The best international credit card without foreign transaction fees depends on which features, benefits, and rewards are most important to you. We have arrived at the best of the lot after accounting for factors such as the credit score you may need to have, annual fees, interest rates, rewards and added perks. Go through more recommendations lower down the page..
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are fairly easy to find. However, not all work equally well for everyone. We’ve reviewed all the leading ones so that you can select one with ease.
Updated: December 5, 2024
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More about cards without foreign transaction fees
What’s common among all no foreign transaction fee credit cards is that they charge no additional fees when you use them to make purchases outside of the U.S. Some charge an annual fee, while others do not. The best ones also offer various travel-specific benefits that make them even better for international use.
Foreign transaction fees require your particular attention if you plan to use your credit card outside of the country. Depending on the card you get, this is typically 3% of each international transaction. As a result, when traveling overseas, it’s best that you use a card with no foreign transaction fee.
Some of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards come with sizable spending- and time-based introductory bonus offers. You might also be able to earn rewards/cash back.
We help you find a suitable no foreign transaction fee card through our selection of the best credit cards on the market as well as various tips.
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Summary | |
---|---|---|---|
$95 | On Issuer's Site | ||
$99 | On Issuer's Site | ||
On Issuer's Site | |||
$95 | On Issuer's Site | ||
$150 | On Issuer's Site | ||
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that | On Issuer's Site | ||
$0 | On Issuer's Site | ||
On Issuer's Site | |||
On Issuer's Site | |||
$525 | On Issuer's Site | ||
$250 | On Issuer's Site | ||
$0 | On Issuer's Site | ||
$0 | On Issuer's Site | ||
On Issuer's Site | |||
On Issuer's Site |
The links in the table above will take you to one of our partner's sites where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.
On This Page:
- Best Travel Reward Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Best Cash Back Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Best Credit Cards for International Students & Study Abroad
- Best Business Credit Cards Without Foreign Transaction Fees
- Tips for Comparing Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Quick Guide to Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees
- How Do Foreign Transaction Fees Work?
- How Much are Foreign Transaction Fees
- Which Credit Card Issuers Charge Foreign Transaction Fees?
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards for 2024
MoneyGeek experts have compared the leading no foreign transaction fees credit cards in the U.S. across parameters such as annual fees, interest rates, rewards and added benefits. If a seemingly great card comes with a possible drawback, we’re quick to highlight it.
Best Travel Reward Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
The best travel rewards cards with no foreign transaction fees are ones that come with multiple travel-specific perks, higher reward earn rates on travel-based spending and generous introductory bonus offers.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card - Ideal for IHG Rewards Club members
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a sizable welcome bonus to cardholders who meet a spend-based requirement. You can also earn 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit by spending $20,000 on purchases every calendar year. After each account anniversary, you receive a free night at IHG hotels worldwide. And when you redeem your points for three reward nights, you get a fourth night for free. You get up to $120 as a statement credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS fees once every four years. Other benefits include baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance. This card charges an annual fee of $99.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card - Great for Delta flyers who don’t want to pay annual fees
This American Express credit card comes with no foreign transaction fee and no annual fee (see rates and fees). If you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months, you earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles. This card offers 2X miles per dollar on purchases made directly with Delta. You earn 2X miles per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide, and on takeout and delivery in the U.S. Plus, you receive 20% back when you use this card for Delta in-flight purchases. It comes with complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance and gives you access to Global Assist Hotline.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - Ideal for earning rewards on everyday purchases
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a limited-time offer of 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year - that's equal to $1,000 in travel. It offers 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases. You get two free visits to Capital One Lounges each year. Cardholders also receive a statement credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fees once every four years, complimentary travel accident insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver. This card charges an annual fee of $95.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card - A good alternative for Hilton Honors members
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card comes with a welcome bonus of 165,000 Hilton Honors points that you may earn by spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months. You earn 12X points per dollar on eligible purchases made at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. A few bonus categories offer 6X points per dollar. All cardholders get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and Priority Pass Select membership with 10 free airport lounge visits each year. If you spend $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you get a free weekend night reward. Car rental loss and damage insurance are also offered. This card charges a $150 annual (see rates and fees).
