The Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Travelling is already expensive enough without costly foreign transaction fees eating up more of your budget. Whether you’re sampling local cuisine or shopping online abroad, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can help you save money.

Finding the best credit card with no foreign transaction fees for your spending needs means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available options and interest rates. With the right credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you can enjoy travelling the globe without unnecessary transaction fees.

We reviewed dozens of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to identify the best of the best, based on CreditCards.com reviews, how easy they were to apply for and use, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated credit cards with no foreign transaction fees people can apply for to ensure a budget-friendly travel experience.

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees Overall
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Premium travel & dining rewards.

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We’ve identified Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as the best credit card with no foreign transaction fees out there. With premium travel and dining rewards, this credit card with no foreign transaction fees is one that will help to keep your trip on budget. These benefits allow you to travel with ease, without worrying about skyrocketing costs.

The 5 Top-Rated Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees OverallChase Sapphire Preferred® Card 4.5
Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees for Lounge AccessThe Platinum Card® from American Express4.5
Best No-Fee Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction FeesWells Fargo Propel American Express® Card3.5
Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees with Cash BackCapital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card3.4
Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees for Business TravelCapital One® Spark® Cash for Business 4.1

*Ratings are from CreditCards.com and NerdWallet.com at the time of publication and can change

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card took the top spot on our list of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, and offers card holders 2X points back on worldwide travel and dining out, making it one of the best travel reward cards out there. You can also earn a 25% bonus when redeeming points for travel on the Ultimate Rewards portal for even more value.

Those who applied for and reviewed this credit card with no foreign transaction fees appreciated that they could transfer points at 1:1 value, and that travel and purchase coverage was included with this card. People liked the many travel perks of this card, as well as the 24/7 customer support.

With an annual fee of $95, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on NerdWallet.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Key Features:

  • Primary rental car waiver damage
  • 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
  • APR 15.99%-22.99% variable

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees for Lounge Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees for Lounge Access
The Platinum Card® from American Express

Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries.

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The Platinum Card® from American Express took the runner-up spot on our list of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, and allows card holders to enjoy complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries. This card offers 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, in addition to prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. There is an introductory bonus of 60,000 points after a $5,000 spend within the first 3 months is also worth a second look.

Those who applied for and reviewed this credit card with no foreign transaction fees appreciated the generous rewards rate, and ample travel perks. People also liked that point did not expire and that there were no travel blackout dates.

With an annual fee of $550, it doesn’t come cheap, but the ample perks and benefits that come with this luxury card, along with the brand’s exceptional customer service make the price a little easier to swallow. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.

The Platinum Card® from American Express Key Features:

  • Earn $20 monthly credit on select U.S. Streaming subscriptions
  • Receive $15 in Uber Cash for rides or eats orders monthly
  • APR 25.24%

Best No-Fee Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Best No-Fee Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

No limit to the number of points you can earn.

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The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is an excellent choice for those looking for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees that won’t break the bank. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn, and your points will not expire for as long as the account is open. It even includes Cell phone protection which helps protect your cell phone from damage or theft.

Those who applied for and reviewed this credit card with no foreign transaction fees appreciated that it offered zero liability protection, as well as chip technology. People also liked the accelerated rewards program, which offers 20,000 bonus rewards points after $1,000 of purchases in the first 3 months for a $200 cash redemption value.

With no annual fee, this credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a solid choice for those looking for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees option on a budget. It has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing travelers that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at keeping their costs down as its more expensive counterparts.

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card Key Features:

  • 0.00% introductory APR for 12 months from date of account opening
  • Regular APR 14.49%-24.99% variable
  • Purchase and travel protections

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees with Cash Back: Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees with Cash Back
Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase, every day.

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The Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option for those looking for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees that also offers cashback rewards. It boasts a generous rewards program that offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase. There is no annual fee with this card, and it offers an introductory purchase APR of 0% for 15 months with a 15.49%-25.49% variable APR after that.

