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Though credit cards normally offer a convenient and efficient means of completing transactions, especially when traveling abroad, but this method of payment can quickly become impractical when your statement is bogged down with foreign transaction fees.
What are Foreign Transaction Fees?
Many companies charge a fee for purchases made in currencies other than the U.S. dollar because they must convert the total cost from one to the other. This fee can add up over time, eating away at your travel budget. Bear in mind that additional fees may apply to international ATM withdrawals and international internet purchases.
When you opt for one of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards, you may be able to benefit from the many other perks these credit card companies have set up for travelers:
- Travel insurance
- Rewards points
- Security
- Connections with partner businesses
Whether you're traveling abroad for business or pleasure, consider this handful of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards that may help you cut costs during your next international trip as well as offer other desirable benefits.
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards with Cash Back Rewards
Citi Premier® Card
Those who are on the road a lot may be able to save a great deal of money by using the Citi Premier card. For each dollar you spend on gasoline, airfare, hotel stays, and food, you can bring home three rewards points. Consider a few additional perks this card offers:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 60,000 point bonus after spending $4,000 within the first three months of card membership
- At least 1 reward point per every dollar spent on other eligible purchases
- Various travel loyalty program partners
To qualify for this card, you must have a good to excellent FICO® credit score and pay a $95 annual fee.
Capital One Venture® Rewards Credit Card
Instead of earning points, this card allows users to earn miles. These miles can be used to cover purchases on your monthly statement, or they can be transferred to your account at an airline or hospitality company. Here are a few more of this card's exciting features:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the three months of card membership
- Up to a $100 credit of your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee
To qualify for this card, you must have a good to excellent FICO® credit score and pay a $95 annual fee.
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards with Added Member Benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you are always on the move and appreciate a good meal delivered right to your door, this card from Chase may be a good fit for you. Just look at the advantages consumers receive with this card:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Earn 2 points on other travel purchases such as airfare, hotels, taxis, and trains
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible expenses
- Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- Various discounts with select airline and hotel loyalty partners
To qualify for this card, you must have a good to excellent FICO® credit score and pay a $95 annual fee.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you like to travel luxuriously, this card may feature just the benefits you're looking for:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with American Express Travel up to $500,000 per calendar year
- 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership
- Elite status at select partner hotels American Express Global Lounge access
To qualify for this card, you must have a good to excellent FICO® credit score and pay a $695 annual fee.
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards for Businesspeople
Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus
Entrepreneurs may be excited to learn that this card from Capital One simplifies your financing by sending you an annual itemized report and allowing you to distribute credit cards to employees. You can look forward to several other advantages, as well:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- $150 annual fee
- $500 cash back after spending $5,000 within the first three months of card membership
- Set customized spending limits for employees
- Pick your monthly due date
- Mobile app
To qualify for this card, you must have a good to excellent credit FICO® score and pay a $150 annual fee.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
With this card, small business owners can earn three points for each dollar they spend on many of the expenses that are critical to their company's operations. These include phone and internet services, virtual advertising and shipping. You can also expect a number of other benefits:
- 100,000 points after spending $15,000 within the first three months of card membership
- Points earned on all eligible purchases
- No expiration dates on points earned.
To qualify for this card, you must have a good to excellent FICO® credit score and pay a $95 annual fee.
Best No Foreign Transaction Credit Cards for Credit Rebuilding
Platinum Secured Card from Capital One
If you have experienced credit problems in the past, this card from Capital One may help you improve your FICO® credit profile over time. Consumers should be aware that this card requires a security deposit and features a relatively high APR, however it does also include several advantages:
- $0 annual fee
- Customizable monthly due date
- Higher credit lines possible after six months of on-time monthly payments
Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
Sometimes it can be difficult for young adults to obtain a credit card when they have a limited FICO® credit history. This card accepts students who have little to no credit and offers limits as high as $5,000 based on the lenders’ determining factors for creditworthiness. While you cannot take out a cash advance or transfer your balance, there are multiple other perks:
- $0 annual fee
- ID theft protection
- Cellphone protection
- 1% unlimited cash back on eligible purchases
Which Credit Card Is Right for You?
Given there are so many options, it can be challenging to determine which card is best for you. Consider several key aspects of your travel plans to help you make this decision:
- How much money do you plan to spend while abroad?
- What types of purchases will you be making?
- Which credit card companies are accepted at your final travel destination?
The answers to these questions may give you insight into whether you want a card that lacks an annual fee, offers cash back on all purchases, or is widely accepted in most countries.