Updated: Nov 21, 2024

Traveling abroad should be about exploring new places, not worrying about extra charges when using your credit card. Discover how to make your trips smoother by choosing a travel credit card that offers rewards like miles, travel insurance, and—most importantly—no foreign transaction fees.

Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly, especially for frequent travelers. Most credit cards charge around 3% on every purchase made outside of the U.S., which can eat into your travel budget. Thankfully, there are several travel credit cards that not only waive these fees but also offer valuable perks like miles, cash back, and travel protections. In this guide, we’ll explore the best travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, helping you enjoy your next vacation without the extra costs.

1. Best Overall Travel Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is widely regarded as one of the best travel credit cards on the market, especially for its flexibility in earning and redeeming travel rewards. Not only does it have no foreign transaction fees, but it also offers significant rewards for dining and travel purchases, along with access to valuable travel protections.

Key Benefits:

• Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international trips.
• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Travel protections include trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel delay insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is perfect for travelers looking to earn flexible rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Plus, with travel insurance benefits included, it’s a great card for peace of mind during your trips.

2. Best for Luxury Travel: The Platinum Card® from American Express

For those who prefer a more premium travel experience, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a range of luxury travel benefits. While it does come with a high annual fee, the perks can more than offset the cost for frequent travelers, especially those who value airport lounge access and elite status benefits.

Key Benefits:

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 5x points on prepaid hotels.
• No foreign transaction fees, saving you money on international purchases.
• Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges.
• Hotel benefits include automatic Gold Status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, plus $200 in annual hotel credits.
• Access to comprehensive travel insurance, including trip delay coverage, baggage insurance, and emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The Platinum Card® is designed for travelers who prioritize comfort and luxury. The lounge access alone can make your trips more enjoyable, while the earning potential on travel purchases is among the best in the industry.

3. Best for Flexible Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular options for frequent travelers, offering unlimited 2x miles on every purchase. What sets it apart is its flexibility—you can redeem miles for a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and even travel purchases you’ve already made. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent companion for international trips.

Key Benefits:

• Earn 2x miles on every purchase, every day.
• No foreign transaction fees, perfect for frequent international travelers.
• Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs, or use miles to erase any travel-related purchases.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (up to $100) to speed up airport security.

With its simple rewards structure and flexible redemption options, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for travelers who want to earn miles on all their purchases without dealing with complicated categories.

4. Best for Dining and Travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

If you’re a frequent traveler who also enjoys dining out, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers excellent rewards for both. While it has a higher annual fee than many other travel cards, the perks—including 3x points on dining and travel and extensive travel insurance—can easily make up for the cost.

Key Benefits:

• Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and other travel purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel expenses.
• Points are worth 50% more when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select membership.

For frequent travelers and food lovers, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers high rewards and top-tier travel perks like lounge access and flexible point redemptions. The combination of rewards on dining and travel, along with no foreign transaction fees, makes it a great card for both everyday use and vacations abroad.

5. Best for International Travel: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option that still offers significant rewards for travel. It’s a great card for international travelers, as it charges no foreign transaction fees and allows you to earn points on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses.

Key Benefits:

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase, no matter where you are.
• No foreign transaction fees, ideal for international travel.
• Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, vacation packages, and other travel expenses with no blackout dates.
• Introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 18 billing cycles.

This card is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want to earn rewards on their spending abroad. The flexibility in how points can be redeemed and the lack of fees make it a simple yet effective travel companion.

6. Best for Airline Rewards: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

For travelers who prefer flying with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a must-have. In addition to earning miles on Delta purchases and everyday spending, the card also waives foreign transaction fees, making it a smart choice for international trips.

Key Benefits:

• Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets.
• No foreign transaction fees, so you can use it internationally without added costs.
• Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights.
• No annual fee for the first year, then $99.

If you’re loyal to Delta and want to earn miles quickly, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a solid option, especially for international travel. The free checked bag and priority boarding perks also help streamline your travel experience.

7. Best for Hotel Rewards: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

For travelers who often stay at Hilton properties, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers a great way to earn points on hotel stays and everyday purchases. It also waives foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for international hotel stays.

Key Benefits:

• Earn 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international Hilton stays.
• Complimentary Gold Status with Hilton Honors, which includes room upgrades, free breakfast, and late check-out.
• 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year.

For frequent Hilton guests, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is packed with perks that enhance your stay, from room upgrades to lounge access. The no foreign transaction fee feature makes it even more appealing for travelers staying at Hilton properties abroad.

8. Best for Low Fees and Rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees that still offers solid rewards on everyday purchases, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice. With unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this card offers simple rewards and no fees, making it perfect for travelers who want to earn on every purchase.

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• No annual fee, so it’s a budget-friendly option.
• Easy-to-redeem cash back, with no minimums.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward option for earning cash back both at home and abroad. With no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee, it’s a great card for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn rewards on every purchase.

Conclusion

Travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees can make your trips smoother and more affordable, especially if you travel internationally. Whether you’re looking for flexible rewards, premium travel perks, or straightforward cash back, there’s a card for every type of traveler. By choosing the right card, you can enjoy earning miles, points, or cash back on your purchases while avoiding the extra fees that come with international spending.