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10 Of The Best Travel Credit Cards in Australia in 2024

• Compare travel credit cards based on foreign exchange fees, travel perks and more.
• Plus get expert tips on using your credit card overseas from a veteran frequent flyer.

Featured offer: American Express® Platinum Edge Credit Card

$0 annual card fee (usually $195) in first year when you apply online and are approved. T&Cs apply, new members only. Plus, get $200 each year to spend on eligible domestic and international flights, hotels or car hire with American Express Travel.

Top travel credit cards in Australia

Bankwest Breeze Zero Platinum Mastercard

Bankwest breeze platinum mastercard, coles rewards mastercard, hsbc low rate credit card, american express platinum, bendigo bank ready credit card, latitude 28° global platinum mastercard, westpac lite card, ing orange one rewards platinum, american express platinum edge.

• International transaction fee: 0%
• Interest rate on purchases: 14.99% p.a.
• Up to 55 interest-free days
• Annual card fee: $0
• Complimentary international travel insurance: Included

What to know about the card

What’s good? By any standard, the Bankwest Breeze Zero Platinum Mastercard is a low-cost credit card that will save travellers money, with a 0% foreign transaction fee, a relatively low ongoing interest rate on purchases and no annual credit card fee . Yet it still comes with complimentary credit card travel insurance , a travel perk rarely found on low-cost cards.

What’s not so good? Despite being positioned as a ‘Platinum’ card, aside from the complimentary travel insurance, the card offers little in the way of perks and rewards.

• Interest rate on purchases: 19.99% p.a.

What’s good? Another low cost card (assuming you repay the card balance in full each statement period) with no foreign transaction fees. There are no hoops to jump through to avoid the annual fee, which is rare for a card offering complimentary travel insurance.

What’s not so good? There’s not much to dislike here if you want a low-fee card. That said, the interest rate is on the high side. For travellers covering the cost of a holiday across multiple statement periods, this could be an issue.

• International transaction fee: 0% on purchases
• Interest rate on purchases: 27.49% p.a.
• Complimentary international travel insurance: Not included

What’s good? No international transaction fees and no annual fee, plus a couple of other eye-catching travel perks: Access to global roaming data from eligible telco networks in 150 countries; and a flight delay pass which offers access to airport lounges if your flight is delayed.

What’s not so good? Even by credit card standards, Latitude’s 28° Global Platinum Mastercard has a remarkebly high interest rate, meaning carrying a balance could be extremely expensive of you have a revolving balance.

• Interest rate on purchases: 0% p.a. for 12 months, then 12.99% p.a.
• Annual card fee: $69

What’s good? Offers the same travel-friendly advantages as Bankwest’s Breeze Zero Platinum Mastercard but with a slightly lower ongoing interest rate that’s waived for the first 12 months. This could be an option for new cardholders looking to pay off an expensive trip over time with what is effectively an interest-free credit card for the first year.

What’s not so good? There’s an annual fee and also relatively few card perks (not surprising given the annual fee is fairly modest).

• Annual card fee: $99

What’s good? This is one of the 0% international purchase fee credit cards that also offers rewards points (Flybuys), with a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points if you apply by 30 June 2024 and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of approval.

What’s not so good? There’s an annual fee – it’s not massive for a rewards credit card but there are other cards out there arguably offering more travel perks (e.g complimentary travel insurance) with no annual fee.

• Interest rate on purchases: 12.99% p.a.
• Complimentary international travel insurance: Not included, but comes with domestic travel cover.

What’s good? The HSBC Low Rate Credit Card comes with no international transaction fees and a low interest rate on purchases of 12.99% p.a. It also offers domestic travel insurance, and an offer of 0% on balance transfers for 20 months.

What’s not so good? The annual fee takes some of the gloss off what is otherwise a low-cost, low-frills card. The cash advance rate is 25.99% which is very high if you need to withdraw cash using your card.

• Interest rate on purchases: 9.90% p.a.
• Up to 45 interest-free days
• Annual card fee: $108 ($9 monthly)

What’s good? The 0% fee on international transactions is the standout feature, along with the low interest rate on purchases (one of the lowest available of any card with no foreign transaction fees).

What’s not so good? For a card with a ‘Lite’ offering, the annual fee (charged monthly) is not particularly ‘Lite’. There’s also no cash advance option. Although expensive, a cash advance facility can be handy when travelling if you need cash from an ATM in an emergency.

• International transaction fee: 0% (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Interest rate on purchases: 16.99% p.a.
• Annual card fee: $149

What’s good? ING’s Orange One Rewards Platinum ticks two major boxes for travellers: No foreign transaction fees (although there’s a big asterisk on this) and complimentary travel insurance is included. There’s also a credit card cashback offer with the potential to earn cardholders up to $360 per year, comfortably enough to offset the card’s annual fee.

What’s not so good? The main caveat with this card is that the 0% international transaction fee is conditional on the cardholder also having one of ING’s Orange Everyday accounts, depositing at least $1,000 into it each month and making at least five card purchases each month. It’s not an insurmountable hurdle but it’s not ideal unless you already have ING as your main bank.

• International transaction fee: 3%
• Interest rate on purchases: 23.99% p.a.
• Annual card fee: $195 (waived in the first year)

What’s good? Amex’s Platinum Edge Credit Card also offers plenty of travel perks but with a much lower annual fee than the Platinum Card. Cardholders get complimentary travel insurance, a $200 travel credit (completely offsetting the card’s annual fee), plus 2 rewards points per $1 spent on purchases in a foreign currency (overseas and online).

What’s not so good? The 3% currency conversion fee is high compared to other cards, as is the interest rate on purchases. This is another card that could be expensive if not used strategically.

• Interest rate on purchases: n/a
• Up to 44 cash flow days
• Annual card fee: $1,450
• Plus new card members get 150,000 bonus points when they apply online by 25 June 2024, are approved and spend $5k on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of approval. T&Cs apply.

What’s good? The American Express Platinum card is certainly not a cheap option, but it arguably offers more frequent flyer travel perks than any other card in Australia: complimentary travel insurance, an annual $450 travel credit, a $400 dining credit, lounge access, up to 2.25 rewards point per $1 spent on eligible purchases, bonus sign up points subject to conditions), plus a lot more. It’s also a charge card , meaning there are no interest costs but the balance must be cleared in full each month.

What’s not so good? The $1,450 annual fee is a lot, so you really need to be taking advantage of the rewards to offset that cost. The 3% currency conversion fee on American Express credit cards is also high, meaning it’s perhaps a card best used for booking travel, and left in your wallet while spending overseas.

How to compare travel credit cards: 6 key questions to ask

What’s the foreign transaction fee.

It will be somewhere between 0% and 3% of the transaction value depending on the card. If you spend a lot overseas, it’s worth minimising this fee as much as possible.

Will the card be accepted where I’m travelling?

Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. Amex is a bit more limited but still widely accepted in the countries Australians travel to in numbers.

What’s the interest rate?

Ideally you’ll be clearing the balance of the card within the interest-free period, but if not, a lower interest rate will help you minimise your travel costs.

What’s the annual card fee?

There are some travel credit cards with no annual fee that offer benefits for travellers, but most do come with a fee. If there is a fee, look carefully at what you’re getting in return.

Is travel insurance included?

A credit card that comes with travel insurance included could save you hundreds of dollars if it means you don’t need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy. Pay attention to what is covered by the policy and if it’s suitable for you.

Are there any other travel benefits thrown in?

Some travel credit cards offer lounge access (usually a limited number of passes per year), plus travel discounts credits you can put towards flights, accommodation and dining. These can be a nice ‘cherry on top’ if the rest of the card fits the bill.

Expert tips for using your credit card while travelling

Insider tips from Money.com.au’s credit cards expert (and frequent flyer), Brad Kelly.

Cover as many of your costs as you can before you travel

As soon as you leave Australia (or buy from an overseas retailer) you become a much more profitable customer for your bank because of the fees they charge.

Avoid foreign exchange fees by prepaying for as many expenses as you can (e.g. your accommodation) assuming you can do so in AUD.

Get clear on fees

If you’re going to be spending overseas regularly, it’s worth seriously considering a credit card with 0% foreign transaction fees . This could save you up to 3.65% on every transaction. This fee is often overlooked when people apply for a credit card .

Also be clear on what you’ll be charged for using an ATM. Chances are it will be a lot.

Make sure you ‘trigger’ your card’s travel insurance

Even if your credit card comes with travel insurance, there’s a good chance it won’t cover your trip automatically. You usually need to trigger the cover, in many cases by booking the travel/accommodation using the card itself. If you pay in full with card points (e.g. with Qantas credit card points ), that mightn’t be enough to trigger the insurance – you usually need to make an actual card purchase.

Don’t withdraw cash overseas using your credit card

Using a credit card to withdraw cash at an overseas ATM is going to be very expensive. You’ll be stung with a fee from the local ATM operator (unless it happens to be a Westpac card and the ATM is part of the Global ATM alliance), a foreign transaction fee, plus a cash advance fee. You won’t get any interest-free days, meaning you’ll immediately be paying a high rate of interest on the funds you withdrew. Basically unless it’s an emergency, don’t go near an ATM with your credit card.

Brad Kelly , Money.com.au's credit card expert

Don’t accept the “Do you want to pay in Australian Dollars” option

A lot of people get caught out by this one. When you’re making a card payment overseas, a lot of the time you’ll get the option to pay in the local currency or have the amount converted to Australian dollars.

Paying the AUD amount shown would seem like the sensible choice here, but trust me, it’s almost always a rip off. That option involves what’s called dynamic currency conversion which means the conversion rate is determined by the merchant and it’s usually a much worse rate than what your credit card provider will give you if you pay in the local currency.

Bring the physical card with you

In Australia we’re very used to paying through a phone or watch using the likes of Apple Pay and Google Pay. But that kind of payment is not as widely accepted overseas. You’ll need to use the physical card and, for a dose of nostalgia, you may even need to insert it into a card chip reader and enter a PIN.

You will also likely need to have the physical card if you’re using your card for pre-authorisation when checking into a hotel or renting a car.

Have at least one backup payment option

When it comes to travel in particular, one card does not fit all. You might like the idea of using a single card for all your spending, but there are situations when a debit card will be better. Having a card from a different financial institution can also be a life-saver if your primary bank has an outage while you’re away.

You've got to be a bit strategic about how you’ll spend money overseas. So plan ahead. The truth is, if you don’t, the potential for getting walloped with fees or being massively inconvenienced is far greater than it is when you’re using your card in Australia.

Sean Callery

Reviewed by.

Credit Cards Expert

As featured in.

No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards

A credit card with no fx fees is an easy way to save 2-3% on overseas purchases when you're travelling or shopping online..

In this guide

The lowdown on Finder Score

Number crunching the finder score, how do credit cards with no foreign transaction fees work, finder credit card award winner, how to compare no foreign transaction fee credit cards, more credit card tips for travellers, frequently asked questions.

To qualify for this category, credit cards must:

• Be available to general consumers.

We analyse 300+ credit card products and assess six features, assigning them scores out of 10. Scores are weighted according to their importance within the product category.

The methodology is designed by our insights and editorial team. Commercial partnerships carry no weight, all products in the database are scored objectively.

The same card will receive a different score within each category, depending on the features being assessed (e.g.Travel Credit Cards, Balance Transfer),

Our intention is to enable informed financial decision-making without the need to analyse numerous individual data points. Please do consider your own financial circumstances when making a decision.

• 9+ Excellent - These cards offer lower currency conversion fees and relevant perks for travellers like insurance and ATM access.
• 7+ Great - Reasonable cards for travellers, however can potentially charge higher fees. 5+ Satisfactory - While eligible to be used to travellers internationally, these cards may charge currency conversion, overseas ATM withdrawal and ongoing fees.
• Less than 5 – Basic - These cards should be used for international purchases only in the event of an emergency.

Why you can trust Finder's credit card experts

When you travel or shop online with an overseas business, many cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2–3% of the purchase amount. But credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees waive this cost or give you a rebate, helping you save money on international transactions.

How much can I save with a 0% foreign transaction fee card?

It depends how much you spend overseas and the fees you would pay if you used a different card. But as an example, if you spent $2,000 on a card with a 3% international transaction fee, it would cost you $60. If you had a card with a 0% foreign transaction fee you wouldn't pay anything, so you'd save the full $60.

And if you had a credit card with a higher fee of 3.4% on international transactions, you'd save even more ($68 in this example).

Keep in mind that the cost of foreign transaction fees may not be obvious straight away, as they are added as separate transactions on your credit card account.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has also warned people 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.

