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QA: Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees in March 2026: Travel Smarter Worldwide

Holly Johnson, Author at LendingTree

Written by  Holly Johnson

Sarah Fisher, Editor at LendingTree

Edited by  Sarah Fisher

Updated
Many of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us, but this does not influence our recommendations. Read disclosures (opens in a new tab).
Key takeaways
  • The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is our top pick for no foreign transaction fees for several important reasons. It has a lower annual fee than other premium cards with generous perks, and its flexible redemptions for travel help you save on overseas trips.
  • Some of the best travel and rewards credit cards on the market let you make purchases overseas without paying foreign transaction fees.
  • Most credit cards without foreign transaction fees offer generous rewards for spending and sign-up bonuses you can earn in the first few months.
  • Best travel credit card with no foreign transaction fee: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  • Best no foreign transaction fee card for everyday expenses: Citi Strata Premier® Card
  • Best cash back card with no foreign transaction fee: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Best business card with no foreign transaction fee: Capital One Venture X Business
  • Best airline miles card card with no foreign transaction fee: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (see rates & fees)
  • Best hotel rewards card with no foreign transaction fee: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (see rates & fees)
  • Best no foreign transaction fee credit card for paying rent: Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (see Rates & Fees)
  • Best chip-and-pin card with no foreign transaction fees: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
  • Best student credit card with no foreign transaction fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

Compare the 9 best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Methodology: How we chose the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:

We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.

We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.

We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.

Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder’s. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value when choosing the best card for you.

Best no foreign transaction fee cards

Best for travel

Pros
  • Earns 2X - 10X Miles per dollar spent
  • Transfer miles to loyalty programs
  • Airport lounge membership
  • Annual $300 travel credit through Capital One's travel portal and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Limited bonus categories for rewards

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding travel credit cards around. You can stack up miles quickly with its valuable sign-up bonus and solid rewards rate on every purchase. Plus, you can transfer your miles to Capital One’s travel partners (mostly at a 1:1 rate) to get an even better value.

Cardholders also get built-in benefits like airport lounge membership, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, a $300 annual travel credit and more. This card's annual fee is also lower than you'll find with other premium travel credit cards.

  • Average annual value over two years: $2,018*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Excellent
  • Other features: Good

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for everyday rewards

Pros
  • Generous rewards on hotels, car rentals and attractions
  • Other bonus categories focused on more than just travel
  • Generous sign-up bonus
  • 1:1 point transfer to airline and hotel partners
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Limited travel benefits

The Citi Strata Premier® Card is best for everyday rewards due to its broad selection of bonus rewards categories, which include not only travel purchases but also restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging purchases. New cardholders can earn a lucrative sign-up bonus right off the bat, and the card offers a $100 annual hotel credit that applies to single hotel stays of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com.

Rewards earned with this card also come with flexible redemption options. Users can redeem their points for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel and even point transfers to Citi airline and hotel partners.

  • Average annual value over two years: $1,354*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Excellent
  • Other features: Average

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for cash back

Pros
  • Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
  • Generous cash back on dining, groceries and entertainment
  • Intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
  • $0 annual fee
Cons
  • Rewards earning boost on travel only if booked through Capital One
  • Limited travel-related benefits

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers some of the best rewards you can get with a cash back card with no foreign transaction fees, including bonus rewards on restaurants, groceries and entertainment. This makes it a great choice for travel enthusiasts and foodies. It also has one of the best minimum-spend-to-value ratios for welcome bonuses when compared to other cards in this category.

Rewards earned with this card are flexible as well, with users having the option to redeem for cash back, PayPal purchases, shopping on Amazon.com and more.

  • Average annual value over two years: $552*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Excellent
  • Other features: Average

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for business

Pros
  • Earn a large sign-up bonus
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Airport lounge access
  • Simple rewards earning structure
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • High spending required for sign-up bonus
  • Balance must be paid in full each month

From its simple earning rate to its large sign-up bonus, the Capital One Venture X Business offers a great deal of value. Its miles are flexible and valuable, since they can be redeemed for any travel purchase or transferred to more than 20 travel partners. Plus, you’ll get a handful of useful benefits, including complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and free employee cards.

Cardholders also get a $300 annual travel credit to use in Capital One's travel portal, which offsets most of the annual fee.