United Club℠ Infinite Card - Ideal for frequent United Airlines flyers looking at premium benefits
While the United Club℠ Infinite Card comes with a steep annual fee of $525, it offers an array of perks to offset the cost. For starters, it comes with a sizable spend-based welcome bonus. You also get complimentary United Club membership that, among other benefits, gives you and eligible travel companions access to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance-affiliated lounges. Spending on United Airlines purchases earns 4X miles, and you earn 2X miles on other travel purchases. You and a companion traveler benefit by getting two bags checked for free on United-operated flights. You can receive a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS fees once every four years. Other benefits include 25% back on United Airlines in-flight purchases, IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status, premier upgrades on award tickets, auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement and access to Premier Access travel services and Visa Infinite Concierge services.
United Quest℠ Card - Best for frequent United Airlines flyers
The Chase United Quest℠ Card offers new cardholders the option of earning a significant number of bonus points by meeting a spend-based requirement. While you need to pay a $250 annual fee for this card, taking full advantage of the perks offered will help offset that cost. You can receive up to $125 in statement credits for United Airlines purchases every account anniversary. After your first account anniversary, you earn 5,000 miles back after you take a United/United Express-operated award flight booked using miles, up to twice every year. This card offers 3X miles on United Airlines purchases. Other travel purchases earn 2X miles, as do dining purchases and purchases on select streaming services. All other purchases earn *1X miles. You and a companion traveler get two bags checked for free on United-operated flights. Other benefits include 25% back on United in-flight purchases, upgrades on award tickets, priority boarding, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS fee credit, no blackout dates, auto rental collision damage waiver, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi - Perfect for Costco members who don’t want to pay annual fees
You may apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi if you’re a Costco member. You earn 4% cash back on spending, totaling up to $7,000, on eligible gas purchases, including gas at Costco. All other purchases at Costco and Costco.com come with 2% cash back. You receive 3% cash back on eligible travel purchases and at restaurants. And all other purchases earn 1% cash back. This card does not charge any annual fees.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card - Good for frequent Delta flyers who are looking for added benefits
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes with a $350 annual fee (see rates and fees), but it offers various perks to offset the cost. A welcome offer enables you to earn 60,000 bonus miles by spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. You earn 3X miles per dollar on purchases made directly with Delta and hotel purchases made directly with hotels. And spending on dining and supermarkets in the U.S. earns 2X miles per dollar. This card offers a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate each year. You enjoy priority boarding on Delta flights and may also benefit by getting your first bag checked for free. Other benefits include statement credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fees, Delta Sky Club per-visit rate, 20% back on Delta in-flight purchases, car rental loss and damage insurance, trip delay insurance and baggage insurance plan.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Frequent Delta flyers who want to maximize their rewards will benefit from the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, 2x miles on Delta purchases, free checked bags, priority boarding and more—making it ideal for Delta travelers.
- PROS
- High rewards on U.S. dining
- Generous bonus miles offer
- High rewards on Delta flights
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
CONS- High annual fee after the first year
- Limited value if not flying Delta
Introductory Offers
- Earn 10,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles after spending $1,000 in the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn 2X Delta SkyMiles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Delta SkyMiles per dollar on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Receive a 20% savings as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- Pay with Miles: Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed when booking on delta.com.
- No foreign transaction fees.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee. see Rates and Fees
- Terms apply.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers incredible value and convenience for regular travelers and general consumers alike. A key strength is its high earning rate on travel-related expenses, rewarding you with generous miles for hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel. Furthermore, it provides broad earning potential with 2X miles on all other spending. Its sizable welcome offer further elevates its appeal. Flexibile mile redemption options, coupled with travel perks such as an application credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and no foreign transaction fees, make it an excellent companion for your travel and daily spending needs.
- PROS
- Unlimited miles on select travel and everyday expenses
- Generous welcome offer
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application credit
CONS- Annual fee
- Significant spend requirement for welcome offer
- Minimal travel perks
Introductory Offers
- Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, equivalent to $750 in travel.
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
Perks & Benefits
- Miles do not expire for the life of the account, with no earning cap.
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection.