If buying overseas items or travelling overseas, consider an international transaction fee-free credit or debit card. Make sure to compare fees and charges of different options.” – ACCC, ACCC website

The Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard was named the Best Travel Credit Card at the 2024 Finder Awards. Another consecutive win for the Bankwest Zero Platinum as it offers a combination of no foreign transaction fees, no annual fee and comprehensive overseas travel insurance. Its 14.99% interest rate on purchases scored well and helped establish it as a card that travellers can use save money on a range of costs.

0% fee requirements

Certain credit cards automatically waive foreign transaction fees when you make an international purchase.

Others offer a rebate on foreign transaction fees when you meet specific requirements, such as spending a set amount per month. If that's the case, you could still be charged a fee if you don't meet the requirements.

Annual fees

Annual fees typically range from $29 to $400 or more for higher-end cards. You can weigh this cost against the value you'd get from 0% foreign transaction fees and any other perks to help choose a card.

If the 0% foreign fee savings aren't as much as you thought, you could be better off comparing $0 annual fee credit cards . You could also consider a card that offers both no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee, although there are only a few of these on the market.

Interest rates

Interest rates on these cards range from around 10% to 27% for purchases. If you pay off your credit card as you go – or pay the total by the due date on your statement – you'll typically get interest-free days on your purchases .

But if you end up carrying over a balance, a low rate credit card could be a more cost-effective option.

Other travel benefits

Some cards offer additional perks when you're travelling, which can include:

• Complimentary travel insurance
• Airport lounge access
• Reward points for your spending

If there's another benefit you want, you could use Finder's table filters to narrow down your comparison of 0% foreign transaction fee cards. Just make sure you check what requirements you need to meet to use the perks.

Security features

Australian credit cards offer zero liability for fraudulent transactions and 24-hour emergency support services. Most also offer fraud-monitoring services.

Other security features can include virtual cards, transaction limits for overseas spending, temporary account blocks and extra online security through Visa Secure, Mastercard SecureCode or American Express SafeKey.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fees

Overseas ATM fees typically cost around $5 or between 2-3% of the total transaction. And that's not including any charges added by the overseas ATM operator.

There are credit cards that offer $0 international ATM withdrawals, but keep in mind that you'll still pay cash advance fees and any third-party charges.

Cash advance costs

When you use a credit card to withdraw cash, buy foreign currency or make any other cash advance transaction, you'll pay a fee worth around 2-4% of the transaction. You'll also be charged interest at the cash advance rate, which is higher than the purchase rate on most credit cards.

If you need to get cash when you're overseas, you can avoid these costs by using a debit card or prepaid travel card instead.

Want to use your credit card in Australia as well?

The range of credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees means it's worth looking for other features that you want on your credit card. For example frequent flyer points , 0% interest rate offers , cashback bonuses or something else. The key is to find a card with features that add value when you're shopping in Australia and overseas.

When you're planning to use your card overseas spending, keep the following details in mind:

• Daily cash withdrawal limits. Some credit card providers have a limit on the amount you can withdraw from an ATM using your credit card – and it could be lower than your available credit limit. Check your credit card account details through Internet or mobile banking, or call your provider for specific information on these limits.
• 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. For example, a credit card from Westpac, St.George, BankSA or Bank of Melbourne gives you access to the Global ATM Alliance network, which includes Westpac NZ (New Zealand), Barclays (UK), Bank of America (US) and Deutsche Bank (Germany and Spain).
• Exchange rates. Currency exchange rates will apply when you use an Australian credit card for a transaction in another currency. This rate can fluctuate daily, making it harder to work out the cost in Australian dollars (until it's added to your transaction list). Check with your credit card provider to find out when exchange rates are updated, or just keep an eye on your transaction list and available balance to work out how much you've spent once the transaction is converted to Australian dollars.

Meet our money expert Graham Cooke

Graham heads Finder's insights team and specialises in a variety of financial topics, including credit cards, loans, insurance and investing. He regularly appears on TV including ABC News, Sunrise and Today, and edits Finder's Insights column.

Graham's top credit card tips

• Credit cards often charge a significant foreign transaction fee, so check your card's terms before you travel.
• A card with low or no international transaction fees could help you save when travelling or shopping online with overseas businesses.
• You could also consider debit cards which offer low transaction fees or refund ATM charges.

What exactly is currency conversion?

When you use a credit card to make a transaction in another currency, it will be converted back to Australian dollars based on the exchange rate that's applicable for your credit card. For example, if you spent US$100 and the exchange rate was US$0.67 to AUD$1, this transaction would show up on your credit card account as AUD$148.85 (to the nearest cent).

If I'm given the choice, what currency should I pay in?

Sometimes when you're travelling, a business will give you the option of paying in the local currency or in Australian dollars. If you choose to pay in Australian dollars, the transaction will be processed using Dynamic Currency Conversion. This usually costs you a lot more than paying in the local currency.

According to the ACCC, this is because overseas banks "usually add a mark-up to the exchange rate". And depending on your credit card, you could still be charged an international transaction fee.

Realistically, how many travel money options do I need?

It's often useful to have a couple of different ways to spend money when you're travelling. As well as a credit card, you may want to buy foreign currency before you go or take a debit card in case you end up needing cash. Another option is getting a prepaid travel card that lets you spend money in different currencies so you can avoid foreign transaction fees.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full profile

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140 Responses

I am looking for a business credit card with 0% international transaction fees.

Thanks for getting in touch!

As of this writing, we don’t have a list of business credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees. If you are still looking for business credit cards , you can use our comparison table to help you find the card that suits you. On the page you’ll also read information about:

• Who is responsible for the credit card? Personal vs business credit card liability
• How to compare business credit cards
• Pros and cons of business credit cards
• How to apply for a business credit card

When you are ready, press the ‘Go to site’ button to apply. As a friendly reminder, read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the card, as well as the Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before committing to the product.

Hope this helps!

Best, Nikki

I withdrew money from an ATM in the Philippines and the machine said it was temporarily closed, and no money came out. I wrote the time down and the date. When I got back to Australia, 28 degrees said that I put my chip in and so the transaction was valid. I wrote back that no money came out of the machine, and all machines have cameras now, so they should be able to see I got no money. Can I take this to AFCA as I should not be to blame and it has to be on camera.

Hi Nicholas,

Thanks for getting in touch and sorry to hear about what happened. You can check and inquire with AFCA how to handle the situation but make sure you have all supporting documents to validate your claim. Hope this helps!

I love to travel and hate paying any fees overseas. About 10 years ago I was away for 4 months and with the total fees I paid along the way I could have stayed away much longer, so since then I’ve searched high and low for credit/debit cards to use.

I found 28 degrees first and that was fantastic until they changed the fee structure for having a positive amount on the card itself and using ATM’s, so I stopped using that one. Plus they introduced some fees for paying the card off if it went into debt.

The past few years I’ve used a Citibank debit card and that has been fantastic. I’ve paid no fees at all and it’s very simple to get hold of with no extra banking requirements to keep it – like put X amount per month in the account. I use it overseas and that’s pretty much it. Plus if you do use it in Australia at some restaurants you get a free bottle of wine!!

Recently I changed banks and joined ING. I heard they had a similar card (Orange everyday Visa) and I managed to get hold of that as well. I’m not 100% sure if you have to deposit at least $1000 per month to get the benefit of no fee’s but as I’ve joined that bank that part is done anyway. Certainly worth a look but double check those rules.

I would strongly suggest having a look at both the cards above as they are excellent for travel and not paying fees. I wouldn’t travel without them!

Also, I tried an NAB travel card before and that was a total waste of time due to the poor conversion rates the banks charge, and checking other banks “Travel Cards” I found the same thing. They sound good but you are not getting the best rates on conversion and to add to a bad conversion in Thailand a few years ago I was slugged $8 a time at the ATM. Hope that helps someone! Happy travels.

Thanks for reaching out for sharing your experience on credit cards. Feel free to get in touch with us again should you need any assistance.

If I had a Bankwest or 28 Degree card and wanted to purchase, whilst in Australia, a cruise costing several thousand $US dollars with an overseas company using that card would I be charged a conversion and/ or an overseas transaction fee?

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

For the Latitude 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard , there’s 0% of transaction value under the foreign currency conversion fee.

If you have a Bankwest Zero Mastercard , then you will be charged 2.95% of transaction value as the foreign currency conversion fee. However if you have a Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard then NO foreign transaction fee.

As a friendly reminder, while we do not represent any company we feature on our pages, we can offer you general advice.

I suggest that you also verify this info with your bank/credit card issuer before you make your dollar transaction.

I hope this helps.

Have a great day!

Cheers, Jeni

I want a credit card for an overseas trip. Points on velocity would be great, as would no international currency transfer fees. Any suggestions, please? I’ve never had a credit card, just debit cards.

Thanks for your inquiry.

If you are looking for no foreign transaction fees options, please feel free to check our frequent flyer credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

I recommend that you check the details of the credit card you’re interested in, its eligibility criteria as well as the Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions before you apply.

Also if you can, contact first the issuing bank and discuss your options and chances of approval before you send anything final for your application. Just apply for one credit card at a time and ensure your eligibility before submitting your final application. This way you can avoid credit enquiries on your file.

Cheers, Rench

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• Join CHOICE

Travel money cards with the lowest fees

We look at seven travel money cards from the big banks and airlines..

Prepaid travel money cards are offered by major banks, airlines and foreign exchange retailers like Travelex. Before travelling overseas, you load money into the card account, which locks in the exchange rate for foreign currencies at that time. 

You can then use the card for purchases and cash withdrawals just like a debit or credit card, usually wherever Visa and Mastercard are accepted. 

You can reload money on-the-go via an app or website, and if the card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced (usually at no cost to you).

Prepaid travel money cards also give you assurance that you're not handing the details of your everyday banking account to merchants you're not familiar with, and they provide easy access to cash when you want some, says Peter Marshall, head of research at money comparison website Mozo .

CHOICE tip: Travel money cards are best for longer trips. They're usually not worth your while if you're only taking a short trip, as some have closure, cash out and inactivity fees.

Travel money card fees

A major difference between prepaid travel cards and debit or credit cards is their fees. Some costs aren't immediately apparent, such as hefty margins built into the exchange rates.

And although fees have come down since we looked at these cards two years ago, you still need to watch out for:

• fees to load the card – either a percentage of the total or a flat fee
• ATM withdrawal fees
• a cross currency fee or margin when you use the card in a currency you haven't preloaded
• further fees if you close the account or haven't used the card for a period of time.

Travel money card with the lowest fees and best exchange rate

Westpac worldwide wallet.

Westpac closed its Global Currency Card in July 2021 and offers its new card in partnership with Mastercard.  It's also available from Bank of Melbourne and BankSA.

Currencies: AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, ZAR.

Key features:

• No loading, reloading, closing or inactivity fees.
• Free to use it in network ATMs in Australia and partner ATMs overseas in a range of countries including the UK, US and New Zealand.
• A charge applies at non-Westpac and non-partner ATMs in Australia and overseas.
• Best exchange rates for the US dollar, the Euro and GBP in our comparison.*
• The only card that lets you preload the South African rand.

Other travel money cards

Next to the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are six other travel money cards available.

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

Available online or at post offices.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED.

• Fee to reload the card via BPay, debit card or instore, but free via online bank transfer.
• Closure fee.
• Fees for ATM withdrawals in Australia and overseas.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

It's issued by Heritage Bank and is available online and from a number of smaller banks and credit unions (like Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland) as well as travel agents. 

• Fee to reload with a debit card or instore, but free via BPay.

CommBank Travel Money Card

CommBank Travel Money Card (Visa)

As NAB and ANZ have closed their travel money cards, this is the only other travel money card available from a major bank. This card has the largest variety of currencies that can be preloaded.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED, VND, CNY.

• Fee if you make a purchase with currencies not preloaded.
• Fee for withdrawals at overseas ATMs.

Qantas Travel Money Card

Qantas Travel Money Card (Mastercard)

The only travel money card offering from an airline. It can be added as a feature to your Qantas Frequent Flyer card, so you don't need a dedicated card, and you can earn points using it.

• Free to reload via bank transfer or BPay, but there's a reload fee if using debit card.

Travelex Money Card

Travelex Money Card (Mastercard)

Travelex is an international foreign exchange retailer. In Australia, it operates more than 140 stores at major airports and shopping centres, across CBDs and in the suburbs. It was the card with the best exchange rate for New Zealand dollars.*

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD.

Fees : 

• Load fee instore, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Reload fee instore or via BPay, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Closure fee and monthly inactivity fee (if not used for 12 months).

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard)

The Travel Money Group is owned by Flight Centre and is a foreign exchange retailer. 

• Reloading the card via an online bank transfer or instore is free, but there's a fee if you reload via BPay, debit card or credit card. 
• Cash out (closure) fee. 

