No Foreign Transaction Fee Cards
Use a credit card abroad without the standard 1–3% foreign transaction surcharge.
No FX fee cards: use your card abroad without a 1–3% surcharge.
Who these cards fit
International travelers, digital nomads, and cardholders who shop from overseas merchants.
Overview
Most general-purpose credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 1–3% on any purchase processed outside the United States or in a non-USD currency. A no-foreign-transaction-fee card removes that surcharge entirely, making it a better choice for travel and cross-border online shopping. Travel-focused cards almost universally waive this fee, and a growing number of general rewards cards do as well. Pair a no-FX-fee card with a card on a widely accepted network (Visa or Mastercard) before international travel.
How to choose
- Confirm the card is on a network with strong international acceptance.
- Check whether the card offers travel protections (trip delay, lost luggage, rental car).
- Consider a card that also earns bonus rewards on travel and dining.
Cards in this Category
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Cardholders new to transferable travel points who want strong value without a premium annual fee.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Capital One Venture Rewards
Cardholders who want simple, flat-rate travel rewards with transfer partner access.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
American Express Gold Card
Cardholders who spend heavily on dining and groceries and want transferable travel points.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
American Express Platinum Card
Frequent travelers who value airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and premium travel credits.
Good to excellent credit (typically 700+)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a no-foreign-transaction-fee card also give a better exchange rate?
The exchange rate is set by the card network (Visa or Mastercard), not the issuer. Network rates are typically very close to the mid-market rate and are usually better than airport currency exchange or dynamic currency conversion at the point of sale.