- Use miles to reimburse any travel purchase or book a trip through Capital One Travel.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a fantastic option for travelers, especially those with a penchant for Hilton stays. Imagine walking into a Hilton property and enjoying complimentary upgrades, thanks to the Gold Status that comes with this card. Whether you're dining out stateside or shopping online, you're racking up points at an impressive rate. And for the globetrotters, there's no need to worry about those pesky foreign transaction fees. The card does have an annual fee, and while the perks cater primarily to Hilton enthusiasts, its broad rewards system can offer value to many.
- PROS
- Generous welcome bonus
- Purchases from Hilton get bonus points
- Complimentary Hilton upgrades
- No foreign transaction fees See Rates & Fees
CONS- With annual fee
- Benefits mostly Hilton-centric
Introductory Offers
- Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you spend $3,000 within the first six months. Offer valid until January 8, 2025.
Rewards
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar spent directly with Hilton hotels and resorts.
- Earn 6X points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
- Earn 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases.
- Earn 3X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status.
- Achieve Hilton Honors Diamond Status by spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
- Complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. Enrollment required.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases. See Rates and Fees
- $150 annual fee. See Rates and Fees
- Terms Apply.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Citi's Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers high cash back rates on gas, travel and dining, making it ideal for Costco members who often dine out and go out of town. However, its reward redemption is tied to Costco.
- PROS
- High cash back on gas, travel and dining
- 2% cash back on Costco purchases
- No annual fee
CONS- Limited reward redemption options
- Requires Costco membership
- No 0% intro APR period
Rewards
- Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 each year, then 1% thereafter.
- Get 3% cash back on dining and eligible travel purchases.
- Receive 2% cash back on all purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
- Enjoy 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership.
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases.
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum offers a valuable companion certificate but comes with a $350 annual fee. It's a reliable option for frequent business and leisure travelers who can maximize perks like free checked bags, but it’s considerable to note the lack of lounge access for top-tier Delta travelers who value this perk.
- PROS
- Companion certificate
- Priority boarding and free checked bag
- High rewards on Delta purchases
- Medallion® Qualification Dollar boost
- Generous welcome bonus
CONS- High annual fee
- No introductory APR offer
Introductory Offers
- Earn 60,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn 3X miles on Delta and hotel purchases.
- Earn 2X miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X mile on all other eligible purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Receive a Companion Certificate for a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after card renewal.
- Enjoy a 15% discount on Award Travel when booking Delta flights using miles.
- Check your first bag free on Delta flights.
- Benefit from Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- Receive up to $120 in statement credits annually for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants.
- Earn up to $120 in statement credits annually for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
- Receive a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
- Be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list for eligible ticket holders.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No foreign transaction fees. see Rates and Fees
- $350 annual fee. see Rates and Fees
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Best Cash Back Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
The best cash back cards with no foreign transaction fees include ones that offer high flat cash back rates for all purchases and ones that offer even higher cash back rates on category-based spending. However, you need to account for the annual fee you’ll need to pay as well.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card - Perfect for people who want to earn cash back without paying annual fees
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card does not charge any annual fees. It offers new cardholders an early spend bonus of $250 if they spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Spending at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services earns 3% cash back. Purchases made through Capital One Entertainment come with 8% cash back. An intro 0% APR offer applies on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable apr of 19.74% - 29.74% after that. Cardholders also get complimentary travel accident insurance.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One Savor is one of the best cash back cards with no annual fee. With unlimited 3% cash back on dining, groceries and more, it offers high rewards in popular categories. It’s one of our most recommended cards, thanks to its high-earning potential.
- PROS
- High cash back on dining, groceries and travel
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- $250 intro offer
CONS- Bonus cash back excludes superstores
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Introductory Offers
- For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first three months.
- Rewards
- Earn 3% cash back on grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and streaming services.
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74%–29.74% variable APR after that.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
- Perks and Benefits
- No rotating categories or sign-ups are needed for rewards.
- Cash back rewards do not expire for the life of the account.
- Introductory Offers
Best Credit Cards for International Students & Study Abroad
The best credit cards for international students and study abroad come with no foreign transaction fees. Several top student credit cards offer cash back/rewards. You might also benefit by getting complimentary situation-based insurance coverage.
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students - The Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students charges no annual fees and earns 1% cash back on all purchases. This card offers cell phone protection of up to $600 and a collision damage waiver. International students may apply without Social Security numbers.