Travel money card tips

• Make sure the card allows the currencies you'll need, and also consider stopovers. For example, the South African rand is only supported by the Westpac card.
• Try to load your card with the right currencies and amounts on days with good exchange rates. 
• Make sure you know how to reload your card if you run out of funds while overseas.
• It may be more convenient to choose a card that has an app that can be linked to your bank account.
• Avoid loading more money than you'll need as there may be fees and exchange rate margins to get the unused money back.
• Remember to cancel the card once you're finished your trip, especially if it has inactivity fees.
• Be mindful that you still may need a credit card, as travel money cards may not be accepted as security for hotels and car rental agencies. 

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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Credit cards with no international fees

International fees on credit cards are also called foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. They’re charged when you pay for something overseas, whether it’s online or in person, usually at 2-3% of the transaction. But they can be avoided!

If you withdraw money from an overseas ATM, you may also have to have to pay a withdrawal fee (to the ATM operator and to your credit card provider). Note: If you want to earn points on your travel spending, check out our monthly update of the Best Frequent Flyer cards, and our list of Frequent Flyer credit cards here .

A solution: ‘No foreign transaction fee’ credit cards

Other ‘no foreign transaction fee’ credit cards.

Some credit cards waive the foreign transaction fee as one of their features. It’s often the case with high-tiered cards that come with a bunch of perks, rewards and higher annual fees.

But, if you spend overseas frequently, it might be worth comparing and deciding whether your spending makes the ongoing costs of the cards worth it.

There are also cards that offer reasonable annual fees, no currency conversion fees and other bonuses like 0% interest offers, and even repayment instalment plans that rival Buy Now Pay Later schemes.

So, it’s all about comparing to see which card works best for you and how much you spend.

Here’s an example of how much you could save on currency conversion fees in one month:

As a one-off purchase, the smaller amounts might not seem that bad. But if you frequently shop online, those small amounts add up over the course of a year. An overseas family holiday can easily cost $200 extra just in conversion fees.

And that’s not including any ATM charges for withdrawing cash while you’re overseas.

BankWest also waive international fees on their Bankwest More Platinum credit card. We’ve picked the two above however, as they have more overall benefits, as well as the waived foreign transaction fees.

Credit Card International Fees by Brand

Alternative: wise travel money card, different types of cards for travellers.

Credit cards marketed to frequent travellers will often have low or non-existent foreign currency charges. In particular, a number of Gold and Platinum cards offer this feature (for example the BankWest Platinum range).

These cards will still have administrative costs, however, and they will tend to have either higher annual fees (though the  BankWest Zero Platinum card has none) or higher interest rates, so work out whether this is actually going to save money on a card-by-card basis.

A Platinum card can be an option if you would use features such as frequent flyer points, travel insurance, extended warranty or purchase protection (if buying within Australia), so just because the card charges an annual fee doesn’t mean it is automatically more expensive if you would use those extras.

You can also check if the card has competitive exchange rates as part of their frequent traveller features.

Need travel insurance? Maybe your card covers it. 

Plenty of cards offer complimentary travel insurance as one of their handy little perks. 

To compare cards and the insurances they include, you can see our free travel insurance comparison , which highlights all the key features for major credit cards and credit card providers.

Credit cards can be a super economical way of insuring yourself while you travel, and it’s often activated automatically as long as you buy your tickets or certain travel expenses on the credit card. 

There are a few tips to remember though:

• Purchase the tickets with the card, or the insurance may not be activated.
• Don’t expect to be covered automatically for pre-existing conditions. If you have asthma, diabetes or some other condition check whether you need separate or additional cover and pay any applicable surcharge to ensure you’re properly covered.
• Always, always keep the credit card statement showing the purchase of your flights and/or accommodation to hand, as some credit cards require a copy of this before paying out on a claim.
• If you insist on separate travel insurance, take the advice of trusted websites like Finder.com.au and shop around for the best deal, making sure you’re covered for everything you want to be. Also make sure you understand any exclusions, such as adventure sports or Acts of God in any policy before you sign.

Read more about credit card travel insurance here .

If you choose prepaid, use it wisely

Foreign currency prepaid credit cards are pre-loaded with foreign currencies up to a certain value. These cards can allow you to lock in an exchange rate, and can offer reasonable exchange rates (see below for a word of caution about that).

Qantas Cash and Virgin’s Global Wallet are both examples of prepaid travel cards. With each option, you can pre-load foreign currencies on to the card, allowing you to lock in an exchange rate on each pre-loaded amount. You can then use the card to make overseas and domestic purchases. This can save you a huge amount in foreign conversion fees often charged by standard credit cards.

Qantas Cash and Global Wallet also allow you to earn rewards points on their respective loyalty programs, and can allow for faster check-in and boarding. To find out more about Qantas Cash and Global Wallet, what each one offers, and how they stack up against each other, read our post  here .

If you’re choosing a prepaid travel card, be aware of the small print and any fees that might apply. Remember, you might have to pay ATM fees to withdraw money at ATMs both in Australia and overseas.

Fees to be aware of:

• Application fee: There is no fee to apply for a Qantas Cash card or Global Wallet.
• Top up/Reload fee: No top up fee on Qantas Cash or Global Wallet.
• Monthly service fee: No monthly service fee on Qantas Cash or Global Wallet.
• Inactivity fee: While Qantas Cash does not charge an inactivity fee, Global Wallet charges a $1 inactivity fee if the card remains inactive for 12 months or more.
• Currency conversion fee: If you use Qantas Cash or Global Wallet to pay for something in a currency that is not loaded on your wallet, you will pay a 3% currency conversion fee.

Use prepaid as a backup, and watch the exchange rate

If you do go with a prepaid option, make sure you understand its fees and its terms and conditions, and we’d still recommend having at least one back-up card for the time you’re away. This can ensure you’ll always have access to cash should anything happen.

A recent analysis also found a massive $193 difference in cost between providers based on different exchange rates they used. That means whether you get the card at Australia Post, ANZ, NAB or elsewhere, the currency exchange rate will be different and will vary depending on where you’re going and which currencies you’re loading.

Deciding on the right overseas-friendly credit card

So, does it sound like you should be exploring your options when it comes to overseas cash access? You’d definitely be right, and you’ve found the perfect place to start here, by comparing the transaction fees that major card providers offer. 

Once you’ve had a look at the fees your bank charges, you can decide whether you should apply to another bank for a card with no international fees.

Far from just believing that your current bank will look after you while you’re overseas, if you explore your options you might discover that another provider offers a better solution for you while you’re overseas.

For standard credit cards, the foreign currency transaction fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the purchase amount (because that’s the amount exchanged in foreign currency on each transaction). The table above lists the current fees charged by major credit card providers for overseas transactions.

We’ve found that the only way to avoid annoying foreign transaction fee is:

• To use cash in the local currency (but be aware of ATM withdrawal fees),
• To use one of the selected cards above that doesn’t charge a transaction fee,
• To use local debit or credit card (but this may only be an option if you have been living overseas for quite some time already).

Pauline Hatch

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger.

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Limited time super-sized Qantas Points

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Low fees, big points and perks galore: Bonus points are worth a $400 Gift Card from Bunnings, Woolworths, Myer, and more (min spend and T&Cs apply). Earn up to 1.5 points per $1 on eligible purchases to redeem for merch, cash back, gift cards and travel. Get complimentary overseas and domestic travel insurance and rental vehicle excess cover in Australia.

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Up to 90,000 bonus qantas points.

Spend $3,000 within the first 3 months (70,000 pts) + 20,000 pts in your second year upon fee renewal. $450 Qantas Travel Credit to use on eligible domestic or international Qantas flights each year. Two complimentary The Centurion® Lounge entries each year plus travel insurance covers. T&Cs apply.

Spend $3,000 within the first 3 months (70,000 pts) + 20,000 pts in your second year upon fee renewal. $450 Annual Qantas Travel Credit. Two complimentary The Centurion® Lounge entries each year plus travel insurance covers. Add 4 additional cardholders for free.

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Best travel money cards in 2024.

Travel money cards are essential when travelling overseas.

They allow you to easily make payments whilst travelling overseas. They make paying easier for shops, restaurants, hotels and ATMs.Travel money cards work in a similar way to ATM cards. They use a pin when you purchase goods or services overseas.

In this guide, we have compared travel money cards to help you make the best selection for your next trip.

Best Travel Money Cards:

• Wise Travel Card Best Exchange Rates
• Revolut Best for Low Fees
• Travelex Money Card Best All Rounder
• Bankwest Breeze Platinum Best Travel Credit Card
• Pelikin Student Traveller Card Best Student Card
• HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card Best Travel Card by Bank
• Qantas Travel Money Card Best Reward Benefits

Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates

• 40+ currencies available
• Best exchange rates globally
• One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
• No international transaction fees
• No annual or monthly fees
• Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Wise Travel Card

• Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
• Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
• Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
• It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
• Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

The Wise Travel Card is great for frequent travellers as it offers over 40 currencies at the inter-market exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. In addition you can buy goods online from overseas with no transaction fee plus get the best exchange rate. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Our Wise Travel Card Review

Revolut - Low Fees

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder

Best features.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Initial and replacement card are free
• Lock in up to 10 currencies

Read our Travelex Travel Card Review

Travelex Money Card

• Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
• Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
• While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
• Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Travelex Card is a good all rounder.

You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as the Wise or Revolut Card abroad , the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate

• Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
• No international transaction fees on purchases
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

• Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
• 55 interest free days
• Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
• $6,000 minimum credit card
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
• 21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
• Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling overseas.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places around the world.

HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card

• No initial card or closure fees
• No monthly or account fees
• No international ATM fees
• No cross currency conversion fees
• Lock in very competitive exchange rates before travel
• No maximum balance
• Earn 2% cashback

• 10 Currencies can be loaded are AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, CNY (currency restrictions apply to CNY)
• Awarded 5 gold stars by CANSTAR in 2021 for Outstanding Value
• Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
• ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
• Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with Visa pay wave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100. With a maximum of $50 cash back per month. In addition you need to deposit $2,000 or more into your Everyday Global Account each calendar month.
• Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
• Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card is a good option to take travelling and to spend money in Australia with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees. In addition there is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Finally it is one of the only travel cards that offers Chinese Yuan. To avoid ATM fees you need to find HSBC branches in Australia and only use ATMs overseas with a VISA or VISA Plus logo.

Best Student Card

Pelikin student traveller card.

• Use promo code SMONEY10 for a $10 discount
• Up to 15% off international flights
• A globally accepted virtual student ID card
• 2% cash back on food & drinks, transport and accommodation
• Over 150,000 discounts worldwide

• $30 for 12 months
• 20+ currencies available
• Split bills, pay and get paid instantly

Pelikin is one of the only travel cards in Australia specifically for students. While it has a small annual fee, the range of discounts and offers more than make up for it.

The app is relatively easy to use and card arrives in under a week.

Best Rewards Card

Qantas travel money card.

• No monthly fees, purchase fees and currency conversion fees
• No load fees if you pay by bank transfer or BPay
• Locked in exchange rates: 4%+ margin on exchange rates
• Earn 1.5 Qantas points for every AU$1 spent in foreign currency

• 10 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB, NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED
• Free Australia ATM withdrawals
• 0.5% fee debit card reload fee
• ATM fees overseas (USD 1.95; GBP 1.25; EUR 1.50; THB 70; NZD 2.50; SGD 2.50; HKD 15.00; CAD 2.00; JPY 160; AED 6.50)
• Minload of $50 and max of $20,000
• Available to 16 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)

Qantas Travel card is a great option to spend foreign currency overseas if you are already a loyal Qantas customer and use your frequent flyer points regularly on flights, accommodation or gifts. The fees are low, the exchange rate is average however the ATM fees are expensive and will easily add up.

Other popular travel money cards

Aside of the Top 5 travel money cards, there are many more options to consider. These include well known brands such as the Commonwealth Bank and Travelex and less known services like Up Bank and Revolut.

Here is a rundown of their best features, fees and available currencies:

• 13 currencies available, including Vietnamese Dong and Chinese Yuan
• No issue fee, load fees, closure and card replacement fees
• Additional card offered
• Can be accessed through Commonwealth Bank app

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

• $3.50 fee at ATMs overseas
• 13 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB , NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED, AUD, VND & CNY
• Minload of $1 and max of $100,000
• Available to 14 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)
• When you use your card for a purchase or withdrawal in a currency that is not loaded, or when they automatically transfer funds between the currencies on your card to enable the completion of the transaction at the Visa retail exchange rate plus 4%
• To transfer money between currencies or a transaction account, it will be at the bank rate which is normally 4% above the market value

The Commonwealth Bank travel money card is great if you are already a Commonwealth bank customer who banks online and knows exactly how much money in each country you want to spend. However if you need to transfer between currencies or make a purchase in a currency you don't have funds loaded, then you can get an additional expensive charge. Watch how many withdrawals at ATMs you make as well to keep the costs down.

• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP and THB
• No fee on initial card or load (not BPay)
• No fee on reloads via bank transfers
• No monthly or inactivity fees
• Card is valid for 5 years

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

• 1.1% reloading fee via Travel Money Oz Login or with debit or credit card
• 1% reloading fee for BPay
• $10 closure fee and replacement card fee
• 2.95% on withdrawals from Australian ATMs is expensive
• Roughly $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATMs is expensive.
• $3.99 + 5.95% fee on cross currency transactions
• 10 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB & AUD
• Exchange rates for SGD and CAD are the least competitive
• Minload of $20 and max of $10,000
• Only 1 card per account
• According to the website they won't take online orders if you are departing within 14 days as the card can take up to 2 weeks for delivery.

The Travel Money Oz travel money card seems to be an outdated version of the Travelex or Australia Post travel card as it does not offer Global Emergency Assistance or Boingo hotspots. However exchange rates and fees are similar to Travelex, so if you are travelling to the US, UK or Thailand, this is a great card to pay for accommodation and things in shops. We would avoid using it at any ATM, to save costs.

• No ATM fees in Australia or internationally
• No minimum monthly deposit
• No account keeping fees
• Can be used in Australia as an EFTPOS card
• Available to 14 year olds and older

Macquarie Travel Card

• $2,000 daily limit for ATM withdrawals
• Simple and easy to work out costs for account
• Exchange rates are MasterCard exchange rates, which are normally 4%+ market rate.
• 90-day theft and damage protection on eligible purchases and stolen wallet protection up to $500
• Can be used in Australia to buy goods overseas and not pay international transaction fees
• Get discounts of up to 10% on eGift cards to use at over 50 leading retailers

The Macquarie Travel Card is a very good option to take overseas for ATM withdrawals as they are all free. In addition in Australia you can buy goods online and not pay an international transaction fee. Furthermore you can use the card like a normal debit card in Australia with no hefty fees or monthly minimum deposits. However the exchange rate is the MasterCard rate which is normally 4%+ above the market rate. Finally we would recommend this card for cash withdrawals at ATMs internationally but not paying for accommodation due to the added margin on the MasterCard exchange rate.

• Cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank
• UI and UX better than traditional banks making it super easy to use
• Competitive savings interest rate

Up Bank Travel Card

• Backed by Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank and partnered with Wise so it has financial backing and access to the cheapest exchange rates to send money overseas
• Nifty online tools to help you track spending, budget and save. These include a detailed transaction history often including a company logo, when you paid down to the minute and the suburb where the transaction was made. In addition it has a ‘Regulars feature that detects regular billers and estimate of upcoming bills so you get a heads-up before they are due
• Good savings account interest rates of 1.85% (0.10% base rate plus 1.75% bonus). Bonus interest is easily unlocked after making five successful card or digital wallet purchases each month

The Up Bank Travel Card is aimed at younger markets who are looking to save on bank costs and receive online tools to help them budget and save for their goals. It is also able to be used overseas at any ATM without fees, no international fees and is the cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank due to their partnership with Wise (the largest money transfer company in the world). In addition the exchange rates are Mastercard rates which are normally 4% above interest rates. Finally, while this card is very useful domestically and for ATMs overseas we would not recommend it for big ticket items overseas as it is an expensive card to use.

• No foreign transaction fees
• No fee on initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• No cross currency transactions fees
• Lock in exchange rates before you leave
• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP, EUR and CAD and JPY
• No ATM fee at 50,000 Global Alliance ATMs worldwide
• Free additional card
• Flight delay pass

Westpac Travel Money Card

• 11 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB, AUD & ZAR
• $2,000 maximum limit on ATM withdrawals overseas within 24 hours
• $50,000 maximum limit on currencies loaded on to travel card
• $3 roughly for ATMs that are not within the Non Westpac Global Alliance
• If you run out of one currency on the card, you can pay with other currencies without the expensive cross currency transaction fee
• No foreign transaction fees, initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• According to the Westpac it can take upto 8 business days to receive the travel card
• Secure from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection
• 2 cards per account for free

The Westpac Travel Card is a no frills handy travel card with very low fees, no foreign transaction fees, access to some free ATMs worldwide and competitive exchange rates, especially on USD, EUR, GBP, CAD and JPY. In addition it has the South African Rand (ZAR) which is not common in prepaid travel cards. Finally it has access to a flight delay pass in case your flights are delayed and you need to access airport lounges.

• Linked to ANZ Rewards program
• 7 types of insurance for free
• 55 days interest free
• Good security on card purchases

ANZ Travel Adventure Card

• 20.24% interest on purchases and cash advances
• $120 annual fee
• No international transaction fees in person or online
• Offer 7 types of insurance for free
• ANZ Reward points can be used to buy gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account.
• Earn 1.5 Reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $2,000 per statement period
• ATM fees at non ANZ ATMs
• Minimum credit of $6,000

If you utilize rewards points then the ANZ Travel Adventure Card might be suitable for you. Reward points can be used to buy a wide range of gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account. In addition no international transaction fees are charged for purchases online or whilst you travel overseas. Finally this card is not recommended for cash withdrawals as the interest rate of 20.24% will eat up any savings.

• No ATM fees
• Can be used in Australia with no additional costs
• No fees for paying via bank transfer or Bpay
• Transfer limits can be set by user

ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card

• As long as you you deposit at least $1000 and make at least 5 payments each month ING will waive international transaction fees and refund overseas ATM withdrawal fees
• Can be used in all countries
• Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Visa currency conversion rates apply, which are normally 4% above market

The ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card is a good card for most Australians travelling overseas for ATM access, with no fees. It also allows you to to buy goods online without an international transaction fee.

Furthermore you can use it in Australia for free and there are no fees to get your initial card, for account keeping or to top up your card. A word of caution however, if you travel overseas for longer than 1 month, you still need to deposit at least $1,000 and make at least 5 payments each month to get the rebates.

• Initial card and replacement cards are free
• Increased protection with Mastercard Zero Liability
• Access to cash from your account through the Global Emergency Assistance, if your card is lost or stolen

Australia Post Travel Money Card - Platinum Mastercard

• 1.1% Admin fee for instore loads, including initial load
• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card
• $10 closure fee
• $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATM is expensive
• Currencies that can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD , AED and AUD
• Minload of $100 and max of $100,000
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash that is in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer the free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Australia Post travel money card is a popular option for Australian travellers due to the convenience of stores. However we would recommend the Australia Post travel money card for paying in shops or accommodation as it is costly to withdraw cash from ATMS. As the Australia Post travel money card is fee heavy we recommend not making withdrawals at ATMs or making cross currency transactions to keep additional fees down.

• Up to 11 currencies available
• Manage your account and card online
• 24/7 global assistance
• Access to emergency cash
• Free additional card when ordered at time of purchase
• Can be used at millions of locations worldwide – wherever Mastercard purchase symbol is displayed

Greater Bank Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card, FREE reloads via BPAY
• Admin fee of up to the greater of 1.1% of the load/reload amount or $15 for in-store purchases
• Debit card load fee 0.5% of the amount loaded, per Debit Card Load transaction
• Domestic ATM fee 2.95% of value Withdrawn
• International ATM fee USD 2.50, EUR2.50, GBP 2.00,NZD 3.50, THB80.00, CAD 3.50,HKD 18.00, JPY260.00, SGD3.50, AED 10.00, AUD 3.50
• Minimum load of AUD100 and a Maximum of AUD100,000

The Cash Passport is one of the most popular travel cards in the Australian market. With Greater Bank, you can purchase it online and at one of their branches, then download the app or use the website to manage your card. While the card may be useful for international purchases, be mindful when using an ATM both locally or overseas as the fees can add up if you are withdrawing money often.

Learn more about the Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard through Greater Bank .

The best travel card in Australia depends on its use, for ATM withdrawals it is ING Orange , for best exchange rates it is Wise Travel Card, the best credit card is Bankwest Breeze Platinum , for overall best card by a bank its HSBC Global  and the best rewards card is the Qantas Travel card .

A travel money card is safer than cash overseas and if you select a Wise travel card , it is the best exchange rate as well. Most places around the world accept MasterCard or Visa, so you should be able to pay for all your purchases by card.

Yes you can use all travel cards in Australia but you might choose not to due to the fees. ING , Macquarie , Up , Citibank are all good examples of travel money cards that do not charge for ATM withdrawals in Australia. However examples of travel money cards that charge $3.50 per Australian ATM withdrawal include Travelex , Australia Post and Travel Money Oz .

Both if you buy your cash from S Money and pay with a Wise card overseas, as they both use the exchange rate you see online and charge very low fees. However if you buy your foriegn currency at the airport, you are paying top prices so using a card is cheaper.

There are many travel money cards that no longer exist but appear in search engine page results. Travel money cards that no longer exist include 7-11 Just Go, NAB Travel Money Card, Travelex Cash Passport, Australia Post Cash Passport, ANZ Travel Card, Westpac Global Currency Card and the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet program.

Learn more about the best debit, credit and prepaid cards for travel

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Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

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The 6 Best Prepaid Travel Cards for Australians 2024

Here is a list of the 6 best prepaid cards you can take with you on your travels and the positives and negatives for each one:

• Wise - our pick for prepaid cards

Revolut - low fees

• Citibank - good for use at home
• Travelex - no fees for ATM withdrawals
• Australia Post - lock in exchange rates

HSBC - no international transaction fees

Prepaid travel money cards let you load money - either in AUD or the foreign currency you need - in advance, which you can then use as you travel , for spending and withdrawals. Lots of cards let you top up and manage your account through an app, which means you can always keep up with your money, even when you’re away from home.

Picking the right prepaid card can mean you get more convenient ways to spend and withdraw when you’re abroad - and lower overall costs, too. Let’s look at some of the best prepaid travel cards  for Australians , so you can pick your perfect match:

Wise - our pick for prepaid travel card

• Top up for free in AUD using PayID or bank transfer
• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees or exchange rate markups
• No minimum balance requirements
• Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR), Canada (CAD) and New Zealand (NZD)
• Available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand

Find out more about the Wise card .

With this card:

• It's very easy to set up and order
• Available as a  virtual card
• You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
• Pay with your Wise card in most places overseas where debit cards are accepted
• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas

It's not all good news though

• There is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• It takes 7-14 days for delivery

Go to Wise or read our review .

• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
• Very easy to use app
• Free to set up account and top up
• You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas

Read the full review

• No purchase fee, load fee, reload fee, exchange rate margin or minimum balance requirements
• Unlike other Travel Cards, its free and easy to use the balance of your currency or convert it back to AUD
• The exchange rates are unbeatable. They use the same rate you see on XE or Google with no hidden mark-up
• For the free Standard account, there is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• The premium account costs $10.99 a month, which can really add up if you are not using it often
• Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
• 2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
• 3-4 business days before you receive your card

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

Australia Post Prepaid Travel card - lock in exchange rates

• Load up to 11 different major world currencies
• Spend and withdraw easily around the world
• Get access to extras like free wifi when you travel
• Manage your card in online and via an app
• Transfer instantly to another Travel Platinum Mastercard

• Load up to 11 different currencies for easy spending and withdrawals
• Lock in exchange rates so you know what your travel money budget is in advance
• Get extra perks like free wifi when you load 100 AUD or more
• Get fraud protections from Mastercard
• 3.5 AUD international ATM fee, or 2.95% domestic ATM fee
• Exchange rates to add money in a foreign currency or spend a currency you don’t hold are likely to include a markup
• Some fees apply depending on how you top up your account

Travelex - no fees for international ATM withdrawals

• Load up to 10 major currencies at a time
• Spend and withdraw anywhere Mastercard is accepted
• Contactless payments so you can just tap and go
• No Travelex fees for international ATM withdrawals
• Free to spend currencies you hold in your account
• Order online and have it delivered to your home - or collect in store

• Top up and hold up to 10 currencies at a time
• View and manage your account online
• Spend online and in person, and make withdrawals as you travel
• No membership or account fees to pay
• Get exclusive Mastercard discounts and perks
• Inactivity fees apply if you don’t use the card for a year
• Not all major currencies are supported for holding - double check they have the currency or currencies you need

Go to Travelex or read our review .

Citibank Saver Plus - best for use at home

• No international ATM or transaction fees
• Fee-free international money transfers to any account worldwide
• SMS notifications through Citi Alert

With this card you can:

• withdraw money for free at over 3000 ATMs Australia-wide and overseas
• take advantage of no foreign transaction fees, monthly fees, or minimum opening balance
• transfer money to friends and family anywhere in the world for free
• Cash deposits available within 24-48 hours
• Can’t have two cards active at the same time
• $5 account closure
• Hold and exchange 10 currencies: AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, and CNY 
• No account opening or annual fees to pay
• No foreign transaction fee and no HSBC ATM fee at home or abroad
• Some cashback earning opportunity on local spending 
• Easy online overseas transfers - 8 AUD fee and exchange rate markups apply

• Hold and exchange 10 currencies
• No account opening fee, no ongoing fees 
• Get up to 2% cashback on eligible card spend
• No HSBC ATM fee
• No international transaction fee
• 8 AUD fee for sending money overseas
• Cashback on low value transactions made in Australia only
• Limits apply on how you can use CNY within your account

Read our HSBC Everyday Global Account review .

