merchandise than when you redeem for travel booked through Chase.
• Alternative : Depending on your spending habits and the level of premium features you’re looking for, the  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  could be a better fit. It has a smaller annual fee and still packs a punch when it comes to luxury perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. Learn more about the  Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve .
• Bottom line : The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is for jetsetters who spend enough on dining and travel to justify the high annual fee.

Read our  Chase Sapphire Reserve® review  or jump back to this  card’s offer details .

Best for hotel rewards: Citi Premier® Card

• Best features : You’ll not only earn 3X points per dollar spent on air travel and at hotels, but this versatile card offers the same rewards rate for purchases at restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10X points per dollar spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024. Also, once per calendar year, get $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when you book through thankyou.com or 1-800-THANKYOU.
• Biggest drawbacks : Anyone hoping to rake in the rewards on everyday purchases may be less than thrilled with the 1X per dollar rate.
• Alternative : The  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a midtier travel card with similar features to the Citi Premier. It has the same $95 annual fee and a similar rewards rate for some categories. But it also comes with a higher sign up bonus value, the chance to earn higher rewards in select travel categories, and rewards have a greater value when you book travel through Chase Travel℠.
• Bottom line : The Citi Premier® Card offers a lot of value for globetrotters who regularly dine out, order take out, gas up the car or book hotels and flights. It’s even better if you’re an existing Citi client and are already familiar with its  ThankYou Points program .

Read our  Citi Premier® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for starter travel perks: American Express® Green Card

• Best features : It comes with credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus — two practical benefits that offer a ton of value, even if you only travel occasionally. It also carries one of the most generous rewards rates out there on transit purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : Amex cards are less likely to be accepted abroad, so it could be risky to rely on this as your only card for international travel. Its perks will also fall short if you’re looking for unlimited lounge access worldwide — Loungebuddy isn’t available at all airports and the credits included with the card will only cover a few lounge visits.
• Alternative : Believe it or not, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card could be an even better deal, despite its high annual fee of $395 ( See Rates and Fees ). That’s because the Venture X comes with unlimited Priority Pass and Capital One lounge access for cardholders, an annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles — enough value to easily offset the fee.
• Bottom line : Thanks to its practical, high-value perks, this card should be worth it even if you only take a few flights per year.

Read our Amex Green card review .

What is a foreign transaction fee?

Foreign transaction fees are charges that credit card issuers and payment networks place on purchases made in a foreign currency or on purchases that involve a foreign bank. A foreign transaction can be a purchase processed through a foreign bank (such as when you buy something from a non-U.S. retailer website) or when you travel overseas, including when you use an ATM. Note that there can actually be multiple fees at a foreign ATM, including a flat-rate international ATM surcharge as well as an ATM access fee.

Usually, a credit card foreign transaction fee is around 3% of the purchase price. Of that 3%, your card issuer typically charges 2% for processing the transaction and the remaining 1% is for converting the transaction from one currency to another. To put this in perspective, a $100 purchase would cost you an additional $3 in foreign transaction fees.

Which credit cards work internationally?

You won’t have trouble using your credit card at home. In the U. S., the four major credit card networks – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover – have an acceptance rate of 99% or higher among merchants who accept credit cards. But it’s a different story overseas.

According to their respective websites, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted in over 200 countries and territories around the world. But Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted at over 70 million merchant locations compared to Discover’s network of over 50 million merchants. And while American Express has made great strides to increase its international presence beyond 160 countries, it still doesn’t match the power of Visa or Mastercard.

But that doesn’t mean your Discover or American Express card won’t provide tremendous value when traveling abroad or making purchases with a foreign bank. It’s just a good idea to have a backup plan, which should include carrying a Visa or Mastercard, as well as your debit card for cash withdrawals and that rare occasion when a merchant doesn’t accept any credit card.

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

The easiest way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a credit card that doesn’t charge for overseas purchases. Why? Typically, in terms of convenience and security, credit cards are the best payment method .

When you use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, you don’t just avoid an unnecessary fee that eats into your budget. You’ll have an easier time disputing credit card charges than you will debit card purchases or items paid for with cash. Your credit card may also come with built-in protections like extended warranty and purchase protection.

In addition to being safer to use, credit cards are also accessible, meaning anyone can avoid foreign transaction fees. There are credit cards that charge no foreign transaction fee for every credit score range. Take a look at the following cards that charge no foreign transaction fee, no annual fee, and offer a number of valuable consumer protections:

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for limited or no credit

• Discover it® Student Cash Back
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )
• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for bad credit

• Discover it® Secured Credit Card
• Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for fair credit

• Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
• Capital One Platinum Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )
• Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® ( See Rates and Fees )

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for good credit

• Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for excellent credit

• Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )

Pros and cons of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

Pros of a no foreign transaction fee credit card.

• You can rack up rewards . Some credit cards with no foreign transaction fees offer cash back rewards on popular spending categories in addition to travel cards offering points and miles.
• You’ll have access to travel perks . Along with base rewards and no foreign transaction fees, premium travel credit cards typically offer trip cancellation insurance, supplemental auto insurance, free checked bags, airport lounge access and other notable amenities.
• You’ll get a fair exchange rate . When you get your statement after buying something with a credit card in a foreign country, you’ll see that the charge has been converted to U.S. dollars. Your payment network will take care of the conversion, and you can usually be confident that you’re getting a fair exchange rate.

Cons of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• You may need to pay an annual fee . Annual fees are common among mid-tier and premium travel credit cards, which often don’t charge foreign transaction fees. When evaluating whether to get a card that carries an annual fee, it’s important to determine whether that fee can be offset or recouped with reward earnings, added perks, or if you can shoulder the added cost.
• Your payment network may not have coverage . While Visa and Mastercard payment networks seem to be everywhere, some regions don’t accept certain credit card networks. When it’s time to travel, take credit cards from at least two different networks and always have cash on hand.

How to choose a no foreign transaction fee credit card

Who should get a no foreign transaction fee credit card.

• The frequent international traveler . If you travel abroad somewhat regularly, credit card charges for foreign currency transactions can have a significant impact on your personal finances.
• The international online shopper . You don’t necessarily have to travel in order to rack up foreign transaction fees. For someone who routinely shops at international online shops, those fees can really sting, especially once you factor in foreign shipping expenses.

Who should skip a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• The balance carrier . Some cards in this category have APRs that are usually on the higher end of average, which can mean a lot when it comes to carrying a balance on the card and what purchases you make abroad. Make sure to be aware of what you’ll be charged if you can’t pay your bills off in full each month.

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

• Contact your bank before you travel . Make sure to notify your bank before you travel, as banks will often freeze an account on suspicion of fraud if they detect unusual activity, such as a purchase being made thousands of miles from the cardholder’s address.
• Come prepared with multiple cards . Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, your ability to use a credit card at a merchant depends on whether the merchant accepts that card’s payment network. If you’re planning to travel internationally and your primary card is American Express or Discover , it’s best to bring along a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
• Know how your rewards programs define “travel.” It’s important to pay attention to the specifics to get the most from your rewards credit card . Many rewards cards offer bonus points on smaller travel purchases, but issuers have their own definitions of travel. Some issuers put expenses such as rideshares and parking fees in the travel category, while others don’t.

Foreign transaction fees by card issuer

Below are the standard credit card foreign transaction fees for top issuers. Some issuers, like Capital One and Discover, elect not to charge a foreign transaction fee on any of their credit cards. Of course, even different cards from the same brand can vary in their fees.

Do I need a chip-and-PIN card for foreign transactions?

It’s a good idea for overseas travelers to have a chip-and-PIN card , but not necessarily a requirement.

Until a few years ago, U.S.-issued cards were swiped using magnetic stripe technology. Now, like Europe, our credit cards have an EMV chip . What happens after you insert the chip differs depending on where you are. While U.S. merchants will usually ask for your signature, European merchants may ask for a four-digit PIN.

The PIN provides an added layer of security and may be required at some overseas vendors — for example, at European train kiosks. Nowadays, however, most merchants can bypass the pin portion of the transaction if you don’t have one.

How we picked the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

• Rewards: rates, type, ease of redemption : There are a variety of people who can benefit from avoiding credit card foreign transaction fees, from small business owners to travel enthusiasts. We chose credit cards with high rewards rates in spending categories to match, like business rewards and travel benefits.
• Travel perks : One reason you may be hoping to avoid foreign transaction fees is that you have international travel plans. Some of the travel perks you’ll find among our top credit cards with no foreign transaction fee include free checked bags, rental car insurance, airport lounge access and TSA PreCheck credits.
• Sign-up bonus/welcome offer value : Many of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees also come with lucrative sign-up bonuses or welcome offers. We compared the value of cash back, airline mile and point bonuses to ensure you’re getting the most overall value from these picks.

Number of no foreign transaction fee cards we analyzed : 938

All criteria used : Rates and fees, rewards rates, rewards categories, sign-up bonuses, point values, redemption options, redemption flexibility, credit needed, travel benefits, transfer partners, international customer service, security, ease of application.

More information on credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

• Best credit cards for international travel
• Can you use a Discover card for international travel?
• How to maximize your credit card rewards for international travel
• Capital One Venture Rewards benefits guide ( See Rates and Fees )

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average foreign transaction fee + –.

Foreign transaction fees vary but are typically around 3% of any purchase made using an electronic form of payment outside of the United States or with a merchant that processes the transaction in a foreign currency.

When do you pay a foreign transaction fee? + –

When you make an overseas purchase, you may have to pay foreign transaction fees. This can happen when you travel abroad or make online purchases with vendors that are outside the U.S. If you’re using a credit card that charges foreign transaction fees, these charges will show up on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle. Just like any other statement, you’ll have at least 21 days before payment is due.

Do foreign transaction fees apply to online purchases? + –

Yes, it’s possible to get charged a foreign transaction fee on your online purchases. You’ll typically get hit with this surcharge whenever you make online purchases:

• With an online retailer located outside the United States.
• When the transaction processes in a foreign currency.
• When the payment is processed by a foreign bank.

Do foreign transaction fees apply to debit cards, charge cards and gift cards? + –

Yes. Just like a credit card, you’re likely to get charged a foreign transaction fee when you make international purchases using debit cards, charge cards and gift cards. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid these unnecessary fees.

• Don’t use gift cards for international purchases, as these usually charge foreign transaction fees.
• Check with your bank to see if your account has no debit card foreign transaction or ATM fees.
• Use a credit card or charge card that comes with no foreign transaction fees. The best cards with no foreign transaction fees have additional benefits like built-in protections that make credit cards safer to use than debit cards .

Does paying in U.S. dollars avoid a foreign transaction fee? + –

Even when paying a merchant in U.S. dollars, you could be charged a foreign transaction fee when making purchases abroad or if the transaction is processed through a foreign bank.

About the Author

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Sally Herigstad

Sally Herigstad is a certified public accountant, author and speaker who writes about personal finance for CreditCards.com. She also writes regularly for MSN Money, Interest.com, Bankrate and RedPlum.com, and has been a guest on Martha Stewart radio and other programs.

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The 11 Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards for Travelers [2024]

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What Is a Foreign Transaction Fee?

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If you’re a frequent international traveler, you’re probably familiar with foreign transaction fees, those pesky extra fees charged by your credit card company on every purchase you make outside of the U.S.

The fees can also be charged on transactions made with foreign banks, even if you’re making the purchase from the U.S. For example, if you purchase an airline ticket from a foreign company, you may be charged a foreign transaction fee.

Foreign transaction fees are widely unpopular, especially with travelers frequently paying their foreign expenses with credit cards. As a result, the list of credit cards that don’t charge these fees is growing as issuers introduce new card products without foreign transaction fees and remove them from some existing cards.

Let’s take a look at these fees and some of the best cards you can use to avoid them.

What You Should Know About Foreign Transaction Fees

Foreign transaction fees are assessed by your credit card issuer on any transaction processed by a foreign bank. The common rate is around 3% of the total foreign purchase amount , and there is no limit as to how much can be charged.

These fees are perfectly legal, but more and more credit card companies are eliminating them since informed travelers choose credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

In some cases, the promotional summary for a credit card doesn’t disclose whether there is a foreign transaction fee charged on the card. You may need to dig deeper to find out for certain.

Fortunately, all of the financial information you’ll need can be found in what’s known as a Schumer Box. It’s named after Charles (Chuck) Schumer, the congressman responsible for the legislation that requires credit card companies to clearly disclose costs and terms associated with each card.

All credit card companies must use a standard format for the Schumer Box, so comparing cards became much easier after this legislation was passed in 1988.

For a credit card you’re considering, you can review the Schumer Box online for that specific card by clicking on a link titled:

• Rates & Fees
• Terms & Conditions
• Pricing & Rates
• Interest Rates & Fee Summary
• … or a link with a similar name

Here’s what you’ll see in the Schumer Box if the credit card you’re researching does not charge a foreign transaction fee:

Here’s an example of a section of the Schumer Box for a credit card that does charge a foreign transaction fee:

Determining if your existing credit card charges a foreign transaction fee:

• Call Your Credit Card Company — Contact your credit card company and ask whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee by calling the phone number printed on the back of your card.
• Review Your Paper Cardholder Agreement — When you received your new credit card in the mail, a cardholder agreement was included. In the agreement, there’s a chart similar to the ones illustrated above that lists all the fees assessed on your card.
• Access Your Account Online — Sign in to your online credit card account to access your cardholder agreement, which will include a breakdown of all fees and charges.

Bottom Line:  While a 3% foreign transaction fee might not seem like much, it can add up quickly, whether you’re a frequent traveler or just take 1 big trip a year. In any case, by selecting a credit card without the fees, you won’t come home to a billing statement full of additional foreign transaction charges on your purchases!

The 6 Best Personal Travel Rewards Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Selecting a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees is a real benefit for the traveler. But, there are so many credit cards in the marketplace without these fees that savvy travelers will want to choose a card that delivers even more benefits.

Let’s look at our picks for some of the top cards for international travel that have no foreign transaction fees.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• 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 with American Express Travel when you pay with 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.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $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: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 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.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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.

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• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

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• Benefits of The Amex Platinum
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• Amex Platinum vs Delta Platinum
• Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Capital One Venture X vs Amex Platinum
• Amex Platinum vs Delta Reserve

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card is the go-to card for luxury travel benefits . With premier access to airport lounges worldwide , complimentary hotel elite status, car rental program benefits , and a long list of travel insurance benefits , it’s expected that this premium travel rewards card wouldn’t charge fees on foreign transactions (see rates & fees ).

Add in the hundreds of dollars of savings in the form of statement credits for specific purchases and the card easily earns a place in any frequent traveler’s wallet.

Read our review to find details on the Amex Platinum card foreign transaction fees.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
• Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
• Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees )
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
• Access to American Express transfer partners
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $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.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Find the Amex Gold 75k or 90k Welcome Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Amex Gold
• Upgrade Amex Gold to Amex Platinum
• Amex Gold Benefits for Military
• Amex Gold vs Blue Cash Preferred
• Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold
• Amex Gold vs Delta Gold

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Gold card has an identity problem. On one hand, it shines as an everyday rewards-earning card for spending at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets, yet it also rewards specific travel purchases. And, at redemption time, Membership Rewards points earned on the card are there for good-value travel redemptions whether via AmexTravel.com or transferring points to the Amex transfer partners .

We like that the card is so diverse and also that it also offers a generous upfront welcome bonus.

Bottom Line:  The American Express collection of no foreign transaction fee credit cards offers strong benefits for the frequent traveler and options equally suited to those with loyalty to a specific brand. A combination of cards could offer the perfect umbrella of benefits for the frequent traveler. See our full list of Amex credit cards if you’re looking for even more choices from American Express.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $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.
• 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
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

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It’s difficult to compete with the Amex Platinum card when it comes to premium travel rewards cards, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve card also earns a successful nod as one of the best travel rewards cards.

We like that cardholders receive a $300 statement credit for travel purchases each year and that the card comes with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that will give you access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.

It’s not difficult to realize significant value with the card if you’re a frequent traveler, especially when earning and redeeming valuable Ultimate Rewards points for great value.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• 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, 2024.
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred 80k or 100k Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Score Requirements
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• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Sapphire Preferred
• Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

As one of our favorite travel rewards cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a perfect choice for your first travel rewards-earning card. Not only will you receive elevated earnings on dining and travel, but at redemption time you’ll receive 25% more in value for your points via the Chase travel portal .

If your travel goals include enjoying a business or first class flight across the ocean, you’ll be pleased with your options when transferring points to the Chase airline and hotel partners .