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Card - You pay no annual fee toward the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Card. All your purchases come with 1% cash back, which you may increase by a further 0.25% if you make your payments on time.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
This card has no annual fee, provides cell phone protection and offers a solid cash back rate: 1% back on all purchases. Students also receive one year free of Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first three billing cycles — a spending requirement many students will likely find easy to meet if they open this account at the start of a new semester.
Finally, this card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for anyone looking to study abroad.
- PROS
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- You will have complimentary Amazon Prime Student for a year
- Complimentary cell phone protection when you use your card to pay your cell phone bill
- Do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply
- Access to Mastercard Platinum benefits
CONS- High APR on purchases
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, making it easy for students to earn rewards on everyday spending.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Enjoy no annual fee, helping you save money each year.
- Make purchases abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Get one year of Amazon Prime Student, adding value to your online shopping experience.
- Protect your cell phone with coverage up to $600 when you pay your phone bill with your card.
- Benefit from Mastercard Platinum perks, including rental car insurance.
- Use the easy-to-use app to manage your account and pause card access if you misplace it, all on the go.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
This card offers 1% cash back on all your purchases, which may make paying top dollar for those textbooks slightly easier on the wallet. Paying your bill on time boosts that cash back to a total of 1.25% for the month.
This card has zero foreign transaction fees, which is an excellent feature for international students or those who anticipate studying abroad.
- PROS
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases, with a jump to 1.25% cash back when you pay your bills on time.
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
- After six months, Capital One will reexamine your credit profile to see if you are eligible for a higher credit line. This can give students more purchasing power and flexibility without opening another card.
CONS- High APR on purchases
- Lack of robust benefits
- Cardholders receive 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Pay your bill on time and receive a 0.25% cash back bonus on top of that.
- $0 fraud liability policy provides peace of mind.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, which is great for travelers.
- You have unlimited access to CreditWise from Capital One so you can check in on your credit profile at any time.
- There’s no cosigner required, although one may be helpful.
- When making purchases online, you can generate virtual card numbers so that your actual card number is kept private.
Best Business Credit Cards Without Foreign Transaction Fees
The best business cards with no foreign transaction fees are typically ones that are geared for international travel by offering benefits such as access to airport lounges, priority boarding and travel insurance. Several such cards offer rewards/cash back as well.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus - Ideal for business owners who wish to earn cash back on everyday purchases
The pay-in-full Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card charges a $150 annual fee. You earn an early spend bonus of $500 if you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $500 if your spending in the first six months reaches $50,000. Hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel come with 5% cash back. You earn 2% cash back on all other purchases. If you spend $200,000 or more in a year, you receive a $200 bonus. There is no additional fee to receive employee cards, and their spending also earns you cash back. All cardholders get access to complimentary roadside assistance.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card - Good for business owners who wish to earn rewards on everyday purchases
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card offers an early spend bonus of 50,000 miles if you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first three months. This business credit card offers 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases. You may transfer your miles to over 15 travel partners. Cardholders get two free visits to Capital One Lounges per year and a travel credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fees once every four years. You pay no annual fees for the first year and $95 per year after that.
Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus - Perfect for business owners who wish to earn cash back without paying annual fees
With the Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus Card, you can earn a one-time $500 early spend bonus by spending $4,500 on purchases in the first three months. This no-annual-fee business card offers 5% cash back on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel. All other purchases earn 1.5% cash back. Employee cards come at no extra cost. All cardholders get access to roadside assistance.