What are Prepaid Travel Cards?

Prepaid travel cards are a good international card alternatives to carrying cash. They look like credit or debit cards, but they function differently.

You're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currency you need and can use it to make purchases online, in stores and to withdraw money at ATMs.

Most travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

Find out how our 5 best prepaid travel cards for Australians compare in our best and worst travel cards article .

Looking for something different?

Read our guides on:

• The best travel debit cards
• The best travel cards for Europe
• The Wise debit card review
• Best virtual debit cards for Aussies

How does a prepaid travel card work?

Order a prepaid travel card online, through a provider app , or - in some cases - pick one up at a physical location or store. Generally to get your card you’ll need to show or upload some ID documents for verification - this is to keep your account safe and is a legal requirement.

Once you have your card account open , you can load funds . Different cards have their own supported methods for topping up, which usually include bank transfer, PayID, credit and debit card, and which may also allow you to deposit cash in some cases. Once you have funds on your card, you can switch to the currency you need for overseas spending. In some cases you can also leave your funds in AUD and just allow the card to convert for you - but do check that no additional fees will apply in this case.

Prepaid travel cards can then be used to tap and pay , make withdrawals and shop online . You can often also add them to mobile wallets like Apple Pay for convenient spending. Because your card isn’t attached to your everyday account it’s secure, and you can only spend the funds you’ve loaded, which means there’s no chance of accidentally blowing your budget.

Advantages and disadvantages of prepaid cards

Prepaid cards can be a handy addition when you’re abroad, as they are secure and convenient to use for payments and withdrawals. However, they’re not the only option. If you’re not sure about whether a prepaid card is right for you, check out these advantages and disadvantages to help you decide:

Advantages:

• More convenient than carrying cash, with easy access to ATMs to withdraw when you need to
• Not linked to your primary day to day account, which can be more secure and make budgeting easier
• Some accounts let you buy currency in advance to lock in exchange rates when they’re good
• You may be able to access better exchange rates and lower fees compared to using a regular bank card

Disadvantages:

• Some prepaid cards have fairly high fees - including charges when you add money to the account. Read more on how to find the best travel cards with no foreign transaction fees
• Not all prepaid cards support a broad range of currencies - check the currencies you need are covered
• Prepaid cards aren’t always accepted for things like paying security deposits - so it’s safest to have a credit card as well

Who is a prepaid debit card for?

A prepaid debit card is handy for many different customer needs. For example, you may choose a prepaid debit card in the following situations:

• You’re planning travel and want to set your budget in advance with no chance of accidentally overspending
• You want to be able to hold and exchange a selection of foreign currencies all in the same account
• You want to increase security by using a payment card that’s not linked to your main everyday account when you travel
• Some cards also offer other perks like ways to receive foreign currency payments conveniently, or cashback 

How can I get a prepaid travel card?

Different prepaid cards have their own order and activation processes. However, to comply with local and international law, providers will usually need to see some ID before you’re able to get a card - this verification step may be available online by uploading images of your paperwork, or in person by visiting a branch. 

Here’s an outline of the basic steps you’ll take to get a prepaid travel card:

• Pick the right card for your needs
• Visit the provider’s website or app - or call into a branch if you’d prefer a face to face service
• Complete a travel card order from, which will include your personal information
• Get verified - usually this involves showing or uploading ID like a passport or driving licence
• Add money to your card, which could be in cash, with a bank card, or by bank transfer
• You can now get your card, and manage your account online or in the app

If you’re ordering a card in person you’ll be able to start using it right away. If you’ve ordered online for delivery, you’ll need to wait a few days, to a couple of weeks, depending on the provider you’ve picked, for your card to be available. You might be able to access virtual card details in the meantime, to start spending right away.

How to choose a prepaid debit card

There are many different prepaid debit cards on the Australian market - so picking the best one for you will require a bit of research. Starting with this guide, compare a few different prepaid debit cards based on features and fees. Here are a few pointers to think about:

• Make sure you know about any opening or card delivery fee which will apply once you order your card
• Check how long it’ll take to get your card if you’re ordering online for home delivery
• Make sure the card you pick can hold a broad selection of currencies, so you can use it for more than one trip away
• Check the fees for adding funds, making ATM withdrawals and converting currencies
• Look to see if there are any account close, cash out or dormancy fees that apply once you stop using the card
• Make sure the card is well rated by other users, and from a trustworthy provider

Where can I get a prepaid debit card?

Generally you can order your prepaid debit card online or by downloading your preferred provider’s app. Some cards, like the Auspost card, can also be collected in physical branch locations.

FAQ - 6 Best Prepaid Travel Cards

Are prepaid cards free.

Prepaid cards may be free to order, or you may pay a small one time fee, depending on the provider and card you pick. Once you have your card you may also pay transaction fees such as exchange rate markups when you switch currencies, and ATM withdrawal charges. Read the card’s terms and conditions carefully so you’re aware of the costs involved.

What are the best prepaid debit cards for international travel?

There’s no single best prepaid debit card - it’ll come down to your personal preferences, where you’re travelling, and the type of transaction you need to make. Pick a prepaid card which is easy to use, which supports the currency you need, and which offers a good balance of low fees and good exchange rates.

What is the best reloadable prepaid card?

There’s no single best reloadable prepaid debit card. Use this guide to compare a few options to pick the one that’s right for you, thinking about features, fees and the range of supported currencies you’ll need.

Should I use a Mastercard or Visa for overseas?

Both Visa and Mastercard are very broadly accepted globally. It’s often a good idea to have a prepaid, debit or credit card on each of these networks, so you’ll always have a backup if for some reason one network isn’t available wherever in the world you are.

Are prepaid currency cards worth it?

Picking the right prepaid currency card can help you save money on currency exchange and access low fee international transaction services. You might also get extra perks like easy ways to lock in exchange rates in advance, so you can get a good deal and fix your travel budget before you go away.

Your currency knowledge centre

5 Best Debit Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas

Travel debit cards are a good alternative to carrying cash. They also offer the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. Here is a list of the 5 best travel debit cards you can take with you on your travels and the positives and negatives for each one.

• Read more ⟶

Wise Debit Card Review

The Wise Debit card give customers an easy way to spend their balances in multiple countries. With interbank rates and low fees, this product is available in Australia for both personal and business customers.

8 Travel Traps to Avoid If You're Heading to Europe

To help you avoid spending money unnecessarily, here are some pretty important travel money traps you want to avoid if you travel to Europe.

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Travel money card

• Activate and manage your card Activate and manage your card

Are you an existing customer?

A smart and safe way to pay in foreign currencies

Features and benefits

• Travel and shop worry-free Lock in your budget by converting your loaded AUD ahead of time and feel safe and secure from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection.¹  
• Lounge access if your flight is delayed You and a companion can get access to over 1,000 lounges² if your flight is delayed for 120 minutes or more. Visit the Mastercard Flight Delay Pass website to pre-register your flight. T&Cs apply.
• Convenient options for you Pick up cards from any branch and activate them online, or order online from home and receive your cards in 5-8 business days.
• Access unforgettable experiences and rewards Your Mastercard gives you access to Priceless ®  Cities with unforgettable experiences in the cities where you live and travel.³ You can also get cashback when you shop overseas with your Worldwide Wallet, thanks to Mastercard Travel Rewards .⁴

How it works

Before you leave.

• Order a Worldwide Wallet online or pick one up in branch
• Activate your cards in Online Banking
• Transfer AUD to your card and convert into your choice of up to 10 currencies to lock in your rates.

While you’re away

Pay for things using the local currency loaded on your card

Avoid ATM fees at Global ATM Alliance partners 5

Reload your card as you go using the Westpac App, with no load or reload fees.

When you get home

• Convert leftover currency back to AUD or another available currency, with no unload fees
• Remember , you can avoid foreign transaction fees while shopping online by paying with your Worldwide Wallet.

Save on fees

• Avoid ATM withdrawal fees Through our Global ATM Alliance and overseas partner ATMs which you can easily find using the ATM locator in the Westpac App   
• No foreign transaction fees Avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee whenever you use your Worldwide Wallet to shop online or in person.  
• No load or unload fees Reload your account on the go, whenever you need.  
• No account keeping fees You won’t pay any inactivity or account keeping fees, so any funds left in your account will be there ready for your next trip or purchase.  

Other fees may apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 307KB)  for full list of fees. 

Like to shop online?

Use your Worldwide Wallet for online purchases in foreign currencies and avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee.

You can also shop worry-free from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection. 1

Complete visibility and control

All in one view

See your account balance and transactions in the Westpac App or in Online Banking.

Move money easily

Transfer money to and from your Worldwide Wallet and convert AUD into foreign currencies while you’re on the go in the Westpac App.

More ways to pay

Add your Worldwide Wallet to Google Pay™ or Samsung Pay™, or use your card to tap and go.

A spare card for peace of mind

Both cards give you access to the same funds and can be locked and unlocked instantly at your convenience via Online Banking or the Westpac App. 6

Add up to 11 currencies

Lock in your rate head of time by converting currency in advance.

You'll still be able to spend in currencies not listed here and avoid Westpac's 3% foreign transaction fee.

To view our latest rates, see our  currency converter .

Order online or pick up in branch

Order online.

You can open your travel money card account online and we’ll mail your cards to your address in 5-8 business days.

Pick up in branch

If you need your cards within 8 business days its best to pick them up in branch and activate them online.

Already have your cards? Activate now

A Westpac Worldwide Wallet is a prepaid travel money card that can help you save on foreign transaction fees and give you control over your spending. With the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are no load, reload or unload fees, or ATM withdrawal fees at Westpac Group or select Westpac Group partner ATMs in Australia and Global ATM Alliance partners. 5

Before you shop or travel, you can also choose to convert your loaded AUD into any of the following currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, THB, ZAR, SGD, NZD and HKD. By locking in your exchange rate in advance and knowing exactly how much of a foreign currency is loaded on your card, the Westpac Worldwide Wallet can make it easy for you to stay on top of your spending. When you sign up to a Westpac Worldwide Wallet, you’ll also get access to exciting Mastercard travel and shopping perks -  Flight Delay Pass , Mastercard Travel Rewards and Priceless Cities.

With the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, you can avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee when you shop online in available currencies.

You can shop safely by loading only what you need into any of the following currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, THB, ZAR, SGD, NZD and HKD. By knowing exactly how much of a foreign currency is loaded on your card, you can stay on top of your spending.

You’ll also benefit from Mastercard Zero Liability protection, 1 so you can shop worry-free from fraudulent transactions.

To apply for a Westpac Worldwide Wallet, you must be aged 14 years or older and be an existing Westpac customer who is registered for Online Banking. If you haven’t registered for Online Banking, see this  helpful guide  to learn how to get started. If you’re new to Westpac and would like to apply for a Worldwide Wallet, you’ll need to become a customer first by opening a Westpac savings or transaction account and meeting our identification requirements. You can visit  westpac.com.au/aml  for more information on how we identify you. 

If you have insufficient funds to complete a transaction in a currency loaded on your account, or the transaction is in a currency not loaded on your account, the transaction will be automatically processed by drawing down from another currency in your account (provided that there are sufficient funds available in one or more other currencies to complete the transaction). Funds will be withdrawn according to the drawdown sequence, and the applicable exchange rate will apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 307KB) for the drawdown sequence.

Yes, you can withdraw money or check your balance at overseas ATMs using your Worldwide Wallet. The balance displayed will be in the currency of the country you are visiting. You won’t pay an ATM withdrawal fee when using a Global ATM Alliance ATM. 5  However, fees may apply if you use an ATM outside of the Global ATM Alliance network.

If you have insufficient funds to complete a transaction in a currency loaded on your account, or the transaction is in a currency not loaded on your account, the transaction will be automatically processed by drawing down from another currency in your account (provided that there are sufficient funds available in one or more other currencies to complete the transaction). Funds will be withdrawn according to the drawdown sequence, and the applicable exchange rate will apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 307KB) for the drawdown sequence.  

We recommend you download our app as we may send you important notifications about your Worldwide Wallet while you are travelling. Using the Westpac App makes it easy for you to get these notifications while you’re on the go. You can also use the app to:

• Instantly transfer AUD between your savings and transaction Westpac account/s and your travel money card
• Convert between your loaded AUD and up to 10 different foreign currencies at any time to lock in your exchange rate
• View your currency balances and transactions
• Access your Worldwide Wallet account’s BSB and account number as well as your eStatements
• Block your card/s if they have been lost or stolen

If you’re new to the Westpac App, learn more about how to get started .

