The Best Credit Cards for International Travel (No Foreign Transaction Fees!)
Planning a trip abroad? Before you start packing, make sure you have the right credit card in your wallet. Not all cards are created equal, and if you’re looking to avoid foreign transaction fees, you’ll want a card that’s designed for international travel. Here are some of my favorite travel-friendly cards that not only waive those fees but also come with perks to make your trip smoother and more rewarding.
Please note that credit card offers and terms are always subject to change, and you should confirm the specifics with the card company because they’ll have the latest information, if anything has changed since writing this post.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee: $95
Why We Love It: Earn points on all travel and dining purchases — perfect if you love indulging in local cuisine while exploring. Points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for a 25% boost or transferred to popular airline and hotel partners.
Perks: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, primary car rental insurance.
Ideal For: Mid-range to frequent travelers who want a strong mix of rewards and travel protections.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Why We Love It: Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Simple, straightforward, and flexible — perfect for travelers who want consistent rewards without tracking bonus categories. Points can “erase” travel purchases or transfer to select airline partners. This is my top travel card choice!
Perks: Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance.
Ideal For: Travelers who value flexibility and want flat-rate rewards on everything they buy.
3. American Express Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card
Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Why We Love It: Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets—making it a great everyday card that still supports your travel goals. It’s an easy way to build miles without overcomplicating your spending.
Perks: First checked bag free on Delta flights, priority boarding, 20% back on in-flight purchases, and no foreign transaction fees.
Ideal For: Travelers who fly Delta occasionally and want simple, practical perks that make each trip smoother without a high annual fee.
4. Revolut Card
Annual Fee: $0 – $16.99 per month, depending on plan
Why We Love It: Revolut is perfect for frequent international travelers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees and access multiple currencies at near interbank rates. The app allows real-time account management, money transfers in 30+ currencies, and easy bill splitting.
Perks: ATM withdrawals, real-time exchange rates, budgeting tools, and (on higher-tier plans) travel insurance.
Ideal For: Travelers who want multi-currency access, low-cost exchanges, and real-time financial tools.
5. American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card
Annual Fee: $650
Why We Love It: Designed for frequent Delta travelers, this card offers elevated earning on Delta purchases and premium perks that transform your airport experience from routine to refined.
Perks: Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, access to Centurion Lounge, a companion certificate each year upon renewal, priority boarding, and free checked bags.
Ideal For: Frequent flyers who value comfort, lounge access, and premium benefits—and want their travel days to feel just as intentional as the destination itself. ✈️
6. Hilton Honors American Express® Card
Annual Fee: $0
Why We Love It: A simple, no-annual-fee card that still delivers solid travel value—especially if you enjoy staying at Hilton properties. It’s an easy way to earn points on everyday spending while keeping your travel plans flexible.
Perks: Automatic Hilton Honors Silver status, points on every purchase, travel protections—and importantly, no foreign transaction fees, making it a reliable companion for international trips.
Ideal For: Travelers who want a low-commitment way to earn hotel rewards and avoid extra fees when exploring abroad.
7. IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Annual Fee: $0
Why We Love It: A great entry-level hotel card that keeps things straightforward while still offering meaningful rewards within the IHG portfolio.
Perks: Earn points on IHG stays and everyday purchases, automatic elite status, and no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it confidently while traveling internationally.
Ideal For: Travelers who enjoy brands like InterContinental, Kimpton, or Holiday Inn and want a no-fee card that works just as well abroad as it does at home.
Earn 140,000 bonus points with the IHG One Rewards Premier credit card. Earn 80,000 bonus points with the IHG One Rewards Traveler credit card. Earn 140,000 bonus points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Business credit card. I can be awarded if you apply here and are approved for the card.
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/210y/9DR32MJUHQ
How to Choose the Right Card for You
Every traveler has unique priorities. Consider:
- Do you want flat-rate rewards on every purchase? Capital One Venture might be your pick.
- Want perks like dining credits, travel insurance, or lounge access? Delta Amex Reserve is a great choice.
- Looking for a multi-currency solution? Revolut is perfect for overseas trips with multiple currencies, with flexibility to withdraw local currency at ATMs and avoid cash-advance fees.
- Want a card with no annual fee? Go for an IHG Traveler card or a Hilton Honors card.
- American Express isn’t always accepted everywhere abroad, so if your card of choice is American Express (like mine is), it’s always good to have a back-up card that is Visa or Mastercard.
Final Tips for Using Credit Cards Abroad
- Notify Your Bank: Let them know your travel plans to avoid unnecessary fraud alerts.
- Understand ATM Fees: Even if your card has no foreign transaction fees, ATMs often do. Cards like Revolut can help minimize these costs, since it’s a prepaid card instead of a credit card.
- Bring a Backup: Having two no-transaction-fee cards ensures you’re covered if one is lost or declined.
With the right card in your wallet, you’ll be set to enjoy your international trip without worrying about extra fees or complicated points programs. Bon voyage!
Affiliate Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to apply or make a purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I only share products and services I genuinely believe can add value to your travel experience.
Liability Disclaimer
Information shared in this post is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change. Please review all terms, conditions, and details directly with the provider before applying or booking. I am not responsible for any decisions, changes, or issues that may arise from the use of this information.
