The best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

Frequent travelers know that every dollar counts, and foreign transaction fees — often up to 3% per purchase — can quickly add up.

Fortunately, many credit cards waive these fees, allowing you to spend freely abroad while earning valuable rewards like cash back, points or miles.

Some no-foreign-transaction-fee cards include bonus perks like trip protection and lounge access, and a few even have no annual fee.

My personal favorite card without a foreign transaction fee is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. On a recent trip to Turks and Caicos, I used my card for every purchase. I reserved a snorkeling excursion, purchased poolside nachos and bought handmade souvenirs — all without incurring foreign transaction fees.

The ability to earn bonus points on travel and dining while avoiding unnecessary charges made it the perfect travel companion.

Whether you’re looking for premium benefits or a no-annual-fee option, we’ve rounded up the best no-foreign-transaction-fee cards to help you find the right fit for you.

The best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
• Bilt Mastercard®* (see rates and fees)
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• American Express® Gold Card (see rates and fees)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees)
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

*TPG’s Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor.

Comparing the best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

Here are TPG’s top recommendations for best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year.

Annual fee: $95

Standout benefits: The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a top choice for both beginners and seasoned travelers. With a simple earning structure of 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, you can earn rewards without having to keep track of rotating categories.

Plus, you’ll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

For a modest $95 annual fee, this card delivers solid value, helping it earn its status as one of the best beginner travel credit cards. These perks include:

• Rental car insurance
• Travel assistance services
• Access to hotel bookings with Capital One’s Lifestyle Collection
• Up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years

Rewards are flexible, too — you can redeem miles for statement credits on travel purchases or transfer them to 15-plus airline and hotel partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways and Wyndham Rewards. While Capital One’s list of partners doesn’t include any large U.S. airlines, all three major airline alliances are covered.

With its mix of earning potential and travel benefits, the Venture Rewards card remains one of the best options for travelers looking to maximize their spending.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is great for travelers who value simplicity since earning rewards with this card is simple across every purchase you make. Plus, unlike category-specific cards, you don’t have to keep track of bonus spending with the Venture Rewards.

​​For more details, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Standout benefits: When I was searching for my first travel credit card, I wanted something versatile, valuable and beginner-friendly — and the Chase Sapphire Preferred was a clear standout. Its low annual fee and absence of foreign transaction fees made it an appealing option, but it ultimately won out for its strong earning potential on dining and travel purchases and its collection of travel partners.

You can earn:

• 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart®, Target® and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

One of my favorite benefits of this card is the ability to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to 14 airline and hotel partners. As someone who frequently flies with U.S.-based airlines like United and Southwest, I love the flexibility of moving my points directly into these programs.

If you are willing to book travel through Chase Travel, your points are worth 1.25 cents each, giving you 25% more value when redeeming for flights, hotels and other travel expenses.

You can also combine points earned from the Chase Sapphire Preferred with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards — like the Chase Freedom Flex® — to maximize your earning and redemption potential.

Cardholders also enjoy a 10% anniversary points bonus each year. However, this 10% bonus is calculated from the dollars you spent rather than the points you earned, meaning you won’t receive additional points by leveraging the card’s bonus categories.

For a modest annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers valuable travel protections, including primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage reimbursement. This makes it a great pick for those who may be newer to the world of credit card rewards and travel.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred was my first no-foreign-fee credit card, and I have used it extensively for purchases in the U.S. and abroad. I haven’t had to use the travel protections, but knowing they’re available is reassuring.

With strong rewards, flexible redemption options and built-in travel projections, this card is an excellent choice for beginner travelers looking to maximize their spending.

​​For more details, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Bilt Mastercard

Welcome offer: None.

Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees)

Standout benefits: The Bilt Mastercard stands out as the only credit card that lets you earn points on rent without paying a transaction fee (see rates and fees) — a game changer for renters looking to maximize rewards. But even if you don’t pay rent, this no-annual-fee card offers a compelling mix of perks, strong earning potential and valuable travel payments.

With the Bilt Mastercard, you can earn points on rent payments — even if your landlord doesn’t accept credit cards. On top of rent rewards, cardholders can earn:

• 3 points per dollar spent on dining
• 2 points per dollar spent on travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases (including rent payments; earning on rent limited to up to 100,000 points each calendar year)

Note that to earn points with the card, you must make at least five purchases each month.

Despite no annual fee (see rates and fees), the Bilt Mastercard has impressive travel protections, including Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection (up to $5,000 in reimbursement for nonrefundable tickets) and an Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.

Bilt’s 18 airline and hotel partners include top programs like Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt, making it great for renters who prioritize travel.

With strong earning potential, valuable protections and flexible redemptions, the Bilt Mastercard is a standout no annual fee and No Foreign Transaction Fee option for renters and travelers alike (see rates and fees).

​​For more details, read our full review of the Bilt Mastercard.

Apply here: Bilt Mastercard

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Standout benefits: The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently spend on dining and entertainment. It offers generous cash-back rates across multiple categories:

• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

With no foreign transaction fees, you’ll earn 3% cash back on dining internationally — as long as the merchant falls within that category code.

