CARDS MIX
make a healthy credit cards mix
Credit Cards with no Foreign Transaction Fee for those who Travel
When travelling abroad, one more hassle is added to the language barrier, dealing with unusual situations, and cultural differences: local currencies. In the past, travelers used to stop by a local foreign exchange office just after the airport gate and exchanged some of their money to local currency, being ripped off by fees and unfavorable exchange rates in the process.
Today it has been proven many times that the most cost effective way to exchange money while travelling is by just by using your credit card for all foreign purchases. The exchange rate that your card will offer you is determined by VISA or MasterCard payment systems and is much better than any local exchange offices will ever offer you.
The only big bump on the road is a foreign transaction fee (commonly around 3%) that most U.S. credit cards charge for every foreign purchase. Luckily, there is a good choice of cards that do not charge any FX fee. Have a look at our list of our best credit cards for international travel:
| regular APR | |
- earn 3x at gas stations
- 2x at restaurants
- 1x on all purchases
- get 20,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
good credit required
$45 annual fee, $0 first-year
| regular APR | |
Get 20 000 bonus miles for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
excellent required
no annual fee
earn 1.5 No Hassle Miles for every $1
get 20,000 miles bonus after spending 3,000 in first 3 months
| regular APR | |
- earn 1.5 points for every $1 in purchases
- get 20,000 points after spending $1000 in the first 3 months
- redeem points for travel as a statement credit towards travel expenses
no credit required
no annual fee
1.5 points/$1
+20,000 points bonus
| regular APR | |
- 2x miles on Korean Air purchases
- get 15,000 miles after first purchase
basic card $50 annual fee
signature card $80 annual fee
no foreign transaction fee
| regular APR | |
- 3x points on Hyatt purchases
- 2x points on dining, airline tickets, car rentals
- get 2 free nights for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
good credit required
$75 annual fee after first year
Hyatt Platinum status
In short, all Capital One credit cards do not charge any international transaction fee, along with some travel credit cards from Bank of America, Chase, Barclay’s, and Citi. You cannot go wrong with any of these offers. Just pick the one that caters better your needs.
Consider cards’ sign-up bonuses, regular rewards rate, annual fee, and credit level needed to apply.
It is advised that you do not use AmEx or Discover cards, despite that some of the AmEx cards don’t charge you an FX fee. These cards are not as widely accepted abroad as VISA or MasterCard and chances are you can stack somewhere without the ability to pay with your plastic.
It is also good to know that many VISA and Master Card credit cards offer you these essential travel benefits:
- Cover rental cars collision damage
- Medical evacuation expenses
- And other useful travel perks (call the bank or read your card terms and conditions – usually it depends on your card status level)
Yet another good piece of advice is to call a bank in advance to inform them what locations are you travelling – it can prevent triggering an unusual transaction flag and the blocking of your card when you need it most.
What people ask
-
What credit card gives you a high credit limit say $50,000 with...
You may also like
-
It was a good news this spring about easing the...
-
Renting a car is one of the best transportation...
-
Travel credit cards offer a wide variety of rewards from...
By credit
By rewards
By type
SIGN UP TO GET FREE
CREDIT SCORE UPDATES
CREDIT SCORE UPDATES
and
exclusive members-only deals
exclusive members-only deals
Follow us