Those who applied for and reviewed this credit card with no foreign transaction fees appreciated that the Capital One app lets them easily track and review their spending while allowing them to build their credit history and score. People said they liked the benefits of the card, and found it easy to shop online or in person, with the ability to redeem rewards on Amazon.com.

With no annual fee, the price is certainly right on this credit card, and the quality service associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.

Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card Key Features:

  • Complimentary concierge service
  • Cashback doesn’t expire for the life of the account
  • Additional warranty protection at no charge

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees for Business Travel: Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business

Best for Business Travel
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business

Unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase.

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The Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is a solid choice for those wanting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel. It offers unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase, with the ability to earn a one-time $500 cash bonus if you spend $4,500 within the first 3 months after opening your account. Rewards never expire as long as you have the account. The card also includes roadside assistance in case you’re stranded while traveling.

Those who applied for and reviewed this credit card with no foreign transaction fees appreciated that they could easily add employee cards at no additional charge and that they could choose a payment due date that worked best for their needs.

With an annual fee of $95 (waived the first year), it’s a bit of an investment, but the quality perks associated with the card, as well as the ease of application and use more than justifies that price. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on CreditCards.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Key Features:

  • APR 20.99% variable
  • No balance transfer fees
  • Zero fraud liability and automatic fraud alerts

Who Should Apply for a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is an ideal choice for those who travel frequently, whether for business or pleasure. Every time you use your credit card in a foreign destination, your financial institution could charge you a foreign transaction fee, which is usually about 1%-3% of the total purchase price. However, by paying with a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees, you can avoid this added cost.

Additionally, credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are also a good choice for those who make online purchases in other currencies or from other countries, as they again allow shoppers to avoid incurring this added cost.

Finally, some people find that a credit card with no foreign transaction fees simply offers the best credit limit, rewards, and other features for their needs and the fact that it has no foreign transaction fees is simply an added benefit.

For other options when you’re looking for credit cards on travel, you may want to take a look at The Best Prepaid Cards or The Best Hotel Credit Cards.

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees Overall
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Premium travel & dining rewards.

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Important Features to Consider

Not all credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are created equal. A credit card with no foreign transaction fees should be easy to apply for and offer the credit you need. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best credit card with no foreign transaction fees for your needs:

  • Annual fee. The first thing to consider when searching for the best credit card with no foreign transaction fees is the annual fee. Cards with annual fees tend to have lower APRs, which make borrowing more affordable. Cards with low or no annual fees often carry higher APRs, but as long as you are making payments in full and on time, they can still be a good option if you don’t want the hassle of annual fees. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees vary in price from $0-$500 or more annually, although some cards with cashback can easily pay for themselves depending on how much you use them.
  • Credit limit. Another important factor when it comes to choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is how much credit you can actually get. Some cards offer really low starting limits of $100, while others start at $500 and up. Look for a card that suits your spending needs and habits.
  • Card type. Once you’ve decided if you want a card with or without an annual fee, you’ll need to decide if you want a Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or AmEx. Not all merchants accept all cards, so if there’s somewhere you plan to use your card regularly, check to ensure you can make purchases without hassle.
  • Introductory APR. Some credit cards with no foreign transaction fees offer an introductory APR (annual purchase rate) that is much lower than the regular APR. If you have a number of upcoming purchases or trips and want to keep the cost of borrowing low, a card with an introductory APR offer might be a good option. There are some cards that also offer a promotional balance transfer APR, which can make transferring a balance from another card to the new card a smart choice, as long as you can make the payments responsibly.
  • Regular APR. A card’s regular APR will determine how much interest you are charged each month. Cards with lower APRs make borrowing more affordable, but they sometimes come with annual fees. Cards with low or no annual fees often carry higher APRs, but as long as you are making payments in full and on time, they can still be a good option.
  • Bonus features. Many credit cards with no foreign transaction fees include bonus features that make them more appealing to users, such as cashback, travel points, free-spending tracking apps, extended warranties, travel insurance, or fraud protection. Review a card’s additional features to see if there are any that would be beneficial to your personal situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and how does it work?

