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Showing 14 results
Best for travel sign-up bonus
Bankrate score
4.9
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Capital One
's secure site
Intro offer
75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
75,000 miles
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
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its 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
Bankrate score
4.8
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Chase
's secure site
Intro offer
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
Rewards rate
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.
1x - 5x
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
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
Bankrate score
4.1
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Bank of America
's secure site
Intro offer
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
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
1.5X
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
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
Bankrate score
4.1
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Capital One
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
20,000 miles
Rewards rate
5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
1.25 Miles - 5 Miles
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
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
Bankrate score
3.8
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Capital One
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$200
Rewards rate
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
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: It keeps things simple with its unlimited flat cash back rate on all purchases.
Best for bonus category variety
Bankrate score
4.4
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Discover
's secure site
Intro offer
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
Rewards rate
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.
1% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
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
Bankrate score
5.0
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(740 - 850)
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.
on
Chase
's secure site
Intro offer
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℠.
60,000 bonus points
Rewards rate
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.
1x - 10x
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
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
Bankrate score
4.8
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
American Express
's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Intro offer
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
Rewards rate
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
5X - 5X
Annual fee
$695
APR
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
Bankrate score
5.0
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(740 - 850)
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.
on
Capital One
's secure site
Intro offer
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
Rewards rate
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
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
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
Bankrate score
4.1
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Discover
's secure site
Intro offer
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®
Rewards rate
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.
1.5X
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
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
Bankrate score
4.9
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
American Express
's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Intro offer
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
Rewards rate
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.
1X - 4X
Annual fee
$325
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
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
Bankrate score
4.6
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
on
Discover
's secure site
Balance transfer intro APR
0% for 18 months
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
Rewards rate
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.
1% - 2%
Annual fee
$0
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
Bankrate score
5.0
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.
Bankrate review
No Credit History
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.
on
Discover
's secure site
Intro offer
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.
Cashback Match
Rewards rate
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.
1% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
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.
Bankrate score
4.6
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.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
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.
Intro offer
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Pointsafter 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.
1X - 3X
Annual fee
$150
APR
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
| Card name | Annual fee | Best for | Bankrate review score |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Travel sign-up bonus | 4.9 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Capital One's secure site | |
 | Starter travel card | 4.8 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Chase's secure site | |
 | Travel categories | 4.1 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Bank of America's secure site | |
 | Occasional travelers | 4.1 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Capital One's secure site | |
 | Flat-rate cash back | 3.8 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Capital One's secure site | |
 | Bonus category variety | 4.4 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Discover's secure site | |
 | Luxury perks | 5.0 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Chase's secure site | |
 | Lounge access | 4.8 / 5 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. (Read card review) on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply | |
 | Budget luxury travel | 5.0 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Capital One's secure site | |
 | First-year value | 4.1 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Discover's secure site | |
 | Travel rewards on dining | 4.9 / 5 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. (Read card review) on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply | |
 | Balance transfers | 4.6 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Discover's secure site | |
 | Students | 5.0 / 5 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. (Read card review) on Discover's secure site | |
 | Everyday travel |
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.
Learn more:A guide to foreign transaction fees
Pros and cons of no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards
If you travel overseas or make purchases in foreign currencies, it's worth understanding why a card with no foreign transaction fee might benefit you.
Pros
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.
Cons
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.
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?
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.
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 earnrewards 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
How we assess the best cards with no foreign transaction fee
250+
cards rated
50+
rewards programs valued
5000
data points analyzed
40+
perks evaluated
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.
How we rate 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.
Value65.00%
Flexibility15.00%
Perks15.00%
Customer experience5.00%
* 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.