Plus, the card offers a grand collection of travel protections and benefits .

Bottom Line:  The Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel for up to 50% more in value through the Chase Travel portal or transferred to hotel and airline partners for even greater potential value.

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

The Citi Premier ® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• Annual hotel credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• $95 annual fee
• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou ® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Citi ThankYou Rewards

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You’ll have lots of earning power with 3x points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, hotels, and air travel.

You’ll have choices at redemption time, too, when your ThankYou Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and gift cards or transferred to travel partners .

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Access to Capital One transfer partners
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• 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 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 $100 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
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

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The Capital One Venture card earns 2x miles per dollar spent on every purchase you make.

At redemption time, you have the option to purchase travel via Capital One Travel , or transfer miles to airline partners .

The 3 Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Rewards Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

No foreign transaction fee credit cards that offer the highest levels of rewards and benefits typically charge an annual fee. However, there are plenty of no foreign transaction fee cards that do not charge an annual fee; here’s a sampling of those cards:

Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!

You can’t beat a comfy king-sized bed and room service. For many travelers, it’s the hotel that really makes or breaks an experience. If you’re one of those people, you’ve probably stayed at a Hilton hotel.

Whether your visits are for work or pleasure, the Hilton brand has you covered with more than 6,200 locations in 100 counties and territories.

To enjoy a host of great benefits, you may want to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card .

• 7x points per $1 on Hilton stays
• 5x points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
• 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status
• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Not great for those who want multiple redemption options
• Offers the least benefits of all Hilton cards
• Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• No Annual Fee.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Hotel Credit Cards
• No Annual Fee Cards

Hilton Honors Loyalty Program

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The Hilton Honors card works best for earning lots of Hilton Honors points to redeem for free hotel nights and securing entry-level Hilton Honors elite status.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• Ability to use transfer partners
• Fraud coverage
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• Benefits of the Capital One VentureOne Card
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The Capital One VentureOne card keeps it simple when it comes to earning rewards with 1.25 miles earned per dollar spent on every purchase you make.

You’ll then have several options at redemption time including purchase merchandise, or gift cards. For the potential of greater value, you can also transfer miles to travel partners.

We like that the Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers unlimited 1.5x points for every dollar spent , has no annual fee, and has no foreign transaction fees.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a great option for those who want an easy way to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee.

The Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card  is a great option for those looking to dip their toe into the world of travel rewards cards, without paying an annual fee.

The card makes earning points and redeeming them for travel super easy for cardholders.

• 1.5x points per $1 you spend on all purchases
• No annual fee
• Boost your rewards rate with the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program
• Points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point, so it isn’t possible to get outsized redemptions
• 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.
• 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% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers made within the first 60 days, and a 4% fee applies thereafter.
• If you’re a 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.
• APR: 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% variable will apply.
• Guide to Bank of America Preferred Rewards
• Best Bank of America Credit Cards for Cash-back and Rewards

One big reason we like this card is that if you’re a 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.

Bottom Line: You don’t have to pay an annual fee to secure a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees!

The 2 Best Business Travel Rewards Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

If you own a business, even a small business, that involves travel, you’ll certainly want to have a travel rewards card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Here are 2 of the best business travel rewards cards available.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

The Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases , especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance , rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Rental car insurance
• Extended warranty coverage
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 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.
• APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable
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You’ll want your highest business expenses to earn rewards and the Ink Business Preferred card delivers. You’ll also find a nice collection of travel benefits and plenty of flexible options at redemption time to ensure you receive top value for Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card.

We like the card for its stellar level of benefits, including cell phone protection , compared to its lower annual fee.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges , along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
• Statement credits on select purchases with your card
• 35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
• Access to Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program
• High annual fee of $695 ( rates and fees )
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
• Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards ® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR ® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card ® .
• 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.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Find The Amex Business Platinum 150k Welcome Bonus Offer
• Find The Amex Business Platinum 170k Welcome Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Amex Business Platinum
• Authorized Users Benefits of the Amex Business Platinum
• 35% Points Rebate with the Amex Business Platinum
• Amex Business Platinum vs Amex Platinum

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

With international airport lounge access and a 35% rebate when using Membership Rewards points for flights, the frequent business traveler could find tremendous value with the Amex Business Platinum card.

You’ll also find hundreds of dollars in statement credits for specific purchases and earnings of 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else  (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year).

If you’d like to learn more about these 2 popular business travel rewards cards, check out our in-depth comparison of earnings, redemption options, benefits, and more.

Bottom Line:  Select a no foreign transaction fee business credit card based on the spending profile of your business to maximize earning rewards. You’ll also want to make sure the spending levels of your business offset any annual fees, and that your travel is frequent enough to maximize the travel benefits offered with each specific card. 

Please note that any additional benefit information we’ve provided is abbreviated and for general comparison purposes only.

All of the cards reviewed earn at least 1 point or mile per dollar spent on every purchase, so we’ve only included earnings in the additional benefits section that exceed this level.

A complete list of benefits and current card offers is provided when accessing each credit card summary page individually. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Hot Tip:  With so many different issuers providing cards without foreign transaction fees, it’s not a bad idea to quickly familiarize yourself with each bank’s specific rules prior to applying. 

Everything Else You Need To Know

Once you’ve selected a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees, you’ll want to make sure you minimize the plethora of other fees you might incur when securing foreign currency abroad (or simply paying for your foreign purchase with a credit card).

You may be surprised to learn that you can be hit with several fees as a result of 1 simple foreign transaction!

While using your no foreign transaction fee credit card for purchases when traveling is a smart move, using that same credit card to secure a cash advance when you’re traveling can trigger additional fees and interest charges .

In an emergency, it’s good to know that a cash advance is an option… but it’s also important to understand the potential cost of doing so, even on a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee.

The term “currency conversion fees” is frequently used interchangeably with “foreign transaction fees,” but there is a difference.

Converting foreign currency costs money. When your bank is charged by the processing network (such as Visa or Mastercard) for converting your purchase made in foreign currency to U.S. dollars, it passes the expense on to you.

In some cases, the foreign transaction fee your bank charges you will include the currency conversion fee they have been charged (usually around 1%). The bank can also tack on additional fees, bringing the total to around 3%.

Bottom Line:  Foreign transaction fees are just one of the charges you need to be aware of when paying for foreign purchases with your credit card and securing foreign currency while traveling. Referencing your credit card’s Schumer Box before traveling can help you avoid some of these fees. 

When you check out of your hotel or are presented with your dining bill in a foreign country, it might seem convenient that the total amount is already converted from the foreign currency to U.S. dollars. There’s no need to do any calculations to determine how much you’ll be paying — it’s been done for you!

This practice of presenting the bill in your home credit card’s currency (in this case U.S. dollars) is known as “ dynamic currency conversion .” While it might seem convenient and harmless, the end results are not in your favor .

For example, let’s say you receive your foreign restaurant tab and there are 2 options for paying: you can select $106 or €86. You might do a quick calculation, think the totals make sense from a conversion perspective, and just pay the bill in U.S. dollars. Unfortunately, if you had paid €86, your U.S. bank would process the currency exchange based on the current rate — which in this case is closer to $96 (versus the higher $106 option on your bill).

Paying in U.S. dollars abroad adds a layer of cost to the transaction: U.S. dollars have to be converted to the local currency to pay the merchant, then back to U.S. dollars to bill you on your credit card.

When using a credit card, always pay your bill in the local currency of the country you’re in to ensure you get the best currency conversion rate.

Bottom Line:  Never pay in U.S. dollars when using your credit card in a foreign country! If your bill is presented in U.S. dollars, ask that it be voided and changed to reflect the amount in local currency. If both options are available on the receipt, be sure the U.S. dollars option isn’t already checked before you sign the receipt. 

You may think you could avoid foreign transaction fees by using your debit card to withdraw money from foreign ATMs when traveling abroad. This is a logical assumption, plus ATMs are usually conveniently located and facilitate an easy transaction. But foreign ATMs can charge exorbitant fees.

Even if the foreign ATM fee is reasonable, your bank may add on foreign transaction fees, currency conversion fees, an out-of-network ATM fee, or other transaction fees.

Some banks (such as Charles Schwab Bank and Capital One 360) reimburse these fees, and other banks allow a limited number of no additional fee transactions per statement period.

Bottom Line:  To minimize bank charges when abroad, review the fee disclosures associated with your debit card before you travel, and try to limit your withdrawals to 1 per trip. You can also open an account that reimburses ATM fees or allows a limited number of no additional fee withdrawals per month.

With the vast selection of credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees, it should be easy to find an appropriate card for your travel expenses that avoids these fees.

Remember to look at the Schumer Box for any credit card you’re considering, and learn about the fees charged on your current credit card before you travel.

With just a small amount of research, you can minimize the fees that make international travel more expensive and avoid returning home to a credit card statement full of unexpected charges.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa ® or Mastercard ® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

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The information regarding the Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How do foreign transaction fees work.

A foreign transaction fee is a fee charged by your credit card issuer on every purchase you make that is processed through a foreign bank.

You can even be charged a foreign transaction fee if you’re in the U.S. and make a purchase with a foreign merchant in foreign currency. The fee is calculated as a percent of your total purchase, usually around 3%.

How can I avoid foreign transaction fees?

You can avoid foreign transaction fees by always using a card for your foreign purchases that does not charge them.

Which credit cards have no foreign transaction fees?

The majority of credit cards today don’t charge foreign transaction fees, and we’ve put together a collection of the best credit cards for frequent travelers in this post.

There are certain credit card issuers (such as Discover and Capital One) that do not charge a foreign transaction fee on any of their cards. For other cards, you’ll need to review the terms and conditions or rates/fee chart.

How can I find out if a credit card charges foreign transaction fees?

Credit card issuers are required to disclose any fees they charge on their credit cards. For an existing credit card, you can call the number printed on the back of your card, review the paper cardholder agreement that came with your card, or access your credit card account online.

For a credit card you are considering, a list of all of the fees/charges can be found in the Schumer box that can be accessed via a link on the summary or application page.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024

• Credit Cards

Are you planning a trip abroad and looking for a credit card that won’t ding you for foreign transaction fees?

Some of the best rewards credit cards on the market let you use them outside the United States without charging you a percentage of the transaction for processing.

But picking the right one for your wallet can be complicated.

Are you looking for a travel credit card that will provide other useful benefits, or are you a better candidate for a cash back credit card that just happens to offer the perk? The former often includes a hefty annual fee, while the latter can be had with no annual fee .

In this article, I’ll identify a few of Team Clark’s favorite “no foreign transaction fee” credit cards that could fit either spending style.

This article was updated in February 2024 and I review it every three months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here .

Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

For this review, we divided the “best” into two separate categories: no annual fee cards and premium travel cards.

This should help both recreational travelers who are looking for a simple rewards card they can take abroad as well as serious travelers who are looking for a card they can use during their frequent trips out of the country.

Best “No Foreign Transaction Fees” Cards With No Annual Fee

Best “no foreign transaction fees” cards for serious travelers.

Team Clark spent hours reviewing the market for these cards, and we put them under the scrutiny of the guidelines for credit card usage set by money expert Clark Howard . Beyond the fact that these cards carry no foreign transaction fees, we also considered annual fees, card features and rewards programs when curating this list.

You can read more on our methodology for determining the best cards with no foreign transaction fees here .

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card

Why We Like It:  The 2.5% cash back on purchases regardless of spending category is really good. There are some hoops to jump through, though. They include signing up for a checking account and maintaining “Tier One” status to receive the 2.5% rewards. This card is on our list of  best cash back credit cards .

Fidelity Rewards® Visa Signature® Card

Why We Like It:  If you have a Fidelity investment account, you can turn rewards into unlimited 2% cash back when you choose to deposit them into your qualifying account. This is a great way to passively boost your investment portfolio. This card is on our list of  best credit cards for investing rewards .

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Why We Like It:  Not only does this card skip on the annual and foreign transaction fees, but it also offers unlimited 3x points on some very popular spending categories. You can also get auto rental and cell phone coverage by paying with this card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why We Like It:  The annual fee may seem steep at first glance, but it’s fairly easily recoverable with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000-mile anniversary bonus you’ll receive each year. You’ll get a nice welcome offer and a free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry subscription as well as lounge access at select airports. This card is in Clark Howard’s wallet .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why We Like It:  This card lands just right with a strong welcome offer and an annual fee under $100. And you’re getting yourself into a pretty solid card once the sign-up bonus disappears. This card is on our list of best travel credit cards .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

Why We Like It:  Even though Clark winces at this annual fee, if you’re a high-volume traveler who enjoys the finer things, it’s hard to go wrong with this elite card. You can recoup over half of the annual fee by earning the annual travel credit. You’ll also enjoy an increased valuation of your points if you use them to book travel through Chase Travel? .

Methodology for No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

For the purposes of determining which cards are “best” in this category, we reviewed Clark Howard’s 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards and sought to find cards that best fit his strategy.

Team Clark spent many hours reviewing the available credit cards on the market, assessing them for:

• Foreign transaction fee policy
• Rewards and perks
• Welcome offer
• Additional fees (transaction or otherwise)

We did not include offerings from local or regional banks and credit unions, because those cards aren’t always available nationwide. But local institutions often have desirable cards, so we do recommend that you compare your local bank or credit union’s credit cards to the ones that made this list.

We also did not factor in annual percentage rates (APRs), because interest rates are going to vary based on your individual financial circumstances. Since Clark strongly recommends not carrying a balance on credit cards, following his advice makes any concern over interest rates moot.

Do you have a favorite credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees? We’d love to hear about it in the Clark.com community .

• December 2023: As a part of updating this article for 2024, I have added the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, Wells Fargo Autograph Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve Card to our list of best options. To make room for these, I have removed the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, Prime Visa and The Platinum Card from American Express.

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Best cards with no foreign transaction fees in 2021

Editor's Note

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new credit card information.

There isn't a whole lot in the points and miles world that everyone can agree on, whether it's the best credit cards , the best airlines or the best airports . One thing we can agree on is that unnecessary fees are the worst — whether those fees come in the form of fuel surcharges on award flights , ATM fees or foreign transaction fees . It's one thing if you're incurring an additional cost for a valuable service, but foreign transaction fees essentially just punish travelers for doing what we love. As always, check out our best travel credit cards for all travel card options.

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Although there are many cards that offer no foreign transaction fees, we've rounded up our 10 favorite cards for frequent travelers:

Best cards with no foreign transaction fees

• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury perks (see rates & fees )
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Best for total value
• American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining and takeout (see rates & fees )

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate earning

• Chase Sapphire Reserve : Best for travel
• Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card : Best for no annual fee (no longer open to new applications)
• Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card : Best for entertainment spending
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card : Best for Bank of America customers
• Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature credit card : Best for airline miles

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card : Best for luxury hotel benefits

Comparing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. ** The Wells Fargo Propel card is no longer open to new applications

The information for the Wells Fargo Propel, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, and Hilton Aspire Amex 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.

In addition to lacking foreign transaction fees, each card offers a unique combination of perks and benefits for travelers. Let's look at the details for each of our top picks.

Best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

The platinum card from american express : best for luxury perks.

Annual fee: $550 (see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: 75,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening (worth $1,500, according to TPG valuations ), plus 10x on eligible combined U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarket purchases, up to $15,000, in the first six months.

Bonus rewards: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines and flights (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and 5x on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Why we like it: Not only does this card have no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees ), but it also offers an extensive portfolio of luxury travel benefits, including an annual up to $200 airline fee credit , monthly Uber credits (up to $200 annually for use in the U.S.), reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years (up to $100) and access to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Amex Centurion , Priority Pass Select , Escape and Airspace lounges. You also get Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy . Enrollment required for select benefits.

Essential reading: Amex Platinum credit card review

Chase Sapphire Preferred : Best for total value

Annual fee: $95

Sign-up bonus: 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. Plus earn a $50 statement credit on grocery purchases in the first year of account opening. (worth $1,650, according to TPG valuations ).

Earning rate: 5x on Lyft purchases; 2x points on travel and dining; 1x on everything else

Why we like it: Chase Sapphire Preferred has always been one of the best rewards credit cards for international travelers. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable points available, and this card offers plenty of ways to earn points. For premium rewards redemptions, you'll find points are typically most valuable when transferred to one of Chase's excellent airline and hotel partners, such as United or Hyatt . Alternatively, points can be worth 1.25 cents each toward travel and activities booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal or for certain purchases with Chase's Pay Yourself Back feature .

Essential reading: Chase Sapphire Preferred card review

American Express Gold Card : Best for dining and takeout

Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening (worth $1,200, according to TPG valuations ).