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card - Ideal for frequent travelers who are Hilton loyalists
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card lets you earn a welcome bonus of 175,000 Hilton Honors points by spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months. It offers up to 12X points per dollar on category-based spending. All cardholders get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. You stand to earn free nights by meeting annual spending requirements. Upon enrolling in the Priority Pass Select Membership program, you get 10 complimentary visits to over 1,200 airport lounges each year. This card comes with a $195 annual fee.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi - Perfect for business owners who are Costco members and don’t want to pay annual fees
You must be a Costco member to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card. It offers 4% cash back on spending of up to $7,000 toward eligible gas purchases worldwide. Using your card for eligible travel purchases and at restaurants comes with 3% cash back. Non-gas purchases at Costco earn 2% cash back. This card doesn’t charge any annual fees.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card - Ideal for business owners who are frequent Delta flyers
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card comes with a welcome offer that lets you earn 60,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) by spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. Purchases you make directly with Delta and hotels come with 3X miles per dollar. Eligible large purchases of over $5,000 earn 1.5X miles per dollar, up to a maximum of 50,000 additional miles per year. And all other purchases earn 1X points per dollar. Cardholders receive a domestic round-trip companion certificate every year. You get Main Cabin 1 priority boarding on Delta flights, and your first bag is checked for free. Added benefits include in-flight savings, Delta Sky Club per-visit rate, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, car rental loss and damage insurance, trip delay insurance and baggage insurance plan. In exchange for all the benefits this card offers, it charges a $250 annual fee.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus Credit Card is a compelling option for business owners due to its robust reward structure. Notably, it provides an above-average cash back rate, bolstered by additional rewards on travel purchases, creating the potential for substantial savings. A generous welcome bonus adds to the allure, although it comes with a high spending requirement. The card's annual fee is waived for high spenders, and it offers a suite of business tools designed to streamline expense management.
- PROS
- High flat-rate cash back on all spending
- Bonus cash back on select travel purchases
- Generous one-time cash bonus
- Comprehensive suite of business tools
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- No option to carry a balance
- Annual fee with lower spending
Introductory Offers
- Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 after spending $30,000 in the first three months.
- Receive an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent in the first year, with no limit on how many times you can earn this bonus.
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with no category restrictions.
- Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy a spending limit that adapts to your business needs, with no preset limit based on your spending behavior and credit profile.
- Empower your team with free employee and virtual cards, and earn rewards from their transactions.
- Automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software.
- Spend $150,000 annually to get your $150 annual fee refunded.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- The Spark Cash Plus card requires you to pay your balance in full each month, as there is no APR.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a highly rewarding card ideal for businesses with a diverse range of expenses, particularly those with frequent travel needs. It offers a substantial welcome bonus and a generous rate of return on spending, transforming business expenses into valuable travel rewards. The card shines with its unparalleled flexibility in redeeming rewards, accommodating multiple travel loyalty programs and providing unrestricted freedom in redemption. Useful business tools, like free employee cards and comprehensive financial summaries, make this card a strategic business asset, although it’s important to mind the above-average APR.
- PROS
- Earn miles on every purchase
- Flexible redemption options
- Application credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
- Useful business tools and free employee cards
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- Annual fee after first year
- High regular APR
- No intro APR offers
Introductory Offers
- Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months.
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere.
- Get unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Perks & Benefits
- Transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services.
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Free employee cards that also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
This card is a great all-round business card, offering a decent flat rate for rewards, a sizable sign up bonus and the convenience of no additional fees for foreign transactions. If you're a small business owner looking for a no-annual-fee cash back card, this deserves a spot on your shortlist.
- PROS
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Bonus cash back on travel booked through Capital One Travel
- Generous sign up bonus
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free employee cards
CONS- Flat-rate cash back could be higher
- No intro APR offer
- No options to redeem points for travel
Introductory Offers
- Earn a $500 bonus after spending $4,500 in the first three months.
Rewards
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel booked through Capital One Travel.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Perks & Benefits
- Free employee cards.
- Track and monitor all cards.
- Access business reporting options, including year-end itemized summaries for taxes and purchase records in multiple formats.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a powerful tool for businesses, particularly those with frequent travel or dining needs. Its standout benefits are the generous welcome offer and robust hotel perks, which include status upgrades and free nights. Its diverse earning categories make accumulating points easy and rewarding, and no foreign transaction fees make it a great companion for international travel. While the value of Hilton Honors points might be lower than some competitors, the card's high earning rates can offset this if they align with your typical business spending. Lastly, its annual fee is modest and can easily be justified considering the rich rewards and perks, delivering both practical value and a touch of luxury for your business.
- PROS
- Attainable welcome offer
- Hotel perks, including status and free nights
- Variety of earning categories
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- Hilton points have a lower value than competitors
- Modest annual fee
Introductory Offers
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Offer valid until January 8, 2025.
Rewards
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
- Earn 5X points on other purchases up to $100,000 each calendar year, and 3X points thereafter.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, with an 80% bonus on base points earned during stays.
- Upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond Status if you spend $40,000 or more in a calendar year.
- Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with Hilton properties.
- Enroll for complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through your American Express online account.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Annual fee of $195 See Rates and Fees
- APR: 20.24% - 29.24% Variable See Rates and Fees
- Terms Apply.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
We recommend the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi for small businesses that are Costco members and are looking for a no-annual-fee card. Category-based spending lets you earn up to 4% cash back. You may redeem the cash back you earn at Costco Warehouses across the U.S. This card also comes with a competitive APR for purchases.
Using this card when traveling outside of the U.S. makes sense as it does not charge any international transaction fees.
Purchases you make using this card receive cover through extended warranty as well as damage and theft purchase protection.
Cardholders may also use the Citi Entertainment and Citi Concierge services to good effect.
- PROS
- Pay no annual fees
- Pay no foreign transaction fees
- Earn 4% cash back on all gas purchases globally for up to $7,000 in spending per year, and 1% thereafter
- Earn 3% cash back when spending at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases globally
- Earn 2% cash back on all non-gas related purchases at Costco and Costco.com
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for cash or merchandise at Costco Warehouses across the U.S. and Puerto Rico
- Competitive APR for purchases
- Fraud early warning to safeguard your account
- Extended warranty and damage and theft purchase protection to safeguard your purchases
- Access to presale tickets and special events via Citi Entertainment
- 24/7 access to Citi Concierge
CONS- Need to be a Costco member to apply
- Cash back provided as an annual credit card reward certificate at the close of the February billing cycle
- Penalty APR applies in cases of returned and late payments
- Cash advance fee
- No complimentary travel coverage
Rewards
- Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 annually, then 1% thereafter.
- Get 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases.
- Enjoy 2% cash back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
- Receive 1% cash back on all other purchases.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership.
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Receive an annual reward certificate redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is best suited for frequent Delta flyers who want to maximize their travel perks and work towards elite status. The card offers a generous intro offer of 70,000 miles, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades and no foreign transaction fees. However, it comes with a steep annual fee of $350.
- PROS
- Companion Certificate each year
- High intro bonus
- Priority boarding and free checked bags
- Purchases count towards Medallion status
CONS- Moderately high annual fee
Introductory Offers
- Earn 70,000 Delta SkyMiles after spending $6,000 in the first six months with your new card.
Rewards
- Earn 1.5X miles on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, as well as on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after card renewal, with applicable taxes and fees.
- Save 15% on Award Travel when using miles on Delta flights booked through delta.com and the Fly Delta app.
- Receive up to $10 back each month on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases.
- Board early with Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- Get an annual statement credit of up to $200 for prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Access the Complimentary Upgrade list for eligible ticket holders who are not Medallion Members.
- Benefit from a $120 Resy Credit, earning up to $10 per month on eligible Resy purchases.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Annual fee of 20.24% - 29.24%. See Rates and Fees
- Terms Apply.
Quick Tips for Comparing Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Different aspects require your attention when comparing credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
- Credit needed: People with good to excellent credit are able to choose from several no international fee credit cards. If you have fair credit, you still have a few options. Some student credit cards come with no foreign transaction fees. If you have poor credit, you may want to consider getting a secured credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Annual fee: While it’s common for airline and hotel travel rewards cards to charge annual fees, you may still find a number of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and no annual fees. If you plan to get a card with an annual fee, determine if the rewards you earn and the benefits you stand to enjoy will outweigh the cost of the card.
- Interest rates: You’ll want to pay particular attention to the annual percentage rate (APR) that comes with a credit card if you plan to carry a balance from one billing cycle to the next.
- Rewards/cash back: Many no foreign transaction fee cards offer rewards/cash back. While some cards offer flat earn rates across all spending, others offer higher earn rates on category-based spending. The latter might be beneficial if you spend more on any particular category such as travel, dining, gas or groceries.
- Introductory offers: Introductory offers typically require you to spend at least a minimum amount within a given time frame to earn a bonus that may come in the form of points, cash back or miles. For example, a card might offer $250 as cash back if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months.
- Added benefits: People who plan to use their cards internationally may benefit by looking for travel-related benefits such as complimentary insurance coverage, priority boarding, airport lounge access and seat upgrades. Other benefits may come in the form of statement credits, extended warranty and $0 fraud liability.