  • Average annual value over two years: $2,693*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Excellent
  • Other features: Good

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for airlines

Pros
  • Delta Sky Club® access (15 visits per Medallion® Year) and Centurion® Lounge access (must book flight with your card) when you fly Delta
  • TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit (enrollment required)
  • More than $500 in annual statement credits (enrollment required)
  • Includes frequent flyer benefits like free checked bags on Delta flights
Cons
  • $650 annual fee
  • Elevated rewards are only on Delta purchases
  • Limited redemptions for rewards

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the best airline card with no foreign transaction fees because it offers the most value among airline credit cards. You’ll get travel benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags on Delta flights, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® (enrollment required) and more than $500 in annual statement credits (enrollment required). The benefits offered with this card easily make up for the high $650 annual fee.

Plus, you’ll get $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion® Qualification Year and earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar per $10 on purchases to help you reach Medallion® status faster.

  • Average annual value over two years: $1,995*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Average
  • Other features: Excellent

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for hotels

Pros
  • Lucrative welcome offer
  • Up to $300 in statement credits each year for eligible dining purchases (up to $25 per month)
  • Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge membership (enrollment required)
  • Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status
Cons
  • $650 annual fee
  • Limited redemptions for rewards

While the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has a hefty $650 annual fee, cardholders can easily justify this fee with the benefits they receive. Not only does it have up to a $300 annual credit for eligible dining purchases (up to $25 per month), but it comes with Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status, airport lounge membership (enrollment required), a free award night upon card renewal (up to 85,000 points; certain hotels have resort fees), a fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership (enrollment required) and more.

Rewards are also generous for more than just Marriott Bonvoy purchases. On top of the big welcome offer, users can earn bonus rewards at restaurants worldwide and on flights purchased directly with airlines.

  • Average annual value over two years: $1,480*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Fair
  • Other features: Good

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for paying rent

Pros
  • Earn rewards for paying rent (up to 100,000 points per calendar year)
  • Extra rewards on dining and travel
  • Travel insurance coverage
  • Transfer points 1:1 to travel partners
Cons
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Must use the card five times each statement period to earn points
  • Limits on rent payment rewards apply each year

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is a great choice for renters who want to earn rewards on rent payments each month (up to 100,000 points per calendar year) while also paying a $0 annual fee and $0 foreign transaction fees. It’s one of the only cards that allows you to pay rent without charging you a transaction fee. You’ll also earn valuable points in other categories, including dining and travel. Just know that you must use the card five times each statement period to earn points.

This card also offers flexible redemptions for rewards you typically don't see with $0-annual-fee cards. Points can be redeemed for a down payment on a home, point transfers to airlines and hotels, gift cards, merchandise and more.

  • Average annual value over two years: $937*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Good
  • Other features: Average

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for chip-and-pin

PROS

  • Can work as chip-and-PIN card
  • Decent sign-up bonus
  • Intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
  • Preferred Rewards customers can get 25% to 75% earnings boost

CONS

  • Mediocre rewards earning rate
  • Only qualifying Bank of America banking customers get rewards boost

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good basic travel credit card for Bank of America loyalists who want a simple, no-frills card without a lot of fees. With this card, you can request a PIN from Bank of America when you travel to countries that use chip-and-PIN infrastructure. It also offers a solid sign-up bonus, as well as a rewards earning structure that doesn’t require you to keep track of complicated categories.

Still, you should know that its simplicity comes with a downside: You’re unlikely to get rewarded as richly for your spending as you would with a card with bonus categories.

  • Average annual value over two years: $425*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Excellent
  • Other features: Average

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

Best for students

Pros
  • Good sign-up bonus
  • Simple rewards program
  • Intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
  • Can work as chip-and-PIN card
Cons
  • Requires good / excellent credit
  • Can't transfer Bank of America points to outside loyalty programs

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is one of the most rewarding cards for students seeking a travel rewards card with low fees — the card even made our list of best student credit cards. It has a $0 annual fee and allows you to earn rewards for everyday spending.

You should know, however, that the card requires good / excellent credit, so you may want to check your credit score before you apply. Plus, watch out for the high interest after the intro offers end.

  • Average annual value over two years: $425*
  • Flexibility of rewards: Excellent
  • Other features: Average

*Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

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What is a foreign transaction fee?

A foreign transaction fee is a charge that's added by some credit cards to purchases outside the United States. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the total amount charged, and they tend to vary by card issuer.

Note that some credit card issuers, including Capital One and Discover, never charge foreign transaction fees on any of their card products. Many travel credit cards also refrain from charging foreign transaction fees, which means that the bank will cover fees charged by the networks — so you pay zero.