Earning rate: 4x at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x) and dining at restaurants worldwide; 3x on airfare booked directly or through amextravel.com; 1x on everything else

Why we like it: The Amex Gold is a great card for those who spend a lot on groceries and dining at restaurants — which is most of us right now. You're earning valuable Membership Rewards that can be transfered to a number of valuable partners , including Delta and Hilton. The Amex Gold also comes with a solid set of benefits for the price. You'll get up to $120 in dining credits throughout the calendar year (split into $10 monthly statement credits when you buy from eligible dining establishments, including GrubHub and Seamless ). Enrollment required for select benefits.

Essential reading: Amex Gold review

Sign-up bonus: 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Bonus rewards: 2x miles per dollar on every other purchase

Why we like it: This card's simple rewards structure has made it a crowd favorite for beginner travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday expenses with their Capital One credit card . The Venture Rewards card offers fixed-value miles that you can redeem for 1 cent apiece to offset travel purchases, plus the ability to transfer miles to its airline transfer partners. You'll even get a credit for the TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee every four years (up to $100), which is a rare benefit for a mid-tier card .

Essential reading: Capital One Venture Rewards card review

Chase Sapphire Reserve : Best premium travel card

Annual fee: $550

Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months (worth $1,200, according to TPG valuations ).

Bonus rewards: 10x on Lyft purchases, 3x on travel (after using the $300 travel credit) and dining purchases; 1x on everything else

Why we like it: This premium travel rewards credit card became hugely popular when it was first released in 2016 and has remained one of the best travel credit cards for many TPG readers. In fact, it currently holds the title for Best Premium Card from the TPG awards in 2019 . As with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you'll find the most value by redeeming points through Chase's transfer partners or through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal . The Reserve boosts the value of these awards to 1.5 cents per point.

Other benefits include an annual $300 statement credit for travel, up to $60 in annual statement credits on DoorDash (through 2022), at least one year of DashPass membership , Lyft Pink membership, up to $100 credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years and a Priority Pass Select membership that includes guest access. Plus, you can use the CSR's $300 annual travel credit on purchases at grocery stores and gas stations through the end of 2021.

Essential reading: The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card : Best for no annual fee

Annual fee : $0 (This card is no longer open to new applications)

Sign-up bonus: 20,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months (worth $200 in travel)

Bonus rewards: 3x points on travel, dining (eating out and ordering in), gas stations, ride-hailing services, transit and popular streaming services

Why we like it: Beginners can find a ton of great value from the Wells Fargo Propel Card. With no annual fee , the card offers a solid return on a number of common spending categories. This card earns fixed-value rewards , meaning you're getting a flat 1 cent from each point. While this might not be a great fit for points-and-miles gurus that like to maximize transfer partners and get as much as possible out of each point, it's perfect for those just getting started with rewards. You'll be able to earn and burn points without worrying about transfer partners and award charts.

Essential reading : Frequently asked questions about the Wells Fargo Propel Amex

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for entertainment spending

Sign-up bonus: $300 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Bonus rewards: 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services and 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target); 1% on everything else

Why we like it: Capital One defines dining and entertainment broadly, meaning you can earn 4% cash back on a lot of different purchases — including some common expenses abroad like dining and entertainment. The bonus is solid, too. Although international travelers often favor points and miles, cash back is still highly valuable — especially when you're earning a good return on a category not often covered with other credit cards (entertainment, in Savor's case). The ability to earn such a high return without forking over a foreign transaction fee is great.

Essential reading: Credit card showdown: Capital One Venture vs. Capital One Savor

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card : Best for Bank of America customers

Sign-up bonus: 50,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening (worth $500, according to TPG valuations )

Earning rate: 2x points on travel and dining; 1.5x points on everything else. Plus, earn 2 points for every $1 spent on grocery store purchases- now through 12/31/21.

Why we like it: The Bank of America Premium Rewards card has a lot to offer for such a low annual fee — especially if you qualify for the Preferred Rewards program . You'll earn a flat 1.5x on every purchase plus 2x on travel and dining purchases. The card also comes with an impressive suite of benefits, including an up to $100 annual airline incidental statement credit , a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100) and an array of travel protections. The rewards structure is also incredibly simple , giving you the flexibility to redeem for travel, cash back or gift cards with a variety of merchants.

For members of the Preferred Rewards program , this card becomes even more valuable. If you stash enough cash away with Bank of America, you could earn up to 3.5x on travel and dining and 2.625x on all other purchases.

Essential reading: 5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card : Best for airline miles

Annual fee: $75

Sign-up bonus: 40,000 bonus miles, plus a $100 statement credit and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) after you make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. (worth $820, according to TPG valuations ).

Bonus rewards: 3x miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases

Why we like it: Alaska Airlines miles are valued the highest of any airline miles in our monthly valuations and the Alaska Signature Visa credit card is one of the only ways to currently earn them. While Alaska is a Seattle-based airline that only operates in North America, it does have strategic partnerships with other airlines that expand its reach. There are some amazing sweet spots in the Mileage Plan program and the next few years should be exciting for loyal Alaska Airlines customers.

A revitalized partnership between Alaska Airline and American Airlines has Alaska joining the Oneworld airline alliance mid-2021.

Essential reading: Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa

Annual fee: $450 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: 150,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. (worth $900, according to TPG valuations ).

Bonus rewards: 14x points when you make eligible purchases at Hilton and 7x points at eligible U.S. restaurants, car rentals booked directly from select rental companies and flights booked directly through the airline or on amextravel.com. Plus, 3x points on all other eligible purchases.

Why we like it: Although the Hilton Aspire card has a high annual fee, some travelers will be able to recoup this fee and more through the card's benefits . These benefits include a free-weekend-night award each year, top-tier Hilton Diamond status , up to $250 in annual airline fee credits, up to $250 in annual Hilton resort statement credits and a Priority Pass Select membership . Amex also added pandemic-related perks to this card , including expanded use opportunities for the resort credit and more. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Hilton is one of the largest hotel programs in the world, with nearly 6,000 hotels in 117 countries and properties that appeal to both budget and luxury travelers. If you frequently stay at Hilton properties throughout the year, you can get a lot of value by adding this card to your wallet.

Essential Reading: Hilton Aspire card review

What is a foreign transaction fee?

These pesky fees are charged by your card issuer every time you swipe your card outside of the U.S. This is because 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. This comes at a cost, which the foreign bank then passes onto the issuer, who then passes that fee onto you, the consumer.

How we chose the best cards with no foreign transaction fees

These days, most travel credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees. This means the competition for the best cards with no foreign transaction fees is tough and far-reaching.

We spend a far bit of time at TPG researching the best card offers and the details of each to help make the researching process a breeze for readers. This means taking all of the cards that offer no foreign transaction fees and then narrowing down that list further by looking at a number of different factors, including but not limited to:

• Sign-up bonus/welcome offer: What are cardholders getting out of the card during the first year? Is the spending requirement to hit the bonus reasonable? How much value is the bonus based on our calculations ?
• Annual fee: While annual fees are almost always worth it for those who utilize a card's benefits, we still want to make sure we're providing options on this for every budget — whether you're a luxury traveler willing to pay $500+ for a card or a beginner who needs something with a more manageable annual fee.
• Rewards rate: Everyone's spending habits are different, and it's important to choose cards that offer rewards across a wide range of bonus categories.
• Perks and benefits: Especially with cards that charge higher annual fees, perks and benefits are often a deciding factor in whether a card is worth keeping long term.
• Rewards program: What type of rewards you're earning is equally as important as how much you earn. We chose cards from a number of different rewards programs to help you find one that fits your goals.

Are foreign transaction fees affected by exchange rates?

Yes and no.

Foreign transaction fees are charged by your issuer when you make a purchase abroad (or sometimes when you make an online purchase through a foreign retailer). The exchange rate refers to the value of one currency compared to the other and that rate is determined by payment networks.

What the exchange rate is on a certain day in a certain country will not change the percentage your card charges for a foreign transaction fee. In that sense, exchange rates do not affect foreign transaction fees.

However, an exchange rate can have an effect on the actual dollar amount you are charged for a foreign transaction fee. For example, at the time of writing, the Morningstar exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Euro was 1:0.92. That means you'd pay a $0.65 (3%) transaction fee for a 20-Euro dinner.

However, if the exchange rate changed to, say, 1:1.33, you'd only end up paying $0.45 for a 20-euro dinner. So, the exchange rate can make a difference in the actual dollar amount of the foreign transaction fee.

What credit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees?

These are the standard foreign transaction fees across some of the major U.S. credit card issuers, but keep in mind that these may vary between cards within an issuer's lineup.

Some issuers such as Capital One and USAA do not charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.

Even though each of the issuers listed above does charge a foreign transaction fee on at least one of its cards, many will have card options without foreign transaction fees (some of which are included in this guide).

Foreign transaction fees by issuer

Which issuers are most widely accepted internationally.

Something else to seriously consider when traveling abroad is that not every payment network is accepted worldwide. Mastercard and Visa are by and large the two most popular networks — if a merchant abroad accepts credit cards, it is likely going to accept one of these cards.

Discover and American Express , which are commonly accepted in the U.S., may not be accepted around the world. This is why it's a smart idea to have multiple types of cards in your wallet.

Related: 9 types of cards you should pack for your next trip abroad

Issuers often will have card options that operate on different networks. All Chase credit cards -- except for the Chase Freedom Flex -- operate on the Visa payment network . Barclays, Citi and Capital One offer cards on both the Visa and Mastercard networks. Wells Fargo uses the Visa network for some cards and the American Express network for others. Discover and American Express, of course, always use their own payment networks.

If you have at least one Visa and one Mastercard, you'll likely have a card that is accepted almost anywhere. Just keep in mind that in many places around the world, cash is still king . In parts of Asia, Africa and even Europe, many smaller merchants will either not accept credit cards or they will charge a high (sometimes 10%) surcharge on any credit card payment.

While you should always use a credit card when possible (and beneficial), it's good to have local currency in hand whenever you are traveling.

Will you be charged a foreign transaction fee when booking international trips online?

You don't have to be in another country to rack up a foreign transaction fee. If you make a payment online that gets routed through a non-U.S. bank, you might see that pesky fee tacked onto your bill. 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.

Related: I paid a foreign transaction fee at home — reader mistake story

Most properties within major hotel brand portfolios like Hilton or Marriott are individually owned and managed, but reservations are facilitated through a brand-wide website. This means that while your reservation may be made on a U.S. website and you may pay in USD, 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 for booking purposes. Luckily, most top credit cards for booking hotel stays come with no such fees.

When do I pay a foreign transaction fee?

You might not know you have been charged a foreign transaction fee until you receive your credit card statement. This is because the fee is charged by your credit card issuer and not the company you made the purchase with.

Keep in mind that while the receipt from the purchase your car rental in Europe might say €500, the amount you will see on your credit statement will be the amount converted into dollars plus the additional foreign transaction fee.

Tips for using your credit card abroad

Aside from the general best practices to using your card in general, here are a few things to consider while abroad:

• Let your issuer know you'll be traveling — Some issuers ask that you register your travel ahead of time so that the bank knows you're abroad and doesn't label purchases as fraudulent. While not every issuer requires it, it's always a good idea to let them know you'll be using your card outside of your usual area.
• Have a mix of credit cards — When traveling outside of the U.S. not all payment networks are accepted universally (Amex and Discover are popular in the U.S. but not always commonly accepted abroad, for example). It's a good idea to have a mix of Visa , Mastercard and other types of cards in your wallet that you can use on purchases when you travel.
• Understand local currency and exchange rates — If you're asked if you want to make a purchase in U.S. dollars or in the local currency, always choose the local currency. Generally speaking, you'll get a better exchange rate when you allow your credit card to make that conversion than asking a merchant to use its exchange rate to convert a purchase into USD.
• Have a chip-and-PIN credit card — Chip-and-PIN cards use a PIN number for payment authentication rather than a signature. In some places, you may find that you need a chip-and-PIN credit card to make certain purchases, especially at unmanned kiosks at places like ticket machines and gas pumps. U.S. cards almost always default to chip-and-signature, but there are some that will automatically switch to PIN when a system won't accept a signature.

Bottom line

If you're a frequent international traveler, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a must. The last thing you want is for rewards you earn on your trip to be wiped out by a 2% - 3% fee.

What do you get in return for the foreign transaction fee? Nothing. Banks have no additional costs associated with processing a transaction from Toronto versus one from Tennessee. There are no special data centers being maintained on Christmas Island or any other remote place where you might travel .

TPG staffers have been studying this issue for years and the only conclusion that we've been able to reach is that banks simply charge these fees because they can get away with it.

Most top travel cards don't charge a foreign transaction fee and many cash back credit cards have started eliminating foreign transaction fees as well.

Additional reporting by Daniel Ross.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here . For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, please click here . For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire card, please click here.

Updated on 5/3/21.

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Yahoo Finance

Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for april 2024.

While rewards and savings may be top of mind when choosing the right credit card to take on your next trip, don’t underestimate the value of another key benefit: no foreign transaction fees.

When these fees do apply, they can cost as much as 3% of your total transaction — every time you make a purchase abroad. Choosing a card that waives foreign transaction fees can help you save a lot of money while traveling internationally .

To help you narrow down the options before you next take flight, here are our picks for the best credit cards available today without any foreign transaction fees.

Best for vacation spending abroad: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee: $0

Welcome offer: Earn $200 after you spend $500 within the first 3 months after account opening

8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases

5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

3% cash back on dining

3% cash back on entertainment

3% cash back on popular streaming services

3% cash back at grocery stores (not including superstores like Walmart and Target)

1% cash back on everything else

Benefits: In addition to cash back, you can enjoy a long 0% APR intro offer for new purchases and balance transfers, plus access to reservations, tickets, and more through Capital One Travel, Capital One Entertainment, and Capital One Dining. You can also save on Uber spending; through Nov. 14, 2024, get 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases, plus statement credits for monthly Uber One membership fees charged to your card.

Why we like it: The SavorOne card earns the most rewards in bonus categories that are bound to benefit you while traveling abroad. Whether you like to try new restaurants in each city you visit or shop locally to prepare your own meals, you’ll get 3% on your food spending. But we especially like how broad the “entertainment” category is, including tickets to tourist attractions, theater shows, amusement parks, and more. Best of all, there’s no annual fee to offset all the rewards you’ll earn.

Best for booking international travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months after account opening

5x points on travel purchased through Chase

3x points on dining

3x points on online grocery purchases

3x points on select streaming services

2x points on all other travel

1x points on everything else

Benefits: Chase Sapphire Preferred ’s benefits include an annual $50 credit that applies to eligible hotel spending through Chase; purchase and travel protections; and partner benefits from DoorDash, Instacart, Lyft, and Peloton. You’ll also get an annual bonus worth 10% of your previous year’s spending in points and added travel and purchase protections.

Why we like it: At just $95 annually, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can offer outsized value for international travelers looking for great redemption value. You can rack up points in various everyday and travel-related categories and then redeem them for travel.

You might choose to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to one of Chase’s 14 hotel and airline partners. Or, you can book travel through Chase using points and get a 25% boost in the redemption value (1.25 cents per point). If you used the card’s welcome bonus offer this way, for example, your 60,000 bonus points would be worth up to $750 in travel booked with Chase.

Best premium travel rewards card: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee: $395

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months after account opening

10x miles on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel

5x miles on flights booked with Capital One Travel

2x miles on everything else

Benefits: For its steep annual fee, the Venture X offers plenty of added perks. Start with a $300 annual travel credit (though it's only good for travel bookings through Capital One Travel) and 10,000 annual bonus miles, starting after your first cardmember anniversary. There’s also up to $100 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees every four years, airport lounge access from both Capital One and partners, access to elevated perks at select hotels, and more.

Why we like it: We like the Capital One Venture X as a travel card with premium rewards and benefits for a lower annual fee than some other competitors. If you’re looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees because you travel often, this card can help you maximize your frequent trips.

The annual travel credit alone can nearly wipe out the annual fee, even before considering the miles you can earn. But remember: You’ll get the most value if you’re willing to book trips through the issuer’s travel portal. If you prefer to book directly with airlines or hotels, you may want to look elsewhere.

Best for annual travel savings: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual fee: $550

10x points on eligible hotels and car rental purchases through Chase Travel*

10x points Chase Dining purchases

5x points on flights purchased through Chase Travel*

3x points on other travel purchases*

* Travel rewards apply only after the first $300 spent on travel each year

Benefits: This card has plenty of perks for frequent travelers, starting with an annual credit that gives you statement credits back on the first $300 in travel spending each year. You’ll also get up to $100 in credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees every four years; widespread airport lounge access; travel protections; partner benefits from brands like Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart; and more.

