Have you ever returned from your amazing international trip, received your credit card statement, and noticed extra charges in the form of foreign transaction fees? I have, and it is so annoying to realize you paid $30 for nothing. An honest moment —I’ve even done that since starting in the points and miles game! 😜 Hence, a reminder to you and ME about the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

In my effort to always be earning more Ultimate Rewards, I used to take my Chase Ink Business Cash (favorite business card) everywhere. Unfortunately, it’s not a good option for international travel unless you don’t care about paying those foreign transaction fees. Foreign transaction fees are roughly 3%, so if you spend $1000 on food, etc., on your trip, you will be charged an extra $30. I’d rather put that money towards more food and take a card that won’t charge me that!

 

 

Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fee

Here are some of the cards I would use on an international trip. I never bring an AMEX card—they are accepted abroad but not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard. If I am meeting the minimum spend on an AMEX card, I will take it, but I will also take a Visa.

 

Capital One Venture X Card or Capital One Venture Card

Not only do these cards NOT have foreign transaction fees, but they also earn 2x on every purchase, so I don’t have to think about if I’m using the right card for the best category spend. Additionally, the Venture X has good travel protection, making it a good card for any trip.

 

Citi Premier Card

The Citi Premier card earns 3x in some great categories that I often use when we travel—groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and hotels. This makes it a great card to take on trips—in fact, it may become my go-to for traveling. Keep in mind that the Citi Premier does not offer any trip insurance or protections.

 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

If I want to earn more Ultimate Rewards, these are the cards I should bring with me. The Reserve earns 3x on dining and travel, so it will earn more points while you travel, plus not accrue those pesky fees! The Preferred earns 3x on dining, so that helps too! Remember that you can only hold either the Reserve or the Preferred (not both).

 

Other Cards Without Foreign Fees

Here are some other cards you might want to consider taking on vacation with you:

• American Express Platinum Card
• American Express Gold Card
• American Express Business Platinum Card
• Ink Business Preferred Card

 

Bottom Line

It’s easy to forget to bring the right card when you are traveling. Decide on the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees ahead of time, and then put those in your wallet.