Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards for Everyday Travelers

Planning a trip outside the US? Or maybe you shop online from international sites? Foreign transaction fees can add up fast, often hitting 1% to 3% per purchase. That's like paying extra just for using your card abroad. The good news is, plenty of credit cards skip these fees entirely, and many come packed with rewards to make your spending even smarter. In this guide, we'll break down the best options for 2025, focusing on cards that deliver real value for everyday US travelers. Whether you're chasing miles for flights or cash back on dining, these picks can help stretch your budget further. Let's dive in and find the right one for you.

What Are No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards?

These are credit cards that don't charge extra when you make purchases in a foreign currency or with an overseas merchant. Most regular cards add a fee—usually around 3%—to cover currency conversion costs. No foreign transaction fee cards waive that, saving you money on everything from hotel bookings to souvenirs. They're especially handy for US users who travel occasionally or buy from international vendors online. Plus, many offer bonus rewards in categories like travel or dining, turning your spending into perks like free flights or statement credits. Keep in mind, while the card issuer skips the fee, some networks might add a small currency exchange markup, but it's typically minimal.

Why You Might Want One

If you travel even once a year, these cards pay off quickly. Say you spend $2,000 on a European vacation—with a standard card, that's $60 in fees alone. Over time, that adds up. For US folks, they're great for cross-border shopping too, like ordering from Canadian sites or Mexican artisans. Beyond fees, look for cards with strong rewards to maximize value. They can earn you points for future trips or cash back to offset costs. Just remember, these cards often require good credit, so check your score first. And while we're focusing on US benefits, some have partner programs for international redemptions, like transferring points to airlines for flights back home.

How We Selected These Cards

To pick the best, we looked at factors like rewards potential, annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and extra perks. We prioritized cards with no foreign transaction fees, of course, and focused on those offering the most bang for US travelers. Data came from official issuer sites and was cross-checked with user feedback for real-world insights. We aimed for a mix: premium cards for big spenders, no-fee options for beginners, and balanced picks in between. All details are current as of October 2025, but offers can change—always verify on the issuer's site.

Top No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards for 2025

Here are our standout choices, grouped by type for easy comparison. Each includes key features, pros, and cons based on typical user needs.

Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

This card strikes a sweet spot between rewards and cost, making it a go-to for many US travelers.

• Annual Fee: $95
• Rewards Rates: 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining (including delivery and takeout), select streaming services, and online groceries (excluding big-box stores like Walmart), 2x on other travel, and 1x on everything else.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months—worth about $937 when redeemed through Chase Travel.
• Key Perks: Transfer points 1:1 to partners like United Airlines or World of Hyatt for potentially higher value. Get a $50 annual hotel credit via Chase Travel, plus travel protections like trip delay reimbursement (up to $500 if delayed 12+ hours) and primary rental car insurance.

Pros:

• Flexible points that boost 25% in value through Chase's portal.
• Strong dining rewards for foodies on the go.
• Anniversary bonus: 10% of your previous year's spending back in points.

Cons:

• Annual fee might not suit low spenders.
• Grocery bonus excludes wholesale clubs.

Users often praise its transfer options for scoring cheap flights, like a round-trip to Europe for under 50,000 points via partners.

Best for Flat-Rate Miles: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Simple earning makes this a favorite for those who want easy rewards without tracking categories.

• Annual Fee: $95
• Rewards Rates: 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2x on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months—redeemable for $750 in travel.
• Key Perks: Miles never expire, and you can transfer them to 15+ partners like Air France or Wyndham. Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, plus a $50 experience credit on select hotel stays.

Pros:

• Unlimited 2x miles on everyday spending adds up fast.
• Redeem for any travel purchase as a statement credit—no blackouts.
• Solid for beginners with straightforward value.

Cons:

• Fewer bonus categories than competitors.
• Transfer ratios vary; some are 1:1, others less.

Travelers like how miles cover recent trips, turning past expenses into future savings.

Best Premium Pick: The Platinum Card® from American Express

For luxury lovers, this card's perks can outweigh the fee if you use them.

• Annual Fee: $695
• Rewards Rates: 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year), 5x on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1x on other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: Up to 175,000 points after spending $8,000 in 6 months (targeted offers vary).
• Key Perks: Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges. Up to $200 airline fee credit, $200 Uber Cash annually, $189 CLEAR Plus credit, and elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required).

Pros:

• Hundreds in annual credits can offset the fee.
• Top-tier lounge access for frequent flyers.
• Transfer points to 20+ partners for high-value redemptions.

Cons:

• High fee demands heavy use to justify.
• Limited everyday rewards outside travel.

Frequent travelers report saving big on lounges and credits, making international layovers more comfortable.

Best No Annual Fee Travel Card: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Great entry-level option for building miles without extra costs.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards Rates: 5x miles on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel, 1.25x on all purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 miles after spending $500 in 3 months, plus a $100 travel credit in your first year.
• Key Perks: Transfer miles to partners or redeem for travel credits. Auto rental collision damage waiver and travel accident insurance.

Pros:

• No fee means low commitment.
• Miles for any travel, not just bookings.
• Good for occasional trips.

Cons:

• Lower earning rate than paid cards.
• Fewer premium perks.