Other Cards to Consider
MoneyGeek’s Quick Guide to Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees
When you use a credit card issued in the U.S. outside of the country, you might need to pay a foreign transaction fee of around 3%. Cards that charge this fee apply it to every international transaction. As a result, if you plan to use a credit card outside of the U.S., it makes sense to travel with one that does not charge any foreign transaction fees.
Foreign transaction fees come as fixed percentages. This implies that no matter the size of your transaction, you’ll need to pay a fixed percentage of the transaction amount as fees.
How Do Foreign Transaction Fees Work?
Foreign transaction fees typically consist of two parts — network fees and issuing bank fees. Credit card networks charge the former, whereas a card’s issuer charges the latter. Cards with no foreign transaction fees are ones where issuers absorb the network fees. The foreign transaction fee that you see in your card’s Terms and Conditions under the Fees section includes both and is denoted as a percentage.
How Much Are Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees are typically around 3%, but some card issuers may charge more or less. What this essentially means is that you’ll end up paying around $3 per $100 you spend on international transactions.
This fee might also apply if you make purchases through international websites that use foreign banks or institutions as payment processors.
Foreign purchase price x 0.03 = Fee amount
Foreign purchase price + Fee amount = Cost of foreign purchase
Foreign purchase in dollars | +3% fee |
---|---|
$20 | $20.60 |
$50 | $51.50 |
$100 | $103 |
$500 | $515 |
Which Credit Card Issuers Charge Foreign Transaction Fees?
Most credit card providers charge foreign transaction fees with a few or more of their cards. Capital One is one bank that does not charge any fees when you use its credit cards for foreign currency transactions.
Credit Card Issuer | Standard Foreign Transaction Fee | Cards Without Foreign Transaction Fees |
---|---|---|
American Express | 2.70% |
|
Barclaycard/Luxury Card | 0% |
|
Chase | 3% |
|
Citi | 3% | Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Citi Premier® Card, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card Business, United℠ Business Card, United Club℠ Infinite Card, United Explorer Card, United Gateway Card, IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® |
Capital One | 0% |
|
U.S. Bank | 2% - 3% |
|
Wells Fargo | 3% |
|
Who Should Consider a Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees?
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees may come in handy under different scenarios:
- Studying abroad: American students who plan to study in other countries may benefit by using such cards. A number of student credit cards come with rewards/cash back too.
- Vacationing internationally: Getting a travel rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees is the way to go if you vacation outside of the U.S. frequently.
- Shopping from international websites: You might end up paying foreign transaction fees without leaving the country if you shop through websites based outside of the U.S. In this case, using a card with no foreign transaction fees might be in your best interest.
- Doing business globally: If you or your employees need to travel internationally for business purposes, getting a business credit card without foreign transaction fees may lead to noticeable savings, all the more so if it comes with rewards/cash back.
How to Prepare for Foreign Travel
Traveling overseas requires paying attention to different factors, one of which includes how you plan to use your money. Fortunately, following a few simple measures can help minimize the possibility of things going wrong while you’re away.
- Inform your card provider: Your card provider might decline an out-of-the-blue international transaction on account of it being possibly fraudulent. To ensure this does not happen, inform your card provider about your plan to use your card outside of the country in advance.
- Carry more than one card: Carrying more than one card when overseas is a good idea because there’s no telling when you might face declined transactions. Besides, carrying multiple cards gives you the ability to maximize your reward-earning potential through category-based spending. Remember that while cards from Visa and Mastercard find widespread acceptance outside of the U.S., the same is not the case with American Express and Discover cards.
- Use no foreign transaction fee cards: Unless you want to pay around 3% of each international transaction as additional fees, using a no foreign transaction fee card is the way to go.
- Check the protection your cards offer: Check which of your cards offer protection in the form of accident insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay coverage and lost baggage insurance. Remember that you might need to use the card in question to book your flight tickets to take advantage of these benefits.
- Carry cash: Several merchants worldwide do not accept credit cards, all the more so in remote locations. In Europe, cash transactions still account for a significant percentage of all monetary transactions. According to a 2020 study carried out by the European Central Bank, cash payments accounted for 73% of the total volume of point-of-sale (POS) and peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions across 17 euro area countries in 2019.
