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No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

International Travelers: Compare credit cards with no foreign transaction fee to save money when traveling overseas.


How to Choose the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fee

Most credit cards have a foreign transaction fee of about 3%. If you travel internationally with a no foreign transaction fee credit card, you'll save money on foreign purchases.

Plus, using a credit card that doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee is usually cheaper than using the currency conversion services at retail stores, banks and airports. Networks like Visa and MasterCard usually use the wholesale market rate or the government-mandated rate.

Keep in mind, what's popular in the US is not necessarily the same worldwide.

Travel to Europe

For travelers to Europe, using a credit card with a smart chip is wise.

Our favorites:

British Airways Visa Signature Card®
Apply for British Airways Visa Signature Card®
  • You will get 50,000 bonus Avios after your first purchase
  • 25,000 bonus Avios after you make $10,000 in purchases within the first year of account opening
  • Plus an additional 25,000 bonus Avios after you make an additional $10,000 in purchases within the first year of account opening
  • That's enough Avios for one roundtrip business class reward ticket
  • New: Smart Chip Technology allows you to use your card for chip based purchases in Europe & beyond, while still giving you the ability to use your card as you do today at home
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
  • Earn 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases
  • Earn 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Every year you spend $30,000 on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsBonus Airline Rewards
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% (Variable)
$95

Hyatt Credit Card
Apply for Hyatt Credit Card
  • Begin with 2 Award Nights at Hyatt properties worldwide, after making your first purchase with the Hyatt Credit Card
  • Receive 1 Anniversary Award Night each year in category 1-4 properties
  • No foreign transaction fees and Smart Chip protection on international purchases
  • 3 Hyatt Gold Passport points for every $1 spent with your Hyatt Card at all Hyatt properties
  • 1 Hyatt Gold Passport point for every $1 spent on purchases elsewhere
  • There are no limits to the points you can earn
  • Award nights with no resort, Internet or redemption fees
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsHotel RewardsBonus Hotel RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% (Variable)
$75

Travel to China

Did you know that China UnionPay is the largest payment scheme worldwide, appearing on 3 out of every 10 cards?

Luckily for travelers to China, Discover has a partnership with China UnionPay to provide access to "all ATMs and electronic payment merchants in Mainland China." Plus, all Discover credit cards have no foreign transaction fees.

Miles by Discover® Card
Apply for Miles by Discover® Card
  • Earn 10,000 Bonus Miles with every $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months – up to 20,000 Bonus Miles
  • 1 Mile on every $1 you spend - Plus flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable purchase APR of 10.99% - 15.99%*
  • No restrictions on travel--fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates
  • Travel benefits include secondary collision damage insurance when you rent a car with your Miles by Discover card
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsTravel RewardsCar Rental RewardsDining RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on RewardsCar Rental Insurance $0 Fraud Liability
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
-
0% for 12 months
10.99% - 15.99% (Variable)
$0

Travel to Japan

For travelers to Japan, you'll see the JCB network almost everywhere. Discover has a partnership with JCB to honor "Discover on its network of over 1 million Japanese merchants and ATMs." And remember, all Discover credit cards have no foreign transaction fees.

Escape by Discover® Card
Apply for Escape by Discover® Card
  • Earn up to $250 in travel rewards - 1,000 Bonus miles every month you make a purchase for the first 25 months
  • Double Miles on every $1 you spend
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months, then the variable APR of 10.99% - 16.99%*
  • No restrictions on travel - fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates
  • Flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash
  • Travel Insurance benefits, including primary car rental, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, and trip cancellation when you book with your Escape by Discover card
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards$0 Fraud Liability
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 6 months
0% for 6 months
10.99% - 16.99% (Variable)
$60

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through Chase Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Discover. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Discover, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Discover. This site may be compensated through Discover Affiliate Program.


Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card
Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card
Editors' Choice
No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months - that's $500 toward travel rewards!
  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you book through Ultimate Rewards(SM)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Receive a 7% annual dividend on all new points earned - even on points already redeemed
  • 1:1 point transfer to participating frequent travel programs
  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime
  • No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Reward PointsDining RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending LimitCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase Protection Return ProtectionBaggage InsuranceTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityIdentity Theft AssistanceRoadside Assistance
Our Review: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, offered by JPMorgan Chase, is a credit card designed for travelers. This card is the premium version of the Chase Sapphire Card and has a upgraded rewards program... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
15.24% (Variable)
$95

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points bonus when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
  • GLOBAL Travel benefits: Access over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees, skip U.S. customs lines with Global Entry.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • Receive a companion ticket for discounted travel when you purchase a qualifying First- or Business-Class international ticket. Additional charges/taxes apply.
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
  • Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending LimitConciergeEventsExtended Warranty Purchase ProtectionReturn ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityIdentity Theft Assistance
Our Review: The American Express Platinum Card is one of the most prestigious rewards cards in the market today. It is also one of the most expensive cards, with an annual fee of $450. In exchange for the high annual fee, the Platinum Card offers a number of travel advantages and a generous rewards program... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$450

Discover® More Card - 18 Month Promotional Balance Transfer
Apply for Discover® More Card - 18 Month Promotional Balance Transfer
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*
  • 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S. based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alerts
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
Cash Back RewardsBonus Cash BackNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards$0 Fraud Liability
Our Review: The Discover More card is a straightforward cash back credit card. It is perfect for consumers who are looking for a basic credit card that also provides easy cash back opportunities. The card is free of annual fees, so cardholders put cash back into their pocket from the moment they start using the card... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 6 months
0% for 18 months
10.99% - 20.99% (Variable)
$0

Ink Bold℠ With Ultimate Rewards
Apply for Ink Bold℠ With Ultimate Rewards
  • Earn up to 50,000 bonus points - 25,000 after your first purchase, plus an additional 25,000 after you spend $10,000 in 3 months - that's $500 in rewards of your choice, or $625 towards airfare when you redeem online through our Ultimate Rewards booking tool
  • Earn up to 5X points per dollar on eligible business purchases, and points do not expire
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Free Employee Cards
  • No interest charges because it's a pay-in-full charge card
  • Transfer points you've earned to participating frequent travel programs at a 1:1 value
  • No Annual Fee in the first year - a $95 savings
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsHotel RewardsPoint RewardsGas RewardsOffice RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending Limit
Our Review: The Ink Bold Business Card by Chase is a charge card that offers small business owners a flexible rewards program and an assortment of travel benefits. These perks come at a low annual fee of $95, with the first year waived... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$95

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN
Apply for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN
  • FOR A LIMITED TIME: Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards® points by spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • 20% Travel Bonus when redeeming with Membership Rewards® Pay with Points
  • Take advantage of 40 premium benefits and rewards, including 24/7 concierge service and dedicated business consultants
  • Complimentary airport club access to 600+ partner lounges, a $950/yr value
  • By Invitation Only: Receive exclusive access to events, ideal for entertaining clients or treating staff, worldwide that aren't available to the general public
  • No pre-set spending limit*
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsNo Limits on RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending LimitConciergeDiscountCar Rental Insurance Extended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionReturn ProtectionBaggage InsuranceTravel Accident InsuranceEmergency Card ReplacementIdentity Theft AssistanceRoadside Assistance
Our Review: The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers top-of-the-line benefits—including Airport Club Access and a $200 Airline Fee Credit—to business travelers. The card also features a rewards program and a whole suite of protection that covers travel accidents and business purchases... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--N/A
$450

Miles by Discover® Card
Apply for Miles by Discover® Card
  • Earn 10,000 Bonus Miles with every $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months – up to 20,000 Bonus Miles
  • 1 Mile on every $1 you spend - Plus flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable purchase APR of 10.99% - 15.99%*
  • No restrictions on travel--fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates
  • Travel benefits include secondary collision damage insurance when you rent a car with your Miles by Discover card
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
Introductory Bonus Airline RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsTravel RewardsCar Rental RewardsDining RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on RewardsCar Rental Insurance $0 Fraud Liability
Our Review: With a potential 20,000 bonus miles offer and no annual fee, the Discover Miles card offers great benefits to travelers. Redeeming miles also couldn't be easier: just make a travel purchase through any airline, travel agent or online travel site then tell Discover to put your miles toward that purchase. This review will describe the other benefits of the Discover Miles card for travel enthusiasts... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
-
0% for 12 months
10.99% - 15.99% (Variable)
$0