If you’re planning any international trips, make sure you have a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card in your wallet.

Note

Foreign transaction fees might sound small, but they can really add up when tacked onto all of your purchases. Let’s say you go to Paris and spend $5,000 on hotel stays, restaurants, tours and incidentals like bottled water and gum during your trip. If your card charges a standard 3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase, that will add $150 to the cost of your vacation.

What is dynamic currency conversion?

A currency conversion happens when a bank or merchant converts the total of your purchase from local currency to U.S. dollars. The cost to have your credit card company make the conversion is generally included as part of the foreign transaction fee.

When you travel internationally, a merchant may ask if you want to be charged in U.S. dollars. Generally, you should say no. This process, known as dynamic currency conversion, usually comes with a poor exchange rate. Worse, you might still pay a foreign transaction fee if your card charges these fees.

Tip

It’s generally a good idea to make your purchases in the local currency and allow your credit card company to convert your purchase to U.S. dollars. This usually results in a much better exchange rate than allowing a local merchant to make the conversion at the point of sale.

How to choose the best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card

When choosing from the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, you should think about the type of rewards you want to earn and the benefits you want to have. Some credit cards with no foreign transaction fees earn cash back only, whereas others earn flexible rewards for travel. Cards with the most benefits tend to have much higher annual fees, but they can be worth it for frequent travelers who can utilize them.

LendingTree Expert Advice

"When I was living overseas, I wanted a credit card that I could use here, there or anywhere in between. It needed to have no annual fee, since I only used it when traveling, and no foreign transaction fee — otherwise, it didn't make sense to pay to use a card when I could use cash for free. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card caught my eye because it has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, it earned a higher rewards rate than my other card and had a nice sign-up bonus, as well."

Charlotte Zhang

LendingTree credit cards writer

Consider the following factors, and your personal priorities, as you compare credit cards without foreign transaction fees.

A rewards card can help you score points, miles or cash back for a free vacation. The rewards structure will determine how much you can earn and how quickly you can rack up enough cash, points or miles to pay for your next trip.

Consider these factors when choosing a rewards card:

  • Types of rewards: Do you prefer airline miles, cash back or flexible travel points?
  • Types of bonus categories: Look for a card that lets you maximize rewards based on your own spending habits — ideally with higher earnings in categories where you spend more, like grocery stores, restaurants or travel.
  • Redemption options: Pick a card that lets you redeem the rewards in a way that maximizes their value. (Hint: Frequent travelers should choose a card that allows point transfers to travel partners.)

Many travel cards charge an annual fee, but you can find no-annual-fee cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Still, there’s usually a tradeoff: Cards with no annual fee tend to have fewer benefits, though they may be ideal for infrequent travelers. Cards with annual fees tend to be loaded with benefits, so frequent travelers may find the value they get far surpasses the cost.

The right card with travel insurance could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars by offering coverage for common travel debacles, like a trip that gets canceled due to illness or bags that get lost or delayed. No-annual-fee cards tend to lack travel insurance, although there are some exceptions. For example, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® has a $0 annual fee (see Rates & Fees) and comes with trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, an auto rental collision damage waiver and other benefits.

Does the card you’re considering offer free checked bags, priority boarding and other travel benefits? This may make your trip a little more comfortable and save you a considerable amount of money on baggage fees.
Other premium travel benefits you may be eligible for with a credit card include airport lounge access, annual travel credits, fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership and automatic elite status with hotels.

Depending on where you plan to travel, you may want to look for a card that uses chip-and-PIN technology. Some countries use chip-and-PIN infrastructure, so you may have to enter a PIN at the point of sale like you would with a debit card. (Some merchants may still ask you to sign a receipt instead.)

As the United States has a chip-and-signature infrastructure, check your travel destination to make sure your chosen U.S. card will work. You may need to set up a PIN for your U.S. credit card before you travel.

How much are foreign transaction fees on credit cards?

Most credit cards with foreign transaction fees charge an extra 3% on purchases made abroad. This means a $100 purchase at a restaurant in Dubai, UAE or Rome, Italy will set you back $103, and that a week of dining out and shopping in either city for a cost of $5,000 will actually set you back $5,150.