Why we like it: If you travel frequently each year, it’s easy to maximize the Chase Sapphire Reserve even with its high annual fee. Along with great rewards rates on travel and dining, we like the $300 travel credit you’ll earn each year. This credit can apply to everything from airfare and parking fees to travel agents and much more.

Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred , the Sapphire Reserve is also a great option for maximizing travel redemptions through Chase’s rewards program. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.5 cents per point with this card when you use them to book travel through Chase. If you redeemed the welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points through Chase Travel, they’d be worth as much as $900 in travel spending.

Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months after account opening

3x points at restaurants

3x points on travel

3x points at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations

3x points on transit

3x points on popular streaming services

3x points on cell phone and landline phone plans

Benefits: This card has a great 0% APR intro offer on new purchases for the first 12 months. You’ll also get cell phone protection (up to $600 against damage or theft; $25 deductible) and travel protection. The rewards you earn may be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or to offset purchases charged to your card.

Why we like it: As a no-annual-fee option, the Wells Fargo Autograph has a long list of rewards categories that can fit nearly any budget. If you only travel abroad occasionally and want a card you can benefit from both internationally and at home, this could be a good option. It doesn’t have the great added benefits or rewards boosts of other cards, but it can make a solid everyday rewards credit card . Plus, we like the welcome offer (worth $200) and the competitive 0% intro APR for added value.

Best for building credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee: $39

Welcome offer: None

1.5% cash back on every purchase

Benefits: This cash-back credit card is available for applicants with fair credit scores and is designed to help build credit while earning rewards. You can qualify for preapproval through Capital One without having to undergo a hard credit check, plus get an automatic credit line review in six months for a higher credit limit. You can also receive statement credits for an Uber One membership when you pay with your card through Nov. 14, 2024.

Why we like it: We like the QuicksilverOne as a credit-building card that’s available for those who may not qualify for more premium options but still want to earn rewards. While it doesn’t have the welcome bonus or intro offer of the regular Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (and you’ll have to pay an added annual fee), this card can still help you earn a competitive 1.5% cash back on the money you spend at home or while traveling abroad.

What are foreign transaction fees?

A foreign transaction fee is an added charge for making purchases outside of the United States. This includes purchases you make in-person while traveling abroad, but it can also apply to items you buy online from international sellers.

Foreign transaction fees typically range from 1% to 3% of your overall purchase, though they vary by credit card issuer. Some issuers even forgo these fees on every credit card they offer. You can find the details of any card’s foreign transaction fee charges within the card agreement.

Foreign transaction fees by credit card issuer

Here’s a look at what each credit card issuer charges for foreign transactions. But remember: If you have a card that offers no foreign transaction fees as a benefit, you won’t pay anything.

Do I need a card with no foreign transaction fees?

If you travel abroad often, or have plans to in the near future, a card with no foreign transaction fees can make your trip more affordable.

For example, say you’re going on a two-week vacation across Europe, where the euro is the standard currency. You plan to use your credit card for multiple purchases each day — food, souvenirs, transportation, tourist attractions, and other conveniences — to take advantage of the card’s purchase protections and rewards.

By the end of your trip, you’ve spent the U.S. dollar equivalent of $2,500 with your card. A 3% foreign transaction fee would leave you with another $75 on top of your total.

Even if you only go abroad once per year, that’s still a significant amount of savings.

If your travel plans are firmly made up of domestic travel within the United States, however, foreign transaction fees are less of a concern. Still, consider whether you make other purchases that could lead to you racking up these fees even from home, such as spending money with an online business located abroad.

What to look for in a no foreign transaction fee card

No foreign transaction fee cards are often also travel credit cards or rewards credit cards that have added perks you can use while traveling or at home. Here are a few details to consider from no foreign transaction fee credit cards.

Qualification requirements: Check your credit score before you submit a new card application, and make sure you’re confident you can qualify. Applying to too many new credit accounts within a short time frame can have a negative effect on your credit . If you’re unsure, see whether the card you like offers preapproval without a hard credit check.

Welcome offer: If you’re getting a card with no foreign transaction fees for an upcoming trip, scoring a great welcome offer along the way can give you back a lot of added value. Before you apply, make sure the required spending minimum is within your budget. You don’t want to risk taking on high-interest debt , no matter how high the potential sign-up bonus.

Rewards: Any new rewards credit card you add to your wallet should make it easy to maximize the purchases you already make. It pays in rewards value over the long term if you prioritize a card with no foreign transaction fees that also rewards your regular spending.

Travel protections: Many travel credit cards come with travel benefits that can also save you a lot of money on future trips. This may include everything from trip cancellation and interruption insurance to reimbursement for travel delays, baggage delay insurance, rental car insurance coverage, emergency assistance, and more. You may not always need these protections, but you won’t regret having access to them when you do.

Credit cards and spending money abroad

These are a few things to keep in mind if you’re taking a credit card on your next trip:

Know your credit card network: While both American Express and Discover are widely accepted across the U.S., you may have more difficulty using them abroad. Visa and Mastercard are generally more common than Amex or Discover internationally. If you’re planning to use your Amex card or Discover card abroad, consider keeping a backup Visa or Mastercard in your wallet, too.

Bring some cash: It’s always smart to have some cash on-hand when traveling internationally. While you may not want to risk carrying a large amount with you, some local currency can offer peace of mind. Save money by converting your currency before you leave; airport currency exchanges often have very unfavorable exchange rates and added fees.

Be aware of dynamic currency conversion: When you make a purchase with your card in another country, you may be given the option to complete the charge in U.S. dollars or the local currency. That’s known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and can often cost you more than if your card network converts the currency later. In fact, you can often avoid any currency conversion fees if your card has no foreign transaction fees (though you should always check your card’s terms to be sure).

Our methodology

To create this list of the best cards with no foreign transaction fees, we started with the dozens of credit cards we’ve already rated and ranked under relevant categories, including travel credit cards , rewards credit cards , and cash-back credit cards .

Taking the cards we already consider highest-rated — based on methodologies that include annual fee vs. rewards value calculations, a review of benefits, APR and other fees, and more — we focused on only those that charge no foreign transaction fees. This detail is sometimes marketed by issuers as a card perk but can also be found within any credit card agreement’s breakdown of fees. Because they’re more widely accepted globally, we also prioritized card picks from issuers that offer cards on the Visa or Mastercard network.

From there, we focused on choosing a list of cards based on categories chosen to appeal to a broad range of cardholders who may be interested in no foreign transaction fee cards. From credit card beginners to those already using multiple cards, we believe there’s an option on our list for anyone.

This article was edited by Alicia Hahn

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers.

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® credit card card reviews (7,829 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

New cardmember offer.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM .

AT A GLANCE

Premium dining & travel rewards Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. Earn 3x points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Earn 2x on other travel purchases.

21.49 Min. of (8.50+12.99) and 29.99 %– 28.49 Min. of (8.50+19.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$95 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

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60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels (excluding The Edit℠) and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

22.49 Min. of (8.50+13.99) and 29.99 %– 29.49 Min. of (8.50+20.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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Instacart Mastercard ® . Links to product page.

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Free year of Instacart+ and a $100 Instacart credit upon approval.

Turn everyday shopping into every day rewards Earn 5% cash back on Instacart purchases, 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center and 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on select streaming services.

20.24 Min. of (8.50+11.74) and 29.99 %– 28.99 Min. of (8.50+20.49) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$0 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Aeroplan ® Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 60,000 bonus points. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. That's enough to fly to another continent.

Earn points fast with Aeroplan. 3X points at grocery stores, on dining including take out and eligible delivery services and on purchases made directly with Air Canada. Plus, enjoy free first checked bag and other Aeroplan travel benefits.

21.74 Min. of (8.50+13.24) and 29.99 %– 28.74 Min. of (8.50+20.24) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 50,000 points after qualifying purchases.

Receive a $75 annual Southwest ® travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 3X points on Southwest purchases.

$149 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card . Links to product page.

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6,000 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 3X points on Southwest ® purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

$99 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Club SM Infinite Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Travel in luxury. Enjoy United Club SM membership and 2 free checked bags. Plus, earn rewards faster with 4x miles on United purchases, and 2x miles on dining and all other travel. Terms apply.

21.99 Min. of (8.50+13.49) and 29.99 %– 28.99 Min. of (8.50+20.49) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$525 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Gateway SM Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 20,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Start your adventure with 2x miles on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Plus, 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. † Opens pricing and terms in new window After the intro period, a variable APR of 21.99 Min. of (8.50+13.49) and 29.99 %– 28.99 Min. of (8.50+20.49) and 29.99 %, † Opens pricing and terms in new window see pricing and terms for more details. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Quest SM Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after qualifying purchases.

Pursue your quest SM . Enjoy a $125 annual United purchase credit, two free checked bags, priority boarding and other premium travel benefits. Plus, earn 3x miles on United purchases and 2x miles on all other travel. Terms apply.

$250 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United SM Explorer Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 50,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Join Us with 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. Plus, enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding and other great United travel benefits. Terms apply.

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

British Airways Visa Signature ® card . Links to product page.

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Earn 75,000 Bonus Avios Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. These category purchases normally earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia purchases, and earn 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel.

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Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. Normally, these category purchases earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia purchases, and 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.

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Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. These category purchases normally earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on Iberia, Aer Lingus, and British Airways purchases, and 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® credit card . Links to product page.

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3 Free Night Awards Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 17X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

$95. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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85,000 Bonus Points Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 18.5X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

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Earn 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 14X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

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World of Hyatt Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.

Turn your purchases into more free nights at Hyatt with 9X total points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & resorts. Plus, get 1 free night and 5 tier qualifying night credits toward status each year.

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Earn 140,000 Bonus Points After you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn IHG One Rewards points on every purchase. Up to 26X points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG ® hotels and resorts.

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Earn 80,000 Bonus Points After you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn IHG One Rewards points on every purchase. Up to 17X points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG ® hotels and resorts.

Prime Visa . Links to product page.

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$100 Amazon Gift Card Prime members, get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval of your credit card application.

Rewards everywhere you shop with no annual credit card fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

19.49 Min. of (8.50+10.99) and 29.99 %– 27.49 Min. of (8.50+18.99) and 29.99 % variable APR † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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Rewards everywhere you shop with no annual credit card fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window Earn unlimited 3% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

Ink Business Premier ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Pay in Full Card with Unlimited Earn Potential Earn 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more and 2% cash back on all other business purchases.

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Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of April 2024

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Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee of April 2024

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Not all credit cards are a good choice for traveling abroad, as some charge a fee for purchases made in a foreign country or currency. Known as foreign transaction fees, these charges can accumulate quickly and add to travel expenses. Still, many credit cards waive foreign transaction fees and may offer rewards and benefits that make foreign travel safer, less expensive and more convenient. Terms apply.

U.S. News' Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of April 2024

See all of our credit cards here .

On This Page

• Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

What Are Foreign Transaction Fees?

Foreign transaction fees are charges you pay for credit card purchases made in a foreign currency, including online purchases. You might also hear them referred to as FX fees.

How Much Are Foreign Transaction Fees?

The fee is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, usually up to 3%.

When you make a credit card purchase in a foreign country, your card network converts the foreign currency to dollars. The network, such as Visa or Mastercard, charges your card-issuing bank a fee, typically 1%, to offset the conversion cost and the risk of fraud inherent to international transactions. Your card issuer may pass that fee on to you and add its own fee of 1% to 2%.

What Are the Pros and Cons of No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards?

• Save money on purchases overseas. You can save the fee – up to 3% of each transaction, whether you're traveling abroad or using your card for an online purchase from a merchant outside of the U.S.
• Earn cash back or other rewards. Find a card that charges no foreign transaction fee and earns points, miles or cash back rewards for your spending. But choose a credit card that matches your spending habits to make your money go further.
• Access other travel perks. Cards with no foreign transaction fee may include trip cancellation insurance, free checked luggage and rental car benefits, to name a few.
• You might pay an annual card fee. The card you want could have an annual fee. If you select a card with an annual fee, make sure you will earn enough rewards to cover the charge.
• Your card network may not have coverage. American Express and Discover aren't as widely accepted internationally as Visa and Mastercard. When you travel abroad, bring backup cards and cash.
• You could pay a higher APR with a rewards card. Avoid carrying a balance if you go with this type of credit card to maintain the value of your rewards.

What Is Dynamic Currency Conversion?

A process known as dynamic currency conversion allows you to be charged in dollars while traveling abroad, but you could pay a poor exchange rate and other fees for it.

At the point of sale, a foreign merchant may ask if you want to be charged for an item in dollars instead of local currency to give you a better idea of what it costs. DCC may sound good, but just decline this optional service and pay in local currency.

The fee that merchants tack onto your bill for the convenience of paying in dollars can be as high as 7% of the transaction, sometimes more. Also, some credit cards still charge the foreign transaction fee on top of the DCC fee.

Finally, you may get a better exchange rate by letting your credit card provider do the currency conversion to dollars.

How Should You Choose a Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee?

1. Determine the type of credit card you want. Many kinds of credit cards come without a foreign transaction fee, including:

• Rewards credit cards .
• Travel credit cards .
• Cash back credit cards .
• Student credit cards .
• Cards for bad credit .

2. Make sure the card is widely accepted overseas. Because of higher processing fees, American Express and Discover have lower acceptance rates worldwide than Visa and Mastercard. American Express and Discover are fairly well accepted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico but may be limited elsewhere.

3. Look for useful travel benefits. Plenty of cards with no foreign transaction fee may stand out as great travel cards with extensive travel benefits. World Elite Mastercard and Visa Signature cards, in particular, offer perks that often include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
• Trip delay reimbursement.
• 24/7 concierge services.
• Lost luggage reimbursement.
• Auto rental collision damage waivers.
• Baggage delay insurance.
• Roadside assistance.
• 24/7 customer service.

What Should You Know About Traveling Abroad With Your Credit Cards?

Try these tips to avoid financial surprises on your trip:

• Contact your issuer. Let your issuers know about travel plans. Otherwise, they might freeze your account for fraud when they see purchases made in a different location.
• Use a debit card for ATM withdrawals. Using a credit card is processed as a cash advance and that means you'll pay high interest on the amount you borrow.
• Be aware of the exchange rate. Credit card networks typically provide exchange rates that are close to the fair market rate. But before you travel, install a currency conversion app on your phone as a quick reference.
• Avoid dynamic currency conversion. You risk paying a much higher conversion rate on top of additional fees.
• Make sure your card has an EMV chip. If not, ask your issuer to mail you a chip-enabled card at least two weeks before your trip. These chip and PIN cards are common in Europe, and using one there can reduce hassles at checkout.
• Bring photocopies of your credit cards. Having copies of the front and the back of your credit cards gives you easy access to their customer service numbers if they are lost or stolen. Black out details such as your name, card expiration date and CVV number.
• Carry backup forms of payment. Pack a widely used credit card, such as a Visa or a Mastercard, a debit card for cash, and an additional credit card in case your primary one is unusable.
• Research your card's travel benefits and perks. You might be entitled to benefits that can help you deal with travel mishaps, such as lost bags and trip delays. Perks might include discounted or free entry to airport lounges, priority boarding, free checked luggage, and free in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Know how your card issuer can help in an emergency. Some issuers offer expedited card replacements, a 24/7 benefits administrator who can supply medical or legal referrals, assistance with prescriptions, and other emergency services.

Should I Use a Credit Card or a Traveler's Check?

Before credit cards and debit cards evolved to be more travel friendly, traveler's checks were popular. You can still get traveler's checks, but be aware of the advantages and disadvantages before using them in place of credit or debit cards.

Advantages of traveler's checks:

• You can exchange them for cash or use them to pay for goods and services during your travels.
• If the checks are lost or stolen, you don't lose your cash.
• They do not expire and are redeemable at the current exchange rate, often without fees.

Disadvantages of traveler's checks:

• Some merchants may not accept them.
• They lack the benefits and perks of travel rewards credit cards.

Now that credit cards are widely accepted, you can use them more easily during your international trips. That's especially true of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. You can also save on travel by booking reservations with your travel rewards credit card.

Does a Foreign Transaction Fee Depend on Currency Exchange Rates?

The foreign transaction fee you pay does not depend on exchange rates. You also may be charged a currency conversion fee on top of a foreign transaction fee. This is why using a credit card with no foreign transaction fee can help you save money when traveling abroad.

