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Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of September 2024

Most credit cards tack an extra charge on purchases made outside the U.S. If you're planning to travel abroad, you'll want a card without foreign transaction fees, like one of the options below. Foreign transaction fees 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.

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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 .

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

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Bonus travel rewards

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

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Simple travel rewards

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

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

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

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for College 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 travel rewards

Bonus rewards + no annual fee, simple travel rewards, simple rewards + no annual fee, flat-rate cash back, bonus category cash back, college students, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Simple 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.

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 APR period ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Bonus category cash back

Some credit cards reward you well for going out, others for staying in. The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare card that does both. It offers a terrific cash-back rate not only on dining and entertainment but also at grocery stores and on popular streaming services. Toss in a good bonus offer and intro APR period, and this card is a winner. ( 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: College 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 .

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 120k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,200 cash back or $1,500 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 .

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 Strata 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 September 3 , 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

Best cards with no foreign transaction fees of September 2024

If you’re traveling abroad, don’t forget to double-check that you’ve got a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card in your wallet. These cards are excellent for frequent and occasional travelers alike since fees are one less thing you have to worry about every time you make a purchase.

Plus, there are plenty of great credit card options that waive these fees and earn rewards like cash back, points and miles you can use in the future. Some even carry no annual fee. To help you narrow down your choices and find the card that suits you best, check out this roundup of some top cards from our partners with no foreign transaction fees, picked by TPG’s expert editorial team.

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, more details on the best cards with no foreign transaction fees, what is a foreign transaction fee.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for total value
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate earning
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for entertainment spending
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for bonus earning
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury perks
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card : Best for Bank of America customers
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for airline miles

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

• This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit valued by TPG (not provided by the issuer) at $1,638 when adding together the value of the bonus miles and the Capital One Travel credit
• You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
• Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
• Transfer ratios to a couple of partners are mediocre at less than 1:1 ratio
• Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines
• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $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
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne is a great cash back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full  review of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card .

• Earning 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) is a great return for a no-annual-fee credit card
• This card is great for beginners.
• The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase. You’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after, there's a 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months or 4% at the promotional APR offered at any other time).
• If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, there are cards that provide better value with higher rewards potential.
• The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn).
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card's sign-up bonus is the best-ever offer for the card. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• Best-ever offer — 120,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening.
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
• Reasonable $95 annual fee.
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
• Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
• High spending needed to get 120,000-point sign-up bonus.
• No travel perks.
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
• Earn 120k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,200 cash back or $1,500 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.

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on global dining (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly ,  Wine.com and Five Guys. Enrollment required. It also offers up to $120 annually ($10 per month in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S.) Card must be added to Uber app to receive this benefit. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card .

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) within the first six months of card membership.
• Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories
• Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
• Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
• Few travel perks and protections
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required)
• The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway
• The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
• Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
• The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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 through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: 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.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $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.
• 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.¤
• See Rates & Fees

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is great for using the points earned for rewards that normal airline miles or credit card points can’t cover. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members get a 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase. New cardmembers earn a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. Read our full  review of the Bank of American Premium Rewards card .

• This card is more valuable for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members, who can get between a 25% and 75% bonus on points earned
• Comes with up to $100 in airline incidental statement credits annually and up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® statement credit and travel protections
• Can transfer points earned into a 529 college fund
• Other cards offer higher points for key bonus categories
• Must open a Bank of America account to get the best value for points
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, generous points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Access to Chase Travel hotel and airline travel partners
• 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
• Steep initial $550 annual fee
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 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®

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines Visa  credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass from $122($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our full  review of the Alaska Airline Visa credit card .

• Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation
• Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• $95 annual fee
• Limited Time Online Offer—Buy One, Get One + 50,000 Bonus Miles!
• Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
• Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
• With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is well known within the world of travel rewards credit cards. The card offers a strong return on travel and dining purchases, an annual hotel credit and amazing travel protections — all for a low annual fee. Points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each toward travel booked through Chase and can gain even more value when transferred to one of Chase’s airline and hotel partners.

The card is an excellent choice for those looking to earn on dining and travel at solid rates with the option of redeeming points for travel with one of Chase’s transfer partners. Card members will enjoy travel protections to help ensure their journeys go smoothly.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it's hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great alternative. It is known for its impeccable earning hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and solid flat earning rate on everyday purchases, plus a strong welcome bonus. 

Simplicity, strong earning potential and a low annual fee are all strengths that come to mind for this card. Travelers will enjoy earning bonus rewards on all purchases without having to memorize bonus categories, instead focusing on redeeming rewards, such as transferring miles to one of Capital One’s partners. 

Travelers interested in earning rewards in a simplified manner, especially toward travel redemptions. Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for eligible travel purchases as a statement credit or transferred to Capital One travel partners. 

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone's wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards' bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent card for those who would prefer to stay within the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. You’ll still earn generously across travel, dining and select streaming services.

The Capital One SavorOne is a cash-back card and a great addition to a beginner’s wallet. The card offers a solid rewards structure and no annual fee (see rates and fees ). The bonus categories of dining, entertainment and groceries are easy to maximize, and it’s very rare for a card to have all three high-value bonus categories.

Individuals who don’t want to pay an annual fee but still want to earn cash back by simply using their card in the bonus-earning categories. 

The card is easy to use since it doesn’t require activating quarterly bonus-earning categories, streamlining the rewards-earning process for cardholders.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for those looking for a simpler cash-back credit card with no annual fee. Cardholders earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is great if you have expenses that fall outside of the SavorOne's bonus categories.

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is incredibly high and something to consider when looking to open this card. The card earns bonus points across four categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers), which are some of the most popular for businesses. In addition, the card provides travel and shopping protections, including primary coverage for car rentals and purchase protection. 

Business owners who spend within the card’s bonus-earning categories would benefit most from this card, especially business travelers. If you already have another Chase credit card, you can also easily combine your points to maximize value and redemption opportunities. 

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I've found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers cardholders a flat rewards rate on all purchases, which may be useful for those who cannot utilize the Ink Business Preferred’s bonus categories.

This card not only has an appealing metal design but also delivers substantial benefits. Cardholders earn bonus Membership Rewards points on worldwide dining and U.S. supermarket purchases while receiving benefits like an annual dining credit, Uber Cash credits and more (enrollment required for select benefits).

The Amex Gold is a great card for those looking to redeem points for travel by transferring points to airline and hotel partners. The card earns on dining globally, so cardholders who travel often should use this card to continue earning points worldwide. 

“There's no better card for groceries and dining than the Amex Gold. I earn 4 points per dollar in both of these categories, and with additional perks like a monthly Uber credit and the ability to transfer my Membership Rewards points to valuable airline partners, the card is a mainstay in my wallet.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a low annual fee while offering bonus rewards on dining and travel and maintaining a great list of transfer partners that can help maximize your return on points earned. 

The Amex Platinum comes with unmatched travel perks and benefits. For those looking for lounge access, hotel elite status, annual statement credits and other benefits meant to elevate your travel and lifestyle experiences, this card is well worth the high annual fee.

The Amex Platinum is perfect for frequent travelers who like to enjoy the more luxurious aspects of travel. Benefits include statement credits tailored toward flights and hotels, in addition to lifestyle-based credits for gym membership and streaming services. 

“Whilst this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear Plus statement credits (enrollment required for select benefits). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a more affordable annual fee (see rates and fees ) while still offering perks that rival those of the Amex Platinum. Additionally, you’ll earn bonus rewards on purchases outside of just travel, which can be helpful if you’re hoping to apply rewards from everyday spending toward your travel experiences. 

The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card generously offers 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, while giving cardholders 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, a higher bonus-earning potential than other travel cards. Flexible redemption options and the ability for Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members to get a 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase make the card even more outstanding. 

Individuals who currently have a Bank of America account and want a stress-free card that offers simplicity. For semifrequent travelers, this card offers solid benefits such as an annual airline incidental credit, comprehensive travel protection insurance and unique redemption options such as transferring points into a 529 college fund.

The card offers benefits and a variety of redemption options to suit almost any individual. Strong earning potential in broad categories such as travel and dining make this an excellent choice for a card with a low annual fee. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a strong contender for those looking for a BofA card tailored more toward travel with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top premium travel card among TPG staffers and many travel aficionados. Offering a generous travel credit and bonus earnings on dining and travel purchases, this card is an easy way to build up your points balance for your next adventure. With such excellent benefits offered, the annual fee on the card is easy to justify for many travelers. 