Discover® Student Card
Apply for Discover® Student Card
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 9 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 12.99% - 18.99%*
  • 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*
  • Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy
  • $0 Fraud Liability- you will not be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • No Annual Fee
  • Text and Email Alerts
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
StudentCash Back RewardsBonus Cash BackNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards$0 Fraud Liability
Our Review: The Discover Student Card gives you an easy and inexpensive way for you to start building credit while earning cash back. Swapping your debit card for this credit card lets you save some money and helps you learn how to manage credit responsibly... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 9 months
-
12.99% - 18.99% (Variable)
$0

Discover® Motiva Card
Apply for Discover® Motiva Card
  • Earn Cashback Bonus for your good credit management
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*
  • Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S. based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alerts
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
Cash Back RewardsBonus Cash BackNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards$0 Fraud Liability
Our Review: Discover Motiva Credit Card is a cash back rewards card with a special bonus. If you consistently pay your card bill on time, this card gives you extra cash back. This bonus is on top of the cash back earned from regular purchases... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
10.99% - 20.99% (Variable)
$0

Discover® Open Road Card
Apply for Discover® Open Road Card
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 19.99%*
  • 2% automatically at gas stations and restaurants all year long*
  • Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
Cash Back RewardsDining RewardsGas RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards$0 Fraud Liability
Our Review: If you are a frequent commuter, the Discover Open Road Card can help you save money. This card offers bonus cash back on gasoline and restaurant purchases - important categories for someone who travels a lot. It also offers somewhat limited cash back on purchases in other categories. This card is especially suited to consumers looking to save money on gas and restaurant meals... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
10.99% - 19.99% (Variable)
$0

Discover® Student Card - $20 Cashback Bonus
Apply for Discover® Student Card - $20 Cashback Bonus
  • Experience Discover's great reward program. Earn $20 Cashback Bonus®* when you make your 1st purchase within 3 months of approval
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 12.99% - 18.99%*
  • 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*
  • Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy.
  • $0 Fraud Liability- you will not be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • No Annual Fee
  • Text and Email Alerts
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
StudentIntroductory Bonus Cash BackCash Back RewardsBonus Cash BackNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on Rewards$0 Fraud Liability
Our Review: The Discover Student card offers cash back and a great interest rate, without charging an annual fee. Mobile account management and helpful customer service also makes this card easy to use. Students who might carry a balance but still want a reward credit card should check out the Discover Student card... Read full review
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 6 months
-
12.99% - 18.99% (Variable)
$0

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through Chase Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Discover. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Discover, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Discover. This site may be compensated through Discover Affiliate Program.


No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards Benefits

Save money when traveling internationally
Fees of 3% of the purchase amount may not sound like a lot at first, but they can really add up. If your card doesn't have a foreign transaction fee, you'll avoid this expense altogether.

Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fee is usually the cheapest way to make purchases overseas, compared to using the currency conversion services at retail stores, banks and airports. Networks like Visa and MasterCard usually use the wholesale market rate or the government-mandated rate.

Convenience
If you feel free to use your card while traveling, you'll save yourself the hassle of needing to carry large amounts of cash and converting it to another currency when you go to a new country.

Safety
Carrying a credit card is much safer than carrying lots of cash. In the event your card is lost or stolen, immediately contact your credit card issuer. See our Lost Wallet What to Do guide for tips.

Keep track of your expenses
When you use a credit card without a foreign transaction fee, you'll avoid the unpleasant surprise of being billed for more than you expected. Your statement also serves as a log of your expenses, which is helpful if you're sharing costs with a travel companion.

Reward yourself, not the bank
Credit cards with rewards usually earn a base rate of 1% of the purchase amount. A 3% foreign transaction fee can really put a dent into the net amount you earn, even if your travels are short. There are plenty of great rewards cards on the market that are better suited for people who travel internationally.


Articles on No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards


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