Another benefit of the Savor is the flexible redemption options. You can redeem cash back as a statement credit, for gift cards or even directly at Amazon.com or through Paypal.

If you also have a Capital One miles-earning card, like the Venture Rewards mentioned above, you can convert your cash back into miles and transfer them to various airline and hotel partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan and Wyndham Rewards.

Why it’s great for entertainment and dining

With elevated reward rates in these categories, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards is perfect for foodies, concertgoers and movie lovers, making it a solid entertainment and dining card. Plus, its 24/7 concierge service can assist with restaurant reservations, ticket purchases and even travel planning — a rare perk for a no-annual-fee card.

​​For more details, read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Learn more: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening

Annual fee: $95

Standout benefits: The Ink Business Preferred Card is a strong option for small-business owners looking for high rewards and valuable perks at a low annual fee. It offers elevated rewards on key business categories, plus essential protections that can save you money.

You’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases across these categories:

• Travel
• Shipping purchases
• Internet, cable and phone services
• Advertising on social media and search engines

You’ll also earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases — with no limit to how much you can earn.

The card also offers a generous welcome offer of 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening. Based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations, the bonus points alone are worth a whopping $1,845.

If you have upcoming business expenses that would help you meet the minimum spend, this could add serious value to the card.

Beyond rewards, the Ink Business Preferred comes with a suite of protections and tools designed for business owners, including cellphone protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary car rental coverage. Additionally, it integrates with bookkeeping software and offers account insights and alerts, making it easy to track expenses.

For business owners who spend heavily in the bonus categories, the Ink Business Preferred is a strong choice — helping you earn and redeem valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel, cash back or business expenses.

​​For more details, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.

Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

American Express Gold Card

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership.

Annual fee: $325

THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: If you’re a foodie who loves to travel, the Amex Gold is one of the best cards you could add to your wallet. With generous rewards on restaurants, groceries and travel purchases, you can earn valuable points while dining your way through new destinations.

With the Amex Gold, you’ll earn:

• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants on up to $50,000 per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar)
• 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly from the airline or through amextravel.com
• 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked through amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

The card is flexible when it comes to using your points. You can redeem your points to buy gift cards, cover charges on your billing statement, shop at Amazon or book travel directly through Amex Travel.

Transferring your points is also a great option. Amex has an impressive collection of travel partners, including Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Plus, American Express regularly offers transfer bonuses, which can be a great way to squeeze even more value from your points.

Why it’s great for foodies

Beyond its lucrative rewards at global restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, the Amex Gold Card offers perks that help offset its annual fee, including an up to $120 annual dining statement credit (enrollment required), up to $120 in Uber Cash (broken down into $10 per month for Uber rides or Uber Eats) and up to $100 in hotel credits per year (eligible on bookings made through The Hotel Collection, which requires a minimum two-night stay).

With no foreign transaction fees and high earning potential on dining and grocery shopping, the Amex Gold Card is a top choice for those who love to chow down and explore.

For more details, read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first six  months of card membership.

Annual fee: $695

Standout benefits: The Amex Platinum is a top-tier travel rewards card packed with luxury benefits, making it a great option for frequent travelers who can maximize its perks.

With lounge access, valuable statement credits and strong rewards potential, the card provides a premium experience — but comes with a hefty annual fee.

With the card you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.

One of the biggest draws of the Amex Platinum card is its airport lounge access, which includes Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Cardholders also automatically receive Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, adding value to hotel stays (enrollment required).

Amex Membership Rewards points are among the most valuable and flexible travel currencies, especially when transferred to airline and hotel partners for redemptions.

Additional perks include up to $200 in airline incidental fee statement credits per year, up to $200 in annual hotel statement credits for prepaid stays at select luxury properties and up to $200 in Uber Cash annually (can be used toward Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S.; your Amex Platinum card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card).

This card is great for frequent travelers who prioritize luxury perks and transferable rewards. In addition to the generous rewards rates, the credit for TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years) or Global Entry ($120 every four years) and the up to $199 Clear Plus statement credit (subject to auto-renewal)  are other perks that can help enhance your travel experience.

However, those who don’t travel often may struggle to justify the steep cost of the annual fee.

Select benefits require enrollment.

​​For more details, read our full review of The Platinum Card from American Express.

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Welcome offer: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending at least $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Standout benefits: The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card is a solid choice for travelers looking for flexible rewards and valuable perks without the hefty annual fee of luxury travel credit cards.

It offers a well-rounded earning structure, providing 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. Travel and dining expenses are broadly defined — with attractions like amusement parks and zoos fitting into the travel category — meaning more opportunities to earn bonus rewards.

With the card, you’ll earn 2 points back on travel and dining and 1.5 points back on everything else. There is no limit to the rewards you can earn, and your points never expire.

Flexibility is a major advantage when redeeming points. Cardholders can redeem for cash back, travel purchases, gift cards or even contribute directly to a 529 college savings account, a unique feature that can help offset future tuition costs.

If you’re a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program — which is open to those with at least $20,000 in combined balances in Bank of America or eligible Merrill accounts — this card boosts your rewards by 25% to 75%.