The card is best for those who spend a lot on travel and dining. If you travel often, this card is also a must-have for its travel protections, statement credits and lounge access. 

“I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year, along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I'm able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

The Platinum Card® from American Express provides additional travel and lifestyle benefits over the Chase Sapphire Reserve and is aimed toward travelers looking to upgrade their travel experiences with perks such as lounge access, automatic elite status and more.

The Alaska Airlines Visa credit card is loved by many thanks to the ability to earn miles with the airline’s highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. In addition to earning coveted Alaska miles, cardholders earn Alaska’s Companion Pass, an outstanding perk for those who fly with Alaska often.

Those who are frequent flyers on Alaska Airlines benefit the most from this card because of airline-specific perks such as a free checked bag and priority boarding. The card is an excellent way to earn Alaska miles, which can redeemed for travel on Oneworld alliance airlines and other partners. 

Alaska MileagePlan miles are among the most difficult to earn within the world of credit card points and miles, so having a card that helps boost your mileage balance can provide a lot of value. 

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good choice for those looking to be flexible with their rewards, as Capital One miles transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners.  

A foreign transaction fee is charged by your card issuer every time you swipe your card outside of the U.S. When you buy something abroad or on a non-U.S website, the cost of the purchase will likely need to be converted into U.S. dollars. This comes at a cost, which the foreign bank then passes onto the issuer, which then passes that fee onto you, the consumer.

Top credit card issuers' foreign transaction fees

While a few issuers don’t charge foreign transaction fees across any of their cards, others offer a mix of cards with foreign transaction fees and without. Here is a rundown of the standard transaction fees charged by the major U.S. credit card issuers for the cards that do have these fees. 

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to travel with a card that doesn’t charge those fees. When applying for a card, you can check the terms and conditions for a rate table that should list any fees that the card will incur — including foreign transaction fees. 

When shopping online with retailers or travel companies based outside of the U.S. it’s also good practice to use a card that doesn’t charge these fees. Even though you may be pressing the purchase button while in the U.S., if the store or brand you’re shopping with is based abroad, that purchase may still be considered a foreign transaction, which would incur the fee.

Be especially diligent about which card you use when booking travel at hotels abroad. While Hilton and Marriott are both U.S.-based companies, many of the individual hotels within those brands are locally owned and operated and could charge a foreign transaction fee for bookings when you don’t use the right credit card.

How we rate cards

Maximizing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, enjoy multicountry trips with ease.

Jumping from country to country within different regions of the world has its complications in terms of money due to varying currencies. When a credit card charges a foreign transaction fee, it can often outweigh the potential benefits of earning rewards on those purchases abroad. However, you can travel knowing that wherever you go, you don’t have to worry about pesky foreign transaction fees charged by banks when swiping one of TPG’s best cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Check category spending restrictions

When a credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee, you want to make sure that your travel card is earning bonus points during your travels. For example, the American Express® Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets only (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), so your supermarket purchases abroad will not earn bonus points. It’s always a good idea to check if cards in your wallet have any restrictions on earning bonus points, especially if you plan on earning those points overseas. 

Beware of dynamic currency conversion

Even if you have a card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’ll want to watch out for dynamic currency conversion . This is when a merchant in a foreign country offers to charge you in your home currency rather than the local one. For example, a shop in London might ask if you want to be charged in British pounds instead of U.S. dollars. While it may seem like a nice option, it will almost always cost you. In fact, some TPG staffers have data points with conversion rates that would’ve added more than 7% to the purchase price!

Stick to the local currency, since your card issuer will convert the transaction at the spot rate at the time of the transaction.

How to choose the best no foreign transaction fee card

• 1 Annual fee An annual fee card may be well worth it if the card features benefits that are worth more than the card’s annual fee. Depending on your travel lifestyle, it might be beneficial to consider a card with an annual fee.
• 2 Welcome bonus Welcome bonuses are an important part of determining a card’s value. It is often significantly more difficult to earn as many points as a card’s welcome bonus through regular spending alone. Generally, the higher the welcome bonus is, the higher the required spend will be so make sure you can earn your card’s welcome bonus through your normal spending habits.
• 3 Bonus categories Cards on this list feature a variety of bonus categories. Choosing a card with elevated earning rates on your regular spending categories is the best way to get the most out of your card. You want to choose a card that best benefits you and your earning strategy.

Ask our experts

What’s your favorite credit card with no foreign transaction fee — and why.

Pros and cons of cards that waive foreign transaction fees

• When traveling outside the U.S., cards that waive foreign transaction fees can save you up to 5% on every purchase.
• These credit cards offer valuable rewards on your purchases — both inside and outside the U.S.
• Responsibly using a card with no foreign transaction fees can improve your credit score.
• Some cards that waive foreign transaction fees include many other valuable perks — including lounge access or statement credits for select purchases.
• If you spend beyond your means, you can harm your credit score and rack up interest charges that far outweigh the savings you get from not paying foreign transaction fees.
• Many cards that waive foreign transaction fees come with an annual fee — in some cases nearly $700.
• If you never leave the U.S. on a trip, you won’t benefit from a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Frequently asked questions

These fees are charged by some card issuers every time you swipe your card outside of the U.S.

When you buy something abroad or on a non-U.S. website, the cost of the purchase will likely need to be converted into U.S. dollars. A foreign transaction fee is generally charged to mitigate the financial risks of the ever-changing foreign exchange market. Once the purchase is converted into U.S. dollars, then a foreign transaction fee is charged.

Foreign transaction fees vary for each issuer but are generally anywhere between 2% and 5%. Given that most bonus rewards categories fall into the same earning percentage, a foreign transaction fee on purchases can easily completely offset any value you’d be getting from your credit card’s rewards structure. 

You don’t have to be in another country to rack up a foreign transaction fee. If you make a payment online with a brand that isn’t based in the U.S., you might still be charged a foreign transaction fee, even if you were in the U.S. when you made the purchase. 

This can happen when you are buying from a company that is not based in the U.S., but it also happens when booking hotels abroad . Most properties within major hotel brand portfolios like Hilton or Marriott are individually owned and managed, but reservations are facilitated through a brandwide website. 

This means that while your reservation may be made on a U.S. website and you may pay in U.S. dollars, the room charges may be processed by the hotel itself through a non-U.S. bank. It’s generally hard to tell in these cases whether you’ll be charged a foreign transaction fee until after the payment is already processed. So it’s a best practice to use a card with no foreign transaction fees just in case.

If foreign transaction fees are charged on purchases made for business purposes then the fees are tax deductible, but all foreign transaction fees for personal expenses are not tax deductible. 

Foreign transaction fees are not refundable. The best way to avoid incurring these fees is to use a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee to begin with (or to use cash while abroad, but then you’ll miss out on the potential to earn rewards). 

However, there are some cards that will refund you for foreign ATM fees when traveling abroad. ATM fees are not the same thing as foreign transaction fees — ATM fees are charged by a bank when using an ATM that is not affiliated with your bank — but are an example of fees you may be charged while traveling abroad. A Schwab Bank Investor Checking account from Charles Schwab comes with a debit card that will refund any fees incurred from using ATMs while abroad. 

When applying for a new card or evaluating an existing card, look at your cardholder agreement and rates and fees page, which will highlight if the card charges foreign transaction fees or not.

There are U.S. credit card issuers that never charge foreign transaction fees, regardless of which credit card you have — most notably Capital One and Discover . 

However, even the credit card issuers who do charge foreign transaction fees across some of their cards almost always offer at least a few credit cards within their lineup that don’t charge these fees — many of which are included in this list. These cards are usually geared toward travelers and include bonus categories and benefits that are suited for those who want to make the most of their travels. 

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

• • Credit card strategy
• • Credit card comparisons

• • Rewards credit cards
• • Travel credit cards

• • Credit cards

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+ Show Summary

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for travel sign-up bonus
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best starter travel card
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel categories
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for occasional travelers
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate cash back
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for bonus category variety
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for luxury perks
• 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 low rates and fees
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for travel rewards on dining
• Discover it® Chrome : Best for balance transfers
• Discover it® Student Cash Back : Best for students

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Showing 14 results

Limited Time Offer

Best for travel sign-up bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bankrate score

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 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel

Earn 75,000 + $250 in Travel Credit

Rewards rate

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

2 Miles - 5 Miles

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: Its new sign-up bonus is one of the best it’s ever had, offering terrific first-year value on top of already-great rewards and flexible redemption.

