People who travel frequently for business and other matters will find it best to apply for a credit card that affords them the opportunity to capitalize on earning rewards points for their travels.
The caveat in applying for a credit card when you plan on traveling is enduring a nominal international transaction fee. While this fee is often small, you can end up paying several dollars more for purchases outside of the United States.
It’s also important to realize that just because you’re using widely-accepted credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, doesn’t mean that this fee will automatically be waived.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you can find the right credit card with no international fees below.
1. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card set an enormous standard among this generation’s cash back cards. Cardholders can take advantage of the fact that this card offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
This simple proposition is enough to earn and profit from all of your purchases you make both domestically and abroad. This basic rewards credit card also offers: a great sign-up bonus, low fees, a long 0% introductory APR, and convenient rewards redemption.
Quick Facts:
- After you spend at least $500 on purchases within 3 months of opening your account, you will receive a single cash bonus of $200.
- Cardholders can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. There is no limit to how much you can earn when you travel.
- There are no confusing categories regarding earning cash rewards. Your cash rewards will never expire as long as your account is open.
- The 0% introductory APR lasts for 15 months. Then, cardholders will pay 15.49%-25.49% APR variable.
- Cardholders don’t have to pay a foreign transaction fee or an annual fee.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Specifications:
There are four main categories to be mindful of when applying for this rewards credit card:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 15.49%-25.49% APR variable
- Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months
- Credit Score Range: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)
Who is this Card For:
This Capital One credit card is one of the simplest on the market. People with good credit who aren’t accustomed to using a rewards card should definitely apply.
This is because this US bank credit card no foreign transaction fee offers convenient rewards points and redemption.
However, if you don’t have good credit, want to take advantage of more bonus rewards categories, or pay 0% interest for a longer period, then you’re better off selecting another alternative.
Pros:
- There is no minimum redemption and a high rewards rate for cardholders.
- There is no annual or foreign transaction fee.
- Cardholders can take advantage of a 0% APR for the first 15 months.
- There is a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
Cons:
- Other credit cards offer an even longer 0% introductory APR period
- There aren’t any bonus reward categories, which means there aren’t a lot of ways to redeem your rewards points.
- This credit card requires good to excellent credit.
Bottom Line:
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card is a great rewards card for anyone that has never owned a rewards card. It’s relatively simple to earn and redeem rewards points.
However, the lack of bonus rewards categories and high credit score range definitely leave something to be desired.
2. American Express® Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is a staple in restaurants across the world. While American Express doesn’t have the same type of worldwide acceptance as Visa and Mastercard, this credit card is designed specifically for international cuisine.
Quick Facts:
- Members can choose two different colors: rose gold and gold.
- When you spend more than $4,000 on eligible purchases within 6 months, you can earn 60,000 rewards points.
- Members can earn 4x rewards points for all kinds of restaurant purchases, including delivery, take-out, and UberEats.
- Members can also earn 4x rewards points for supermarket purchases.
- Cardholders can receive a $120 dining credit when they use their card at The Cheesecake Factory, Grubhub, Seamless and many more outlets.
- Members can earn 3x rewards points for flights booked through Amextravel.com or Airlines.com.
- There aren’t any foreign transaction fees.
- The annual fee is $250.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Specifications:
- Annual Fee: $250
- Regular APR: 15.99% to 22.99% APR
- Introductory APR: None
- Credit Score Range: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)
Who is this Card For:
The American Express Gold Card isn’t to be used lightly. It’s high annual fee is only worth it if you’re a dining enthusiast that travels frequently across the world. Members can take advantage of a high rewards rate in a variety of different categories.
There are also no foreign transaction fees. If you aren’t a frequent “foodie”, then you’re better off selecting a more affordable option that’s worth your while.
Pros:
- Members can take advantage of a high rewards rate in different categories.
- There aren’t any foreign transaction fees.
- Cardholders can work with various transfer partners.
- There is a dining credit worth $120.
Cons:
- American Express isn’t nearly as widely-accepted as Visa and Mastercard.
- There aren’t any lounge membership benefits.
- The $250 annual fee is very expensive for many people.
Bottom Line:
All in all, the American Express Gold Card is only beneficial for people who plan on making regular dining trips across the world. This is the only way the $250 annual fee is worth it.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can find other credit cards with similar benefits.
3. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card is another simplistic option for people new to rewards credit cards. Out of all the no foreign transaction fee credit cards on this list, cardholders can uniquely earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases.
While there are certainly better options available, this is one of the most affordable travel cards on the market.
Quick Facts:
- There isn’t an annual fee or any foreign transaction fees.
- You can earn 20,000 bonus rewards points after spending at least $500 within 3 months of opening your account.
- You can earn 1.25x miles on every purchase.
- There is a $0 introductory APR for 12 months. After that, cardholders will pay 15.49%-25.49% APR variable.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Specifications:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 15.49%-25.49%
- Introductory APR: 0% for the first 12 months
- Credit Score Range: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)
Who is this Card For:
If you’re looking for an affordable travel credit card, this option is a suitable choice. However, there are several more free credit cards that offer more ongoing value.
Pros:
- There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- There is an introductory APR for the first 12 months.
- There are numerous ways you can redeem your rewards points.
Cons:
- Other free credit cards offer better value.
- If you want cash back, the reward value of your points are reduced.
Bottom Line:
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card is a standard choice if you’re new to applying for a travel credit card. Though, there are better options for cardholders who want to experience broader reward categories.
4. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier card is one of the top rewards credit cards on the market. For a low annual fee, cardholders can enjoy huge rewards opportunities on travel and gas.
Quick Facts:
- When you spend at least $4,000 within 3 months of opening your account, you can earn 60,000 bonus rewards points.
- There aren’t any foreign transaction fees.
- Cardholders can earn 3x rewards points for supermarket and restaurant purchases.
- Cardholders can earn 3x rewards points for travel purchases.
- Cardholders can earn 1x rewards points for other eligible purchases.
Click here to learn more and to view other options.
Specifications:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Regular APR: 15.99% – 23.99% APR Variable
- Introductory APR: None
- Credit Score Range: 690-850 (Good to Excellent)
Pros:
- There isn’t any foreign transaction fee.
- Members can earn high rewards on travel purchases.
Cons:
- There is an annual fee.
Bottom Line:
The Citi Premier credit card is great for anyone that wants a standard rewards credit card for travel purposes. For a low annual fee, members can earn rewards for travel purchases, including hotels, gas, supermarkets, and restaurants.
Credit Cards With No International Transaction Fee: All Options
In a nutshell, here is a brief rundown of who each of these credit card options are for:
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card – This is a great rewards credit card for people with good credit.
- American Express® Gold Card – This is an excellent option for people who plan on dining across the world.
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – This is an affordable rewards credit card with minimal benefits.
- Citi Premier® Card – This is a great rewards credit card with a low annual fee.
No International Fees Credit Cards: Summary
Choosing the right credit card without a foreign transaction fee can be tough. After all, you don’t want to spend more than what you have to on every international purchase.
Fortunately, all of these options are ideal if you’re planning to use your credit card abroad.