
If you're planning a trip abroad, you'll want to consider a credit card with no overseas charges to avoid unexpected fees on your purchases.
Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee, which can range from 1-3% of the purchase amount.
Some credit cards, however, offer no foreign transaction fees, making them a great option for international travelers.
For example, the American Express Platinum Card charges no foreign transaction fees and also offers travel insurance and concierge services.
These fees can add up quickly, especially if you're making multiple purchases abroad.
Using a credit card with no overseas charges can save you money and reduce your financial stress while traveling.
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What You Need to Know
If you're planning to travel abroad, a credit card with no overseas charges can be a huge money-saver.
You can expect to save around 3-5% on foreign transactions with these cards, which may not sound like a lot, but can add up quickly, especially on big-ticket items like hotel stays and flights.

Some credit cards with no overseas charges have no foreign transaction fees at all, while others may charge a small fee, usually around 1-2%.
These cards often come with other benefits like travel insurance, concierge services, and rewards programs that can make your travels even more enjoyable.
Many credit cards with no overseas charges also offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, making them a great option for those who want to avoid debt.
Some credit cards with no overseas charges have a minimum spend requirement to avoid the fee, so be sure to check the fine print before applying.
These cards are often issued by major banks and financial institutions, and are widely accepted at merchants around the world.
Cost and Comparison
0% foreign transaction fees can be a major perk when choosing a credit card, but it's essential to weigh this against other costs like annual fees. Annual fees typically range from $29 to $400 or more for higher-end cards.

If you're not planning to use your credit card frequently, a card with a lower annual fee might be a better option. Interest rates on these cards range from around 10% to 28% for purchases, so it's crucial to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Some credit cards offer additional perks like complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access, and reward points for your spending. These benefits can add significant value to your card, making the annual fee more justified.
To compare credit cards effectively, consider the fees and interest rates, as well as the other benefits and security features. Overseas ATM withdrawal fees can cost around $5 or 2-3% of the total transaction, so if you plan to withdraw cash regularly, look for a card with no international ATM withdrawal fees.
Here's a breakdown of the costs to consider:
- Annual fees: $29 to $400 or more
- Interest rates: 10% to 28% for purchases
- Overseas ATM withdrawal fees: around $5 or 2-3% of the total transaction
Types and Options
If you're looking for a credit card with no overseas charges, you've got options. Some credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, which can save you money on international purchases.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is one such option, earning you unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases with no annual fee.
You can also earn a 25,000 online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great choice for travelers, with no foreign transaction fees and no rewards cap.
Here are some key features of the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card:
Our pick for best unlimited travel rewards card also has no foreign fees, no annual fee, and no rewards cap, making it a great option for travelers.
Using and Avoiding Charges
You can avoid foreign transaction fees by using a credit card with no overseas charges. Many banks offer credit cards without foreign transaction fees, and some checking accounts also don't charge foreign transaction fees for debit card cash withdrawals abroad.
New debit or credit card applications can take up to a week to be approved, and waiting for a new card to be delivered in the mail can take up to two weeks, so consider these options well before your next big trip.
To minimize fees, always verify the fees before using an international ATM, and consider choosing a bank account that doesn't charge fees and reimburses out-of-network ATM fees. You can also ask your home bank if there are partner branches or in-network ATMs in the destination country or countries.
If you don't have an account that reimburses fees, you may want to consider making fewer trips to the ATM and pulling out more cash each time to minimize fees.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when using your credit card abroad:
- Daily cash withdrawal limits: Some credit card providers have a limit on the amount you can withdraw from an ATM using your credit card.
- Global ATM alliance networks: Many Australian credit card providers have ATM alliance networks that extend around the world and allow you to get cash out overseas without paying an ATM withdrawal fee.
- Exchange rates: Currency exchange rates will apply when you use an Australian credit card for a transaction in another currency.
A credit card foreign transaction fee is charged when you use your credit card while abroad or when you make a purchase online in a foreign currency.
Applying and Evaluating
To apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you can browse through various options that offer this benefit. Many credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees, making them a great choice for international travel or online shopping from international websites.
These cards often come with rewards programs that can be redeemed for travel, dining, or other purchases. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for example, earns 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travelâ„ , 3 points per dollar on dining, and 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases.
If you're considering a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, be sure to evaluate the annual fee, which can range from $0 to $95. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for instance, has an annual fee of $95.
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Applying and Evaluating
To apply for a 0% foreign transaction fee card, you can browse through your credit card options and look for cards that don't charge international transaction fees. If you spent $2,000 on a card with a 3% international transaction fee, it would cost you $60.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns that some major online brands will charge foreign transaction fees, even if the website ends in .com.au or the price is shown in Australian dollars. Be sure to check the fine print.
The Finder Score gives you a simple score out of 10, the higher the better, to help you evaluate credit cards. Cards with 0% foreign transaction fees and other travel perks score higher.
To interpret your Finder Score, here's a quick guide:
The methodology behind the Finder Score is designed to enable informed financial decision-making quickly and easily. Commercial partnerships carry no weight, and all products in the database are scored objectively.
Applying and Evaluating
Applying for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a great strategy for making purchases abroad. You can find many credit cards that offer this feature, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
These cards are useful for international travel and online shopping from foreign websites. The biggest advantage of using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is that it's relatively easy to report fraud and quickly get back stolen funds.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travelâ„ , 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, and 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases.
To save money with a 0% foreign transaction fee card, consider the cost of fees on a card with a 3% international transaction fee. For example, if you spent $2,000 on a card with a 3% fee, it would cost you $60.
Here are some credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees:
- Capital One
- Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Amex Gold
- Amex Platinum
- American Express Black
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Chase Freedom Flex
- Citi Double Cash
When applying for a credit card, consider the features that matter most to you, such as international transaction fees, travel insurance, and annual fees. The Finder Score can help you evaluate credit cards and make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for foreign transactions?
For foreign transactions, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers flexibility and rewards with no foreign transaction fees.
Sources
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/foreign-transaction-fees/
- https://www.finder.com.au/credit-cards/foreign-currency-international-fees-for-credit-cards
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/no-foreign-fees
- https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/what-credit-cards-have-no-foreign-transaction-fee
- https://www.comparecards.com/no-foreign-transaction-fee-credit-cards
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