Best starter travel card

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℠.

60,000 bonus points

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.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: It earns valuable rewards in key everyday categories, so it’s easy to rack up points even if you don’t spend a ton on travel.

Best for travel categories

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.

25,000 points

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.

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Why you'll like this: It has some of the most flexible redemption options, allowing you to use points to offset a wide range of travel expenses.

Best for occasional travelers

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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

20,000 miles

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

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Why you'll like this: It offers a straightforward and consistent rewards structure, so it’s a great fit if you value simplicity.

Best for flat-rate cash back

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

Why you'll like this: It keeps things simple with its unlimited flat cash back rate on all purchases.

Best for bonus category variety

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.

Cashback Match

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.

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Why you'll like this: You can maximize rewards in a ton of popular categories thanks to its elevated cash back in rotating bonus categories.

Best for luxury perks

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.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: Its boasts valuable, comprehensive travel benefits, including a generous annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select membership.

Best for lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points

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.

See Pay Over Time APR

Why you'll like this: Its extensive list of perks includes comprehensive airport lounge access, annual travel credits and hotel and resort benefits.

Best for budget luxury travel

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

75,000 miles

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

2 Miles - 10 Miles

Why you'll like this: It offers several of the travel perks that matter most, including credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, travel statement credits and airport lounge access.

Best for low rates and fees

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. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Discover Match®

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

Why you'll like this: Its unique bonus offer matches all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year — a big boost in short-term value.

Best for travel rewards on dining

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

60,000 points + earn up to $100 back

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Why you'll like this: Foodies and frequent travelers will get a ton of value out of its generous rewards on dining and groceries, plus valuable credits and travel perks.

Best for balance transfers

Discover it® Chrome

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 18 months

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Why you'll like this: It’s a great option if you need to pay off a balance but still want to earn rewards and use your card abroad.

Best for students

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.

18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Why you'll like this: Its Cashback Match offer gives a huge boost to the rewards you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Best for everyday travel

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.

Earn 40,000 points

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. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: There’s no fluff — it offers a nice mix of everyday rewards and practical travel perks.

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

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

A no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on purchases you make outside of the U.S and are often associated with travel rewards cards . However, some issuers may also offer cash back, balance transfer, credit-building, student and business cards without foreign transaction fees.

What you should know about foreign transaction fees

When you use a credit card abroad 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, such as transferring money through a foreign bank. 

Many issuers offset these costs by charging a foreign transaction fee for purchases made abroad. Most issuers charge 3 percent, but it can go as high as 5 percent on some cards. Capital One and Discover don’t charge foreign transaction fees on any of their credit cards, while some American Express cards charge 2.7 percent.

Foreign transaction fees typically appear on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle and you pay them when you pay your credit card balance. Here are some examples of when you’d likely pay a foreign transaction fee:

Hotel bookings

While it largely depends on the hotel's location and the specific travel provider, your credit card 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 avoid foreign transaction fees simply by using a different type of card. Debit cards, charge cards and even prepaid gift cards commonly charge foreign transaction fees.

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

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 completely offset reward rates.

Better exchange rates. A credit card can help you save on converting currency at local ATMs, banks or airports. 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).

Expense tracking. You can simplify expense tracking and avoid additional fees by charging everything to your credit card without foreign transaction fees.

Most options are travel cards. There’s a smaller selection of cash back no-foreign-transaction-fee cards available.

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

More likely to charge a fee. Most cards with no foreign transaction fees tend to have an annual fee which may not appeal to less-frequent travelers.

Expert advice for no-foreign-transaction-fee cards

As you search for a card for your upcoming international trip, it’s important to fully understand foreign transaction fees and how you can maximize a no-foreign-transaction-fee card.

How to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees

Pick a card that fits your needs.

People who travel abroad frequently or students studying abroad can save significant money by picking a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If you’re hoping to earn rewards, the common 3 percent foreign transaction fee would likely outweigh any rewards you’d earn from your purchases.

Make sure to choose the right no-foreign-transaction-fee card that offers cash back, points or miles in categories that match your spending habits.

Find perks that serve your travel interests

While choosing a travel credit card , compare the full range of benefits each 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 .

Compare rates and fees

Common credit card fees include annual fees, late fees, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees and returned payment fees. You can dodge most of these costs through responsible card use. Annual fees are most common among mid-tier and premium travel credit cards. You may find that some cards with annual fees are worth it when they offer rewards and benefits that can easily offset the annual fee.

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 .

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 better rewards on more purchases and make it easier to adapt your travel plans if needed.

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. The best cards for international travel offer perks and travel statement credits that can significantly improve your travel experience.

Avoid cash advances

Withdrawing cash from an ATM using your credit card could cost you up to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn and incur high interest charges. Try to keep some local currency or a debit card on hand for emergencies. Some banks, like Charles Schwab , offer debit cards that waive ATM fees worldwide, which is much better than taking out a cash advance. 

Use your mobile wallet or a chip-and-PIN credit card

If possible, get a credit card with chip and PIN technology: 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. However, mobile wallets are becoming more commonly used, which reduces the need for chip and PIN cards.

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 also came 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)

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.

What people say about no-foreign-transaction-fee cards

MyFICO users and Reddit users across related subreddits often recommend credit cards with no foreign transaction fees when discussing the best options for travelers heading overseas. Here’s what a couple of them had to say about their favorite no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards:

“I have the AMEX Gold and it has no foreign/international fees! It's a great credit card if you're looking to use it for points and travel . . . it's definitely the card I reach for the most.” — Reddit User

“Bank of America's Travel Rewards card is pretty good with no foreign transaction fee. I've used it frequently in Canada and the spot rate is way better than any exchange agent.” — myFICO User

Overall, people generally agree that no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards are the best option when traveling internationally. They provide the convenience and cost savings that travelers are looking for, along with the ability to earn rewards while getting more favorable exchange rates.

* See Rates & Fees for Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Frequently asked questions about no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

Should i pay in local currency on my no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card.

Yes, because you will almost always get more favorable exchange rates from issuers when you pay in the local currency. Many issuers have their exchange rates available on their website which are generally more favorable than currency exchanges as well. Also, you’ll avoid dynamic currency conversion fees, which may be charged by both the merchant and the issuer to convert your purchase to U.S. dollars.

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 we assess the best cards with no foreign transaction fee

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. While we tend to favor travel-centric cards given the context of foreign transaction fees, we also feature cards that will appeal to people looking for everything from a large sign-up bonus to an intro APR.

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’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology and details we considered when putting together our list of the best rewards cards.  

Most cards with no foreign transaction fee earn rewards or cash back. Our rating methodology for these cards focuses heavily on rewards value — what kind of return we’d expect based on the average person’s spending and a card’s added bonuses and annual fee.

• Value 65.00%
• Flexibility 15.00%
• Perks 15.00%
• Customer experience 5.00%

Solid rewards value

Since many cardholders looking for a card with no foreign transaction fee are eager to earn rewards (particularly on travel), 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.

• Ongoing rewards value 30%
• Sign-up bonus value 25%
• Annual fee & average APR 20%
• Rewards rate 15%
• Annual bonus value 10%

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.

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.

§ 1026.60 Credit and charge card applications and solicitations . Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Accessed on August 23, 2024.

Digital Wallet Users to Exceed 5.2 Billion Globally by 2026 . Juniper Research. Accessed on August 23, 2024.

What is Dynamic Currency Conversion? Visa. Accessed on August 23, 2024.

“ Consumer Expenditures 2022 ." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on August 23, 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.

• No Annual Fee
• Sub-$100 Annual Fee
• Premium Travel
• Premium Benefits
• Simplest Rewards
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee of 2024

• Discover it® Cash Back: Best with no annual fee
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best travel card with an annual fee under $100
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best premium travel card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best premium card with the most benefits
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best card with the simplest reward structure

Introduction to No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

Foreign transaction fees are some of the most irritating charges associated with credit cards. They punish you with a fee ranging from 3% to 5% of your purchase for spending your money outside the U.S. Whenever you travel abroad, you may be subject to foreign transaction fees. Luckily, plenty of the best credit cards don't charge pesky foreign transaction fees. 

Below, you'll find some of our favorite rewards credit cards without foreign transaction fees. We emphasize travel rewards credit cards that offer bonus points and miles for airfare, hotels, and more.

