If you travel internationally with any frequency, getting a card with no foreign transaction fees is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your rewards. Foreign transaction fees typically run around 3% of every purchase, which can quickly eat up more than you are earning in points or cash back. The good news is that there is a wide range of excellent no-foreign-transaction-fee cards, from no annual fee options to premium travel cards, all of which can serve you well abroad.
In this post I want to look at the best personal credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Beyond just avoiding the fee, I will focus on cards that have strong bonus categories and perks that make sense for international spending specifically.
Compare credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn over $1,000 in travel bonuses
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check Credit
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $300 to use on hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that's more than $1,000 in travel value
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $300 to use on hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s more than $1,000 in travel value
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Earn 100,000 bonus points
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
- 3x points on Dining
- $300 Annual Travel Credit
Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
- Member FDIC
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 75,000 bonus points
- 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining
- 2x points on travel purchases
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x on dining
- 3x on vacation homes
- 3x on gas & EV charging
- 3x on top streaming services
- 3x on online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
- 2x on all other travel purchases
- 1x on all other purchases
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation and more
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for 12 months when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Member FDIC
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
- Earn 2x miles per dollar on every purchase
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more-you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Citi Strata Premier® Card
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after qualifying purchases
- Earn 3x Points on Airfare
- Earn 3x Points on Hotels
- Earn 3x Points at Restaurants
Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
- Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles
- Earn unlimited 1.25x miles per dollar on every purchase
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- No Annual Fee
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Bilt Palladium Card
50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status offer
- 2X points on everyday purchases
- Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit
Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, and 2X points on everyday spend.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.
- Earn additional points through Bilt Neighborhood Benefits™ when you use your card at Bilt's network of 50,000+ merchant partners.
Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash. Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
$200 cash bonus
- Earn 3% cash back on dining
- Earn 3% cash back on groceries
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
What to look for in a card for international spending
Not all no-foreign-transaction-fee cards are created equal. Here is what I look for when evaluating cards specifically for use abroad.
- Bonus categories that match how you actually spend abroad; most international travel spending falls in dining and travel, so cards with global bonuses in those categories are particularly valuable
- Wide card acceptance globally; Visa and Mastercard have the best international acceptance, while American Express acceptance, though improving, can still be inconsistent at smaller merchants in some countries
- Travel perks like airport lounge access, trip cancellation insurance, and primary rental car coverage, which become especially relevant when you are on the road
- An annual fee that is justified by the card’s benefits; there are strong options at every price point, including no annual fee
One other thing worth mentioning regardless of which card you use abroad: always pay in the local currency when given the choice. Dynamic currency conversion, where a merchant converts the charge to U.S. dollars at the point of sale, almost always results in a worse exchange rate than your card issuer would apply. Paying in local currency is essentially always the right move.
Best no foreign transaction fee cards
Here is a look at the cards I consider to be the best for international spending.
Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card
The Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite is, without question, the best card for purchases abroad right now. The card earns 3x Atmos Rewards points on all foreign currency purchases, which the card defines broadly: any purchase made in a foreign currency, and any purchase made in U.S. dollars if the transaction is made or processed outside the United States. That means the 3x rate applies across every spending category when you are traveling internationally, not just dining or travel. I value Atmos Rewards points at 1.5 cents each, making that a 4.5% return on all foreign spending.
Welcome bonus
The card currently has a two-part limited-time bonus where you’ll receive 70,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award with this offer. To qualify, spend $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
I value the 70,000 points at about $1,050, and the Global Companion Award enables a companion to fly on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines for a nominal fee.
Rewards structure
- 3x Atmos Rewards points on all foreign purchases, including any purchase made in a foreign currency or processed outside the U.S.
- 3x Atmos Rewards points on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases and on dining worldwide
- 1x Atmos Rewards points on all other eligible purchases
The Atmos Rewards Summit is the best card for international spending available. Earning 3x on every foreign purchase regardless of category is simply unmatched, and the annual Global Companion Award alone can justify the annual fee many times over for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flyers.
Link: Learn more about the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best mid-range travel cards for international spending. It earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points on dining and 2x on travel, both globally and with no foreign transaction fees. I value Ultimate Rewards points at 1.7 cents each, making those 3x dining and 2x travel equivalent to 5.1% and 3.4% returns respectively. For most travelers, dining and travel together cover a huge proportion of what they spend abroad.
Welcome bonus
The card is offering a bonus of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 within the first three months. I value that at approximately $1,275.
Rewards structure
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points on dining globally
- 2x Ultimate Rewards points on travel globally; the travel category is broad, covering hotels, flights, rental cars, trains, taxis, rideshare, and more
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points on online groceries and streaming services
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points on gas & EV charging
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points on select vacation rentals (including Airbnb, VRBO, and more)
- 5x Ultimate Rewards points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
For most travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best mid-range card for international spending. The 3x on dining and 2x on broad travel cover the vast majority of international expenses.
Link: Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Capital One Venture X
The Capital One Venture X is the best card for non-bonused spending abroad. It earns 2x Capital One miles on every single purchase with no exceptions, no caps, and no foreign transaction fees. I value Capital One miles at 1.7 cents each, making that 2x equivalent to a 3.4% return on everything. For spending that does not fall into a bonus category on other cards, the Venture X is essentially unbeatable.