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Travel / Travel Money Card

Travel Money Card

Lock in exchange rates and load up to 13 currencies on one account to easily access your money while you’re travelling.

Features & benefits

$0 card issue fee.

Order a Travel Money Card for free in branch or online (search 'Travel Money Card' in the CommBank app or log into NetBank ).

Lock in exchange rates 

Load up to 13 currencies on one card before your trip, so you know how much you have to spend, no matter how the Australian Dollar moves.

Spend anywhere in the world 

Shop online, in-store, or over the phone wherever Visa is accepted, plus get access to Visa ® travel offers .

Easily manage your travel budget

Manage your holiday money and track your spending via the CommBank app or NetBank.

Your purchases, covered

Lost or stolen personal belongings? We may be able to cover the cost to repair or replace them up to 90 days after purchase. 2

Extra card security

Lost, misplaced or stolen card? Lock it and report it in the CommBank app or NetBank. 

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Exchange rates

Load up to 13 currencies on one account

Lock in exchange rates and load up to 13 currencies easily on one account – wherever you are in the world – through NetBank or the CommBank app:  

• United States Dollars (USD)
• Euros (EUR)
• Great British pounds (GBP)
• Australian Dollars (AUD)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
• Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
• Canadian Dollars (CAD)
• Singapore Dollars (SGD)
• Thai Baht (THB)
• Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
• Emirati Dirham (AED)

No load or reload fees

You can load up to 13 currencies on your Travel Money Card with no load or reload fees. The exchange rate is the CommBank Retail Foreign Exchange Rate at the time of the conversion.

When you’re ready to pay for something, we will always try to complete the transaction for the country you are in. Make sure you have enough of the correct currency for the country you’re in on your card to avoid additional fees. If you don’t have enough of the local currency, we’ll use the next available currency instead, so long as there’s enough of it loaded on your card.

If you load multiple currencies on your Travel Money Card, you can  change the order  (the next available currency) anytime online. 

Rates & fees

See all fees and charges

Who can apply

To get your Travel Money Card, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 14 years old;
• Be registered to use NetBank, or register online New to CommBank? Sign up to NetBank at your nearest branch ;
• Provide a valid email address; and
• Have an Australian residential address

How to apply

Before your trip.

• Order a Travel Money Card in the CommBank app (search 'Travel Money Card'),  NetBank , or at your  nearest branch . 
• Load at least AUD 50 or the foreign currency equivalent to get started
• Once you’ve got your card,  activate and set your PIN online  in NetBank, or under Cards in the CommBank app
• Lock-in the exchange rate by  loading currency on your card in NetBank  or the CommBank app

How it works

During your trip.

• The  local currency will be automatically applied  when you pay for something, as long as it’s loaded on your card and you have sufficient funds
• Reload in real time , fee-free if your balance gets low
• Stick to daily transaction limits
• The maximum value of purchases per day is unlimited, however no more than your available balance
• The maximum amount you can withdraw from ATMs per day is AUD 2,500 or the foreign currency equivalent. Keep in mind most ATM operators have a limit on how much you can withdraw from an ATM per transaction
• The maximum amount for over-the-counter withdrawals per day is AUD 2,500 or the foreign currency equivalent.

When you’re home

• Got leftover currency? Exchange it for another currency or back into your CommBank account from  NetBank  or the CommBank app
• Top up  your Travel Money Card (it’s valid for 4 years) in preparation for your next trip
• Donate  your foreign (and local) currency to any CommBank or Bankwest branch and every cent will go to UNICEF
• How to manage your Travel Money Card

You’ve got your new card – here’s how to get the most out of it.

Find detailed info on getting started, loading and reloading currencies, setting a currency order, checking your balance and tracking your spend. Plus, info on Purchase Security Insurance Cover and access to Visa ® travel offers .

Manage your Travel Money Card

Need foreign cash? Have it ready before you travel

If you’re a CommBank customer, you can buy or sell up to 9 foreign currencies at selected CommBank branches in exchange for Australian Dollars.

You can also order foreign cash in over 30 currencies online – even if you’re not a CommBank customer.

Discover Foreign Cash

Planning an overseas trip?

Discover travel tips to help make the most of your European summer holiday.

See travel tips

Emergency support & tools

What to do if you’ve lost your card or it’s stolen.

If you’ve lost your Travel Money Card, or you think it might’ve been stolen, we can have an emergency replacement card sent to you anywhere in the world.

You may also be eligible for an Emergency Cash Advance, giving you access to cash within 24-48 hours (often on the same day).

Call us in an emergency on:

• 1300 660 700  within Australia
• +61 2 9999 3283 from overseas (reverse charges accepted). 

When calling from overseas using your mobile, standard roaming charges may apply. To avoid roaming charges, call the international operator in the country you’re in from a landline and give them our reverse charges number +61 2 9999 3283.

Tools & calculators

• Saving calculator
• Budget planner
• Managing multiple currencies on your Travel Money Card
• Travelling overseas: 10-step money checklist  
• Beginners guide to exchange rates
• Online banking while overseas  
• Planning an overseas holiday

We can help

Your questions answered

Get in touch

Visit your nearest branch

Things you should know

1 The cash withdrawal fee will not apply to cash withdrawals made in Australia.

2  For more information relating to the complimentary Purchase Security Insurance refer to  Travel Money Card Complimentary Insurance Information Booklet (PDF) .

As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should before acting on this advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.  The Product Disclosure Statement and Conditions of Use (PDF)  issued by Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 for Travel Money Card should be considered before making any decision about this product.  View our Financial Services Guide (PDF) .

To raise a dispute related to your Travel Money Card please complete  this form for transactions (PDF)  or  this form for ATM disputes (PDF) .

Any withdrawal or balance enquiry fee will come from the currency for which you are using your card. If this currency is not loaded on your card, the fee will be taken from the first (or sole) currency loaded on your card. Any SMS balance alert fee will come from the first (or sole) currency loaded on your card.

The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination,  available here .

Best Travel Cards in Australia in 2023 For Overseas Travel

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

From the multitude of bank fees and ATM charges to hidden currency conversion fees, there's no question that travelling abroad can be a costly endeavour — and that's saying nothing of the cost of the holiday itself!

As you prepare for your trip abroad, the golden rule is to pay using the local currency of your destination. This means accessing local cash with ATMs and using a prepaid debit card that can access the local currency. If it's not possible for you to spend in the local currency when travelling abroad, then spending in your home currency while using a card that doesn't charge any hidden exchange rate markups from your bank (e.g. only paying Visa or Mastercard exchange rates to convert currency) is still a good bet for most Australians when travelling abroad.

In this guide, we explore cards like Revolut and Wise that can lower ATM fees and hold multiple currencies. Spend on your holiday like a local and enjoy peace of mind after each tap and swipe.

In general, we consider Revolut to be the best travel card in Australia for all-around use, as its versatile account and card can be used to spend like a local pretty much anywhere in the world. With Revolut, you'll get a debit card, multi-currency account balance in 32 currencies, and a savvy mobile experience.

Best Travel Cards in Australia

• 01. Revolut — Best all-round travel card in Australia scroll down
• 02. Wise — Best for number of currencies and foreign account details scroll down
• 03. Considering going through your bank scroll down
• 04. Compare the best travel cards in Australia scroll down
• 05. Tips to save money when travelling overseas scroll down
• 06. FAQ about the best travel cards in Australia scroll down

Revolut: Best All-Round Travel Card in Australia

Revolut is impressive for its vast currency options and additional services, such as international money transfers and a money management interface. Revolut is one of the most well-known mobile finance platforms in the world because it offers services not only in Australia but also across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Like Wise, Revolut converts your currency to the local currency of your travel destination at the Revolut rate, which is close to the real mid-market exchange rate. It does set a cap on free allowances, however, since fair use limits and weekend surcharges may apply (Revolut's Standard Plan only allows free exchanges for transfers worth $1,000 per month). Once you make your exchange from AUD to the local currency of your destination, your card will be treated like a local card (avoiding foreign transaction fees or dynamic currency conversions ).

ATM withdrawals are also free for the first $350. These allowances can be waived by upgrading memberships. Bear in mind that third-party ATM fees may apply, even though Revolut doesn't charge any fees of its own for withdrawals up to $350 per month.

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4
• Account name: Standard
• Account type: Personal account (not a bank)
• Total cost: $0 per month .
• Noteworthy features: AUD account details, multi-currency balances.
• More info: See our full Revolut review .

Wise: Best for Number of Currencies and Foreign Bank Details

Wise has one of the best multi-currency cards available on the market. Load up to 54 currencies onto this card at the real exchange rate, giving you access to truly global travel.

Unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs, Wise is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your home currency into up to 54 currencies. The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with Wise. An industry-low commission fee per transaction will range from 0.35% to 2.85%, depending on the currency.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6
• Account name: Multi-Currency Account
• Account type: Electronic Money Account (held by local banks).
• Total cost: $0 per month.
• Noteworthy features: International money transfers, multiple account details, multi-currency balances.
• More info: See our full Wise Account review .

Consider Your Australian Bank Travel Money Card

Another option for spending abroad is to use your bank. Some Australian banks offer prepaid debit cards onto which you can load AUD and convert it into many countries around the world. These include the Commbank Travel Money Card. However, as of 2023, some banks such as ANZ, NAB, and Westpac have cancelled their travel card offerings, meaning you'll need to use a third-party prepaid card like Revolut .

You could also travel abroad with your ordinary debit or credit card, however, this will generally be the most expensive choice , as in most cases you'll pay an exchange rate fee plus a currency conversion fee. If you decide to use a standard bank card, make sure that you choose a card produce that explicitly waives foreign transasction fees .

What’s the Best Travel Card in Australia?

To discover the best travel money card in Australia to suit your overseas travel needs, compare the two fintech offerings we discussed above, Wise and Revolut, with a typical bank travel card like CBA's Travel Money Card:

Last updated: 6/1/2023 ¹ Bank account details in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, SGD, CAD, RON, HUN, and TRY

Money-Saving Tips When Traveling Abroad From Australia

When you convert Aussie dollars into a foreign currency, foreign exchange service providers will charge you two kinds of fees:

• Exchange rate margin:  Providers apply an exchange rate that is poorer than the true  "mid-market" exchange rate . They keep the difference, called an  exchange rate margin .
• Conversion fee:  This  fee  is usually a percentage of the amount converted or a fixed amount, which is charged for the service provided.

With these facts in mind, let's see what practices are useful to avoid ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges you may encounter while on your travels.

Tip 1: Avoid Bureaux de Change

Have you ever wondered how bureaux de change and currency exchange desks are able to secure prime real estate in touristic locations like the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Covent Carden in London while claiming to take no commission? It’s easy: they make (plenty of) money through hidden fees on the exchange rates they’re giving you. 

Our study shows that Bureaux de Change in Paris charges a margin ranging from 2.15% at CEN Change Dollar Boulevard de Strasbourg to 16.6% (!!) at Travelex Champs-Élysées when exchanging 500 US dollars into Euros for example. 

If you really want cash and can’t wait to withdraw it with a card at an ATM at your destination, ordering currencies online before your trip is usually cheaper than exchanging currencies at a bureau de change, but it’s still a very expensive way to get foreign currency which we, therefore, would not recommend.

Tip 2: Always Pay In the Local Currency

Don’t fall for the dynamic currency conversion trap! When using your card abroad to pay at a terminal or withdraw cash at an ATM, you’ve probably been asked whether you’d prefer to pay in your home currency (i.e. Australian dollars) instead of the local currency of the foreign country. This little trick is called dynamic currency conversion , and the right answer to this sneaky question will help you save big on currency exchange fees.

As a general rule, you always want to pay in the local currency (Euros in Europe, GBP in the UK, DKK in Denmark, THB in Thailand, etc.) when using your card abroad, instead of accepting the currency exchange and paying in Australian dollars. 

This seems like a trick question - why not opt to pay in AUD? On the plus side, you would know exactly what amount you would be paying in Aussie dollars instead of accepting the unknown exchange rate determined by your card issuer a few days later.

What is a Dynamic Currency Conversion?

When choosing to pay in AUD instead of the local one, you will carry out what’s called a “ dynamic currency conversion ”. This is just a complicated way of saying that you’re exchanging between the foreign currency and AUD at the exact time you use your card to pay or withdraw cash in a foreign currency, and not a few days later.

For this privilege, the local payment terminal or ATM will apply an exchange rate that is often significantly worse than even a traditional bank’s exchange rate (we’ve seen margins of up to 8%!), and of course, much worse than the exchange rate you would get by using an innovative multi-currency card.