Compare the Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee

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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

18.24% - 28.24% Variable

Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. From July 1 to September 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back at Walmart and grocery stores on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If the quarterly categories aren't convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card

The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards that offers 5% back on popular rotating categories up to a spending limit. Your rewards are matched by Discover after the first 12 months, and the card has no annual fee.

• 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.
• Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
• 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 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5x 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 & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• 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®

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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 through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: 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.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $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.
• 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.

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus miles, plus $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $50 experience credit and free upgrades on Capital One Lifestyle Collection bookings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $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
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee Reviews

When you travel abroad, it's important to recognize what's in your wallet: The wrong credit card can easily cost you an extra 3% to 5% on every purchase, simply because of foreign transaction fees. 

None of the credit cards on this list charge foreign transaction fees, and they also offer significant travel benefits. That's why Business Insider's credit card experts have chosen the following cards as our top choices for travelers in 2024.

Best Cash Back with No Annual Fee: Discover it® Cash Back

Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable

Annual Fee: $0

Rewards: 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

The Discover it Cash Back earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent each quarter in bonus categories once activated (then 1%) (from July 1 to September 30, 2024, earn 5% cash back at Walmart and grocery stores on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). There's no traditional welcome bonus; instead, Discover will match all the rewards you earn after the first year. Along with no foreign transaction fees, Discover cards do not charge an annual fee.

Discover it Cash Back Card Review

Best Travel Card with Sub-$100 Annual Fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Introductory APR: N/A

Annual Fee: $95

Rewards: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, and 1x on all other purchases

One of the most popular and recommended travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards ® points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5x points on Lyft rides through March 2025, 2x points on all other travel purchases, including internationally, and 3x points on dining.

Dining includes things like restaurants, bars, pubs, coffee shops, and more, while travel includes airfare, hotels, Airbnb, taxis, rideshare services like Uber, subways, and more. Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review

Best Premium Travel Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual Fee: $550

Rewards: Earn 5x 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 & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

The Sapphire Reserve is essentially a beefed-up version of the Preferred, with a higher annual fee and a few key differences.

You get a $300 travel statement credit each cardmember year to cover your first $300 of travel charges, and a higher earning rate of 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (after earning the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on other travel and dining (plus 10x points on Lyft rides through March 2025 and 1 point per dollar on everything else).

The Sapphire Reserve offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Reserve cardholders can now activate a complimentary two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership (value of $199 per year) for discount pricing, priority pickup, unlimited rides, and more. And with the card, you can access the new Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport (AUS).

As with the Preferred, the Sapphire Reserve got a refresh, with improved or new bonus categories and benefits like access to the new Chase Sapphire Lounges at Hong Kong airport (HKG) and Boston (BOS), with more locations to come. As a Visa Infinite card, it offers top-notch travel insurance and purchase protection as well.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card Review

Best Premium Card With Luxury Benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Introductory APR: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership

Annual Fee: $695

Rewards: 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other purchases

The Platinum Card® from American Express is more or less the flagship premium travel card and one of the best metal cards , offering rewards, perks, and benefits that can net a ton of value for cardholders — whether you're traveling or staying close to home. You can more than offset the card's $695 annual fee if even a handful of card perks fit into your normal spending habits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has no foreign transaction fees and earns 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline and through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

There's also an excellent welcome offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

You'll also get up to a $200 annual airline incidental fee credit **, up to $200 in Uber credits (including Uber Eats)** each year ($15 each month, plus a bonus of $20 in December), access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world, complimentary hotel elite status with Hilton and Marriott**, and up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits per year**.

American Express Platinum Card Review

Best Card with the Simplest Reward Structure: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards: 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 2x miles on every other purchase

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another great option without foreign transaction fees and with an annual fee under $100, especially because you can transfer Capital One miles to various airline and hotel programs with an improved 1:1 ratio for most partners ( rates and fees ).

The card earns 2 miles per dollar on most purchases (along with 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel Portal) — the simplest rewards structure among travel credit cards. You can also redeem Capital One miles at a fixed rate of 1 cent each toward travel purchases made with your card, without having to worry about award charts and blackout dates.

Capital One Venture Card Review

No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

When you're using a credit card that charges a foreign transaction fee and you make a purchase abroad, you'll be charged an extra fee, as a percentage of your purchase amount. The fee is generally 3% of your purchase, and it will be added to your monthly bill.  

Your foreign transaction fee may be broken down into two parts: a fee charged by the payment network (as in Visa or Mastercard) and a fee charged by your credit card company.

In addition to applying to purchases you make while traveling abroad, a foreign transaction fee could be charged when you purchase from a vendor that's based outside of your home country. If you're shopping with a retailer or travel company based abroad, your best bet is to pay with a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees just to be safe.

Some merchants may offer the option to pay in local currency or your home currency when you use your credit card for a purchase. You should always pay in local currency because merchants can give a conversion rate much lower than the market exchange rate. Therefore, local currency rates will be closer to the actual market rate.

Plus, if you pay in US dollars, you'll typically be charged an additional fee (usually around 3%) from Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which is an unaffiliated third-party service that converts transactions to your home currency. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Virtually all of the best travel rewards credit cards waive foreign transaction fees by this point, so for this guide, we focused on narrowing it down to the best options in various categories. We drew heavily from our editors' expertise and the input of experts, as quoted in our guide to the best rewards credit cards , to come up with this list of the most popular categories of cards. 

You'll find a top pick for cash back, a top pick for travel rewards (in two different budget categories), our top airline credit card options, and more.

You can learn more about how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.

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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be 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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Foreign transaction fees by issuer

What is a foreign transaction fee, pros and cons of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, how to choose the right credit card with no foreign transaction fees , tips for using a credit card when traveling internationally, alternative to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, how to apply for a credit card without a foreign transaction fee, other credit cards we researched, the bottom line, our methodology, best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for september 2024.

Foreign transaction fees limit some of the convenience of using a credit card while traveling overseas, so consider one without these fees.

Dashia Milden

Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards and banking. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.

Liliana Hall

Associate Writer

Liliana Hall is a writer for CNET Money covering banking, credit cards and mortgages. Previously, she wrote about personal credit for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She is passionate about providing accessible content to enhance financial literacy. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in journalism, and has worked in the newsrooms of KUT and the Austin Chronicle. When not working, she is probably paddle boarding, hopping on a flight or reading for her book club.

Courtney Johnston

Senior Editor

Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

Julia Menez

Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast

Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles.

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.

We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best overall credit card with no foreign transaction fees
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best travel rewards with no annual fee
• American Express® Gold Card: Best for international dining
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: A flat-rate everyday credit card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: A flat-rate travel rewards card
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: A great everyday card for a $95 annual fee
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for travelers on the go
• Discover it® Miles: Best welcome bonus with no foreign transaction fees
• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: For building credit while overseas

Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, but most competitive rewards and travel cards don’t. However, just because a credit card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your wallet. Some cards may have other fees that are more costly and occasionally recurring. Look at the card as a whole and review other factors, like rewards rates, annual fees, introductory offers, welcome bonuses and other perks before deciding if a card is right for you.

Choosing a credit card to use on an international trip can be complicated – especially if you want to maximize your rewards while avoiding foreign transaction fees. But you can avoid these fees using a credit card that doesn’t charge them and instead focus on other factors, such as base rewards, travel-related perks and annual fees.

International travel is expensive enough without getting foreign transaction fees into the mix. These fees -- usually 2% to 5% of any transaction made in a foreign currency -- might not seem like much, but depending on the length of your trip, they could start to add up.

Luckily, many of the best travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Plus, credit cards offer beneficial rewards and perks like fraud and purchase protections. They also make converting money to the local currency more convenient. Here are some of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to help you save the next time you travel outside the US.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has one of the best value propositions of travel credit cards. It starts with no foreign transaction fees, but the rewards program and welcome bonus are also best in its class. Points are worth 1 cent each if you redeem them for a statement credit, but they’ll be worth 25% more if you redeem your rewards for travel booked through Chase Travel℠. The Sapphire Preferred also includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver and lost luggage insurance. While many travel credit cards offer some of this coverage, they rarely offer the full spread.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review .

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

While most travel credit cards focus on flight and hotel purchases, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card also provides rewards on taxis, subways, tolls, restaurants, phone plans and gas stations. You earn the standard 3x rewards rate on all of those categories plus popular streaming services. Plus, you can earn 1x points on other purchases.