How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
You may avoid paying foreign transaction fees by:
- Using the right credit cards: These include ones that come without overseas transaction fees.
- Paying in local currencies: When presented with the option of paying in the local currency or U.S. dollars, opt for the former. This is because local merchants and ATM operators that let you transact in U.S. dollars add built-in conversion fee markups that are typically higher than those charged by payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
- Using traveler’s checks: Traveler’s checks give you a secure way to take your money with you, and you might not have to pay any fees if you get them through your bank. However, not many merchants accept them anymore.
- Exchanging currency before you leave: You might be able to get a better deal when buying foreign currency through your bank before leaving than at an airport, your hotel, or a currency exchange center in a foreign country.
- Avoiding using ATMs: Using ATMs outside of the country tends to come with additional fees. If you’re unable to find partner ATM networks you may use for free, consider limiting the number of ATM transactions you carry out.
- Paying with cash: Using the local currency you have is a surefire way of avoiding overseas transaction fees. Paying in cash also provides opportunities to haggle on prices with local vendors, which can offer even more savings.
How We Rank No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Our lists of the best credit cards are based on publicly available data from card issuers and other reputable sources like the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. We review each card's fees, interest rates, rewards, benefits and more to assign a rating for each feature. These ratings are stack ranked and weighted for each card category to determine our top selections for each type of user. Because card details change regularly, we revisit our data each month to update our ratings, recommendations and other card information as needed. Learn more about our data collection and ranking process.
Top Rating Criteria for No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
APR
Rewards Rate
Annual Fee
FAQs About No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Learning the answers to other commonly asked questions about credit cards with no foreign transaction fees will help when comparing your options and choosing a card.
Which credit card is best for foreign transactions?
Any credit card with no foreign transaction fee is good for use outside of the country. However, the credit card that is best for foreign transactions depends on your specific spending patterns and requirements. For instance, if you’re a frequent traveler, your best bet would be getting a travel rewards card with no foreign transaction fees.
Why do banks charge foreign transaction fees?
Credit card providers originally charged foreign transaction fees to offset the costs involved in settling cross-border payments and to minimize risks owing to exchange rate fluctuations. Technological advancements in the global banking system have led to addressing most such concerns, but some credit card issuers continue charging this fee. Other than the issuing bank’s fee, foreign transaction fees also include fees charged by payment networks.
Are foreign transaction fees bad?
Given that you might need to pay about 3% of each international transaction as foreign transaction fees and that you can find several cards that do away with this fee, it is safe to say that foreign transaction fees are bad.
Are foreign transaction fees refunded?
No. You cannot expect a refund of the foreign transaction fees you pay.
Are foreign transaction fees tax deductible?
If you make a business-related purchase, you may deduct its corresponding foreign transaction fee as a business expense. This is not the case with foreign transaction fees incurred on personal expenses.
Do foreign transaction fees apply online?
If a website based outside of the U.S. relies on an international bank or institution for processing your payment, you might need to pay a foreign transaction fee.
Is it cheaper to use a credit card or cash abroad?
If your credit card comes with no foreign transaction fees and lets you earn cash back or rewards, using it might be more cost-effective than using cash. Irrespective of whether you use your credit card in a foreign country or exchange U.S. dollars for local currencies, you will need to bear currency conversion fees at some stage.
Are there foreign transaction fees on debit cards?
Much like credit cards, debit cards may come with foreign transaction fees. However, there are banks in the U.S. that provide debit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
How do you pay foreign transaction fees?
Your credit card’s issuer charges transaction-based foreign transaction fees. All the fees you incur during one billing cycle reflect on your next credit card statement and add to your total outstanding amount. Depending on how you make payments toward your credit card, you may pay any amount ranging from the minimum monthly due to the entire outstanding amount.
Since there is no single best international credit card, consider selecting one from the array of great rewards, cash back, travel and student credit cards that we’ve determined are among the best through meticulous research.
Next Steps
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.
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.
The Capital One Journey Student Rewards Credit Card is no longer available.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Capital One. "General credit card questions." Accessed December 5, 2024.
- European Central Bank. "Study on the payment attitudes of consumers in the euro area (SPACE)." Accessed December 5, 2024.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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