However, credit card fees can vary by card issuer.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 2.7%

Does American Express have foreign transaction fees?
While Amex has many travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, some of its card products do tack on this charge. If their card charges a foreign transaction fee, it is typically 2.7% for each transaction.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 3%

Does Bank of America have foreign transaction fees?
Bank of America credit cards that charge foreign transaction fees charge 3% on overseas purchases. However, you can get a card from Bank of America with no foreign transaction fees.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 3%

Does Barclays have foreign transaction fees?
Most Barclays credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. However, ones that do tack on 3% to foreign purchases.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 0%

Does Capital One have foreign transaction fees?
Capital One credit cards never charge foreign transaction fees.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 3%

Does Chase have foreign transaction fees?
While Chase travel credit cards tend to not have these fees, the issuer's cash back cards do charge 3% for overseas purchases.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 3%

Does Citibank have foreign transaction fees?
Some Citi credit cards charge 3% in foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 0%

Does Discover have foreign transaction fees?
Discover credit cards never charge foreign transaction fees.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 3%

Does U.S. Bank have foreign transaction fees?
U.S. Bank credit cards with foreign transaction fees charge 3%.

Typical foreign transaction fee: 3%

Does Wells Fargo have foreign transaction fees?
Some Wells Fargo cards charge foreign transaction fees that add 3% to overseas transactions.

Tips for using a credit card for international travel

Want to know how to use a credit card abroad without getting blindsided by sneaky international fees? Here are four tips for using credit cards abroad and for saving money when you can’t use your card:

Shop around for the best travel cards

Browse the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees to find the right match based on your style of travel, spending habits and desired perks. Apply for the no-international-fees card at least a month before your trip to make sure it’s in your wallet before you leave.

Get a backup no-international-fees card

Consider getting a backup card that also doesn’t charge international fees. Make sure you get a different type of card: For example, if a Visa is your primary card, get a Mastercard. This could save you if a merchant doesn’t accept a certain type of card or if your main card gets lost or stolen.

Mind your exchange rates

Getting a bad exchange rate can be costly. Make sure merchants charge your card in the local currency so your credit card company can make the currency exchange to U.S. dollars, likely at a better rate. You should also use an app or Google search to make sure you’re getting a good exchange rate before you exchange traveler’s checks or cash.

Plan ahead to avoid international ATM fees

You may need cash if you come across merchants that don’t accept credit cards or have minimum purchase amounts for card use. Consider signing up for an account with a debit card that doesn't charge fees on international ATM withdrawals. An example is the Fidelity Cash Management account, which earns a competitive interest rate with no annual fee and offers unlimited reimbursements on global ATM withdrawals.

Follow these tips for using a credit card for foreign travel, and you should be able to avoid surprise international fees on your bill after your next trip abroad.

Tip

You may be able to request that your issuer waive your foreign transaction fees if you've discovered unexpected charges from a trip abroad. A 2025 LendingTree study found that 55% of requests to waive foreign translation fees were granted.

Alternatives to credit cards when traveling

There are several reasons to use credit for purchases abroad instead of alternatives. The first and most important is the fact that credit cards tend to come with $0 liability policies for fraudulent purchases, which you won't get when you use other forms of payment.

If you still want to use an alternative for overseas travel, consider these options.

Travelers checks

Travelers checks are paper checks with unique serial numbers you can use for overseas purchases. While these checks were once used for international travel quite often, they have become a dinosaur in the international payments space.

You can still use them for some types of purchases abroad, but fees can apply and many hotels and merchants will not accept them.

Debit cards

You can also use a debit card for overseas spending, but you'll want to make sure your card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. You should also know that, if your card or card number is used for fraudulent purchases, you won't get the same protections you get with a credit card.

Cash

Paying for some overseas purchases with cash makes sense whether you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or not. You may need international currency to shop with some street vendors, and you may run into some retailers who only accept cash as well.

Frequently asked questions

Whether debit cards charge foreign transaction fees depends on the bank and issuer. Make sure to read through the cardholder agreement and terms and conditions for your debit card to find out.

Also note that there are several accounts you can sign up for that will give you a debit card with no foreign transaction fees. The Fidelity Cash Management account debit card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees when you use it to pay for purchases in the local currency. It also offers unlimited global ATM fee reimbursements.

Credit cards tend to offer good exchange rates, which is why you should use them to pay for overseas purchases in the local currency instead of in U.S. dollars. Make sure your credit card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees as well.

Capital One and Discover credit cards never charge foreign transaction fees. Other banks offer a combination of cards that may or may not charge these fees.

Banks charge foreign transaction fees in order to recoup the costs involved in currency conversion. Some card issuers waive these fees for cardholders.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Bilt World Elite Mastercard® and Citi Strata Premier® Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

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