The welcome bonus is also on par with what you’ll get from most credit cards with no foreign transaction fees or annual fee. You can earn 20,000 bonus points -- worth a $200 cash redemption value -- when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.

For more information about this card’s offer, see our  Wells Fargo Autograph Card review .

Earn rewards for popular expenses

Introductory purchase APR to help avoid interest charges for a time

Easy-to-reach spending threshold for the welcome offer

No annual fee

Rewards cards can lead to overspending

Missing a credit card payment can damage your credit

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card’s $325 annual fee may be higher than most cards on this list, but its rewards structure is solid for frequent travelers (and you won’t pay foreign transaction fees; see rates and fees ). You’ll earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x), and 3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com. Points are worth 1 cent each when you redeem them for flights through American Express Travel. Transferring your points to an airline partner also can yield a one-to-one transfer value.

Check out our full American Express Gold Card review .

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card* offers flat-rate rewards on purchases, making it a good everyday credit card that you can also use on trips abroad. You’ll earn 1.5% on all purchases -- and 5% on car rentals or hotels booked via the Capital One Travel portal. The sole travel benefit is no foreign transaction fees. But you can still take advantage of the competitive introductory APR and welcome bonus.

For more information, see our  Capital One Quicksilver review .

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One loads the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* with plenty of travel perks to offset the $95 annual fee. Travel anywhere without any foreign transaction fees and earn 2x unlimited miles on all purchases. In addition, Capital One awards you up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to help you speed through the airport lines. Venture Miles earned can be redeemed on flights and hotels or used to pay for Amazon.com and PayPal purchases. You can also transfer miles to more than 15 hotel and airline programs.

Check out our full review of the  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card have the same $95 annual fee. The Citi Strata Premier Card offers higher reward rates on everyday spending categories as well as general travel purchases. If you redeem your points as a statement credit via Citi’s thankyou.com website, your points will be worth 1 cent each.

And the welcome bonus is among the best available, though the spending threshold is on the higher side: 70,000 bonus points -- redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com -- when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. And, of course, there are no foreign transaction fees.

For more information, refer to our Citi Strata Premier Card review .

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

For a credit card with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card* delivers competitive rewards. You’ll earn 3% cash back on a handful of major categories: dining, entertainment, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Target and Walmart) and popular streaming services. And you can earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% back on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel and 1% on all other purchases. You also get 10% cash back on purchases with Uber and Uber Eats, plus a complimentary Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024.

For more details about the rewards, welcome bonus and introductory APR, see our  Capital One SavorOne review .

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card* doesn’t come with foreign transaction fees or an annual fee. You’ll earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend, with no limit or restrictions. This card offers 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (19.24% to 29.24% variable APR thereafter), providing some wiggle room to help finance a trip or pay down a large balance.

See our full review of the  Bank of America Travel Rewards card  for more information.

Discover it® Miles

The Discover it® Miles* card offers an excellent welcome bonus after your first year as a cardholder. All Discover cards have no foreign transaction fees, but this one ensures all your international spending is optimized for rewards -- you earn 1.5 miles per dollar on all your purchases. While you don’t have to meet any minimum spending thresholds to unlock this welcome bonus like with most other credit cards, you do have to be patient to earn it. Discover will match all of the miles you earn over the course of the first year at the end of your first year.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Most cards with low fees and perks are reserved for individuals with stellar credit. The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card* fills an important gap by giving people with limited or fair credit a chance to get started or build with responsible use. Use this card wisely -- you’ll automatically get considered for a credit limit increase as soon as six months from approval, potentially boosting your credit score. Spend wisely, enjoy the cash back, make your payments on time and take advantage of unlimited access to your credit report through CreditWise. You’ll start to see over time how good financial decisions can improve your credit.

A foreign transaction fee is a fee charged by a credit card issuer or bank for purchases made outside the US. Foreign transaction fees generally cost between 2% and 5% of each transaction, but 3% is standard. Depending on which currency you make a purchase in, this fee may increase or decrease. And these fees can add up quickly during a getaway.

For example, if you use a credit card that charges foreign transaction fees to pay for a $40 dinner abroad, you’ll pay between 80 cents and $2 more, depending on your card’s foreign transaction fee rate.

Before you apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you should consider the benefits and potential pitfalls with this kind of card.

Avoid paying fees for transactions made in a foreign currency. 

Credit cards offer fraud and purchase protections.

Convenient payment option that converts foreign currency automatically.

Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees may charge annual fees.

Credit cards may not be accepted at certain merchants or in some countries.

Travel credit cards may not offer as many benefits beyond the travel rewards. 

Many travel credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, but the list of potential fees won’t stop there. Before opening a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, compare all of your options and watch for other fees -- like annual fees or merchant fees -- you might incur. Some factors to consider include:

• Annual fees: Credit cards that offer more premium perks generally have an annual fee , but often forgo foreign transaction fees. These cards usually come with statement credits, welcome bonuses , discounts and complimentary memberships to offset the charge. Annual fees can range from $0 to hundreds of dollars, so it’s important to weigh whether a card’s rewards and benefits provide enough value to justify its cost . For example, if a hotel card charges $95 per year but comes with an annual free hotel night, so long as you use it for a hotel that would normally cost more than $95, the benefits would outweigh the card’s cost.
• Rewards: If you’re using your credit card abroad, you may benefit from earning in your rewards categories -- such as dining, gas and entertainment. Make sure you choose a rewards credit card that complements your spending habits, so you don’t have to adjust or juggle multiple cards on your trip. The rewards you earn while traveling may be helpful toward your next trip. For example, points earned with issuers like Chase, American Express and Capital One can be used with a variety of airline and hotel partners.
• Traveling perks: With the right travel credit card, you’ll not only benefit from its standard base rewards structure, but some top-tier rewards cards offer other benefits, like trip insurance, boosted travel rewards, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits, airport lounge access and more. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * includes an annual $300 travel credit to use through the Capital One portal, plus you will receive automatic top-tier Hertz President’s Circle** status and access to both Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounges.

International travel can be complicated if you don’t take a few extra steps to minimize the cost of spending money while abroad. In addition to using a card with no foreign transaction fees to eliminate unnecessary fees, there are some other ways you should prepare for a trip out of the country. 

“Before taking off for a trip, make sure that you have a debit card to access cash at an ATM, which is the easiest and least expensive way to access your money abroad,” said Jason Steele, a credit card industry expert. 

And if you’re going to use a credit card -- even one with no foreign transaction fees -- you’ll want to let your card issuer know you’ll be out of the US. Although card issuers no longer require you to inform them when you’re traveling abroad, many experts recommend taking this step as a precaution. This ensures your card company knows your transactions are authorized and not fraudulent. “Make sure to let the card issuers know the dates you will be traveling and the countries you’ll be visiting to prevent any false alarm over suspected fraud,” Steele said.

 Here are some other steps you should take before hopping on a plane:

• Take at least two credit cards and keep them in separate places, in case your wallet is lost or stolen.
• Sign up for email or text alerts about charges to monitor your card purchases.
• If your card has no transaction fees and you’re prompted to choose the payment currency, choose to pay in local rates instead of dollars -- you’ll get your bank’s wholesale exchange rate, which would be more favorable than the merchant’s.
• Get familiar with the exchange rate for the country you’re visiting so you know how much you’re actually spending.

If you don’t travel outside the US often, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees may not offer the maximum benefits for you. To find a card with the benefits and perks that best fit your budget and spending style, pick one of the best credit cards . For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular starter travel cards for people looking to earn more points and miles. Along with other travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees.

If you do travel internationally, a credit card still may not be the best option if you travel to countries whose businesses still conduct most of their transactions in cash. Even in countries where credit cards are widely accepted, some restaurants and small businesses require a minimum purchase -- usually the equivalent of $10 or more -- to accept a credit card. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a debit card.

By using your debit card to withdraw cash at an ATM in a foreign country, you’ll get the bank’s wholesale rate, as long as you decline any currency conversions the ATM offers to make for you. But remember to ask your bank about any international ATM fees before you travel.

Follow these steps to apply for a credit card.

• Choose a card that fits into your budget and travel goals
• Follow the appropriate link above to be taken to the credit card issuer’s secure site
• Fill out the appropriate financial and personal information including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and monthly rent or mortgage payment
• Use the card responsibly and always pay on time
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card *
• Discover it® Cash Back *
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• The Platinum Card® from American Express

It’s not unusual for credit card issuers to charge foreign transaction fees, but it’s easy enough to avoid with the right credit card. If you travel abroad frequently, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money each time you use it. Some of the best travel and rewards credit cards not only void foreign transaction fees, but some even let you earn boosted travel rewards and benefits.