Knowing what amount you will pay in Australian dollars is not worth the additional steep cost of the dynamic currency conversion, hence why we recommend always choosing to pay in the local currency.

Tip 3: Don't Use a Traditional Card To Pay

Only use traditional Australian bank cards for overseas travel if they waive international card transaction fees . As mentioned before, providers make money on foreign currency conversions by charging poor exchange rates — and pocketing the difference between that and the true mid-market rate. They also make money by charging commission fees, which can either come as flat fees or as a percentage of the transaction.

FAQ About the Best Travel Cards in Australia

Having reviewed and compared several of the industry's leading neobanks, experts at Monito have found Revolut to offer the best prepaid multi-currency card in 2023 in Australia.

In general, yes! You can get a much better deal with new innovative travel cards than traditional banks' debit/credit cards. However, not all cards are made equal, so make sure to compare the fees to withdraw cash abroad, the exchange rates and monthly fees to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.

• Sign up for a multi-currency account;
• Link your bank to the account and add Aussie dollars;
• Convert amount to the local currency of holiday destination ( Wise and Revolut convert at or near the actual mid-market rate);
• Tap and swipe like a local when you pay at vendors.

Yes, the Wise Multi-Currency Card is uniquely worthwhile because it actually converts AUD into foreign currency at the real mid-market exchange rate . Wise charges a transparent and industry-low commission fee for the service instead. More traditional currency cards like the Travelex Money Card are good alternatives, but they will apply an exchange rate that is weaker than the mid-market rate.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is the best money card for euros because unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs,  Wise  is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your local currency into euros with them.

The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with  Wise . An industry-low commission fee will range from 0.35% to 2.85%. USD to EUR transfers generally incur a 1.6% fee.

Learn more about how to buy Euros in the United States before your trip.

There are usually three types of travel cards, prepaid travel cards, debit travel cards and credit travel cards. Each have pros and cons, here's a short summary:

• Prepaid travel cards: You usually need to load cards with your home currency via a direct entry or credit/debit card top-up. You're then able to manage the balance from an attached mobile app and can use it to pay in foreign currencies or withdraw cash at an ATM abroad tapping into your home currency prepaid balance. With prepaid travel cards, as the name indicates, you can't spend more than what you've loaded before hand. Some prepaid card providers will provide ways to "auto top-up" when your balance reaches a certain level that you can customize. On Revolut for example, you can decide to top-up £100/£200/£500 from your debit card each time your balance reaches below £50.
• Debit travel cards: Some innovative digital banks, like N26 or Monzo, offer travel debit cards that have the same advantages than a Prepaid Travel Cards, except that they're debit card directly tapping into your current account balance. Like a Prepaid travel card, you can't spend more than the balance you have in your current account with N26 or Monzo, but you can activate an overdraft (between €1,000 or €10,000 for N26 or £1,000 for Monzo) if you need it, for a fee though.

Note that even if they're Prepaid or Debit cards, you can use them for Internet payments like a normal credit card.

• Credit travel cards: You can find credit cards made for international payments offering good exchange rates and low fees to withdraw money abroad, but you'll need to pay interests in your international payment if you don't pay in FULL at the end of every month and interest on your ATM withdrawals each day until you pay them back.

Other Monito Guides and Reviews on the Best Travel Cards in Australia and Top Multi Currency Cards

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

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Best Credit Cards for International Travel of June 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards || Best hotel credit cards

Traveling outside the United States? Make sure the credit card you bring is a worthy companion. The best credit cards for international travel are accepted worldwide, provide solid rewards for travel-related expenses and don't charge an extra fee for purchases outside the U.S. Many of them also come with travel protections, such as trip delay and trip cancellation insurance and coverage for lost or delayed luggage.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for International Travel of June 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Flexibility and value

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Simple travel rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for VIP travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Flexibility and high-end perks

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best for Rewards on everyday spending

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Simple rewards + no annual fee

Best Credit Cards for International Travel From Our Partners

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Flexibility and value

Simple travel rewards, flexibility and high-end perks, rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, simple rewards + no annual fee, full list of editorial picks: best credit cards for international travel.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Flexibility and value

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Simple travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: VIP travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Flexibility and high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Simple rewards + no annual fee

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Our pick for: Rewards on everyday spending

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns bonus points on select travel, supermarkets, dining, gas stations and EV stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.

HOW TO COMPARE CREDIT CARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

The factors that go into choosing a credit card specifically for international travel aren't that different from choosing a travel card in general. You'll want to look at such things as annual fees, rewards rates, cardholder perks and sign-up bonuses. But a few items take on outsize importance when picking a card to use outside the United States:

Foreign transaction fees. Many cards slap a surcharge on purchases made outside the U.S. The typical foreign transaction fee is 3% of the purchase amount. Any credit card you plan to use abroad should not have this fee — period.

International acceptance. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted internationally. If a place takes credit cards, it's probably going to take Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less widely accepted. Tourist-focused destinations will be friendlier to AmEx, but even then, take along a Visa or Mastercard as a backup. Discover lags way behind in international acceptance, although it does have partnerships with some foreign payment networks.

Travel protections. When you're far from home, a credit card becomes even more valuable if it offers coverage for things like trip delays or interruptions, luggage problems and rental car damage.

Understand that no travel rewards credit card — no credit card of any kind — is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find high rewards rates, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based and choose the best credit card for international travel for your specific needs and preferences.

Our roundup of the best travel credit cards offers comprehensive guidance on choosing travel cards. Below, we'll hit the high points specifically as they apply to choosing a card for international travel.

Most of the best cards for international travel charge an annual fee. Fees around $100 are standard; for that, you can expect solid rewards and some useful benefits. Premium cards with extensive perks like airport lounge access and travel protections can have fees of $500 or more. Paying an annual fee isn't required, though. There are good cards on our list without annual fees (and we've rounded up more here ). Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

When looking at credit card rewards, there are two parts to the value equation: How much you earn when you make purchases with your card, and what you can do with those rewards.

Earning: The cards on this page all earn points of one kind or another. Some cards pay the same rate — for example, 2 points per dollar — on all purchases. Some pay bonus rewards in specific categories, such as travel, restaurants or gas stations. Don't just focus on the numbers, though. Pay attention to the details of the categories. For example, earning 5 points per dollar on airfare seems terrific. But there's a difference between earning 5X on airfare booked directly airlines (where you can hunt for the best deal) and earning 5X only on airfare booked through the issuer portal (where selection may be limited and prices inflated).

Redemption: Points are only as good as your ability to redeem them. Some cards give you a lot of options for using your rewards. Others, not so much. Can you use your points to book travel? Use them for statement credit to offset travel purchases? Redeem them for cash back? And what kind of value do you get per point when you redeem? The industry standard is 1 cent per point, but some cards give you more value for certain redemptions (and some cards give you less value for certain redemptions). Another consideration: Can you transfer points to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs to potentially get more value? If so, are those partner programs realistic options for you?

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to claim the bonus. Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a bonus worth $500 doesn't make economic sense. The interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Foreign transaction fees

Simply put, if a card charges a foreign transaction fee, it's not a good credit card for international travel. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never travel outside the U.S., these fees aren't a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them. Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $500 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks. Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks can often easily make up for the annual fee on a card.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on June 5 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards for international travel based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits, airport lounge access and travel protections. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

About the author

Sara Rathner

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On this page

• Our top picks
• Card details
• What is a foreign transaction fee
• Pros and cons
• How to choose a card
• How to make the most of your card
• Foreign transaction fees by issuer
• Our methodology
• Frequently asked questions

Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of June 2024

May 28, 2024

How we Choose

A foreign transaction fee is a common charge that your credit card issuer adds to your bill for purchases made outside of the U.S. Usually around 3% of the purchase price, foreign transaction fees can apply to travel purchases when you are physically outside of the United States, as well as online purchases with foreign merchants.

The good news is that there are plenty of credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees. Some credit card issuers, like Capital One and Discover, have no foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.

Keep reading to learn more about how foreign transaction fees work and how to avoid them. Below you’ll find the top offers from our partners, followed by a full list of editor picks.

Best Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees for June 2024

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:  Best for sign-up bonus
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for flexible travel
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee ( See Rates and Fees )
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for streamlined rewards
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for rotating bonus categories
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for point value
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate rewards
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for annual credits
• Discover it® Miles : Best for travel beginners
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for restaurants worldwide

Additional Options :

• American Express® Green Card: Best for starter travel perks

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards rate

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a generous sign-up bonus of 75,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. This card also earns kudos on many other levels, including travel rewards, perks and value-added redemption options.

The rewards can add up quickly, especially for those who enjoy food as well as travel. You’ll earn 5X points on travel purchased through the Chase portal, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases. The lack of foreign transaction fees can help you get the most value out of the card.

• It pays to use the portal. When you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠ their value increases by 25%.
• Generous sign-up bonus and rewards rate
• There's a $95 annual fee with no first-year waiver. You'll have to factor in that cost as you maximize the rewards and benefits.
• You can transfer points to travel partners, but the list is a little short on major U.S. airlines and hotel chains.

Bottom Line

If the sign-up bonus is the appetizer, brace yourself for the main course. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great source of rewards and value.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Rates & Fees

Bank of america® travel rewards credit card.

Nobody likes to feel rushed when they travel, so why feel rushed when you’re using rewards to pay for travel? The window for redeeming points as statement credits for travel purchases made with this card is 12 months, as opposed to 90 days with other issuers.

You earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, and purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center earn 3 points per $1. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members could see the value of their points increase by 25%-75%, depending on their membership tier.

• You can redeem points as statement credits for any travel purchase made within the last 12 months, which is a long window compared with many other cards.
• No foreign transaction fee means that you don't have to worry about the cost of currency conversion when you use it overseas, and no annual fee means low cost of ownership.
• If you have a favorite airline or hotel chain, you can earn much higher rewards rates with a co-branded airline or hotel card.
• If you're looking for airport lounge access, concierge service and so on, look elsewhere. This card's travel-specific perks are pretty pedestrian.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a strong choice for people who like minimum hassle. Preferred Rewards members will get the most value.

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

One advantage of a flat-rate travel rewards card is earning minus the strategizing. The 1.25X Miles you’ll earn on all eligible purchases means that even casual travelers have the opportunity to rack up rewards without having to focus on particular spending categories.

In terms of overall value, this card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or an annual fee. You won’t have to worry about currency conversion costs on international purchases or seeing the annual fee show up on your statement every year.

• If your list of travel worries includes blackout dates and minimum redemption requirements, you can remove both of them.
• The travel benefits, including upgrades, are particularly generous for a no-annual-fee card.
• The value of your Miles can vary significantly when you transfer them to Capital One travel partners, which could make the process confusing.
• If you're a frequent traveler, you'll probably get a lot more value out of a card with higher rewards rates.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers an easy way to earn travel rewards, even if you’re not a mile-devouring jet-setter.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Although it’s not a travel card, its lack of foreign transaction fees makes the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card handy for purchases made from businesses outside the United States, including online merchants. You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases, which means steady earnings with no ceiling.

There’s more good news when you’re ready to redeem the cash back you’ve earned. You can redeem in any amount (some cards have minimum redemptions and set increments) and rewards don’t expire as long as the account is in good standing.

• The flat-rate cash back program means you don't have to track special categories, worry about earning limits or adjust your spending based on calendars.
• Easy and flexible redemption options include the Capital One App, which lets you redeem cash back as statement credits applied to purchases made within the previous 90 days.
• Flat-rate cash back has its appeal, but the question of scale still applies. Using a card with bonus rate categories, you can earn comparable cash back without spending nearly as much.
• The sign-up bonus ($200 when you spend $500 in the first three months) is easy to obtain but many competitors have richer welcome offers.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card isn’t the flashiest card on the market, but it’s a potentially lucrative source of no-hassle cash back.

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• Discover it® Cash Back

For those who don’t mind doing some card and budget maintenance, this card can pay off handsomely. You’ll earn 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, followed by 1%) when you activate the bonus categories each quarter.

If the bonus categories line up, you could even pair it with a travel card when you venture overseas. The lack of foreign transaction fees makes it useful for international purchases.

• By making full use of the bonus categories up to the quarterly limit, you could earn $300 cash back per year in those categories alone.
• Thanks to Cashback Match™, Discover will automatically match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year owning the card.
• Tracking the bonus categories, activating each quarter and adjusting your spending accordingly does require some effort on your part.
• Discover's international payment network is smaller than those of some competitors, which means that cards using the Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted in more locations.

If you maximize the bonus categories, the Discover it® Cash Back has considerable potential to help you get the most out of your spending.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

No foreign transaction fees are just the beginning. This premium travel card excels in just about every area we can think of, including rewards, benefits and perks, redemption options and more.

Rather than resting on their laurels, Chase seems determined to up their game. Recent upgrades include the addition of the Pay Yourself Back℠ program, which provides more value when you redeem points for statement credits against eligible purchases.