Those earnings, plus the low annual fee and absence of foreign transaction fees, make this card a solid contender.

​​For more details, read our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card.

Apply here: Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $550

Standout benefits: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding travel credit cards available. It offers a luxury travel experience alongside high-value earning potential.

With up to 10 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel and dining via Chase Ultimate Rewards, it’s an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want to maximize their spending.

You’ll also earn 3 points per dollar spent on other travel and dining, which is a step above the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which also offers 3 points per dollar spent on dining but only 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchases.

The card’s Ultimate Rewards points are among the most flexible and valuable, redeemable for 1.5 cents per point on travel or transferable to 14 airline and hotel partners, including British Airways Executive Club, Air Canada Aeroplan and Southwest Rapid Rewards.

With access to Chase’s Sapphire lounges and TSA PreCheck and Global Entry reimbursement, the Chase Sapphire Reserve lands a step above its lower-cost sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The card’s extra perks and elevated bonus rates are two reasons why I have considered upgrading my card to the Reserve.

One of the big reasons the Sapphire Reserve is perfect for travel enthusiasts is that beyond rewards, the $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access — including the stunning Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations — and additional perks make this card a premium option for those who travel often. While the annual fee is high, the benefits can outweigh the costs if used strategically. If you want a top-tier travel rewards card with elite perks and no foreign transaction fees, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is hard to beat.

For more details, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s companion fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Standout benefits: The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card is a strong option for frequent flyers looking to maximize their miles. The card offers a solid earning structure of 3 miles per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines purchases and 2 miles per dollar spent on bonus categories like gas, local transit and streaming. Every other purchase earns 1 mile per dollar spent.

The card also earns a 10% bonus on all miles earned for those with an eligible Bank of America account.

One of the card’s strongest perks is its annual companion fare benefit, allowing you to book a second ticket for a traveling partner for just $122 after spending $6,000 in the prior anniversary year.

Alaska Airlines’ routes are mostly concentrated on the West Coast, making this card most valuable for frequent Alaska Airlines travelers. So, if you’re loyal to the airline and would benefit from perks like priority boarding, this card might be right for you.

​​For more details, read our full review of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card.

Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card

What to consider when choosing the best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card

Choosing the right no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card depends on your travel style, spending habits and overall financial goals. While avoiding extra fees is a major perk, the best card for you might also offer valuable rewards, travel benefits and redemption flexibility.

Some cards provide higher earning potential through preferred rewards programs, while others offer large welcome bonuses that can jump-start your points, miles or cash-back balance.

When I was deciding which card to get, I didn’t mind paying a moderate annual fee — I just wanted to ensure I could transfer my points to my preferred airlines and hotels.

For others, a lower cost or simple reward structure may be more important. Before choosing, consider how you’ll use the card and how much you’re willing to pay in annual fees.

Related: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels

Preferred rewards

Before selecting a no-foreign-transaction-fee card, you’ll want to determine your preferred rewards. Do you want to track bonus categories to maximize your earnings, or do you want to earn flat-rate rewards?

When deciding on a card without foreign transaction fees, I knew I wanted to earn points and miles to transfer to my preferred travel programs.

Welcome bonus

A welcome bonus — a rewards bonus typically earned after you open a card and meet a minimum spending requirement within a certain window — can add considerable value to a card, so you’ll want to compare current offers.

Make sure you can comfortably meet the minimum requirement before committing to a card’s welcome offer.

Related:The best time to apply for these 9 popular travel credit cards

Spending habits

You’ll want to narrow down your biggest spending categories to ensure you’ll maximize the rewards of your new card. If you’re like me and regularly spend on dining and travel, you may want to consider a card that offers elevated dining rates and travel protections.

Credit cards with simple, flat rates are great options for those who have regular spending across several categories.

Annual fee

When choosing a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card, consider whether the annual fee is worth the benefits. Factor in perks like travel credits, lounge access and bonus rewards to see if they offset the cost.

If you travel frequently, a premium card may provide more value than a no-annual-fee alternative, for example.

Related: The complete guide to credit card annual fees

How we chose the best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

We rated the best no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards based on several factors, including reward earning rates, annual fees, travel protections and transferable rewards.

To learn about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology.

Redemption options for no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

No-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards often come with flexible redemption options, allowing you to make the most of your rewards.

Depending on the issuer, you may be able to redeem points or miles for gift cards, statement credits, online shopping (such as Amazon purchases) or travel bookings through the issuer’s portal.

Some cards also let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners, which can maximize value if you frequently travel.

When choosing a card, consider redemption options that align with your spending habits and travel goals to get the most out of your rewards.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Bottom line

There are many no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards to choose from, each offering different rewards, perks and benefits. The best card for you depends on your travel habits, spending preferences and budget.

A luxury card might be worth the annual fee if you want premium perks like lounge access and travel credits. If you prefer simplicity, a no-annual-fee option could be the right fit. Consider factors like reward rates, redemption flexibility and extra travel protections when making your decision.

No matter your choice, avoiding foreign transaction fees ensures you get the most out of your spending when traveling abroad.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.

Related: How to choose a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card