Our top choice is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to a flexible, lucrative rewards program and useful card perks.

Card issuers or banks charge foreign transaction fees to cover the cost of exchanging a purchase from the foreign currency to US dollars. If you make a purchase in foreign currency, it’s likely you will be charged for the conversion unless you have a no-transaction-fee credit card.

One way to avoid having to pay a foreign transaction fee when you’re traveling abroad is to choose to pay in US dollars. Many store credit card terminals will recognize your foreign card and prompt you to choose whether you’d like to pay in the local currency or US dollars. If you choose local currency, you may have to pay your bank or card issuer the transaction fee to exchange it. However, if you choose to pay in US dollars, there’s no conversion to be performed.

Keep in mind that if you choose to pay in US dollars, you may save on the transaction fee, but the foreign merchant bank may still tack on a commission for the exchange. The best way to avoid unnecessary fees is to pay with a credit card with no transaction fees.

Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover are the four major credit card processors . Visa and Mastercard are the two most widely accepted credit cards around the world and are your best bet if you intend to travel overseas and pay for goods with a credit card.

American Express may be popular in the US, but it’s not as widely accepted abroad -- and Discover is even less accepted outside the US. It’s a good idea to carry a Mastercard or Visa as a backup if your primary card is American Express or Discover.

If your credit card does charge foreign transaction fees, you should select to pay in the local currency instead of in US dollars when using your card abroad. This way your credit card network will handle the conversion. Otherwise, the merchant selects the exchange rate (known as dynamic currency conversion) to convert the cost of the item, which may result in a higher cost.

CNET reviews credit cards  by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card. 

For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the “welcome bonus” and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.

For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here .

*All information about the Discover it Miles, Discover it Cash Back, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and Discover it® Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

**Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply .

This article includes some material that was previously published on NextAdvisor, a CNET Money sister site that was also owned by Red Ventures and which has merged with CNET Money. It has been edited and updated by CNET Money editors.

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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.

• Best Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer
• No Annual Fee

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

Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of 2024

August 15, 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 2024

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:  Best for sign-up bonus
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for flexible travel
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee ( See rates and Fees )
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for streamlined rewards
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for rotating bonus categories
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for point value
• 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

Additional Options :

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

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate

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

Bottom Line

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 $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $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
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Rates & Fees

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC

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 19.24% - 29.24% 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.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit 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.

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
• 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
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

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
• 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.
• Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
• 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 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

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®

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 eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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 through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: 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.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $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.
• 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 and vacation rentals 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
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection

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. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 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 18.24% - 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 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.

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, the Chase Freedom Flex and the Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard 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 benefits may be 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 flat-rate rewards: capital one venture rewards credit card.

• Best features : The Venture Rewards’ sign-up bonus is straightforward and plentiful: $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 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 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 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 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 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 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 Travel℠ 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 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 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 ( when you activate by December 31, 2027 ).
• 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 $325 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 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®*

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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Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of September 2024

Some of the card offers on this site are from companies who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising commissions may impact where and in what order offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions, such as which card products we write about and how we evaluate them. This site does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. Terms Apply.

Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee of September 2024

• Discover it® Cash Back : Best feature: Cash back on everyday purchases.
• United Gateway℠ Card : Best feature: United Airlines rewards.
• Discover it® Miles : Best feature: Travel rewards.
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card : Best feature only: Bonus points at IHG hotels.
• Discover it® Chrome : Best feature: Gas cash back.

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 September 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 12 Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards for Travelers [2024]

Christine Krzyszton

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Table of Contents

What you should know about foreign transaction fees, best personal travel rewards cards, best no-annual-fee travel rewards cards, best business travel rewards cards, everything else you need to know, final thoughts.

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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 the best cards you can use to avoid them.

What Is a Foreign Transaction Fee?

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 to how much can be charged.

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

How To Find Out if a Credit Card Charges a Foreign Transaction Fee

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 need can be found in what’s known as a Schumer box. It’s named after then-U.S. Rep. Chuck Schumer (now a senator), the New York 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 and Fees
• Terms and Conditions
• Pricing and Rates
• Interest Rates and Fee Summary
• … or a link with a similar name

Here’s what you 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!

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 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 Platinum Card ® from American Express

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

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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
• $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 eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, 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 through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: 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.
• $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $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.
• 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.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

American Express Membership Rewards

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 to be expected that this premium travel rewards card wouldn’t charge fees on foreign transactions ( 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.

American Express ® Gold Card

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, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, 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 worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
• $325 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express ® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Dunkin’ locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.

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 + up to $100 back. (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, but on the other, 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 offer.

Bottom Line:  The American Express collection of cards with no foreign transaction fee 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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

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 through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $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.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

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 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.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great 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)
• $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.
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable

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 do you receive elevated earnings on dining and travel, at redemption time you 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 when transferring points to 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.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card is an excellent all-around travel rewards credit card thanks to its earning power on a variety of purchases such as 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airfare, and 3x points on restaurants and all other travel.

Beyond that, cardholders receive a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase, protection like cell phone insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost baggage reimbursement, and access to Wells Fargo transfer partners .

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit
• $95 annual fee
• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24%- 29.24% Variable APR

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

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

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $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
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

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

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

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:

Hilton Honors American Express Card

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
• 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

Hilton Honors Loyalty Program

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.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• 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
• 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
• 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

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

Bank of America ® Travel Rewards Credit Card

We like that the Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers unlimited 1.5x points for every dollar spent , has a $0 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
• No foreign transaction fees
• 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.

One big reason we like this card is that if you’re a Preferred Rewards member you can earn 25% to 75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87 to 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!

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

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

Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card

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
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
• Earn 120k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,200 cash back or $1,500 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

You want your highest business expenses to earn rewards, and the Ink Business Preferred card delivers. It has 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.

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

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.

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• 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)
• High annual fee of $695 ( rates & fees )
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the 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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card ® , here.
• $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 the Card.
• $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR ® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the 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

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 150,000 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 get 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. 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 comparisons 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.

You can see a complete list of benefits and current card offers is provided when you access 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 familiarize yourself with each bank’s specific rules prior to applying. 

Once you’ve selected a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees, 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!

Cash Advances Abroad

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.

Currency Conversion Fees

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 includes 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. 

Dynamic Currency Conversion

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. 

Foreign ATM Fees

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 benefits may be 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. The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ 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 .

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UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

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 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel 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 credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for September 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 .

Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Capital one savorone cash rewards credit card, best for vacation spending abroad.

• Annual fee $0
• Welcome offer Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months
• Card type(s) Cash-back, Rewards
• Introductory APR 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then variable 19.99% - 29.99% APR
• Purchase APR 19.99% - 29.99% variable
• Recommended credit score Good, Excellent
• 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, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Get a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024

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.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for booking international travel.

• Annual fee $95
• Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (that's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠)
• Card type(s) Travel
• Ongoing Purchases APR 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Recommended credit score Excellent/Good
• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
• 2x points on all other travel purchases
• 1x points on all other purchases
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel
• Earn up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel
• On every account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year

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 more than $750 in travel booked with Chase.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Best premium travel rewards card.

• Annual fee $395
• Welcome offer Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• Recommended credit score Excellent
• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases
• $300 annual credit for travel bookings through Capital One Travel
• 10,000 annual bonus miles (worth $100 in travel spending; starts on your first account anniversary)
• Unlimited access for you and two guests to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ more lounges through partner networks

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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Best for annual travel savings.

• Annual fee $550
• Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (that's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠)
• Ongoing Purchases APR 22.49% - 29.49% Variable
• 10x points on hotels and rental cars purchased through Chase Travel*
• 5x points on flights purchased through Chase Travel*
• 3x points on dining and other travel purchases
• *After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• Points are worth 50% more when you redeem through Chase Travel
• Earn up to $300 in annual statement credits for travel purchases
• Receive up to a $100 statement credit every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS

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.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for building credit.

• Welcome offer None
• Card type(s) Secured, Cash-back
• Purchase APR 29.99% variable
• Recommended credit score Excellent, Good
• 5% unlimited cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase, everywhere
• No annual or hidden fees; see if you're approved in seconds
• Earn back your $200 security deposit as a statement credit when you use follow card use best practices, such as making payments on time
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit in six months with no additional deposit

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.

