The Best Credit Cards with No International Fees
Travel far and wide, but don’t venture too far without the right credit card in your wallet. As you plan to splurge on your next international trip, there’s one significant cost you can easily avoid with the right credit card: no international fees.
Some credit cards impose up to a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases originating abroad. While this may seem insignificant, it can put a dent in your travel budget as expenses for meals, activities, and lodging abroad add up. Why pay an extra $30 in fees for every $1,000 in travel spending if you can instead allocate that money towards an upgraded room or a nice meal?
Whether you’re a frequent globetrotter, an international business traveler, or someone who enjoys shopping online from foreign retailers, finding the right credit card can unlock savings and convenience. Many credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, and various criteria should be considered when choosing a card, including high rewards for international spending, a reasonable annual fee, and other benefits that can save you money abroad. Read on for our top picks for the best credit cards with no international fees.
Top Picks for Credit Cards with No International Fees
- Best overall for 2024: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best for high rewards: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best for cash back rewards: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for travel protections: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best for business: Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
- Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
- Best for students: Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for dining abroad: American Express® Gold Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Overall for 2024
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often hailed as one of the best credit cards for international travel, and for good reason. It offers a compelling combination of travel benefits and rewards, making it a top choice for globetrotters. First, the card waives international transaction fees, ensuring cardholders can make purchases abroad without incurring extra charges.
The Sapphire Preferred offers an excellent rewards program for earning valuable points on travel and dining expenses, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, providing flexibility and value when booking international flights and accommodations.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for High Rewards
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is designed for travelers seeking substantial travel perks without international fees. The card waives foreign transaction fees and provides an annual travel credit to offset its fee. Cardholders can earn up to 10X miles on travel purchases, making it easy to accrue rewards quickly for international adventures.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Cash Back Rewards
If you want a cash-back card that’s easy on all fees, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option. The card waives foreign transaction fees and has no annual fee. Cardholders also earn generous cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Travel Protections
Widely regarded as the premier choice for travelers seeking comprehensive travel protections, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers exceptional benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, and primary rental car coverage. The absence of foreign transaction fees adds more convenience and savings on any trip abroad.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Best for Business
The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is great for business travelers who want to avoid international fees. Beyond its fee-free international spending, this card offers comprehensive travel benefits tailored for business needs, including primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.
Wells Fargo Autograph Card: Best for No Annual Fee
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is an attractive option since it incurs no annual or international fees. Its standout features include primary rental car insurance abroad and high rewards on travel spending, making it ideal for the budget-conscious traveler.
American Express® Gold Card: Best for Dining Abroad
The American Express® Gold Card is exceptional for dining abroad due to its generous 4X points earn rate on restaurants worldwide and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders earn lucrative Membership Rewards points on common spending categories that can be redeemed for travel statement credits or converted to valuable travel rewards.
Who Should Get a Credit Card with No International Fees?
A credit card with no international fees can benefit those who frequently travel abroad or make purchases with businesses based abroad. International fees can accumulate quickly when paying for airfare, hotels, meals, and activities, so acquiring a card that waives these fees can lead to significant savings. Additionally, these cards often come with added perks such as travel insurance and rewards programs that enhance the overall travel experience.
However, not everyone will benefit from a credit card with no international fees. Those who rarely travel outside their home country may find little value in these cards. It’s essential for consumers to assess their financial habits and overall credit management skills before obtaining a credit card.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card with No International Fees
The best credit card with no international fees depends primarily on your travel habits. Look for cards that eliminate foreign transaction fees while also offering benefits such as rewards on travel spending and travel insurance. Analyze the card’s annual fee, if any, and evaluate whether the benefits outweigh this cost based on your expected spending and travel patterns.
FAQ
Which Cards Charge International Fees?
Popular credit cards that charge international fees include the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. The Freedom Unlimited charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, while the Blue Business charges 2.7%.
How Do I Avoid International Credit Card Fees?
You can avoid international credit card fees by using a card that waives them. Some travelers opt for cash, but this isn’t the most secure method of payment.
Which Card is Best for International Transactions: Visa or Mastercard?
Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide. The best card for international transactions is one that does not charge a foreign transaction fee. Options include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X, and Wells Fargo Autograph Card.
Which Credit Cards Work Worldwide?
All credit cards issued by American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa work globally; however, some may incur fees when used abroad.