Welcome bonus
The card is offering 75,000 Capital One miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months. I value that at approximately $1,275.
Rewards structure
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles on all other eligible purchases
The Capital One Venture X is the best premium card for non-bonused international spending, and for many travelers it is the right card to put all their overseas purchases on that do not fall into a more specific bonus category elsewhere. The near-net-zero annual fee and lounge access make it a compelling premium card to have regardless.
Link: Learn more about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Bilt Palladium Card
The Bilt Palladium Card earns 2x Bilt Rewards points on all purchases with no foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees). Bilt points are among the most valuable points currencies available, with transfer partners that include Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and World of Hyatt, two of the best redemption programs in the industry. For travelers who prioritize those partners, the Palladium Card is a strong option for international spending.
Welcome bonus
The card offers 50,000 Bilt points, Gold elite status with a partner program, and $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval. (Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year)
Rewards structure
- 2x Bilt Rewards points on all purchases with no caps
- Housing rewards through Bilt Cash, allowing you to earn on rent payments and apply rewards toward a future home purchase
The Bilt Palladium Card is best suited for renters and travelers who specifically want access to Alaska Mileage Plan and World of Hyatt as transfer partners. The 2x earn rate on all purchases globally with no foreign transaction fees is solid, and the unique transfer partner access makes the card especially compelling for the right person.
Link: Apply for a Bilt credit card (Rates & Fees)
Citi Strata Premier® Card
The Citi Strata Premier earns 3x ThankYou points on dining, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging, airfare, and hotels, all globally with no foreign transaction fees. I value ThankYou points at 1.7 cents each, making that 3x equivalent to a 5.1% return across all five categories. What makes this card particularly valuable for international spending is that most of those categories apply worldwide, not just in the U.S. Earning 3x on groceries and gas abroad is something very few cards offer.
Welcome bonus
The card offers 60,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. I value that at approximately $1,020.
Rewards structure
- 3x ThankYou points on dining, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging, airfare, and hotels, all globally with no caps
- 10x ThankYou points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
The Citi Strata Premier is the best mid-range card for international spending across the broadest range of categories. The 3x on groceries and gas globally is genuinely unusual, and the exclusive AAdvantage transfer access makes it a card worth having alongside any other travel cards you carry.
Link: Learn more about the Citi Strata Premier® Card
Capital One Savor Card
The no annual fee Capital One Savor is the best no annual fee card for international spending. It earns 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores, entertainment, and popular streaming services globally, with no caps and no foreign transaction fees. For a card fee-free, the combination of a global grocery and dining bonus with no foreign transaction fees is exceptional, and there is really nothing else in the no annual fee space that competes with it for international use.
Welcome bonus
The card offers $200 cash back after spending just $500 within the first three months.
Rewards structure
- 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores, entertainment, and popular streaming services globally, all with no caps
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The Capital One Savor is the best no annual fee card for international spending. It earns 3% on dining and groceries globally with no caps and no foreign transaction fees, and the option to convert rewards into Capital One miles with the Venture X adds a compelling travel rewards angle. For travelers who want a free card that performs well abroad, there is nothing better.
Link: Learn more about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Things to know about foreign transaction fee cards
Match your card to how you actually spend abroad
The most important thing is picking a card whose bonus categories align with your actual spending patterns internationally. If you primarily dine out when traveling, the Sapphire Preferred at 3x on dining and the Strata Premier at 3x on dining are both excellent. If your spending is more spread out and you want a strong floor across everything, the Atmos Rewards Summit at 3x on all foreign purchases is uniquely powerful.
Consider card acceptance in your destination
Visa and Mastercard have the best international acceptance by a wide margin. American Express acceptance has improved considerably in major cities and tourist destinations worldwide, but can still be inconsistent at smaller merchants, local restaurants, and rural areas in many countries. If you are headed somewhere with less predictable card acceptance, having a Visa or Mastercard as a backup is worth planning for.
These cards can work well together
None of the cards on this list are mutually exclusive, and for frequent international travelers, carrying two or three complementary cards makes sense. The Atmos Rewards Summit can simplify this entire equation for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines loyalists by earning 3x on everything abroad with a single card.
Always pay in local currency
This deserves repeating: whenever a merchant or ATM abroad offers to charge you in U.S. dollars rather than the local currency, always choose the local currency. Dynamic currency conversion consistently applies unfavorable exchange rates, often adding 3% or more to the transaction. Your card issuer’s exchange rate will almost always be better. This applies to every card on this list and is one of the simplest ways to make sure your no-foreign-transaction-fee card is actually working in your favor.
Bottom line
If you travel internationally at all, getting a card with no foreign transaction fees is a must. Paying 3% on every foreign purchase to a card issuer while earning points at the same time is one of the quickest ways to undermine your rewards strategy.
The best card for you depends on how you spend abroad and what you want to earn. The Atmos Rewards Summit stands apart for earning 3x on all foreign purchases without exception, making it the best single card for international spending available. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi Strata Premier are the best mid-range options for travelers who want strong category bonuses and access to valuable transfer partners for under $100 per year. The Capital One Venture X is the best premium card for non-bonused spending and lounge access. And the Capital One Savor is the best no annual fee option for international dining and grocery spending by a wide margin.
Do not just pick any card with no foreign transaction fees. Pick one whose rewards structure actually fits how you travel and spend.
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