Other cards to consider

Best for no annual fee: wells fargo autograph℠ card.

Annual fee: $0

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

1x points on everything else

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.

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.

Read more: See our picks for the best credit card sign-up bonuses

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. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. 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. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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No foreign transaction fee credit cards.

Find no foreign transaction fee credit cards from Mastercard. Compare cards from our partners, view offers, and apply online for the credit card that best fits your needs.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

See Rates & Fees

• $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

Citi Custom Cash® Card

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• No Annual Fee
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

• No annual or hidden fees. See if you’re approved in seconds
• Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
• Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
• You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
• Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One’s mobile app

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

• Limited Time Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points
• Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
• Member FDIC

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
• Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
• Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One’s mobile app
• Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you’re all set
• Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee – and pick the monthly due date that works best for you

Mastercard® Titanium Card™

• Designed for those seeking an introductory premium travel card with exceptional airfare redemption, access to hotel privileges, and elevated service that most conventional cards do not provide. Cardholders also receive protection benefits that exceed those of standard credit cards.
• Offers a flat-rate redemption value of 1% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Cardholders earn one point for every dollar spent. Point redemption is simple, without requiring a complex reward strategy. The card features no foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and eliminates the need to pursue transfer partners to maximize point values.
• 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge® – Make requests the way you want by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Connect directly with a real agent and receive 24/7 assistance for tasks big and small. Requests do not require a purchase, incur no charge for making them, and do not involve department transfers.
• Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits – average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
• Brushed Metal Card Design: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
• Annual fee: $195 ($95 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn’t expire for the life of the account. It’s that simple
• Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
• Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
• Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
• Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
• Build your credit with responsible card use
• Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you

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
• 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

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation

Bilt Mastercard®

• $0 Annual Fee
• Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• Earns 3x points on dining
• Earn 2x points on travel
• Earn 1x points on other purchases
• Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 10,000 bonus points)
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
• Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statements, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
• Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions

Mastercard® Black Card™

• Ideal for those seeking a top-of-wallet premium card with straightforward rewards and exceptional service. Cardholders can avoid juggling various cards and monthly statements while benefiting from travel perks and enhanced protection that exceeds standard credit cards.
• Offers a flat-rate redemption value of 1.5% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Cardholders earn one point for every dollar spent. Point redemption is simple, without requiring a complex reward strategy. The card features no foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and eliminates the need to pursue transfer partners to maximize point values.
• Annual Airline Credit – up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Cardholders simply pay for airline purchases with their Mastercard Black Card and the credit is automatically applied to their account. There’s no need to activate or designate an airline. The full credit amount is available at the start of the calendar year.
• Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Also, enjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
• Black PVD-Coated Metal Card: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
• Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.

Mastercard® Gold Card™

• Offers a flat-rate redemption value of 2% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Cardholders earn one point for every dollar spent. Point redemption is simple, without requiring a complex reward strategy. The card features no foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and eliminates the need to pursue transfer partners to maximize point values.
• Annual Airline Credit – up to $200 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Cardholders simply pay for airline purchases with their Mastercard Gold Card and the credit is automatically applied to their account. There’s no need to activate or designate an airline. The full credit amount is available at the start of the calendar year.
• Made with 24K Gold: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
• Annual Fee: $995 ($295 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Our Best Offer Ever! Earn 5 Free Nights
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card

Avant Credit Card

• No deposit required
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus
• No penalty APR
• No hidden fees
• Late Fee up to $39
• We may periodically review your account for credit line increases
• Fast and easy application process
• Help strengthen your credit history with responsible use
• Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges
• Conveniently pay your card through our online portal, 24/7
• Get Mastercard® ID Theft Protection by Mastercard
• Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. Cash Advance Fee 3%, Min: $10
• Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
• Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC
• See the Provider’s terms for more information

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on the site, including for example, the order in which they appear within listing categories. This site does not include all credit card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.

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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 19.24% to 29.24% 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 19.24% to 29.24% 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.
• FICO ® Score for free through Online or Mobile Banking, so you can view your credit score after using your card for a few months.
• 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: buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees + 50,000 bonus miles, show more show less alaska airlines visa signature ® credit card.

• Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and receive 50,000 bonus miles with this offer . To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. 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 brands, Celebrity Cruises ® and Silversea ®
• 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 brands, Celebrity Cruises ® and Silversea ®

† 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 brands, Royal Caribbean ® and Silversea ®
• Redeem your points for onboard credit, stateroom upgrades and cruise vacations on Celebrity Cruises ® , and our sister brands, Royal Caribbean ® and Silversea ®

† 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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14 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Our top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• High rewards at restaurants and supermarkets
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amextravel.com
• Annual statements credits for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• High annual fee ($325)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $325 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for eligible charges when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through Americantravel.com. Eligible charges may vary.
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year — $200 between January and June and $200 between July and December — for U.S. purchases with Dell (enrollment required).

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards are tailored for frequent travelers, providing high rewards on travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. These rewards, earned as points or miles, can be used to book travel reservations. Additionally, rewards can sometimes be transferred to hotel and airline partners or be redeemed for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

These cards also feature valuable perks such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you typically get additional bonus categories, such as 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel rewards credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

Travel credit cards vs cash-back credit cards

Travel credit cards offer high reward on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you redeem your points or miles on flights, hotels and car rentals. These benefits make them a no-brainer for frequent travelers.

But if you don’t take trips often, a cash-back credit card might be a better option for you. It’s often easier to maximize rewards with cash-back cards, thanks to their bonus categories for everyday purchases like gas and groceries. Many also offer solid rewards on some travel purchases, so make sure to compare their features and consider how your spending and travel habits align.

How to choose the best travel credit card for you

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Assess the cards’ bonus categories. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General vs. co-branded travel cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of features and pick one that best suits your travel plans.
• Compare benefits and perks. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your main deciding factor, especially if the card has a high annual fee and you won’t use its benefits enough to get your money’s worth.

Making the most of your travel credit card

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

• Use your card often and strategically. For example, if your card offers 3x points at restaurants, make it your go-to for dining out or ordering takeout. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase and redeem them for free or discounted flights, hotels and more. (Remember to pay your card off in full each month to avoid interest charges and credit card debt .)
• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your points for travel. They’re usually more valuable this way compared to redeeming them for non-travel options, like merchandise or gift cards. Transferring your rewards to an airline or hotel partner program — if your card allows it — is also usually worth it since it might boost their value further.
• Take advantage of your card’s travel perks. If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example. Many cards also offer statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, Priority Pass airport lounge network, hotel amenities and more.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

Are travel credit cards worth it, how do credit card miles work, how much are airline miles worth, how many miles do you need for a free flight, what's the difference between points and miles, what credit score do i need to get a travel credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

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5 Best Travel Credit Cards, According to Finance Experts

If you’re someone who travels a lot , whether for business or pleasure, you may be wondering if it’s worthwhile to look into the best travel credit cards. The finance experts we spoke to agree that the right card can help with cashing in on rewards. And when it comes to choosing, it boils down to the annual fee amounts, any airline benefits, and the best options for international travel (if that’s a priority for you). Other travel perks can include elite airport lounge access, free hotel nights, and no foreign transaction fees, benefits that are sometimes even offered on cards with no annual fees. Below, experts break down what to look for in a travel card, as well as the top five picks to consider.

Your travel credit card questions, answered

What are travel credit cards, should you get a travel credit card, what to look for in a travel credit card, is a high annual fee a red flag, 1. best travel credit card for beginners: chase sapphire preferred card.

• APR: 21.49% to 28.49%
• What it offers back: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel
• Annual fee: $95
• Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft purchases; 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (not including Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; 1 point per dollar on everything else
• Intro offer: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
• What to note: Lower annual fee, high welcome offer, no foreign transaction fees
• Credit score needed: Not specified

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for beginners for various reasons. For starters, its $95 fee is on the low end compared with other travel cards. Perks include travel protection benefits (including trip-cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost-luggage insurance), and annual hotel credit (through Chase Travel).

This card also has a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. For rewards, users get 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft purchases; 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (not including Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel.

