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Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees of December 2024

Updated November 25, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure: The listings that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which Bankrate receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's an explanation for and how we rate our cards.

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Showing 16 results

Best starter travel card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.8
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

Intro offer

60,000 bonus points

Rewards rate

1x - 5x

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

20.99% - 27.99% 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 sign-up bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.9
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

75,000 miles

Rewards rate

2 Miles - 5 Miles

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.74% (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.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Best for online shopping

Prime Visa

Bankrate score

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4.2
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Amazon's secure site

Intro offer

Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card

Rewards rate

1% - 10%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99% - 28.74% Variable

Why you'll like this: It boasts a best-in-class rewards rate on local and global purchases on Amazon.com. It’s also offering a terrific sign-up bonus at the moment.

Best for budget luxury travel

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Bankrate score

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5.0
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(740 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

75,000 miles

Rewards rate

2 Miles - 10 Miles

Annual fee

$395

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.74% (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 rewards on rent

Bilt Mastercard®

Bankrate score

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4.0
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Bilt's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards Rate

1X Points - 3X Points

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

See Terms

Why you'll like this: This card lets you earn rewards on your rent payments.

Best for flexible travel redemption

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Bankrate score

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4.2
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Bank of America's secure site

Intro offer

25,000 points

Rewards rate

1.5X

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.74% - 28.74% 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

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.1
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

20,000 miles

Rewards rate

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.74% - 29.74% (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

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bankrate score

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3.8
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

$200

Rewards rate

1.5% - 5%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)

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

Best for luxury perks

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
5.0
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(740 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

Intro offer

60,000 bonus points

Rewards rate

1x - 10x

Annual fee

$550

Regular APR

21.99% - 28.99% 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 bonus category variety

Discover it® Cash Back

Bankrate score

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4.4
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Discover's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Rewards rate

1% - 5%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.74% - 27.74% 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 lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.8
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 points

Rewards rate

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 low rates and fees

Discover it® Miles

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
3.9
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Discover's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

Discover Match®

Rewards rate

1.5X

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.74% - 27.74% 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

American Express® Gold Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.9
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

60,000 points

Rewards rate

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 students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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5.0
Bankrate review
No Credit History
Apply nowLock

on Discover's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Rewards rate

1% - 5%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

17.74% - 26.74% 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 balance transfers

Discover it® Chrome

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.0
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on Discover's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Balance transfer intro APR

0% for 18 months

Regular APR

18.74% - 27.74% Variable APR

Rewards rate

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 everyday travel

American Express Green Card®

American Express Green Card®

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.6
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)

Intro offer

Earn 40,000 points

Rewards Rate

1X - 3X

Annual fee

$150

APR

20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)

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

compare
Compare

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

Card name Annual fee Best for Bankrate review score
$95

Starter travel card

4.8 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Chase's secure site
$95

Travel sign-up bonus

4.9 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital One's secure site
$0

Online shopping

4.2 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Amazon's secure site
$395

Budget luxury travel

5.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital One's secure site
$0

Rewards on rent 

4.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Bilt's secure site
$0

Flexible travel redemption

4.2 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Bank of America's secure site
$0

Occasional travelers

4.1 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital One's secure site
$0

Flat-rate cash back

3.8 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Capital One's secure site
$550

Luxury perks

5.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Chase's secure site
$0

Bonus category variety

4.4 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Discover's secure site
$695

Lounge access

4.8 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
$0

 Low rates and fees

3.9 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Discover's secure site
$325

Travel rewards on dining

4.9 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
$0

Students

5.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Discover's secure site
$0
Balance transfers

4.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on Discover's secure site
Image of American Express Green Card®
American Express Green Card®
$150
Everyday travel

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, which can go as high as 5 percent on some cards. Considering these fees could easily eat through many cards’ rewards rates, a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card could be a big help if you often use your card abroad or make other purchases that could charge foreign transaction fees. Travel rewards cards are naturally the most common type of no-foreign-transaction-fee card, but some issuers offer cash back, credit-building and other cards without these fees.

Expert advice for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

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

Tips for maximizing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

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.

  • Credit Card Balance Transfer Icon

    Have a mix of credit cards

    Not every credit card may work in every country depending on the card network, so it’s wise to have at least two no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards from different networks. 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.

  • Remove Card Icon

    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. 

  • Lock Secure Icon

    Use your digital 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 that verifies your card once inserted into a reader. This card security method is more common internationally than the typical “chip and signature” method in the U.S. However, digital 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?


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 credit 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

*See Rates & Fees for Capital One Savor 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 credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

How we assess the best cards with no foreign transaction fees

Checkmark Icon
250+
cards rated
Rewards Icon
50+
rewards programs valued
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5000
data points analyzed
Congrats Icon
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
  • Value 65.00%
  • Flexibility 15.00%
  • Perks 15.00%
  • Customer experience 5.00%