Top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for 2024

This series of articles on credit cards, travel rewards, and budgeting for trips is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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Travel far and wide, but don't venture too far without the right credit card. As you prepare for your next international adventure, one cost you can easily sidestep with the right card is foreign transaction fees.

Certain credit cards can charge up to a 3% fee on purchases made abroad. While this might seem trivial, it can quickly add up and impact your travel budget as costs for meals, activities, and hotels abroad accumulate. Why waste an extra $30 in fees for every $1,000 spent on travel when that money could enhance your experience with a nicer room or a great dinner?

Whether you're a seasoned traveler, an international business professional, or someone who loves shopping from overseas retailers, selecting the right credit card can lead to savings and added convenience. While numerous credit cards eliminate foreign transaction fees, there are several factors to weigh when selecting a card, such as generous rewards for overseas spending, a reasonable annual fee, and additional perks that can help you save while traveling. Continue reading for our top recommendations for the best credit cards without international fees.

• Top choice for 2024: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Best for maximizing rewards: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best for cash back: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best for travel benefits: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best for business needs: Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

• Best with no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

• Best for students: Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best for dining overseas: American Express® Gold Card

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The top overall choice for 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is frequently regarded as one of the best credit cards for traveling internationally, and with good reason. It provides an attractive mix of travel perks and rewards, making it a preferred option for travelers. Notably, the card does not charge foreign transaction fees, allowing cardholders to shop abroad without additional costs.

The Sapphire Preferred features one of the premier rewards programs for beginning your journey with points and miles. Cardholders can earn valuable points on travel and dining expenses, which are transferable to 14 different airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering excellent flexibility and value when booking international travel and accommodations.

This card also includes important travel protection features, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary rental car coverage for both domestic and international rentals.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. This equates to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel bookings eligible for the $50 Annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit); 3X points on dining at restaurants, which includes eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining in; 3X points on online grocery shopping; 3X points on select streaming services; 2X points on other travel; 1X on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy an annual $50 Chase Travel℠ hotel credit and a complimentary 4th night at Ennismore Hotel properties. Additional benefits include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, primary rental car collision damage waiver, and travel and emergency assistance services.

Required credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95.

Advantages

• No foreign transaction fees on purchases made overseas.

• Comprehensive travel protections and benefits applicable to international trips.

• Moderate annual fee.

• A leading rewards program that provides versatile options for earning and redeeming points.

Disadvantages

• $95 annual fee.

• Approval is contingent upon Chase’s 5/24 rule; applicants who have opened five or more new credit cards from any issuer in the last 24 months will not be approved by Chase.

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for high rewards

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the ideal choice for travelers who want significant benefits without the burden of international fees. This card eliminates foreign transaction fees and offers a $300 annual travel credit to help offset the $395 annual fee, which can be used for travel bookings through the Capital One Travel portal.

What truly distinguishes the Venture X card is its outstanding rewards program. Cardholders can earn up to 10X miles on travel purchases, making it simple to gather rewards for your next international adventure. These miles can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights, hotel stays, and rental cars at a value of 1 cent each. Plus, points can be transferred to 18 airline and hotel partners.

Moreover, the card provides a credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fees, access to airport lounges, and essential travel protections. You can also benefit from a complimentary 6-month Cultivist membership, which grants free entry to prestigious museums such as the Royal Academy of Arts, the Picasso Museum in Paris, and the Natural History Museum in Venice.

Welcome bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months after account opening.

Rewards: Earn 10 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; and 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: An annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel; 10,000 bonus miles awarded every card anniversary; membership access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Select; Hertz President’s Circle status; up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years; a complimentary PRIOR subscription; a 6-month Cultivist membership; $300 credit towards a Gravity Haus social club membership; exclusive discounts and perks with Premier Collection hotels; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; reimbursement for trip delays; travel accident insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; and travel and emergency assistance services. The primary rental car collision damage waiver covers the vehicle's full cash value.

Credit score: Excellent.

Annual fee: $395.

Pros

• No foreign transaction fees.

• High potential for rewards, particularly in the travel category.

• Significant travel-related benefits.

Cons

• The $395 annual fee may seem high for some, but the card's benefits offer significant value in return.

• Capital One checks your credit with all three major credit bureaus.

• There are no domestic airline transfer partners available.

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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Top choice for cash back rewards

For those seeking a cash-back card with minimal fees, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out as a fantastic choice. This card not only eliminates foreign transaction fees but also has no annual fee. Cardholders can earn an impressive 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel, making it an attractive option for international travel.