2. Best Credit Card for Domestic Travel: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

• What it offers back: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming; 1 point per $1 spent on everyday purchases, and 25% back on inflight purchases (i.e. Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages)
• Annual fee: $69
• Rewards rate: 1 to 2 points per dollar
• Intro offer : 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
• What to note : Low annual fee, generous welcome and anniversary offer, no foreign transaction fees
• Credit score needed : Not specified

This travel credit card is my card of choice, and I've held it for 10 years now. Given the ability to quickly accumulate points and a generous anniversary bonus, the card’s low annual fee has paid for itself and then some every year, since I often manage to rack up enough points for a handful of one-way flights (or at least a couple of round-trip ones). Southwest also flies to several international destinations in Central America and the Caribbean—in fact, my husband and I booked our honeymoon in Belize in 2017 entirely with points. This card also has no transaction fees, and other perks include 25% back on in-flight purchases (such as Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages, which are $8 each) and two early bird check-ins per year.

3. Best Credit Card for International Travel: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

• APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 statement closing dates following the opening of your account; after that, 19.24% to 29.24%
• What it offers back: 3% cash back on gas and EV charging stations, online shopping,​ cable, ​streaming, Internet, ​phone plan, dining, travel, drug store or ​pharmacy, and home improvement or ​furnishings purchases; 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; 1% cash back on all other purchases; as well as 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter
• Annual fee: None
• Rewards rate: 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, everywhere, every time
• Intro offer: 25,000 online bonus points, a $250 travel or dining statement credit value, after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
• What to note: No annual fee, 0% intro APR, no foreign transaction fees

Bank of America’s Travel Rewards credit card is another great choice for frequent travelers, as it comes with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, which is ideal if you intend to spend a lot of time abroad. A huge added bonus is a 0% introductory APR that applies to the first 15 statement closing dates. Additional perks include 25,000 online bonus points and a $250 travel or dining statement credit value after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.

Card holders can also earn unlimited points, with 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases; points also don’t expire. Finally, this card doesn’t have any blackout dates, which means you can use it on any hotel or airline, at any time.

4. Best Travel Card With Lounge Access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• APR: 19.99%, 26.24% or 29.99%, depending on your credit score
• What it offers back: 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, $300 annual travel credit, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Annual fee: $395
• Rewards rate: 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars; 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel using this Rewards card account; 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
• Intro offer: 75,000 bonus miles if you spend at least $4,000 within three months of your enrollment date
• What to note: One drawback is the high annual fee, but perks include a higher rewards rate on travel-related purchases
• Credit score needed: Excellent (800 to 850)

If you like to travel in style, one of this card’s top perks is unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests at more than 1,300 airport and travel lounges. That’s huge if you don’t like the buzzkill that comes with not being able to share the finer things with your travel companions.

It’s worth noting that this card comes with a higher annual fee than most others, and you need excellent credit to qualify. But the rewards it comes with (specifically, that annual miles bonus and travel credit) will quickly make that fee pay for itself. The benefits quickly outweigh the fee as well, and include 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, equal to $750 in travel.

The rewards rate structure includes 10 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and rental cars that were booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles for every dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

5. Best for Everyday Rewards: American Express Gold Card

• APR: 21.24% to 29.24%
• What it offers back: $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash, $100 travel experience credit when booking through The Hotel Collection
• Annual fee: $250
• Rewards rate: 4 points per dollar at restaurants or groceries, 3 points per dollar on flights, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
• Intro offer: 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership
• What to note: While this card does have a higher annual fee than most, it offers a generous rewards structure and welcome bonus, as well as no foreign transaction fees

This card is great for racking up dining and grocery rewards, which are things everyone uses on a regular basis, especially if your travel volume is on the lower end. So if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the incentive to dine out more often than usual.

While it does have a hefty $250 annual fee, this card also comes with an introductory offer of 60,000 membership points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Its points-earning ability includes 4 points for each dollar spent on dining at restaurants and US supermarkets (up to the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and 3 points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or with Amex Travel.

Other perks include a statement credit of up to $120 annual for dining, up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, and up to $100 in hotel credits, all of which would prove beneficial when using the card while traveling.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: cobranded hotel and airline cards and transferable-points bank cards. With both these cards, you’ll typically get a large sign-up bonus in the form of rewards points and perks that will offset several years’ worth of the annual fee.

Transferable-points cards allow you to earn rewards points on everyday purchases like dining and groceries, which ultimately go to your stockpile of points to eventually put toward travel.

According to Torres, key features of travel cards include sign-up bonuses for quick rewards; the ability to earning points across spending categories, including travel and everyday expenses; and flexible redemption options. When comparing cards, you should consider perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

“If you can make the most of the rewards and perks offered by the card, it can be a savvy financial move, regardless of your travel frequency,” says Jannese Torres, host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast and author of Financially Lit!: The Modern Latina’s Guide to Level Up Your Dinero & Become Financially Poderosa . “Ultimately, it's about aligning the card’s features with your lifestyle and financial goals to make the most of your spending, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler.”

Even if your total annual travel is on the lower end, you might think about snagging a travel credit card if you find yourself booking airfare and hotel stays a few times a year, says personal finance expert Nicole Lapin , who also hosts Money Rehab podcast.

“These cards can be great for earning rewards faster on travel spending, and even if you’re not jet-setting often, using one for daily expenses to collect points or miles for an occasional lavish getaway can still be a smart move,” she says. “It’s like putting away a little extra for a future vacation every time you shop.”

Generally speaking, as with any credit card, it also makes sense to consider a travel credit card if your finances are in good standing and it would benefit your travel plans . Experts universally agree that everyone should have some type of rewards credit card, assuming they have an appropriate credit score and can pay the card off in full every month. The decision to get a travel credit card hinges on various factors, including how much you spend, the card’s rewards structure, and whether the benefits outweigh any associated fees, Torres says.

According to Lapin, you should look for a travel credit card that offers a solid rewards rate on your spending.

Sign up bonus: Look for a juicy sign-up bonus and perks that suit your travel style, she says. “Key features might include things like no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance, and freebies like airport-lounge access or credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. But be cautious of cards with unreasonable minimum-spending requirements to earn sign-up bonuses, Torres says. “Make sure you can comfortably meet the spending threshold without overspending or accruing unnecessary debt,” she says.

Rewards program: In that same vein, though, consider a rewards program with perks you will actually use—if you regularly fly in and out of an airport that doesn’t have a lounge, then a premium card with lounge access probably shouldn’t be a priority. “Other red flags include restrictive redemption options that tie you to one airline or hotel chain, unless you’re totally okay with that limitation,” Lapin says.

However, you’ll also want to avoid cards with limited redemption options or complex rewards structures that could make it challenging to maximize your rewards, and steer clear of cards with high foreign transaction fees, especially if you frequently travel internationally, Torres says: “These fees can quickly diminish the value of your rewards when using the card abroad.”

Annual fees: While many travel cards will come with an annual fee, they also typically come with a sign-up bonus worth far more than that fee, making it easily pay for itself. It’s also key to zero in on your own travel habits, so if you’re flying a specific airline multiple times a year, it can make sense to get a branded card for that airline.

Airline perks: Some airline credit cards also offer free checked bags as a benefit for holding the card, which can be a huge advantage to those who typically check bags, as this can save you around $40 per bag, per leg of your trip.

Ultimately, “balance annual fees with benefits, prioritize cards with no foreign transaction fees for international travel, and explore additional perks like concierge services,” Torres says.

At first glance, a high annual fee can send people running from signing up for a travel credit card. Experts often see them as green flags instead of red one, however, assuming you get the value out of them in points and perks. Even a no-annual-fee travel card that has no foreign transaction fees can be worthwhile for a single trip abroad, considering that foreign transaction fees can otherwise add 2% to 3% to the price of every international purchase.

“In certain cases, a high annual fee on a travel credit card can be justified by the valuable perks and benefits it offers,” Torres says. “For frequent travelers who prioritize convenience and luxury, these cards often provide access to airport lounges, elite status with airlines and hotels, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage, enhancing the overall travel experience. “

Additionally, cards with high annual fees may offer generous rewards rates, lucrative sign-up bonuses, and flexible redemption options, allowing cardholders to accumulate points or miles quickly and redeem them for premium travel rewards, Torres says.

Cards with annual fees also tend to have other big benefits, such as travel insurance, as well as some niche benefits on certain cards, for example, statement credits at Saks Fifth Avenue, Uber, or Equinox.

“Just remember to align the card with your actual travel habits and financial goals, and calculate whether you’ll use enough perks to offset any fees,” Lapin says. “Choosing the right travel credit card can really help make your travels more enjoyable and a bit more economical.”

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