How to choose a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card
Editor's Note
If you're a frequent traveler, you might be familiar with foreign transaction fees — and how they can add up, making every purchase more expensive.
When you make a purchase in a foreign country through an international merchant, your credit card issuer charges these fees, typically up to 3% of the transaction amount.
The good news? Many credit cards waive foreign transaction fees entirely, helping you save money when you travel. In fact, Discover and Capital One don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.
Here's our guide to finding a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card that works for you.
Related: 9 types of cards you should pack for your next trip abroad
Comparing the best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards
| Card | Best for | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flat-rate earning | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, upon approval, you'll receive a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use during your first year. |
| $95 | |
Total value | Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $95 | |
Renters | N/A |
(Must use Bilt Mastercard 5 times each statement period to earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases) | $0 | |
Entertainment spending | Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening. |
| $0 | |
Bonus spending | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening. |
| $95 | |
Dining at restaurants worldwide | Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. |
| $325 (see rates and fees) | |
Luxury perks | Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. |
| $895 (see rates and fees) | |
Bank of America customers | Earn 60,000 online bonus points after making at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. |
| $95 | |
Travel | Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
|
points on travel earned after the annual $300 travel credit | $795 | |
Airline points | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. |
| $95 | |
One Key+™ Card (see rates and fees) | Expedia enthusiasts | Earn $350 in OneKeyCash™ after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $99 |
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees | Earn Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. |
| $0 | |
Beginner travelers | Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. |
| $150 | |
ApplePay and mobile wallet users | Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days. |
| $400 |
*TPG Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
**The information for the Bilt Mastercard, the Discover it Cash Back, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite and the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How to choose a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card
Consider where you're traveling
Before choosing a credit card, make sure it's widely accepted in the countries you plan to visit. Even the best travel card won't be useful if merchants don't take it.
For example, Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted almost everywhere, while issuers such as Discover and American Express are often limited outside North America. Checking ahead can help you pick the best card for your destination and avoid payment issues while abroad.
Related: Where to go in 2025: The 29 best places to travel
Determine your overall goals
When choosing a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card, consider what matters most to you. A generous welcome offer can add significant value, but you might prioritize an ongoing rewards program that aligns with your spending instead.
Think about your primary goal — do you want to maximize travel rewards, earn cash back or focus on paying down a balance? With several no-foreign-transaction-fees cards available, try to narrow down your options by deciding what type of card makes sense for you.
You might opt for a premium travel rewards card, a no-annual-fee cash back card or something in between.
For example, if you're planning a lavish 10-day getaway or have multiple trips lined up for the year, a premium travel rewards card could offer the most value with perks like lounge access and bonus points on travel purchases.
On the other hand, if you're an occasional traveler taking a short trip abroad, a no-annual-fee or cash-back card with no foreign transaction fees might be a more practical choice. Fortunately, plenty of options are available to fit different travel styles and budgets.
Related: How to pick the right travel credit card for you
Compare welcome offers
Once you've identified the type of card that fits your needs, the next step is comparing current welcome offers. A strong welcome bonus can significantly boost a card's value, especially if it comes with a large amount of points, miles or cash back after meeting the minimum spending requirement.
However, a welcome offer isn't everything. You might prioritize a card with a lucrative, long-term rewards program over one with a short-term bonus — keep your goals in mind when making this decision.
To help, TPG has a guide that tracks the welcome offer history on some of the most popular travel cards on the market. It can help you determine the best time to apply for a specific card.
Related: How can I get a higher, targeted credit card introductory bonus?
How do I pay foreign transaction fees?
Foreign transaction fees are automatically applied to your credit card statement when you make a purchase in a foreign currency. There's no separate payment process — the fee is bundled into the total charge that appears on your statement.
If your credit card has foreign transaction fees, you will see them listed alongside each international transaction.
Are foreign transaction fees affected by exchange rates?
No, foreign transaction fees are not impacted by exchange rates. These fees are separate charges imposed by your credit card issuer for processing transactions in a foreign currency.
While exchange rates may fluctuate based on market conditions, foreign transaction fees remain a fixed percentage of your purchase amount — typically up to 3%.
Bottom line
There are plenty of no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards on the market. Considering a few basic factors, you can find a card that will give you plenty of value, whether traveling abroad or staying at home.
Related: Foreign transaction fees: Everything you need to know
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
Updated 01/14/2026
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on 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 equal to $1,000 in travel
- 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