Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees (2025 Guide for Travelers)

Traveling abroad should be exciting — not expensive. That’s why using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees can save travelers hundreds of dollars each year.through foreign transaction fees on their credit cards. These small charges, often 1%–3% of each purchase, can quickly add up when you’re paying for hotels, food, and experiences overseas.

Luckily, several credit cards with no foreign transaction fees can help you spend globally without worrying about extra charges. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the best no-fee cards, compare their rewards, and show you how to choose the right one for your travel style.

What Are Foreign Transaction Fees?

A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge applied when you make a purchase in a non-U.S. currency or through an international bank.credit cards with no foreign transaction fees Most banks charge around 3% on every transaction made abroad or from a foreign merchant.

For example:
If you spend $2,000 during a trip to Europe, you could lose $60 just in foreign fees.

That’s money that could’ve gone toward another dinner or souvenir — which is why choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a smart financial move.

Why Use a No-Fee Credit Card Abroad

Using a no-foreign-fee credit card saves you money on every purchase made outside the U.S. But that’s not the only benefit. These cards often come with:

• Better exchange rates (through Visa or Mastercard networks).
  
• Travel rewards or cashback on purchases.
  
• Fraud protection and dispute support worldwide.
  
• Global acceptance, making payments seamless across countries.
  

In short: No foreign transaction fees mean lower costs and more freedom to spend anywhere.

Top Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees (2025 Edition)

Below is a detailed comparison of some of the best travel credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Each has unique strengths, from travel rewards to no annual fees.

All of these cards are internationally accepted and come with no foreign transaction fees, helping you keep your travel costs predictable.credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why It’s Great:
A long-time favorite among travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers exceptional travel and dining rewards, flexible redemption through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and comprehensive trip insurance.

Key Features:

• 2x points on travel and dining
  
• 5x on travel booked through Chase
  
• Transfer points to airlines and hotels
  
• Primary rental car insurance
  

Best For: Frequent travelers who want to maximize points on global trips.

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why It’s Great:
This card is perfect for those who want simple, flexible rewards. You earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to track and redeem rewards.

Key Features:

• 2x miles on all purchases
  
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  
• No foreign transaction fees
  
• Redeem miles for travel or cash back
  

Best For: People who travel multiple times per year and prefer flexibility in rewards.

3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card

Why It’s Great:
A solid choice for those who want to avoid annual fees. It offers consistent rewards and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great starter travel card.

Key Features:

• $0 annual fee
  
• 1.5x points on every purchase
  
• No expiration on points
  
• Travel purchases can be redeemed as statement credit
  

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers or students studying abroad.

4. Discover it® Miles Card

Why It’s Great:
Discover’s international presence has grown, and this card’s Miles Match feature doubles your rewards after your first year. That’s an effective 3x miles on all purchases for year one.

Key Features:

• $0 annual fee
  
• 1.5x miles on every purchase
  
• First-year double miles (Miles Match)
  
• No foreign fees, fraud monitoring
  

Best For: First-time credit card users and light travelers.

5. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Why It’s Great:
This card stands out for its 3x rewards on popular categories like travel, dining, gas, and streaming. With no annual fee, it’s an excellent everyday card that works well overseas.

Key Features:

• $0 annual fee
  
• 3x points on dining, travel, gas, and transit
  
• Cell phone protection
  
• No foreign transaction fees
  

Best For: People who travel occasionally but still want strong rewards on daily spending.

Comparing Rewards vs. Fees

When choosing a no-foreign-fee credit card, remember:

• Some cards offer higher rewards but charge an annual fee.
  
• Others have no annual fee but slightly lower rewards rates.
  

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has an annual fee but can earn you far more in rewards value through travel transfer partners.
Meanwhile, Bank of America Travel Rewards offers a no-cost entry for travelers who want simplicity.

These credit cards with no foreign transaction fees help travelers save more while enjoying better exchange rates and global perks.credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

How to Choose the Best Card for International Travel

Always look for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid losing money during international purchases.

✅ Global Acceptance: Choose Visa or Mastercard — both widely accepted internationally.
✅ No Annual Fee (if possible): Great for casual travelers.
✅ Travel Perks: Look for trip protection, car rental coverage, or airport lounge access.
✅ Rewards Structure: Match your card’s reward categories (e.g., dining, travel, groceries) with your spending habits.
✅ Currency Conversion: Cards that use the Visa/Mastercard exchange rate give better conversion rates.

Tips to Use Your No-Fee Card Abroad

When using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, always pay in the local currency for the best rate.

1. Notify your bank before traveling to prevent fraud alerts.
   
2. Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Always pay in the local currency for the best rate.
   
3. Carry a backup card: Some ATMs or merchants may not accept certain networks.
   
4. Keep a digital copy of your card details securely stored online in case of loss.
   
5. Use mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) where available — they often come with extra security layers.
   

Why No-Foreign-Fee Cards Are a 2025 Essential

In 2025, international travel is booming again — with Americans spending more abroad than ever. As travel costs rise, avoiding unnecessary fees is crucial for staying within budget.credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

A card with no foreign transaction fees not only saves money but also helps track travel spending, earn valuable rewards, and enjoy peace of mind wherever you go.

These cards combine financial efficiency with convenience, making them a must-have for digital nomads, frequent flyers, and even casual vacationers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a foreign transaction fee on a credit card?

It’s a charge (usually around 3%) applied by banks when you make a purchase in a foreign currency or through a non-U.S. bank.

2. Are there cards with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee?

Yes! Examples include the Discover it® Miles, Bank of America Travel Rewards, and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ cards — all charge $0 annually.

3. Which credit card is best for international travel in 2025?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Capital One Venture Rewards cards remain top choices for frequent travelers due to high rewards and global acceptance.

4. Do debit cards also charge foreign transaction fees?

Yes. Most debit cards still charge foreign transaction or ATM withdrawal fees, which is why credit cards are often the smarter travel option.credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

5. How do I avoid paying foreign fees altogether?

Choose a credit card that explicitly lists “no foreign transaction fees” in its terms. Also, pay in the local currency when given the choice.

Conclusion

Choosing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees ensures you enjoy every international trip without paying hidden costs.Foreign transaction fees may seem small, but they add up fast when traveling abroad. By switching to a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you can save hundreds each year, enjoy better exchange rates, and earn valuable rewards at the same time.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer, digital nomad, or casual vacationer, the cards above — from Chase, Capital One, Discover, and Wells Fargo — offer exceptional benefits for international spending.

About the Author

Behzad Aslam is the founder of BehzadAslam.com, where he shares practical tips about credit, money management, and financial growth. His goal is to help readers make smarter financial decisions.

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