Welcome bonus: Receive $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery purchases, plus 1% on all other transactions. Additionally, enjoy 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% cash back on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel.

Travel benefits: No foreign transaction fees; travel accident insurance; exclusive booking options through Capital One Dining.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0.

Pros

• No annual fees or foreign transaction charges.

• Cash-back rewards are simpler to redeem compared to points and miles.

• Generous rewards on international travel bookings made through Capital One.

Cons

• Travel benefits are limited, offering primarily travel accident insurance.

• Welcome bonus is relatively low.

• Rewards rate on non-Capital One Travel purchases is minimal.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Ideal for travel protections

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is highly regarded as the ultimate choice for travelers looking for extensive travel protections. Notable features include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage coverage, and primary rental car insurance for both domestic and international rentals. Additionally, there are no foreign transaction fees, ensuring convenience and cost savings while traveling abroad.

This card offers the same rewards structure as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, but with a key advantage: Points redeemed through Chase Travel℠ are valued at 1.5 cents each instead of 1.25 cents.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account. This amounts to $900 for travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when booking through Chase Travel℠, applicable after spending the first $300 on travel purchases each year. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining, plus 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy up to $300 in annual travel statement credits; Priority Pass Select membership; application fee reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS every four years; travel protections that include cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance (up to $75,000 both in the U.S. and abroad), and lost luggage reimbursement.

Credit score required: Excellent.

Annual fee: $550.

Pros

• No foreign transaction fees.

• Outstanding rewards program with enhanced redemption rates via Chase Travel℠.

• Exclusive travel benefits.

Cons

• Annual fee is quite high.

• Significant spending threshold to earn the welcome bonus.

• Application approval is governed by Chase’s 5/24 rule; applicants with five or more new credit cards from any issuer in the last 24 months will not be approved.

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Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Ideal for business

The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is perfect for business travelers aiming to sidestep international fees. In addition to its no-foreign-transaction-fee policy, this card provides extensive travel benefits specifically designed for business needs, such as primary rental car insurance and coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions.

Cardholders enjoy substantial rewards on business expenses, particularly travel. Points are valued at 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel^SM.

Welcome bonus: Receive 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. This translates to $900 in cash back or $1,125 for travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined spending across travel, shipping, and advertising purchases made through social media and search engines, as well as on internet, cable, and phone services; enjoy 5x points on Lyft rides until March 2025; plus, earn unlimited 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions; roadside assistance; primary auto rental collision damage waiver for business rentals; points are worth 25% more when redeemed via the Chase Travel℠ portal; includes cell phone protection.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95.

Pros

• Attractive welcome bonus.

• Manageable annual fee.

• Excellent rewards on business-related purchases.

Cons

• $95 annual fee.

• Primary rental car coverage is limited to rentals for business use only.

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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Ideal for no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card features no annual or international fees, making it a top choice for travel credit card enthusiasts. Its notable benefits include primary rental car insurance overseas and substantial rewards on travel expenses. Such advantages are uncommon for no-annual-fee cards, positioning the Wells Fargo Autograph as a smart option.

Limited time offer: Receive 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening – that equates to a $300 cash redemption value.

Rewards: Accumulate 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, gas, dining, transit, and select streaming services; 1 point on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: No foreign transaction fees; assistance with travel and emergency services; primary auto rental collision damage waiver while abroad, secondary coverage in the U.S.; up to $600 annually in cell phone protection.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0.

Pros

• No foreign transaction fees, a rarity for cards with no annual fee.

• Attractive rewards on both travel and everyday spending categories.

• Primary rental car insurance available when traveling internationally.

Cons

• Limited welcome bonus.

• Rental car insurance is secondary coverage within the U.S.

• Points function similarly to cash-back rewards and cannot be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Ideal for students

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option for students traveling internationally, as it has no foreign transaction fees. For young adults venturing abroad or studying overseas, these fees can add up quickly and disrupt their finances. This card allows students to embrace their global experiences without the burden of extra costs when purchasing in foreign currencies.

Welcome bonus: Receive a one-time cash bonus of $50 after spending $100 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Travel benefits: Includes travel accident insurance.

Credit score required: Not applicable.

Annual fee: $0

Pros

• No annual fee or foreign transaction charges.

• Simplistic cash-back rewards system.

• Great credit-building tool for students with limited credit history.