Alternatives to Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

• Exchange currency before you travel. Then stick with cash instead of cards. Visit your bank before your trip and swap your dollars for your destination's currency. You could pay a low fee or no fee.
• Apply for a travel rewards card. Many travel cards have no foreign transaction fee and offer travel rewards and benefits. If you choose a card with an annual fee, make sure you can justify it with rewards and perks.
• Get a debit card or a checking account with no foreign transaction fees. This will help you avoid fees for withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad.
• Consider using traveler's checks. These don't have foreign transaction fees and can be replaced if lost or stolen, unlike cash.

Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards Methodology

U.S. News has been helping consumers make money decisions for decades. For our Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee list, we considered overall issuer satisfaction ratings, rewards earning rates, annual fees, APRs and sign-up bonus values. Satisfaction data is based on an annual nationwide survey.

To qualify for this list, a card must not charge a foreign transaction fee. Those who travel and make purchases in a foreign country or currency need a card that doesn't charge a fee for international purchases. Choose the best card for you with no foreign transaction fee by comparing cards on this list that have other perks to enhance your travel experiences.

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Beverly Harzog , Credit Card Expert

Beverly Harzog  is a nationally recognized personal finance and credit card expert for U.S. News & World Report. She’s the bestselling and award-winning author of five personal finance books. Harzog puts her expertise to practice in her personal life by saving thousands every year on travel and everyday expenses by using a combination of credit cards in various categories. Read more

Ali Cybulski , Contributor

Ali Cybulski has been an editor on the Advice Products team at U.S. News since 2018 and focuses on credit cards and loans content. Her experience traverses print and digital media. Among other roles, Cybulski has been a copy editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education and at USA Weekend, the former Sunday magazine. Read more

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The Best Rewards Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

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If you plan on traveling to another country or purchasing online from an overseas vendor, you can save a small fortune by investing in a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Overseas transaction fees are typically around 3%, so for every $1,000 you spend in another country, using the wrong credit card could cost you an extra $30.

Thankfully, the list of credit cards without foreign transaction fees includes some of the best travel rewards cards available to U.S. consumers. Whether you’re paying for a local food tour in Hanoi, purchasing a flight from an airline with no U.S.-facing website, or buying the finest Middle Earth Manuka Honey from New Zealand ( yes, you can actually buy Hobbit Honey ), these are the best cards to use and not have to pay a foreign transaction fee on your purchase.

Page Contents

The Best Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

How to avoid foreign transaction fees, our selection criteria for cards with no foreign transaction fees, final thoughts.

If you choose the right rewards card, you don’t have to make any extra effort to avoid this nasty fee. Just use your card for every purchase, and your transaction will be converted to U.S. dollars on your statement — typically at a much better exchange rate than you’ll get exchanging U.S. dollars for local currency or choosing to pay in the local currency at checkout.

The reason you get a great exchange rate is that payment processors convert huge volumes of foreign currency every day. That means you’re getting the wholesale rate Visa or Mastercard pay on all their global transactions — done with little or no markup.

However, the banks have one additional trick up their sleeves: When making a purchase abroad, you may be given a choice between paying in U.S. dollars or the local currency. You definitely don’t want to convert the transaction to dollars. This service, also known as Dynamic Currency Conversion , is a huge ripoff.

Related: How To Save Money While Traveling Internationally

When choosing our favorite cards with no foreign transaction fees, we’ve focused primarily on cards that earn transferable or fixed-value rewards , rather than co-branded cards earning airline miles or hotel points. With the current trend of award chart devaluations and a steady transition to revenue-based rewards programs, points that transfer to a variety of airline and hotel programs offer much better value than points and miles issued by a single hotel or airline brand. We’ve also given plenty of weight to select bonus rewards categories, favoring travel , dining , entertainment, and gas purchases . That's because these account for a significant portion of vacation and business travel spending.

Another consideration when compiling this list was how widely the issuer is accepted overseas In Australia, for example, Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere — from major cities to small outback country towns. However, American Express cards aren’t as widely accepted; where they are, you might pay an additional “merchant fee” of 2%–3% extra at the register. A lot of Amex cards also feature bonus spending categories that are restricted to U.S. vendors. Thus, while plenty of Amex cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, few made our list.

Lastly, we looked at whether a card's benefits justify its annual fee. We’ve included more premium travel cards, those with annual fees north of $400, than typically found in “best of” lists for cards with no foreign transaction fees. But, in this case, the majority of travel rewards cards with higher annual fees also offer perks like travel and airline credits , complimentary lounge access , elite status benefits, and a wide range of travel and purchase protections providing extra value and security when traveling abroad.

Acquiring a rewards card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees is a great way to reduce your out-of-pocket costs when traveling overseas. Highlights include the class-leading Ink Preferred business card, which will net you 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel (up to a combined $150K in bonus category purchases) without the premium annual fee charged on the Sapphire Reserve .

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 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
• 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card ( Rates & Fees ), The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express ( Rates & Fees ), and The Platinum Card ® from American Express ( Rates & Fees )

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I haven’t traveled internationally (yet), but this was a great heads-up! I haven’t traveled internationally (yet) so have never considered it, so I checked and am happy to find out that while my card didn’t make the list I won’t be charged a foreign transaction fee!

However, does anyone still convert their cash to local currency and carry money with them the old-fashioned way anymore? Is it still a good idea to visit the exchanger in the airport, or does everyone generally accept cards these days and hard cash isn’t necessary?

Thanks for the recommendations. I really like using my Chase Sapphire Preferred while abroad to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Excellent list. 20 yrs ago Outrageous foreign fees were the norm. An AMEX over seas can be useful some spots and others not. I Always keep a back up travel visa & Mc card with no foreign fee.

Always good to keep in mind. Foreign transaction fees will eat up any reward value.

This is a great write up but don’t forget to point out which cards’ bonus categories don’t apply overseas. Most Amex cards only give bonus categories for purchases domestically. So no, you’re not paying a FTF however you’re missing out on bonus points. The Sapphire Reserve however has no limitations. Just something to consider.

Great point Darren, this is why only one Amex card made the list.

We LOVE our Chase sapphire preferred card for this very reason!

It is so important to know which cards have foreign transaction fees and which do not. Plus, make sure you update and double check before you leave.

Good tips! A lot of places we’ve been traveling in South America are cash-focused, so definitely research ATMs before traveling too.

Schwab’s free investor checking is my go-to bank for free ATM transactions abroad. They even reimburse ATM fees charged by the owner of the ATM you use at the end of the month. Details here.

Thanks!! just getting ready for some international travel.

I keep forgetting about this! Mostly my husband uses his card and it doesn’t have a fee, so we don’t have to worry. However, this coming trip we both will be charging so I need to look through my cards. This is great info! It’ll help with not having to travel with all my cards too.

How do you all have your wallet set up when you travel?

Actually I use a lot of promotions outside my country and it’s so difficult since every time they want to left out of the deal just because of paying with a credit card issued by another country..

Wonder if there any non credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

cheap no-fee capital one and discover work great for our budget minded infrequent traveling.

Great to see such a comprehensive list of credit cards offered in the US with no foreign transaction fees. Would be awesome to see a list of those offered in Canada as well

All cards by default should avoid this bogus fee.

USAA offers several rewards or cash back cards that have no foreign transaction fees.

Always looking for new card reward offers. I am amazed some of my friends cant be bothered

Has you ever considered the Paypal Cashback Mastercard? It has no annual fee, 2% cashback on all purchases, and no FTF. What are your thoughts?

I like the Capital One Quicksilver card for no annual fee and no FX fees and simple cash back.

Always keep this is mind when traveling overseas.

Banks are really greedy. Does not surprise me at all!!!

We’ve been using Penfed’s Visa card. No foreign transaction fees… and we’ve been super happy.

I have lots of cards with no foreign transaction fees, but until I got the arrival plus card, I didn’t have one that gave more than one point per dollar on regular purchases. It has already been useful.

Always travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Two more points for this great article:

1. Some banks also charge 1% or 3% on cash withdrawals at ATMs overseas—that’s right, they charge money for money you already own. It’s more common these days; Citibank didn’t charge this in the past and then they did, so check your bank. One way around it: a Charles Schwab account. No minimum, no fee, and they rebate any ATM fees you encounter, and they do not charge Forex fee on your own money!

2. More and more, bank ATMs in Europe are offering Dynamic Currency Conversion on withdrawals. It’s the same trap as with credit cards; do not accept it!

Paul, thanks for taking the time to remind folks of these fees. The more people that can successfully avoid them, the better chance we have of them disappearing all together!

I’m trying to remember – ALL CapitalOne cards don’t have the FTF, right?

That sounds right to me. Discover too but Discover isn’t widely used overseas.

i like the 3x points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. zero foreign transaction fees.

I’ll definitely pick one of these cards up!

Great overview of these types of cards. Always something to consider when looking to get a new card.

I’ve heard conflicting info about who has the best rates, Visa vs. MasterCard. What’s your take on it?

It’s hard to put any Amex on this list with their acceptance issues in other countries.

And while contactless is increasingly an option, I’ve still run into chip+PIN kiosks in multiple countries over the last year, so that’s an important consideration.

I don’t know. This list seems rather short. For instance, donn’t all Capital One cards have no foreign transaction fees?

Thanks for the list. I need another foreign transaction fee free card.

CSR all the time for me!

I know for a fact that the many if not all of the so-called no-foreign-transaction-fee Bank of America and American Exprss Cards just bury the fees into the final amount instead of itemizing them as they had done in the past. I found out by making train ticket purchases from the automated ticket machines during single sessions that should not last more than 15 minutes with fee-charging and no-fee BOA and AMEX cards in Europe.

CSR and ink are my go to.

I use discover card. Works great in Asia (especially Japan) and has no annual fee or foreign transaction fee!

Every bit of savings helps. Never charge overseas without a no foreign transaction fee CC.

no fx fees are always worth a look

I like that the Wells Fargo Propel Amex earns 3X points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and doesn’t charge an annual fee. That will save me $,

Perks of having the Capital One is no foreign transaction fees!! Super convenient.

The entry level Quicksilver having no FTFs is huge. That’s the workhorse right now for my wife and I.

I think US Bank is still one of the worst offenders when it comes to FTFs, especially when it comes to travel cards (the Radisson card immediately comes to mind given how many non-US properties they have). AMEX has been really good in the past few years about removing FTFs from their travel cards and it is definitely time US Bank and others that still do this remove them. If anything, do it for the swipe fees you will receive!

I keep explaining this to my friends and they just shrug and keep their terrible cards. They don’t travel as much as we do so they can’t be bothered. They are also the ones who will get just $20-worth of cash each time at a foreign ATM, paying a $5 fee…

Wow. Not a great parallel but another example of the poor keeping themselves poor. These individuals don’t sound poor but they’re certainly making poor decisions.

For leisure travel, restaurants and hotels are my biggest expenses, so I use the Citi Prestige at those establishments (and for entertainment purchases until 9/31/19). Outside those categories, I use the Chase Ink Preferred. And I bring a Barclays card for Chip + PIN, if neither of the first two cards are accepted (at some unattended gas stations and train stations, for example).

In this day and age pretty easy to avoid foreign transaction fees. Know the rules before you go.

If I’m doing leisure travel, restaurants and hotels are my biggest expenses, so I’ve used Citi Prestige most often. If the purchase is not in either of those two categories, I use Chase Ink Preferred. And I bring a Barclays card for Chip + PIN, when the first two cards aren’t accepted.

Thank you for clarifying the concern for foreign transaction fees. I’m glad it is as simple as just picking the cards that don’t charge that fee.

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Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of April 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best travel credit cards || Best rewards credit cards || Best cash back credit cards

Most credit cards tack an extra charge onto purchases made outside the United States. If you're planning to travel abroad, you'll want to look out for these foreign transaction fees (sometimes called international transaction fees). They are assessed by your credit card issuer and are usually 1% to 3% of the purchase amount, with 3% being common. That might not seem like a big deal, but if you spent, say, $3,000 at a hotel, you could be looking at an additional $90 charge.

The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a travel credit card that doesn't charge them. Any travel credit card worth its salt — including airline cards — will not charge foreign transaction fees, so you have plenty of options. Some major issuers — most notably Capital One and Discover — don't charge these fees on any of their cards.

Some of our selections for the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of April 2024

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Bonus category cash back

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Bonus travel rewards

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Simple travel rewards + no annual fee

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate travel rewards

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate cash back

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Students

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Average credit

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travel

Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards From Our Partners

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Bonus category cash back

Bonus rewards + no annual fee, bonus travel rewards, simple travel rewards + no annual fee, flat-rate travel rewards, flat-rate cash back, average credit, business travel, full list of editorial picks: best no foreign transaction fee credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Bonus travel rewards

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Simple travel rewards + no annual fee

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Business travel

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back

The original 1.5% flat-rate cash-back card still holds its own in a now-crowded field. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a compelling combination of a good rewards rate, redemption flexibility, sign-up bonus and introductory 0% APR period ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Bonus category cash back

Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card . It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good ( see rates and fees ). The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Average credit

This card for people with fair or "average" credit pays the same cash-back rate as the regular Quicksilver card, which targets people with excellent credit. The key difference is that this version charges an annual fee while the regular one does not ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Students

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card gets high marks for cards in its class, thanks to its $0 annual fee and its no-fuss rewards rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases ( see rates and fees ). That's as good a combo as you'd find on even a lot of non -student cards. Read our review .

OTHER RESOURCES

What is a foreign transaction fee.

A credit card foreign transaction fee is a surcharge that a credit card issuer places on purchases made outside the United States. The typical foreign transaction fee is about 3%. So if you went to London with a card that had a 3% fee and used it to buy something that cost $140, you'd be charged a foreign transaction fee of $4.20. This fee typically shows up as a separate line item on your credit card statement.

Be aware that you can get hit with a foreign transaction fee even if you never leave the country. Foreign transaction fees are based on where a purchase is processed rather than your physical location when you make that purchase. Say that instead of going into a store in London and making a purchase, you ordered something from that store online while at home in the U.S. The transaction might be processed the same as the merchant's in-store sales, and you'll wind up paying a foreign transaction fee.

Some issuers, including Capital One, Discover and USAA, do not charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards, and many issuers do not charge them on specific cards. Credit cards marketed to frequent travelers usually do not charge foreign transaction fees, even if the issuer has them on other cards.

Top credit card issuers’ foreign transaction fees

Here’s a look at the standard foreign transaction fees charged by major U.S. credit card issuers. It’s important to note that many of these issuers waive the foreign transaction fee (also called an international transaction fee) on certain cards. Further, some major issuers don’t charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.

The standard foreign transaction fee for American Express is 2.7%. However, Amex does not charge a foreign transaction fee for cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card .

The standard foreign transaction fee for Bank of America® is 3%. That said, if you have a Bank of America® credit card such as the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card or the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card do not charge foreign transaction fees.

The standard foreign transaction fee for Barclaycard is 3%.

The standard foreign transaction fee for all Capital One cards is 0%. So whether you have a travel credit card or secured credit card, you won’t pay any international transaction fees.

The standard foreign transaction fee for Chase is 3%. So, for the Chase Freedom card, for instance, the foreign transaction fee is 3%. However, if you have certain Chase credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® , you won’t pay any international transaction fees.

The standard foreign transaction fee for Citi is 3%. If you’re looking for a Citi card that doesn’t charge these fees, however, there are some exceptions. For example, the Citi Premier® Card and the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® do not charge foreign transaction fees.

The standard foreign transaction fee on all Discover cards is 0%. So, whether you have the Discover it® Cash Back , the Discover it® Miles or a completely different Discover card, you will not be charged an international transaction fee.

The standard foreign transaction fee for U.S. Bank is 3%. But some U.S. Bank cards do not charge foreign transaction fees.

The standard foreign transaction fee for Wells Fargo is 3%. The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card , though, carries no foreign transaction fee.

» What about debit card foreign transaction fees?

Using credit cards internationally

Which credit cards work worldwide.

Whether you're in the U.S. or a foreign country, your ability to use a credit card at a merchant depends on whether the merchant accepts that card's payment network. The four major U.S. networks — Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover — all have an international presence, although to varying degrees.

In the U.S., Visa and Mastercard are ubiquitous. If a merchant accepts credit cards, it almost always accepts Visa and Mastercard, although there are a few exceptions, such as Visa-only Costco. Discover is a close third, just a hair behind the leaders. American Express is widely accepted, just not as widely as the other three. Smaller merchants, in particular, are less likely to take AmEx. Even so, when traveling in the U.S., you should be able to get by with a card on any of the four networks.

