International travel opens up a world of adventure and discovery, but it can also come with unexpected costs, such as foreign transaction fees imposed by credit card companies when you make purchases abroad. These fees can add up quickly, eating into your travel budget. However, with the right credit card, you can avoid these fees altogether, allowing you to make purchases abroad without worrying about extra charges. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best no annula fee credit cards for international travelers looking to bypass foreign transaction fees and make the most of their journeys.

Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees:

Foreign transaction fees are charges imposed by credit card issuers when you make purchases in a foreign currency. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount and are applied to each purchase made outside your home country. For example, if you use a credit card with a 3% foreign transaction fee to make a $1000 purchase while traveling abroad, you’ll incur an additional $30 fee. Discover more about our top picks for travel credit cards here.

1. Capital One Quicksilver Credit Card

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Apply for the card here.

Rewards: 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 1.5% cash back on all the purchases.

Annual Fee: $0.

APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that.

Recommended Credit: 690-850.

Pros (Rewards and Benefits)

• One-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months.
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits.

Cons:

• Requires good/excellent credit.
• High APR after the intro Period.

2. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months1 – that’s a $200 cash redemption value. Apply for the card here.

Rewards: Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans, and 1X points on other purchases.

Annual Fee: $0.

APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.

Recommended Credit: 690-850.

Pros (Rewards and Benefits)

• One-time $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases within 3 months.
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver, travel, and emergency services assistance.

Cons:

• Requires good/excellent credit.
• High APR after the intro period.
• No luxury perks.

3. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months. Apply for the card here.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $0.

APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that.

Recommended Credit: 690-850.

Pros (Rewards and Benefits)

• One-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months.
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits.
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, travel accident insurance.

Cons:

• Requires good/excellent credit.
• High APR after the intro period.

4. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a one-time 25,000 online bonus points ($250 value) after you spend $1000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Apply for the card here.

Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time.

Annual Fee: $0.

APR: 0% Intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% to 28.24% will apply.

Recommended Credit: 690-850.

Pros (Rewards and Benefits)

• Earn a one-time 25,000 online bonus points ($250 value) after you spend $1000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases.

Cons:

• No bonus categories to boost reward earnings.
• High APR after the intro Period.
• Minimum redemption for travel or cash back is 2,500 points (equivalent to $25).
• Limited travel benefits.

Conclusion:

As you plan your international adventures, it’s essential to consider the financial aspects of your trip, including foreign transaction fees. By choosing a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees, you can avoid unnecessary charges and make the most of your travels. Discover more about our top picks for travel credit cards here. Explore the options mentioned above to find the card that aligns with your travel preferences and financial goals. Safe travels!