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a credit card just like a regular credit card, you just aren’t charged any fees on foreign transactions. Every time you use your credit card in a foreign destination or in a foreign currency, your financial institution could charge you a foreign transaction fee — which usually amounts to about 1%-3% of the total purchase price. However, by paying with a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees, you can easily avoid this added cost.

What credit cards have no foreign transaction fees?

There are many credit cards available that have no foreign transaction fees, many of which have no annual fee and offer member benefits such as cashback. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees include Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Some credit card issuers, such as Capital One and Discover, waive foreign transaction fees on all of their credit cards.

How do I avoid foreign transaction fees?

The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a credit or debit card that has the feature of no foreign transaction fees. You could also open a bank account that does not charge foreign transaction fees or is in the currency of the country you are traveling to, exchange any currency before you travel to your destination, avoid using foreign ATMs, or inquire as to whether or not your bank has a foreign partner.

Is it better to use a credit card or debit card abroad?

For most people, it’s better to use a credit card while traveling abroad. This is because in case your card is lost or stolen, your money is protected. Credit cards are also widely accepted and offer the convenience of tap-and-pay. If you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you can save on those added costs versus a debit card that carries foreign transaction fees, ATM fees, and exchange fees. Many credit cards also include other travel benefits that many people find beneficial such as insurance, roadside assistance, priority boarding or airport lounge access, and travel points or cashback.

Other Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees We Reviewed

Best Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees Overall
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Premium travel & dining rewards.

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We looked at 20 other credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for travelers. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

No-Fee Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it® Cash Back

This no-free credit card with no foreign transaction fees offers unlimited 1% cashback on most purchases, with up to 5% cashback at different places each quarter.

Key Features:

  • Regular APR 11.99%-22.99% variable
  • Cashback matching on first year’s purchases, with no maximum
  • Redeem cash back at any amount, rewards never expire

Cost: $0 annually

Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®

Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®

This no-free credit card with no foreign transaction fees is perfect for students with good credit, and offers 1% cashback on all purchases, with a 0.25% bonus when you pay your balance on time each month.

Key Features:

  • Regular APR 26.99%* variable
  • 24-hour travel assistance services
  • $0 fraud liability in case of loss or theft

Cost: $0 annually

ABOC Platinum Rewards Card

ABOC Platinum Rewards Card

This no-free credit card with no foreign transaction fees offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, with no upper limit on the points you can accumulate.

Key Features:

  • Regular APR 12.90%-22.90% variable
  • $150 credit after making $1,200 in purchases within first 90 days
  • Extended warranty and price protection

Cost: $0 annually

Capital One® Platinum Credit Card

Capital One® Platinum Credit Card

This no-free credit card with no foreign transaction fees offers 24/7 account access online and by phone. After making the first five monthly payments on time, cardholders can access an increased credit limit.

Key Features:

  • No annual fee
  • Fraud coverage in case of loss or theft
  • Auto rental coverage and travel accident insurance included

Cost: $0 annually

Discover it® Miles

Discover it® Miles

This no-fee credit card with no foreign transaction fees easily lets you pay for airfare, hotels, rideshares, and more with no blackout dates. You can also redeem miles as a statement credit for travel purchases or cash.

Key Features:

  • Unlimited 1.5X miles
  • Automatically matched miles at end of first year
  • Free FICO® credit score

Cost: $0 annually

Discover it® Secured

Discover it® Secured

This no-fee credit card with no foreign transaction fees allows new and seasoned credit users alike to establish their credit line by providing a refundable security deposit from $200-$2,500.

Key Features:

  • US-based customer service
  • Automatically cash back matching at the end of the first year
  • Earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter, with unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases

Cost: $0 annually

Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees with Cash Back

Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees with cashback includes a 20,000 sign-up bonus if you make $1,000 in purchases within 3 months from opening the account.