Outside the U.S., Visa and Mastercard are also dominant worldwide networks. And while American Express has a strong presence overseas — it has more cardholders outside the U.S. than in — it doesn't match the extent of Visa and Mastercard. Discover is a smaller player outside the U.S. If you're planning to travel internationally and your primary card is American Express or Discover, it's best to bring along a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.

Should I use dynamic currency conversion?

When you buy something with a credit card in a foreign country, your receipt will show the cost in the local currency. When you get your statement, however, you'll see that the charge has been converted to dollars. Your payment network takes care of the conversion, and you can usually be confident that you're getting a fair exchange rate. (A 2016 NerdWallet study found that Visa and Mastercard tended to convert currency at near-market rates, which is about the best you can get.)

Sometimes when you're shopping overseas, merchants will ask if you want your purchases to be denominated in dollars rather than the local currency. This is known as "dynamic currency conversion." It seems attractive, as it allows you to see how much you're spending in terms you understand — say, $50 rather than 5,000 Japanese yen or 45 euros. But dynamic conversion is usually a bad deal. That's because the exchange rates are considerably worse than what you'd get if you made your purchase in the local currency and then let your credit card network handle the conversion.

One other thing about dynamic conversion: It won't get you out of paying foreign transaction fees. If your card charges a fee on overseas purchases, it doesn't matter if those purchases are in dollars, yen, euros, rubles or whatever. You'll still pay the fee.

» MORE: Foreign transaction vs. currency conversion fees

Do I need a chip-and-PIN card?

Most credit cards issued in the U.S. are chip-and-signature cards. When you make a purchase at a store, the chip embedded in the card passes information to the merchant's computer system. Further, the chip protects that information with a one-time code so that if the data is stolen, it can't be used to make a counterfeit card. It's all very high-tech. But then you complete the transaction by verifying your identity in a decidedly low-tech way: You sign your name — and you might not even do that .

Cards issued in other countries have "chip-and-PIN" technology. You use the card the same way, but instead of signing your name to complete the transaction, you have to enter a four-digit code, or PIN. This adds a layer of security by making it harder for someone to use a stolen card.

When traveling abroad, you'll usually be able to use a U.S.-issued chip-and-signature card for in-person transactions. Among the places where you can't use one is at self-service kiosks and vending machines. These typically require chip-and-PIN.

Among major issuers in the U.S., Barclays offers chip-and-PIN on its cards. Some credit unions oriented toward military servicemembers who may be deployed overseas also offer chip-and-PIN functionality. If you don't have a chip-and-PIN card, it's not a crisis situation. You'll just have to plan ahead and keep in mind that if you need to buy something like train tickets, you'll have to go up to the window and buy from a live person rather than from a ticket machine.

Finally, be aware that simply having a PIN for your credit card does not make it a chip-and-PIN card. Many cards allow you to get cash advances for an ATM using a PIN. A PIN for accessing cash advances is not the same as one for verifying transactions though chip-and-PIN technology. If in doubt, ask your issuer.

Credit cards or travelers checks?

Travelers checks have been mostly replaced in travelers' wallets by credit and debit cards, which also solve many of the security problems that travelers checks were created to address. So while you can still get travelers checks, most travelers would find them more trouble than they're worth.

Back before credit cards were as widely used and accepted as they are today, people who didn't want to risk carrying a lot of cash on a trip would rely on travelers checks. A traveler might go to a bank or travel agency in their hometown and buy, say, six $100 checks, which they would sign at the bank. At their destination, they'd use the checks at stores or restaurants that accepted them, or exchange them for cash at a hotel or bank. When they redeemed the check, they'd sign it again, and the recipient would compare the signatures to verify the check.

Among the advantage of travelers checks:

If they were lost or stolen, the issuer would replace them, so you didn't lose money. Nowadays, credit card issuers can cancel a lost or stolen card and expedite a replacement just as quickly.

You could exchange them for cash far from home. The wide acceptance of credit cards makes cash less critical to carry, and credit cards can provide cash in a pinch. And, of course, debit cards can get you cash, too.

You could use them in places that didn't accept out-of-town personal checks. Today, credit cards are accepted at millions more locations than travelers checks ever were.

Travelers checks still have their uses. But when you combine the dwindling number of places that accept travelers checks with the fees you have to pay to get them, most leisure travelers will be better off with the cards they already carry.

NerdWallet's Erica Corbin contributed to this article.

Last updated on April 19 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fee based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation include annual fees, rewards rates and redemption options, introductory and ongoing interest rates, bonus offers for new cardholders, international acceptance of the card's payment network, and other noteworthy features such as travel perks. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

The typical foreign transaction fee is 3% of the purchase price. Charge a $1,000 hotel stay on a card that imposes such a fee, for example, and you'll pay an extra $30. However:

• Some issuers charge a lower rate. American Express has long charged 2.7%, for example.

• Some issuers have no foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. They include Capital One, Discover and USAA.

• Most credit cards specifically designed for frequent travelers do not charge foreign transaction fees, even when the issuing bank charges such fees on its other cards.

When a foreign transaction fee applies to a purchase, you won't see it until you receive your credit card statement. That's because the fee is charged by the credit card company, not by the merchant. If you charge a $1,000 hotel stay in another country, your receipt from the hotel will just say $1,000 (or the equivalent amount in the foreign currency); when your statement arrives, the charge for the purchase will total $1,030.

When you buy something in a foreign country, the merchant may give you the option of having the purchase converted to U.S. dollars so you can see how much it costs in a way you're more likely to understand. (See the question about dynamic currency conversion below.) But for the purpose of the foreign transaction fee, it usually doesn't matter whether a purchase is submitted to your credit card company in U.S. dollars or in the local currency. The fee applies based on where the transaction takes place, not how it is denominated.

The one exception among major issuers is U.S. Bank, which charges a 3% foreign transaction fee but knocks that down to 2% if the purchase is denominated in U.S. dollars.

Foreign transaction fees are independent of exchange rates. Currency exchange rates tell you how much a unit of foreign currency is worth in dollars. If you buy something in France for 100 euros, for example, the cost in dollars might be $105 or $110 or $112.37 or something else, based on the current exchange rate. Your credit card's payment network — Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express — converts foreign purchases to dollar amounts according to the current exchange rate. The foreign transaction fee is then applied to the converted dollar amount.

Dynamic currency conversion is a service offered by some merchants overseas, in which they convert your purchase to dollars so that you can better get a sense of what it costs. It might be easier for you to understand a price of, say, $35 compared with 500 South African rand. Using dynamic currency conversion will not affect your foreign transaction fee in most cases. (An exception is U.S. Bank, which reduces the fee to 2% when purchases are processed in U.S. dollars.)

In general, dynamic currency conversion is a costly convenience for U.S. travelers. A NerdWallet study of credit card currency conversion rates found that when you let your credit card company convert your purchase to dollars, it usually does so at the current market rate. But when you choose dynamic currency conversion, it typically costs you an extra 1% to 3% because the merchant uses a less favorable exchange rate and pockets the difference. In other words, rather than save you money, dynamic currency conversion could as much as double the surcharge on a foreign transaction.

About the author

Sara Rathner

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Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees give you the freedom to travel internationally and spend money without worrying about the added cost of foreign transaction fees.

Start your next trip off right by applying for a Bank of America® credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

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Bank of America ® Customized Cash Rewards

$200 online cash rewards bonus offer and 3% cash back in the category of your choice.

No annual fee †

Show More Show Less Bank of America ® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

• 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases Calculate rewards
• Choose which category you want to earn 3% cash back in: gas and EV charging stations ; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming ; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to Online Banking, or use the Mobile Banking app. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same .
• 0% † Intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.24% to 28.24% will apply. 3% † Intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4% .
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could earn 3.75% - 5.25% and the 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs could earn 2.50% - 3.50% , for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, and the 1% for all other purchases could earn 1.25% - 1.75% . Not enrolled? Learn more about Preferred Rewards Cash Rewards .
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page, if you visit a Bank of America financial center or call the bank. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Bank of America ® Unlimited Cash Rewards

$200 online cash rewards bonus offer, show more show less bank of america ® unlimited cash rewards credit card.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases Calculate rewards
• No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
• 0% † Intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account. After that, a Variable APR that's currently 18.24% to 28.24% will apply. 3% † Intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4% .
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87% - 2.62% cash back on every purchase. Learn More About Preferred Rewards .

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

BankAmericard ®

Save on interest, show more show less bankamericard ® credit card.

• 0% Intro APR † for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days of opening your account. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.24% - 26.24% will apply. 3% † Intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4% .
• No Penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply † .
• Access your FICO ® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.

† Terms & Conditions  for BankAmericard ® credit card

Bank of America ® Travel Rewards

25,000 online bonus points offer (a $250 value) and no annual fee †.

No annual fee †  and no foreign transaction fees †

Show More Show Less Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points as long as your account remains open Calculate rewards
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want with no blackout dates and pay yourself back with a statement credit towards travel and dining purchases
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87 to 2.62 points for every $1 you spend, everywhere, every time. Not enrolled? Learn more about Preferred Rewards Travel Rewards

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card

Bank of America ® Premium Rewards ®

60,000 online bonus points offer — a $600 value.

Low $95 annual fee † and no foreign transaction fees †

Show More Show Less Bank of America ® Premium Rewards ® credit card

• Earn unlimited points , that don't expire as long as the account remains open – 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases . Calculate Rewards Premium Rewards
• Get up to $200 in combined Airline Incidental and TSA PreCheck ® /Global Entry Statement Credits. Plus, access to world class travel benefits: travel and purchase protections, luxury hotel collection and concierge service.
• Redeem for cash back as a deposit into Bank of America ® checking or savings accounts, for credit to eligible Merrill ® accounts including 529 accounts, as a statement credit to your credit card, or for gift cards and purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5 to 3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 to 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend. Not enrolled? Learn more about Preferred Rewards Premium Rewards

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Premium Rewards ® credit card

Bank of America ® Premium Rewards ® Elite

75,000 online bonus points offer — a $750 value.

$550 annual fee † and no foreign transaction fees †

Show More Show Less Bank of America ® Premium Rewards ® Elite credit card

• 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 points don't expire as long as the account remains open. Calculate Rewards Premium Elite Rewards
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5 to 3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 to 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Get up to $550 in combined Airline Incidental, TSA PreCheck ® /Global Entry, and Lifestyle Statement Credits . Plus, a suite of luxury benefits to fit your lifestyle: full-service concierge, airport lounge and experience access, premier hotel amenities, travel and purchase protections.
• You choose how you want to be rewarded . Redeem points for travel, cash back, a statement credit, distinctive experiences or gift cards. Plus, save 20% on airfare when you pay with points through the Bank of America Travel Center.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page, if you visit a Bank of America financial center or call the bank . You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Premium Rewards ® Elite credit card

Bank of America ® Customized Cash Rewards for Students

3% cash back in the category of your choice, show more show less bank of america ® customized cash rewards credit card for students.

• 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Choose which category you want to earn 3% cash back in: gas and EV charging stations ; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming ; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to Online Banking, or use the Mobile Banking app. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same .
• Online $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
• When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO ® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students

Bank of America ® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students

Start building your financial future while earning unlimited cash back, show more show less bank of america ® unlimited cash rewards credit card for students.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students

BankAmericard ® for Students

Save on interest, a great choice when you’re just starting out, show more show less bankamericard ® credit card for students.

• Your card comes with our $0 Liability Guarantee and chip technology for additional security when used at chip-enabled terminals

† Terms & Conditions  for BankAmericard ® Credit Card for Students

Bank of America ® Travel Rewards for Students

Start building your financial future.

No annual fee † and no foreign transaction fees †

Show More Show Less Bank of America ® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points as long as your account remains open. Use your card to book your trip how and where you want with no blackout dates and pay yourself back with a statement credit towards travel and dining purchases.
• 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

Bank of America ® Customized Cash Rewards Secured

Help build your credit while earning 3% cash back in the category of your choice, show more show less bank of america ® customized cash rewards secured credit card.

• 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Choose which category you want to earn 3% cash back in: gas and EV charging stations ; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming ; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to Online Banking, or use the Mobile Banking app. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
• Open your account with a security deposit ($200-$5,000) . Upon credit approval your required deposit is used, in combination with your income and your ability to pay, to help establish your credit line. We'll periodically review your account and, based on your overall credit history (including your account and overall relationship with us, and other credit cards and loans), you may qualify to have your security deposit returned. Not all customers will qualify.
• Build up your credit history – use this card responsibly and over time it could help you improve your credit score.
• Your financial health. Our Priority. Bank of America – Outstanding Customer Satisfaction with Financial Health Support – Banking & Payments, 2 years in a row
• Secured card products are not eligible for a new account bonus offer, like a cash rewards bonus offer, and introductory APRs are not available.

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Customized Cash Rewards secured credit card

Bank of America ® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured

Help strengthen or build your credit and earn unlimited cash back, show more show less bank of america ® unlimited cash rewards secured credit card.

• Build up your credit history — use this card responsibly and over time it could help you improve your credit score

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Unlimited Cash Rewards secured credit card

BankAmericard ® Secured

Help establish, strengthen - or even rebuild your credit with a card that's simple and convenient, show more show less bankamericard ® secured credit card.

• Open your account with a security deposit ($200-$5,000). Upon credit approval your required deposit is used, in combination with your income and your ability to pay, to help establish your credit line.
• We'll periodically review your account and, based on your overall credit history (including your account and overall relationship with us, and other credit cards and loans), you may qualify to have your security deposit returned. Not all customers will qualify.
• Secured card products are not eligible for a new account bonus offer, like a statement credit, and introductory APRs are not available.

† Terms & Conditions  for BankAmericard ® secured credit card

Bank of America ® Travel Rewards Secured

Help strengthen or build your credit and earn unlimited points, show more show less bank of america ® travel rewards visa ® secured credit card.

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time and no expiration on points as long as your account remains open. Use your card to book your trip how and where you want with no black out dates and pay yourself back with a statement credit towards travel and dining purchases.
• Open your account with a security deposit ($200-$5,000). Upon credit approval your required deposit is used, in combination with your income and your ability to pay, to help establish your credit line. We'll periodically review your account and, based on your overall credit history (including your account and overall relationship with us, and other credit cards and loans), you may qualify to have your security deposit returned. Not all customers will qualify.
• Build up your credit history — use this card responsibly and over time it could help you improve your credit score.
• Secured card products are not eligible for a new account bonus offer, like a bonus points offer, and introductory APRs are not available.

† Terms & Conditions  for Bank of America ® Travel Rewards Visa ® secured credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ®

Limited time online offer: 70,000 bonus miles plus alaska's famous companion fare™, show more show less alaska airlines visa signature ® credit card.

• 70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening. Plus, celebrate your account anniversary with Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ every year that you spend at least $6,000 on purchases with your card.
• Free checked bag for any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation. Plus you'll enjoy priority boarding when you pay for your flight with your card , so you can get to your seat quicker.
• 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 purchases including rideshare. Earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned on card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America ® account.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• 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.

† Terms & Conditions  for Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® Credit Card

Susan G. Komen ® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Help fight breast cancer and get a $200 online cash rewards bonus offer, show more show less susan g. komen ® customized cash rewards credit card.

• 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases Calculate rewards Cash Rewards
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could earn 3.75% - 5.25% and the 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs could earn 2.50% - 3.50% , for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, and the 1% for all other purchases could earn 1.25% - 1.75% . Not enrolled? Learn more about Preferred Rewards

† Terms & Conditions  for Susan G. Komen ® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard ®

Online offer: 50,000 bonus points + a $100 companion flight voucher.

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year. After that it's just $79 †

Show More Show Less Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard ®

• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible Spirit purchases, 2 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and grocery store purchases and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Earn 50,000 bonus points plus a $100 Companion Flight Voucher after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
• Receive a $100 Companion Flight Voucher each anniversary after making at least $5,000 in purchases within the prior anniversary year
• No limit to the points you can earn, no points expiration as long as your card account is open, and no redemption fees as a primary cardholder

† Terms & Conditions  for Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard ®

Allways Rewards Visa ®

Online offer: 25,000 bonus points.

