No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

Save money when traveling internationally
A 3% fee on every transaction you make may not sound like a lot at first, but this cost 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 buy items when you are overseas, compared to using cash. Currency conversion services at retail stores, banks and airports cost you more in the long run. Networks like Visa and MasterCard usually use the wholesale market rate or the government-mandated rate.

Experience 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.

Have a sense of safety
Carrying a credit card is much safer than carrying a lot 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.

Remember, it's often helpful to call your credit card company in advance to let them know you will be traveling outside the US so that they are less likely to decline purchases you make while traveling.