From the book · Page 252
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
My up-to-date list of travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, from $0 cards to premium travel cards, plus how to avoid fees abroad.
Last checked Oct 22, 2026 by AJ Weimer
A foreign transaction fee is usually about 3% on every purchase made abroad. Over a two-week trip that adds up fast. Every card below charges no foreign transaction fee.
Fees and offers change often. Annual fees below were checked in October 2026. Always confirm the current terms on the card issuer’s own site before applying. I’m not a financial advisor; pick the card that fits how you spend.
No annual fee
Low annual fee, big travel value
| Card | Annual fee | Why it’s on the list |
|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | The one I’d hand most travelers: strong travel insurance protections and transferable points. |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | Easy miles on every purchase that offset travel costs. |
Premium travel cards
| Card | Annual fee | Why it’s on the list |
|---|
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | Airport lounge access and annual travel credits that can cover much of the fee. |
| American Express Gold | $325 | Big points on dining. Amex isn’t taken everywhere abroad, so pair it with a Visa or Mastercard. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | Lounge access, an annual travel credit and top-tier travel protections for frequent flyers. |
| American Express Platinum | $895 | The widest lounge access and hotel perks, if you’ll use the credits. |
Paying abroad without hidden fees
- Always pay in the local currency. If a card machine or ATM offers to charge you in dollars, say no. That “dynamic currency conversion” uses a worse exchange rate.
- Carry two cards on different networks, ideally a Visa and a Mastercard, and keep them in different places.
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express and Discover are not, especially outside big cities.
- Use a debit card that refunds ATM fees for cash, and take out larger amounts less often.
- Turn on app alerts so you see every charge, and know how to lock the card from your phone.