Cons

• Reward potential is lower compared to points-based credit cards.

• May come with a lower credit limit.

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American Express® Gold Card: Ideal for international dining

The American Express® Gold Card is a fantastic option for dining overseas, offering an impressive 4X points on restaurant purchases globally and no foreign transaction fees. Check rates and fees. Cardholders accumulate valuable Membership Rewards points across popular travel and everyday spending categories.

These points can be exchanged for a range of rewards, such as travel statement credits or transformed into more valuable travel rewards. With no foreign transaction fees and benefits related to dining, the American Express Gold Card is truly the optimal choice for those looking to avoid international fees while maximizing their point accumulation.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on qualifying purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Additionally, get 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide during the first 6 months, up to $100. Limited time offer. Ends 11/6/24.

Rewards: The Amex Gold Card provides 4 points for every dollar spent on dining globally at restaurants (up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar afterward) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar). The card also offers 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel, and 1X points on all other transactions.

Travel benefits: Includes secondary rental car insurance, baggage insurance, Global Assist hotline, and access to experience credits and travel perks via The Hotel Collection. Additionally, receive $10 in monthly Uber Cash (usable for rides or Uber Eats) and $10 monthly dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys.* (Ensure you have the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card set as a payment method. This benefit is available only in the U.S.)

• $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after enrolling and using the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.

• $100 Resy Credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year when dining at U.S. Resy restaurants or making other eligible Resy purchases with the American Express® Gold Card, which equates to up to $50 in statement credits every six months. Enrollment is required.

Credit score: Requires a Good to Excellent rating.

Annual fee: $325. Refer to rates and fees.

Pros

• No fees for foreign transactions.

• Generous rewards on flights, dining, and grocery purchases.

• Offers a valuable Membership Rewards program.

Cons

• Annual fee of $325.

• Limited travel perks and protections available.

• Approval is subject to Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule.

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Who should consider a credit card that waives international fees?

A credit card that waives international fees is an excellent option for frequent travelers or those making purchases overseas. Foreign transaction fees can significantly increase costs when paying for flights, accommodations, dining, and activities. By choosing a card without these fees, travelers can save money. Additionally, such cards often offer perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and rewards programs that enhance the travel experience.

However, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone will benefit from a card that has no international fees. Individuals who seldom travel outside their country may find these cards less valuable. Often, these credit cards come with annual fees, making them unsuitable for budget-conscious travelers who may only use them occasionally.

Moreover, those who find it challenging to manage credit wisely or tend to overspend should be cautious when considering any credit card. The convenience of credit can sometimes lead to financial difficulties. Before applying for a credit card, consumers should evaluate their financial habits and credit management abilities. Ultimately, those who can effectively utilize the advantages of fee-free international spending while managing credit responsibly can truly benefit from these cards.

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How to select the optimal credit card that has no international fees

Choosing the ideal credit card with no international fees largely depends on your travel habits. Seek out cards that not only waive foreign transaction fees but also provide extra benefits, like rewards on travel-related purchases and travel insurance. Consider the card's annual fee, if applicable, and determine whether the advantages justify this cost based on your anticipated spending and travel patterns.

Additionally, pay attention to the rewards structure of the card. Some may offer cash back, while others provide travel points or miles redeemable for flights, hotel stays, or other travel expenses. Opt for a card that fits your spending style and preferences. Furthermore, check for perks such as travel insurance or lounge access, which can enhance your overall travel experience and security.

By conducting thorough research and evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed choice and find the best credit card with no international fees that meets your specific financial and travel requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which credit cards impose international fees?

Some popular credit cards that incur international fees are the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. The Freedom Unlimited has a 3% foreign transaction fee, while the Blue Business card carries a 2.7% fee.

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What are the costs associated with foreign transaction fees?

Foreign transaction fees can differ by credit card but usually average around 3%.

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What steps can I take to avoid international credit card fees?

To steer clear of international credit card fees, use a card that doesn’t impose them. Some travelers opt to carry cash, although this method is less secure.

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Which card is superior for international transactions: Visa or MasterCard?

Both Visa and MasterCard enjoy widespread acceptance globally. For optimal international transactions, select a card that lacks foreign transaction fees, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X, or Wells Fargo Autograph Card.

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Which credit cards are accepted globally?

Credit cards from American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa are accepted around the world. However, some may impose fees for international usage.

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* Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial note: The views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These statements have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these organizations.