Low $59 annual fee † and no foreign transaction fees †

Show More Show Less Allways Rewards Visa ® card

• Winner: Best Airline Credit Card , USA Today's 10Best Readers Choice Awards!
• Online Offer: Earn 25,000 Bonus Points – equal to $250 off a future Allegiant trip when you redeem points, after you make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
• 3 points per $1 on Allegiant purchases, 2 points per $1 on qualifying dining purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• No blackout dates, no destination restrictions and no minimum points redemption

† Terms & Conditions  for Allways Rewards Visa ® card

Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard ®

Online offer: 50,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Low $89 annual fee † and no foreign transaction fees †

Show More Show Less Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard ®

• Online Offer: 50,000 Bonus Miles after you make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening
• 3 Miles per $1 spent directly on Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and SkyTeam member airlines purchases
• 1.5 Miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 60 XP upon approval to help advance to the next status for more generous perks

† Terms & Conditions  for Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard ®

Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ®

Online offer: 25,000 bonus points, show more show less royal caribbean visa signature ® credit card.

• Get 25,000 MyCruise ® bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening, worth $250 in onboard credit
• Earn 2 MyCruise points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases with Royal Caribbean® and our sister brand, Celebrity Cruises®
• Earn 1 MyCruise point for every $1 spent on all other purchases
• Redeem your points for onboard credit, stateroom upgrades and cruise vacations on Royal Caribbean ® and our sister brand, Celebrity Cruises ®

† Terms & Conditions  for Royal Caribbean Visa Signature ® Credit Card

Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ®

Online offer: 20,000 bonus points, show more show less norwegian cruise line ® world mastercard ®.

• Online Offer: 20,000 bonus points after you make $1,000 or more in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. That's enough for a $200 onboard credit or $200 off your next Norwegian cruise .
• Earn 3 WorldPoints ® points per $1 spent on Norwegian purchases, 2 WorldPoints points per $1 spent on eligible air and hotel purchases and 1 WorldPoints point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Redeem points for hundreds of rewards like cash, gift cards, hotels stays, car rentals or Norwegian redemptions
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® members earn a 25% - 75% points bonus on every purchase, applied to the base earn of 1 point per $1. Not enrolled? Learn more about Preferred Rewards Travel Rewards

† Terms & Conditions  for Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ®

Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ®

Show more show less celebrity cruises visa signature ® credit card.

• Earn 2 MyCruise ® points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases with Celebrity Cruises ® and our sister brand, Royal Caribbean ®
• Redeem your points for onboard credit, stateroom upgrades and cruise vacations on Celebrity Cruises ® , and our sister brand, Royal Caribbean ®

† Terms & Conditions  for Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature ® Credit Card

Preferred Rewards makes your credit card even better

When you enroll in the Preferred Rewards program, you can get a 25% — 75% rewards bonus on all eligible Bank of America ® credit cards.

Plus, as a Preferred Rewards member, you enjoy real benefits and rewards on your everyday Bank of America ® banking and Merrill investment accounts. And as your qualifying balances grow, so do your benefits.

Learn more about Preferred Rewards

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Get the most out of your credit card. Find out how you can take advantage of all the opportunities that may be available to you as a cardholder.

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Better credit habits can lead to a better credit score. If you’re looking to improve your credit, check out some of our helpful tips.

Connect one on one with a credit card specialist

What the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card offers

• How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
• 3 key benefits cardholders get from the Autograph Journey 

Move Over, Chase Sapphire Preferred. This New Travel Credit Card Is Turning Heads

Wells Fargo's newest card has one key advantage over the gold standard in travel cards.

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card * -- Wells Fargo’s latest and best travel card -- recently launched with an impressive set of features. Its competitive rewards, welcome bonus and redemption options take aim at incumbent travel credit cards from Chase, American Express and Capital One.

What gives Wells Fargo’s first foray into the point-transfer space an edge is that you don’t have to book travel in a portal to earn the highest rewards rates. 

Here’s why we think the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey could go toe-to-toe with some of the best travel credit cards, plus three insider tips to help you decide if you should add it to your credit card lineup.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect with the Autograph Journey:

• Earn 60,000 welcome bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and dining and 1x on other purchases.
• Receive an annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch and cell phone insurance.
• $95 annual fee.

How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

3 key benefits cardholders get from the autograph journey .

Here’s a rundown of four facts we discovered about the Autograph Journey that you should know when deciding whether to apply.

1. You can transfer points with Wells Fargo point-based cards

The launch of the Autograph Journey also marks the first transferable points program from Wells Fargo, which joins other card issuers like Chase and Capital One, which have their own pooling programs .

Autograph Journey will be able to do a points transfer with the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card . This is especially notable since the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers bonus rewards in different categories than the Autograph Journey. 

For example, the Autograph card earns unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus 1x points on other purchases. So you can maximize your point earning across different categories, then transfer your points to your Autograph Journey account to access premium travel redemptions.

2. It offers more options for earning bonus miles on travel than some competitors

The Autograph Journey will offer more flexibility than many travel rewards cards when it comes to earning more points on travel purchases. For example, cardholders earn unlimited 5x points on hotels booked directly with hotel brands and 4x points on airfare booked with airlines. 

This helps the card stand out from other popular travel credit cards that offer the most bonus points only if you book travel through their portals. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * only offer the highest bonus rewards on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers its highest rate of 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, whereas other travel purchases earn 2x points.

Autograph Journey cardholders also earn a minimum of 3x points on other travel purchases, which could include rental cars, cruises and travel booked through online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline.

3. The card may grow in value as more transfer partners join

The Autograph Journey Card will earn flexible travel rewards points that transfer to a selection of airline and hotel partners, similar to Amex Membership Rewards points or Chase Ultimate Rewards . While the list of transfer partners is limited, Wells Fargo stated in its initial press release that “more partners will continue to be added throughout the year.”

Points transfers could dramatically change the value proposition of the Autograph Journey, especially if new partners include domestic airlines and popular hotel loyalty programs. 

Wells Fargo point transfers will be available to new cardholders starting on April 4. For now, Wells Fargo transfer partners include the following:

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After writing about hundreds of credit cards, these two are still my favorite, 6 reasons the chase sapphire preferred should be your next credit card, 3 steps to take when your flight is canceled or delayed, 8 best credit card strategies to maximize earnings in 2024, as a foodie who enjoys a night out on the town, this credit card gives me plenty to savor.

* All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

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Credit Cards

Why I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred as my first ever rewards card

Sarah Li Cain

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Grace Pilling

Published 6:03 a.m. UTC April 15, 2024

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I first started learning about the world of rewards credit cards from friends and bloggers and knew I wanted in. The challenge was that it took me a long time to build my credit , and I wanted to be sure I picked the right card. After some research, I landed on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as my first rewards credit card. Yes, there are other cards with lower (or no) annual fees, but I have squeezed a ton of value from this credit card.

Here are the reasons why I landed on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• 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, 2024.
• Member FDIC

1. I wanted flexible redemption options

Learning about travel rewards and how to redeem points as a beginner all those years ago felt extremely intimidating. I wanted to earn rewards that offered plenty of redemption options and where I could learn at a pace that felt accessible to me. Initially, I ignored the airline and hotel transfer partners and decided I would focus on how I would use my Ultimate Rewards® points through the Chase Travel℠ portal. 

Taking this route eased my fears about how to book flights and hotels using rewards. I was also happy that I didn’t have to feel loyal to one airline or hotel chain like I would have with a cobranded rewards card. After booking a few trips through the Chase travel site, I took the time to learn about the issuer’s travel loyalty transfer partners (there are 14 in total). But I still liked choosing which method — booking through Chase Travel or transferring points — was better for me to squeeze the most out of my points. 

Some travel rewards redemptions offer more value than others. Here’s some of the best ways to use Chase points .

2. The annual fee is accessible, even for occasional travelers

When I opened the Sapphire Preferred card, my family wasn’t traveling much. We were still settling into our new home, my husband had started a new job and I was juggling taking care of my young child with my freelance career. I aimed to earn enough rewards from the card to nab heavily discounted hotels and the occasional flight when we visited family once or twice a year.

At $95, the annual fee felt affordable to us. A pricier card with lounge access wasn’t important, because we didn’t fly enough to feel that feature would be worth it. However, the Sapphire Preferred’s $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit was, since we stop and stay overnight on our cross-country drives during the summer. 

3. I was able to earn the welcome bonus easily

My family and I mostly used credit cards to pay for bills like utilities and groceries. Looking over our expenses, we could easily spend thousands of dollars over a span of several months. The minimum spend requirement to earn the welcome bonus — 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening — was well within our reach. Plus, I paid off my credit cards each month, meaning we didn’t pay any interest and our rewards earnings didn’t cost us extra. 

The minimum spend is higher than some rewards cards, though lower than luxury ones — my family and I were able to hit the minimum spend in a little over two months. Considering I earned $750 worth of travel if I booked through Chase Travel (which I was mostly doing in the beginning anyway), it was well worth it.

4. There are no foreign transaction fees

My mom and sister live in Canada where I grew up, so I make the annual trek with my family to visit them along with several other close friends. I knew that whatever credit card I signed up for, I wanted no foreign transaction fees when using it in another country. My last credit card did charge fees for transactions overseas, and though they may not seem like much on their own, they do add up.

This benefit alone didn’t convince me to sign up for the Sapphire Preferred but it was certainly a welcome benefit in addition to all the others. 

5. Why I keep the Sapphire Preferred even years later

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has stayed in my wallet for the last six years and I don’t plan on canceling it anytime soon. The initial signup bonus earned my family several hotel nights when we visited family and friends. In subsequent years we took advantage of the $50 annual hotel credit and other benefits, such as primary rental car insurance , to make the annual fee worth it. 

Over the years I’ve added two other Chase cards to the mix — the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card * The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . I pool the points I earn from these two credit cards with my Sapphire Preferred because the Preferred offers a 25% points boost when booking travel through Chase. Since I have a family of three to book travel for, I want to use all the advantages I can get. 

Considering a rewards card? Here’s how to choose the right credit card for you.

*The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Sarah Li Cain is a finance and small business writer currently based in Jacksonville, Florida whose articles have been published with outlets such as Fortune, CNBC Select, the Financial Planning Association and Zillow.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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Are you looking to take your credit game to the next level? High-limit credit cards can be a powerful tool for earning rewards and building credit. But, it’s essential to understand how to qualify for and use them responsibly. 

Here are our picks for the best high-limit credit cards, including the inside scoop on how to make the most of them.

Top credit cards with high credit limits

Chase sapphire reserve® : best for travel rewards , american express® gold card : best for no set limit, chase freedom unlimited® : best for gas and groceries .

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card: Best for everyday purchases

Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back

Capital one quicksilver cash rewards credit card : best for everyday cash back .

• Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card: Best for low interest and fees

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top choice if you’re a frequent traveler. You’ll earn elevated rewards on travel booked via the Chase travel portal and travel and dining purchases. 

Rewards:  

• 10X points on hotel stays, car rentals, and Chase Dining purchases booked through Chase
• 10X points Lyft purchases (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 5X points on air travel booked through Chase (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 3X points on restaurant and general travel purchases (after earning your $300 travel credit)
• 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $550 

Credit limit : Starts at $10,000

One of the key features of the Sapphire Reserve is its $300 annual travel credit, which is automatically applied to any travel-related purchases. This effectively reduces the card’s $550 annual fee to $250, making it more affordable for frequent travelers. 

Other perks include complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and extensive travel insurance.

The Sapphire Reserve’s credit limit is determined on a case-by-case basis, but most approved applicants report receiving limits of $10,000 or higher. 

The American Express Gold Card has no pre-set spending limit, which means the spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history. Your purchasing power adjusts over time based on payment history and creditworthiness.

• 4X points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and Uber Eats
• 4X points on U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $25,000 in supermarket purchases per year, then 1X points)
• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel 

Annual fee : $250. See rates and fees . 

Credit limit : No preset credit limit

Other perks of the Gold Card include up to $120 in annual dining credits, up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, and no foreign transaction fees. The card has a $250 annual fee, which the credits and rewards can offset if you use them regularly. See rates and fees. 

The main drawback of the Gold Card is that it requires you to pay your balance in full each month, which may not be feasible for everyone. 

If you have the financial discipline to do so and can take advantage of the card’s rewards, the Amex Gold Card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers elevated cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. But the real standout feature is the boosted cash back in the first year — up to $300 in total cash back.

This makes this an excellent choice for those who spend a lot on gas and groceries. After the first year, you’ll still earn 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% on everything else — a solid flat-rate rewards structure.

• 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025)
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and on drugstore purchases
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee : $0

Credit limit : Starts at $500

The Freedom Unlimited also has no annual fee. The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits of $1,000 or higher.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Best for everyday purchases

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

• Unlimited 2X points on travel and dining purchases
• Unlimited 1.5X points on all other purchases

Annual fee : $95

Credit limit : Starts at $1,500 

This card also offers a $100 annual airline incidental credit for expenses like baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases. You’ll also receive up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits every four years. 

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many applicants report receiving $5,000 or higher limits. Plus, if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn even more rewards on your purchases, making this card an excellent choice for loyal customers.

The Discover It Cash Back card offers a unique twist on cash back rewards. Each quarter, you’ll earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to a limit). In 2024, categories include drug stores, restaurants, gas stations, public transit, and more.

The main drawback is that you’ll need to activate the 5% bonus categories each quarter to earn the higher rate, which can be a hassle.

• 5% cash back after activation on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500, then 1%)
• 1% for all other purchases

One of the standout features of the Discover It Cash Back card is its Cashback Match program. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned, doubling your rewards. This means if you earned $500 in cash back during your first year, Discover will match that for a total of $1,000 in cash back.

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits of $1,000 or higher. 

The Capital One Quicksilver is a great option if you’re looking for a straightforward cash back. You’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual or foreign transaction fees. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to earn rewards without keeping track of bonus categories or spending limits.

Rewards: 

• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases 

Credit limit : Starts at $750

The Quicksilver Cash Rewards card also offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months — a solid bonus considering the low spending requirement. 

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits of $1,000 or higher.

While the Quicksilver card lacks the perks of other high-limit cards, its simplicity makes it a solid way to earn cash back without hassle.

Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards card: Best for low interest and fees

The Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Card has lower rates and fees than most cards. It has no balance transfer fees, foreign transfer fees, or cash advance fees. You’ll also get a $100 annual air travel credit for expenses like baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases.

• 3X points on travel spending
• 2X points on all other purchases

Annual fee : $49

Credit limit : Starts at $5,000

Other perks of this card include no foreign transaction fees, emergency assistance services, and a 24/7 concierge service.

The card’s credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but many approved applicants report receiving limits as high as $15,000. 

This card requires Navy Federal Credit Union membership, which is limited to active duty and retired military members, their families, and certain civilian employees of the Department of Defense. But, if you qualify for membership, the Flagship Rewards card can be an excellent choice for earning travel rewards with low rates and fees.

What is a high-limit credit card? 

Generally, a high-limit card offers a credit limit of $5,000 or more. These cards are often reserved for those with good to excellent credit scores and a solid income.

The most obvious benefit of a credit card with a sky-high limit is that you can borrow more money. A high credit limit can help keep your credit utilization low, which is a key factor in determining your credit score. It can provide more flexibility and purchasing power for larger expenses or emergencies.

As your balance grows, seeking a higher credit limit makes sense. You won’t have to worry about maxing out or paying extra fees for exceeding the limit.

“One of the best strategies is building strong and lasting relationships with the banks,” says Amanda Webster, chief operating officer of Fund&Grow. “The longer you show positive habits, such as paying on time, paying more than the minimum, and keeping your utilization low, the more that bank will trust you as a borrower.”

How to qualify for a high-limit credit card 

How do you get your hands on a high-limit card? Here are a few tips:

• Build your credit score: High-limit cards are typically reserved for those with good to excellent credit. Focus on paying your bills on time, keeping your credit utilization low, and avoiding new credit inquiries to boost your score .
• Increase your income: Lenders want to see that you have the means to pay back what you borrow. Increasing your income through a raise, side hustle, or job change can improve your chances of qualifying for a high-limit card.
• Be selective: Applying for too many credit cards in a short period can be a red flag for lenders. Be selective and only apply for cards you have a good chance of being approved.

How to use a high-limit credit card smartly 

While high-limit credit cards can offer valuable rewards, using them responsibly is crucial to avoid falling into debt.

• Pay your balance in full each month: High-limit cards often come with high interest rates, so paying your balance in full each month is best to avoid accruing interest charges.
• Keep your credit utilization low: Keeping your credit utilization (the amount of credit you use compared to your total credit limit) low is key to maintaining a good credit score. Aim to keep your utilization below 30%.
• Don’t overspend: Just because you have a high credit limit doesn’t mean you should max out your card. Stick to your budget and only spend what you can afford to pay back.
• Take advantage of rewards and perks: To get the most value out of your high-limit card, ensure you take advantage of all the rewards and perks it offers . This could include using your card for travel purchases to earn bonus points or taking advantage of annual credits and discounts.