It's popular among starters for its simplicity and quick bonus.

Best for Cash Back: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Focuses on everyday fun without fees.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards Rates: 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel, 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming, and grocery stores (excluding superstores), 1% on others.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 cash bonus after $500 spend in 3 months, plus $100 travel credit in first year.
• Key Perks: Cash back never expires; redeem anytime. Extended warranty and purchase protection.

Pros:

• High rates on food and fun categories.
• No cap on earnings.
• Pairs well with other Capital One cards for transfers.

Cons:

• Grocery bonus skips big chains.
• Less travel-focused than miles cards.

Users love the dining cash back for meals abroad.

Best for Flexible Points: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

No-fuss rewards for broad travel redemptions.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards Rates: 3x points on travel via Bank of America Travel Center, 1.5x on all purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 25,000 points after $1,000 spent in 90 days—$250 toward travel.
• Key Perks: Redeem points for statement credits on any travel or dining purchase from the last 12 months. Boost earnings 25%-75% with Preferred Rewards (if you bank with them).

Pros:

• Simple 1.5x on everything.
• Flexible redemptions—no restrictions.
• No expiration on points.

Cons:

• Lower bonus categories.
• Best value with Bank of America relationship.

Ideal for those who want easy offsets on past trips.

Best Rotating Categories: Discover it® Cash Back

For those who like chasing quarterly bonuses.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards Rates: 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, activation required), 1% on others. (Q2 2025: Grocery stores and wholesale clubs.)
• Sign-Up Bonus: Cash back match at end of first year—no limit.
• Key Perks: Redeem for cash, gift cards, or Amazon purchases. Free FICO score and freeze card alerts.

Pros:

• High 5% in changing categories.
• Double first-year rewards via match.
• No over-limit fees.

Cons:

• Must activate quarters.
• Categories may not always align with travel.

Great for maximizing seasonal spending.

Best for Everyday 3x Categories: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Solid no-fee option with broad bonuses.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards Rates: 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans, 1x on others.
• Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months—$200 cash value.
• Key Perks: Up to $600 cell phone protection. Redeem for travel, gift cards, or PayPal.

Pros:

• Covers key daily categories.
• Points transfer to partners.
• Strong protection perks.

Cons:

• Limited international acceptance in some spots (Visa network).
• No intro APR on balance transfers.

Users appreciate the phone and transit rewards for commutes and trips.

Best Flat Cash Back: Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Straightforward 2% for simplicity.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards Rates: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (as points, best when deposited to Fidelity account).
• Sign-Up Bonus: None current.
• Key Perks: Up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck. Auto rental coverage and zero fraud liability.

Pros:

• Flat rate—no categories to track.
• Rewards boost in Fidelity accounts.
• Reliable for any spend.

Cons:

• No bonus; steady but not flashy.
• Best for Fidelity users.

Perfect for set-it-and-forget-it types.

Best for Rent Payments: Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Unique for earning on housing.

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards Rates: 3x on dining, 2x on travel, 1x on rent (up to 100,000 points/year, no fee) and others (double on first of month, excluding rent).
• Sign-Up Bonus: None.
• Key Perks: Transfer to 18+ partners like United or Hyatt. Trip protections and auto rental waiver.

Pros:

• Pay rent fee-free with rewards.
• Builds credit on big expenses.
• Flexible transfers.

Cons:

• Must use card 5x per statement for rent points.
• Lower base rates.

Renters rave about turning must-pay bills into points.

Comparison Table

Here's a quick side-by-side to help you decide. We focused on key metrics for US travelers.

How to Choose the Right Card

Think about your habits. Frequent flyer? Go for miles cards like Venture. Love eating out? SavorOne shines. Budget-conscious? Stick to no-fee options. Check your credit—most need good to excellent scores (670+). Compare bonuses: A big one can cover fees for years. Factor in perks like insurance for peace of mind abroad. Finally, consider acceptance: Visa/Mastercard work everywhere; Amex less so in some countries.

Tips for Using Your Card Abroad

Notify your issuer about travel to avoid fraud flags. Use chip-and-PIN if possible. Carry a backup card. Track spending via apps to stay on budget. For international partners, like transferring to Air Canada for US-Canada flights, plan ahead. Avoid cash advances—they rack up fees. And always pay in local currency at ATMs or merchants to skip dynamic conversion charges.

Conclusion

No foreign transaction fee cards make travel smoother and more rewarding. Whether it's the versatile Chase Sapphire Preferred or the no-fee Capital One VentureOne, there's one to fit your style. Start with your spending patterns, grab a bonus, and enjoy fee-free adventures. Ready to apply? Head to the official sites below to lock in current offers and start saving on your next trip.

Further Reading

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire/preferred
• Capital One Venture Rewards: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture/
• The Platinum Card from American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/platinum/
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/ventureone/
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/savorone-cash-rewards/
• Bank of America Travel Rewards: https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-credit-card/
• Discover it Cash Back: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html
• Wells Fargo Autograph: https://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/autograph/
• Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature: https://www.fidelity.com/cash-management/visa-signature-card/
• Bilt Mastercard: https://www.biltrewards.com/card