Key Features:

  • Transfer miles to over 10 leading travel loyalty programs
  • Regular APR 15.49%-25.49% variable
  • Fly any airline and stay at any hotel with no blackout dates

Cost: $0/year

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees with cashback includes a $100 annual travel enhancement credit and offers 24/7 worldwide assistance with an Emergency Cash Transfer to a maximum of $5,000 if your card is lost or stolen.

Key Features:

  • Introductory bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • Variable APR of 14.99% or 18.99%
  • Earn 3X points on all eligible travel purchases, 2X on dining, and 1X on all other purchases

Cost: $395/year

Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees with cashback offers an unlimited 3% cashback on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Key Features:

  • One-time $150 cash bonus when you spend $500 within first 3 months
  • Use rewards at Amazon.com
  • Regular APR 15.49%-25.49% variable

Cost: $0 annually

Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students

Deserve® Edu Mastercard for Students

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees with cashback offers 1% unlimited cashback on all purchases, with a maximum credit limit of $5,000.

Key Features:

  • Prequalify in just seconds
  • Free Amazon Prime Student subscription
  • Cell phone protection

Cost: $0 annually

HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card

HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees with cashback lets you earn an introductory cashback rate of 3% on all purchases in the first 12 months, up to the first $10,000 in purchases.

Key Features:

  • Regular APR 12.99%, 16.99%, or 22.99% variable
  • Introductory balance transfer APR 0% for 12 months
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cost: $0 annually

Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees for Business Travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel offers 3X points on travel immediately after you earn your $300 travel credit, 3X points on dining at restaurants, and 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Key Features:

  • Zero fraud liability
  • Annual APR 16.99%-23.99%  variable
  • Points are worth 50% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards

Cost: $550 annually

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel offers 2X the reward miles on daily purchases and 10X miles on thousands of eligible hotels. There’s also a bonus offer of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months

Key Features:

  • Regular APR of 17.24%-24.49% variable
  • 24-hour travel assistance services
  • Virtual card numbers

Cost: $95 annually

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel lets you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases with no maximum, and includes a 25,000 online bonus points signup offer.

Key Features:

  • Regular APR 14.99%-22.99% variable
  • Introductory purchase APR 0% for 12 billing cycles
  • No blackout dates or restrictions

Cost: $0 annually

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel lets users earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2X Bonvoy points on other travel purchases, and 1X point on everything else.

Key Features:

  • Regular APR 15.99%-22.99% variable
  • 30,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases during the first three months
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually

Cost: $0 annually

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel includes 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points if you make $1,000 in purchases during the first three months.

Key Features:

  • Regular APR 15.74%-24.74% variable
  • Fraud protection
  • For those with good to excellent credit

Cost: $0 annually

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel offers 4X points when dining at restaurants worldwide, and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Key Features:

  • $100 airline fee credit annually
  • Extended warranty program
  • 50,000 bonus points if you make $4,000 in purchases during the first three months

Cost: $250 annually

J.P. Morgan Reserve

J.P. Morgan Reserve

This credit card is an invitation-only credit card, making it one of the most exclusive on our list. It offers 3X points on travel worldwide immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit.

Key Features:

  • Includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Complimentary airport lounge access
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cost: $595/year

American Express® Green Card

American Express® Green Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel offers 3X the points on travel, transit, and restaurants, with no limit to the amount of points you can earn.

Key Features:

  • Includes 24/7 customer support
  • Credits of up to $100 annually for CLEAR and LoungeBuddy
  • Sign-up bonus of 45,000 points if you spend $2,000 in first 3 months

Cost: $150 annually

United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card

This credit card with no foreign transaction fees for business travel offers 2X miles on United purchases, restaurants, and hotel stays, and includes priority boarding on United-operated flights.

Key Features:

  • Includes 2 United Club one-time passes
  • 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
  • Free first checked bag

Cost: $95 annually (first year waived)