Bottom line

High-limit credit cards can be a valuable tool for earning rewards and building credit, but using them responsibly is essential. 

Remember to pay your balance in full each month, keep your credit utilization low, and don’t overspend — and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a high-limit card pro.

Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

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Find the best credit card for you

Best sole proprietorship business credit cards, these cards can help sole proprietors simplify expense tracking while earning rewards..

As a sole proprietor, there is no legal separation between you and your business. Still, it's beneficial to separate your business and personal expenses to simplify your bookkeeping and taxes .

Sole proprietors can use personal credit cards for business purposes, but it's generally easier to separate expenses with a business credit card . With the right business card, you can earn rewards, finance larger purchases, build your business credit history and take advantage of other business-related benefits.

You have many options if you're a sole proprietor seeking a small business credit card. To help you out, CNBC Select has narrowed down the best business credit cards for sole proprietors in a handful of practical categories. (See  our methodology  for information on how we chose the best sole proprietorship business credit cards.)

• Best for cash back: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Best for travel rewards: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Best for premium perks: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for 0% intro APR: U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
• Best for bad credit: Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card

Best for cash back

Ink business unlimited® credit card.

Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business

Welcome bonus

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

0% for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases; N/A for balance transfers

Regular APR

18.49% - 24.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Good/Excellent

Terms apply.

• No annual fee
• Free employee cards
• Simple cash-back program
• Special financing offer for purchases
• 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Who's this for? The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is ideal for sole proprietors who value simplicity because it offers a generous flat cash-back rate on all purchases and has no annual fee.

Standout benefits: All purchases earn at least 1.5% cashback. This allows sole proprietors to focus on what matters to their business instead of spending time navigating a complicated rewards program.

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for travel rewards

Ink business preferred® credit card.

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines), 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.24% - 26.24% variable

Read our Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card review.

• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase TravelSM
• 1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Generous welcome bonus worth up to $1,000
• $95 annual fee
• No introductory 0% financing offers for purchases or balance transfers

Who's this for? The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is ideal for sole proprietors who want to earn transferable travel rewards, with one of the most valuable welcome bonus offers and useful bonus business spending categories.

Standout benefits: This card has various built-in travel protections and earns  Chase Ultimate Rewards® points , which can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel travel loyalty programs. Points can also be redeemed for 1.25 cents apiece toward travel through the  Chase Travel SM  portal .

Best for premium benefits

The business platinum card® from american express.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Also, earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchases at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.

Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership

19.49% - 28.49% variable

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

• Enroll to receive up to $400 in annual statement credits on Dell purchases (up to $200 semi-annually), up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases
• Get 35% points back when you use points to purchase all or part of an airline fare, up to 500,000 bonus points back per calendar year
• American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus where available and get up to $189 back per year on your membership when you use your card. (subject to auto-renewal)
• Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your card
• $695 annual fee
• No introductory 0% financing offers

Who's this for? The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best options for sole proprietors who value luxury travel benefits such as airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status.

Standout benefits: This card offers a long list of travel benefits, including access to over 1,400 airport lounges and an annual airline fee credit of up to $200 for incidentals, like baggage fees and seat upgrades. Cardholders can enroll to receive Hilton Gold status, Marriott Gold status and premium rental car privileges with National, Avis and Hertz. Terms apply.

Best for 0% intro APR

U.s. bank triple cash rewards visa® business card.

Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center, 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants, 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases

Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 on the account owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.

0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers

19.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

• $500 welcome bonus offer
• No limit on cash back earned
• Interest-free period for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
• Annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription services
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Who's this for? The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card is a good option for sole proprietors looking for a strong intro APR offer and still want to earn cash back . Typically, cards with longer intro-APR periods like this one offer fewer rewards and other benefits.

Standout benefits: The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card offers new cardmembers a 0% intro APR on both purchases and eligible balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, after that, a variable 19.24% to 28.24% APR applies. There is a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum).

Best for bad credit

Bank of america business advantage unlimited cash rewards secured credit card.

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

28.49% variable

4% of each transaction (minimum $0)

Poor/No credit history

• Bad credit may qualify
• Opportunity to transition to an unsecured card for qualified cardholders
• Flexible redemption options
• $1,000 minimum security deposit
• No welcome bonus

Who's this for? If your credit needs work , the Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card can help you build your score while still earning rewards.

Standout benefits: Secured credit cards are designed for people with no credit history or weak credit scores. They typically don't offer many benefits or rewards, but this card is an exception, earning a competitive 1.5% cash back on every purchase. This return matches some of the top unsecured cash-back credit cards.

More on our business credit cards for sole proprietors

Chase ink business unlimited® credit card.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a rewarding cash-back business card with an unusually generous welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card.

• 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account.

Notable perks

New Ink Business Unlimited cardholders receive an intro 0% APR on purchases for 12 months (after that, a variable 18.49% to 24.49% APR applies). This is an excellent offer that makes financing important business purchases more affordable.

You can add employee cards for no additional fee and take advantage of benefits such as purchase protection , extended warranty protection , roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance services.

If you have an eligible Ultimate-Rewards-earning card, like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card , the cashback earned with this card can be converted into transferrable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a popular business rewards card with a reasonable annual fee, excellent rewards rates and useful insurance benefits.

• 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
• 3X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in these categories each account anniversary year: Shipping , advertising (with select social media sites and search engines), travel, internet, cable and phone services
• 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.

This card has no foreign transaction fees and does not charge extra to add employee cards. It also offers many built-in insurance benefits that apply to certain purchases, including:

• Cell phone protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Roadside dispatch
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Rental car insurance (primary)
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage coverage
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Travel and emergency assistance services

This is a longer list of travel and purchase protections than many other sub-$100 annual fee cards. 

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card with an array of benefits that can easily offset its high annual fee (see rates and fees ).

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1.5X points on up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year of eligible purchases in the following categories: U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud systems providers, shipping providers and on purchases of $5,000 or more
• 1X points for all other purchases
• Terms apply

Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in qualifying purchases on your card in the first three months of card membership.

$695 (see rates and fees )

The Amex Business Platinum card offers a long list of valuable statement credit offers, including:

• Up to $400 back per year on U.S. Dell purchases (up to $200 back semi-annually)
• Up to $360 back per year on Indeed purchases (up to $90 back quarterly) through Dec. 31, 2024
• Up to $150 back for select Adobe auto-renewing annual business subscriptions through Dec. 31, 2024
• Up to $120 back per year for U.S. wireless telephone service provider purchases
• Up to $200 in airline fee credit per year with one qualifying airline you choose
• Up to $189 back per calendar year for CLEAR Plus
• Up to $100 back for application fees every four years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck

Cardholders enjoy automatic hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy and have access to more airport lounges than any other card, including Amex Centurion Lounges , Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs and Lufthansa lounges.

The card also boasts no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ) and many insurance coverages including, return protection, trip delay insurance , trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage insurance, extended warranty coverage, rental car insurance, cell phone protection and purchase protection.

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card packs a lot into a no-annual-fee business card . Not only does it offer a competitive intro APR offer, but it also has a strong welcome bonus and great cash-back rates.

• 5% back on prepaid hotels and rental cars booked through the U.S. Bank Travel Rewards Center
• 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn $500 cash back after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first 150 days of account opening.

Cardholders can earn a $100 annual statement credit for recurring software subscriptions. To qualify, you need to make 11 consecutive monthly payments for an eligible software service, such as QuickBooks or FreshBooks .

The Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card is a solid cash-back card in and of itself but shines in comparison to other secured cards.

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases

The required minimum deposit to open this card is $1,000 and your credit line is equal to the amount you deposit. It also has a handful of travel insurance perks including, up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, lost luggage assistance and emergency ticket replacement.

Can a sole proprietor get a business credit card?

A small business owner who is a sole proprietor is eligible for business credit cards. Many business card applications allow you to use your social security number as your business tax ID and don't require you to have an LLC or other complicated business structure.

Can I use my EIN to get a business credit card?

You can use an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor. However, most business cards for sole proprietors require a personal guarantee, so reviews of your personal credit history and income are part of the application process.

Do business credit card applications verify personal income?

Most small business card applications require you to provide your personal income and social security number. The card issuer can use this information to determine your credit limit and whether you can afford the card's monthly payments.

Bottom line

Sole proprietors are eligible for most types of small business credit cards, including cards that earn cash-back, travel rewards and offer no-interest intro periods. You'll usually need a good to excellent credit score to qualify for the most rewarding cards, but if you have a lower credit score, some of the easiest business credit cards to get only require an average or fair credit score.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every business credit card   article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best business credit cards for sole proprietors.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Our methodology

To determine which business cards offer the best value for sole proprietors, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of major small business credit cards. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is to redeem points.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum® Card from American Express, click here .

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• 5 best credit cards with pre-approval or pre-qualification Jason Stauffer

Best credit cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Stepping into an airport lounge from the chaotic main terminal can feel like stepping onto dry land from a whitewater raft. It evokes a feeling of peace, tranquility and “phew – we made it.”

As a result, airport lounge access is one of the most enviable perks you can get with a travel rewards credit card. But which cards still offer it in 2024, and from that list, which are still worth getting?

The best cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Best overall: capital one venture x rewards credit card, best for extensive lounge access: the platinum card® from american express, best for affordable lounge access: u.s. bank altitude® connect visa signature® card, best for delta: delta skymiles® reserve american express card, best for united: united club℠ infinite card, best for american airlines: citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard®.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to a wide lounge network comprising Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Plus, its $395 annual fee is easy to recoup on account of the $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 10X 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 Miles upon card anniversary make up for the annual fee
• Airport lounge access
• Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
• Limited cash redemption options

Other benefits

• Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Why we like this card: We like how the Capital One Venture X comes with a hefty 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network, and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

The $395 annual fee may seem steep, but it’s actually a relative bargain among premium travel cards offering unlimited lounge access. Plus, you’ll earn $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary–a combined $400 in travel value–which instantly covers your fee for the year.

The cherry on top is up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, so you can scoot through security and get to the lounge a little faster. All things considered, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the airport lounge card to beat. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express claims to have the widest lounge access of any card on the market, with access to well over 1,500 lounge locations in over 140 countries. Combine that with a list of travel-centric benefits longer than a CVS receipt, and it’s an easy pick for this list. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

Reward Rates

• 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
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Equinox gym, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.
• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

Why we like this card: Like a fully-loaded Mercedes S-Class, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an eye-watering price tag but an expansive list of benefits to justify it. 

Naturally, one of those benefits is airport lounge access. You’ll have access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. That’s 1,500+ lounges in total, meaning an Amex Platinum is the closest we have to an airport lounge master key. 

You’ll also get up to $189 back per year on a CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®, up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card, 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), up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card® (minimum 2-night stay required) and a welcome bonus of at least 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of card membership, so there are plenty of ways to extract value from your “Plat” outside of an airport lounge. 

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page  

Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta review Best travel credit cards

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card card includes four free visits to over 1,500 Priority Pass locations worldwide, a $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit and a $500 welcome bonus–all for a modest annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

• 5x 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4x 4X points on travel, at gas stations and EV charging stations
• 2x 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services
• 1x 1X on all other purchases
• High earnings on travel
• No annual fee the first year
• 4 Priority Pass lounge visits per year
• Points not transferable to travel partners
• Additional perks: Cell phone protection, Trip cancellation/interruption, TSA/Global Entry fee rebate
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: As an affordable travel rewards card, U.S. Bank’s Altitude Connect card is a worthy rival to the reigning Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card . Unlike the “CSP,” the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card includes complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with four airport lounge passes, a $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to 4X on travel purchases. 

The card also waives its $95 annual fee for the first year and offers a hefty welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days worth $500 towards travel and more. In short, it’s positively packed with value for travelers, and if you’re not sure whether you’ll even visit a lounge more than four times this year, it’s a logical choice.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers Delta fans a truly elevated experience, with 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year, four guest passes, free checked bags, an Annual Companion Certificate, upgrade priority and more. It doesn’t include automatic Medallion status, but offers plenty of ways to to get there faster (e.g. MQD Headstart).

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Intro bonus.

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• High annual fee
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Why we like this card: Though it charges a heart-stopping $650 annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card does include a 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership to help cover your first two years with the card. You’ll also get 3X Miles on Delta purchases, 15% off award travel, a free first checked bag, a $240 Resy Credit, $200 Delta Stays statement credit and more to make the card’s high fee more palatable. 

In terms of lounge access, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year. That’s objectively pretty stingy considering there are cheaper cards on the market offering unlimited access to a larger network for both you and multiple guests. Still, if you’re a solo Delta traveler, 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year may be all you need.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card may charge $525 per year, but it covers a United Club membership–which alone retails for $650–and includes a litany of other travel-friendly benefits like Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• 4x 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• United Club lounge membership
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Path to earn elite airline status by card spend
• Mostly useful if you want lounge access
• Additional perks: Primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement

Why we like this card: If you and your travel companion frequently fly United, check multiple bags each and relish the thought of decompressing in the United Club lounge, the United Club℠ Infinite Card might deserve a place in your wallet. 

That’s because the card’s marquis feature is a $650 United Club membership, granting unlimited access for you and your travel companions. You’ll also get Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 25% back on food/beverage/Wi-Fi purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

Once the welcome bonus dries up it can be hard to continue justifying the United Club℠ Infinite Card‘s $525 annual fee–especially since you can only take advantage of the card’s best benefits while traveling with United. The lack of Polaris Lounge access is a bummer, too. But if you’re a hardcore brand loyalist who doesn’t travel light, the United Club℠ Infinite Card could still be a worthy travel companion. 

With complimentary Admirals Club membership (valued up to $850), up to nine free checked bags per trip and an “enhanced airport experience,” the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® rolls out the figurative red carpet for AA frequent flyers.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• 10x Earn 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars.
• 4x 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (5X after you spend $15,000 on airfare)
• 1x 1x AAdvantage miles on all other purchases
• Earns AAdvantage miles, which are not easily accessible outside of co-branded AAdvantage credit cards.
• Every dollar spent earns one Loyalty Point toward elite status.
• Includes Admirals Club lounge membership, valued at up to $850.
• High spending requirement for earning the 70,000-mile welcome bonus
• No category bonuses outside of American Airlines spending.
• Travel perks: AAdvantage club membership, checked bag benefit, trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Credits: Up to $120 annual credit to Avis or Budget rental cars, Up to $10 monthly credits to Lyft and Grubhub

Why we like this card: If you’re ready to pledge fealty to American Airlines via a $595 rewards card, you’ll be receiving plenty of perks and value in return from the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. For starters, you’ll get a complimentary Admirals Club membership and free first checked bags for you and up to eight travel companions–saving up to $720 per round trip. 

You’ll also get 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, 25% savings on inflight purchases of food and beverages on flights and 10X AAdvantage® miles on hotels booked through aa.com/hotels. But perhaps most intriguingly, the card unlocks an “enhanced airport experience” with priority check-in, screening and boarding when flying with AA. 

Just keep in mind that Admirals Club membership only includes access to 50ish Admirals Clubs and 60ish partner lounge locations total, so you may want to confirm that there’s one in your home airport before committing. 

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for airport lounge access.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has the most expansive lounge access, with unlimited visits to locations within the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. 

However, we think the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers better value, with access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group locations for a $395 annual fee ($300 less than the Platinum).  If you are looking for a lower price tag, check out our article about the best cards for cheap airport lounge access .

Are lounge access cards worth it? 

A rewards card with airport lounge access could be worth it if you fly several times a year, value having a secluded place to work, and relax and plan to take advantage of the card’s other benefits. 

Some say that the most underrated perk of airport lounges is having access to a dedicated airline representative inside. That way, you can skip the long customer service line outside if something goes wrong with your travel plans. 

How do I know if my credit card has lounge access? 

Check your card benefits, which can usually be found online following a quick search. While you’re there, check to see if any of the included lounge networks require you to register your membership in advance–that way, you can save time and hassle at the airport.

Methodology

Fortune Recommends surveyed all the cards still offering airport lounge access in 2024 and handpicked the very best. In evaluating cards that offer airport lounge access, we compared the annual fees to the amount of lounge access provided. From the card granting access to the most locations worldwide to another charging a mere $95 annual fee ($0 for the first year), we found the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2024.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

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