• Redeeming your points for travel through Chase Travel℠ increases their point value by 50%, which is how you can turn 75,000 points into $1,125 for travel instead of $750.
• Loyalty can be more than its own reward. Every year on your account anniversary, you qualify for an up to $300 travel credit to reimburse you for travel purchases.
• For some, the $550 annual fee could induce sticker shock. You'll need to travel frequently and take advantage of the many benefits and perks to offset that annual expense.
• The list of Chase travel partners isn't as extensive as those of some competitors and tilts more toward airlines than hotels.

Pay attention, serious travelers: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a world-class travel credit card, annual fee and all, and keeps getting better.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

What traveler doesn’t enjoy a warm welcome? With this card, you’ll earn an outstanding sign-up bonus after meeting the spending requirement within the first three months of opening your account.

Even better, the Capital One Venture card has more in store beyond the sign-up bonus and no foreign transaction fees.

• Miles don’t expire and there are no blackout dates.
• International travelers should find a lot to like about air travel partners such as Turkish Airlines and Avianca.
• The list of travel partners does not include most major domestic airlines.
• While not unreasonable for a card of this caliber, the $95 annual fee means you'll need a strategy to maximize the value of the rewards and benefits.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card isn’t quite in the heavyweight class, but it’s still a viable contender among the top travel credit cards.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

Travel inevitably involves waiting, but there’s nothing that says you can’t wait in style. This card can help you do it by offering access to the Global Lounge Collection, a suite of well over 1,300 airport lounges across the United States and the globe.

It also offers outstanding rewards rates on eligible airfare and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. If you’re shopping overseas or making an online purchase from an international vendor, you won’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees.

• Similar to the Amex Gold Card, you'll get opportunities to maximize the value of Uber. In this case, the benefits are Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber cash on rides or food orders in the U.S. every year (benefit renews annually).
• You'll get twice as much time as the industry standard to earn the welcome offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 with your new card in your first six months of card membership.
• The $695 annual fee, steep even for a premium travel card, might seem like the elephant in the room. Instead of ignoring it, though, you can focus on how to counteract it with the rewards and the long list of perks and benefits.
• Speaking of perks and benefits, Amex typically has very specific conditions and enrollment requirements that can make them seem overcomplicated.
• Terms apply

The $695 annual fee looms large, but so do the rewards and perks. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a top choice for frequent, food-oriented travelers.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you are a frequent traveler and love sign-up bonuses, Capital One’s Venture X has an impressive offer for you. New cardmembers will earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending 4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Those miles are worth $750 in travel redemptions.

• No spending limits. Earn unlimited miles in all purchase categories (with no expiration or blackout dates).
• Cardmembers get 10,000 bonus miles every year (worth $100 toward travel), starting on their first anniversary, as well as an annual travel credit of $300 for travel booked through Capital One Travel.
• To get the most value out of the card, you’ll need to book your travel through Capital One Travel.
• The annual fee of $395 will take a large bite out of all the rewards you can earn with this card.

Capital One’s entry into the premier travel rewards credit card space is an instant winner, thanks to the generous sign-up bonus and unlimited rewards you can earn on all purchases.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Discover it® Miles

Not everyone is a travel expert. With this card, you don’t have to be. You can enjoy the simplicity of earning a steady flat rate on all eligible purchases and redeeming your Miles for statement credits you can apply to past travel expenses.

You can also look forward to some delayed (but lucrative) gratification. Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year as a cardholder, effectively doubling your first-year earnings.

• By earning 1.5X Miles on all eligible purchases, travel-related or not, you can earn a considerable amount of rewards without being a globetrotter.
• One of Discover's trademarks is its aversion to fees. This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or annual fees, among others.
• You might not have to search as far as you think for a comparable travel card that offers more travel benefits while also going easy on the fees.
• If you feel that convenience and versatility have a value all their own, a card that offers a travel booking portal and transfer partners might be a better choice.

The Discover it® Miles has a lot to offer casual travelers who would rather enjoy the journey than strategize their rewards game.

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.

American Express® Gold Card

It boasts not only a terrific rewards rate at restaurants worldwide, but also valuable credits foodies will love, including annual dining credits and Uber Cash. Plus, Amex points are among the most valuable rewards out there and can be transferred to a long list of airline and hotel partners.

• Also earns rewards at a high rate at U.S. supermarkets, making it a terrific option for frequent travelers, restaurant-lovers and home cooks alike.
• Since it earns rewards at a high rate in everyday categories — not just travel — it should be easy to rack up points toward your next trip even if you don’t spend a ton on travel.
• You’ll only get good value for your rewards if you redeem for travel or transfer to airline or hotel partners, so cash back fans will want to look elsewhere.
• Other cards earn a high (if not quite as high) rewards rate on dining, groceries and in other everyday categories without charging an annual fee.

If you’re a foodie looking for an easy way to earn travel rewards on everyday spending, this card will likely be a great fit.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Haven’t found the right card yet?

Check out these other card categories — we think they’re just what you’re looking for:

…or see more cards with no foreign transaction fees

*All information about the American Express® Green Card, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card, the Chase Freedom Flex and the Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Comparing the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

Editor’s picks: no foreign transaction fee credit card details, best for sign-up bonus: chase sapphire preferred card.

• Best features : This top Chase credit card has everything you need in a travel rewards credit card. Cardmembers get a generous base rewards program of 5X points on travel purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal, 3X points on dining and 2X points on other travel purchases (1X points on general purchases). There’s also a lucrative sign-up bonus (75,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months), and, of course, no foreign transaction fees.
• Biggest drawbacks : The spend required to earn the bonus may be out of reach for someone on a tight budget. Plus, you’ll need to redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠  to get the best value.
• Alternative : The Sapphire Preferred offers the biggest bang for your buck when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠, but the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card will be the better option for travelers who like flexibility and want to keep things simple when it comes to earning and redeeming rewards.
• Bottom line : If you’re on the hunt for one of the best travel credit cards and you don’t mind paying a modest annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred allows you to accrue Ultimate Rewards points quickly.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for flexible travel: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• Best features : The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card makes travel rewards even more accessible by allowing you to redeem your points as a statement credit for any travel or dining purchase made on the card within the last 12 months. Plus, you can earn 25,000 welcome bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of card membership. On top of all that, there’s no foreign transaction fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : The rate for cash redemptions is disappointingly low at 0.6 cents per point.
• Alternative : If you like to travel, you could get more value by upgrading to a card with a modest annual fee. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a more robust rewards program and a bigger sign-up bonus. It costs $95 ( See Rates and Fees ), but that fee is easily offset through strategic spending. (Read more about how you can easily offset this annual fee in our review.)
• Bottom line : With an easily attainable welcome bonus and flexible flat-rate rewards program, this is a great card for travelers who can’t be bothered to keep track of spend categories. Bank of America customers can earn even more through the Bank of America Travel Center .

Read our Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : The VentureOne offers travelers a 1.25X miles rate on all purchases, plus no annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ) . Miles don’t expire for the life of the account, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn with this card. To welcome new cardholders, Capital One awards 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first three months (a $200 value towards travel).
• Biggest drawbacks : Travelers may feel a tad underwhelmed by the list of airline partners, which so far excludes any major domestic carriers.
• Alternative : The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is also a no-annual-fee credit card that won’t charge foreign transaction fees. But it edges out the VentureOne Rewards with its unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases.
• Bottom line : Anyone with good or excellent credit (a score of 670 or higher) who is on the hunt for a rewards card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee ( See Rates and Fees ) will want to take a look at the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for streamlined rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best features : The Quicksilver is an easy-to-understand rewards card: It gets unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has a sign-up bonus of $200 for spending $500 in the first three months. As an added welcome, this flat-rate card offers a 0% intro APR offer on purchases for 15 months (19.99% to 29.99% variable rate thereafter) ( See Rates and Fees )– a perfect window to purchase a trip to be paid off in increments while temporarily avoiding interest. In addition, this card charges no annual fee.

• Biggest drawbacks : Its flexible rewards and intro offer make this an easy-to-use card, but there are more valuable rewards out there for experienced cardholders.
• Alternative : Thanks to a flat cash rewards rate of 2%, you might get more value on your everyday expenses with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card . But you’ll miss out on paying no foreign transaction fees as the Active Cash card comes with a 3% fee for foreign currency conversion.
• Bottom line : Travelers with good or excellent credit (a score of 670 or higher) who prefer an uncomplicated rewards program will be pleased with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which charges no foreign transaction fee.

Read our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for rotating bonus categories: Discover it® Cash Back

• Best features : One of a select few offering its level of rewards, the Discover it Cash Back offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spend each quarter on rotating categories such as restaurants, wholesale clubs and even online retailers (activation required). After hitting the $1,500 threshold in a quarter, the rewards rate drops to 1% (the same as all other purchases).
• Biggest drawbacks : Due to limited international availability, travelers should research whether Discover is accepted where they’re traveling.
• Alternative : The Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has 5% cash back in rotating categories. But it also has fixed rewards rates in numerous bonus categories, including 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Travel℠ and 3% on dining and on drugstore purchases. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee if you plan to use it for overseas spending.
• Bottom line : The Discover it® Cash Back is a versatile cash back card that is a good match for travelers willing to be strategic in their spending. But if you think you’ll have difficulty keeping up with rotating categories, you might be better served by a flat-rate credit card .

Read our Discover it® Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for point value: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best features : Unlike most, this card features an annual travel credit of $300 for cardholders to spend anywhere in the world. And when purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal, you can earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals as well as 5X points on air travel. You can even earn 3X points on other travel and dining purchases and 1X points elsewhere. (The 10X, 5X and 3X travel rewards rate only applies after you earn your $300 travel credit.) And here’s the kicker: Points are unlimited, don’t expire and receive a 50% boost on travel rewards when redeeming through the Chase Travel℠ portal .
• Biggest drawbacks : This is a well-rounded card, but it comes with a high annual fee of $550. And despite the versatile redemption options (including travel, cash, and gift cards), there is a lower rewards value when you redeem for cash, gift cards or merchandise than when you redeem for travel booked through Chase.
• Alternative : Depending on your spending habits and the level of premium features you’re looking for, the  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  could be a better fit. It has a smaller annual fee and still packs a punch when it comes to luxury perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. Learn more about the  Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve .
• Bottom line : The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is for jetsetters who spend enough on dining and travel to justify the high annual fee.

Read our  Chase Sapphire Reserve® review  or jump back to this  card’s offer details .

Best for flat-rate rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : The Venture Rewards’ sign-up bonus is straightforward and plentiful: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. It does come with a $95 annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ), but this card also offers high rewards in bonus travel categories and 2X miles on all other purchases, plus convenient features like a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and easily transferable miles.
• Biggest drawbacks : The Venture’s list of airline partners in the U.S. is limited.
• Alternative : The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a rewards program that isn’t as simple or flexible, but it will likely provide more value if you are willing to book your travel through Chase Travel.
• Bottom line : Big spenders who regularly go abroad will find a lot to love about the versatile Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card beyond the sign-up bonus.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best features : With the Platinum Card in your wallet, you’ll enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection , which Amex states has over 1,300 airport lounges in 140 countries. The high-end card also offers flexibility while traveling, with 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. This option also features unlimited points that won’t expire, a welcome offer of 80,000 points after a $8,000 spend within the first six months and no credit card foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ).
• Biggest drawbacks : The Platinum Card does not come cheap – bringing along a $695 annual fee. If your spending habits align with the impressive list of credits and perks that are worth over $1,000, you’ll have no trouble making up that fee. But that immense value starts to drop if you aren’t interested in things like memberships at Walmart or Equinox gyms.
• Alternative : If you want luxury but don’t want to pay such a steep price, you’ll want to consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card . It has a smaller annual fee of $395 ( See Rates and Fees ) and is a solid pick if you like lounge access and only need a limited amount of luxury perks. Learn more about the Capital One Venture X vs. Amex Platinum Card .
• Bottom line : Those willing to shell out the $695 annual fee will certainly get their money’s worth in top-notch travel perks including lounge access, Hilton Honors gold status and a number of handy travel related statement credits. If you’re constantly on the go, these benefits can be enormously useful.

Read our review of The Platinum Card® from American Express or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for annual credits: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : Compared to other premier travel rewards credit cards, the Venture X’s modest annual fee and unlimited miles on all purchases, along with all the other bonuses and perks, make it an instant challenger for the best credit card of its class.
• Biggest drawbacks : The $395 annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ) and $4,000 spend requirement within three months of account opening to earn the 75,000 bonus miles should be considered carefully before applying for the Venture X.
• Alternative : With an annual fee of $695, The Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t cheap, but some travelers looking for luxury may prefer the convenience of Amex’s Membership Rewards program, as well as the opportunity to earn the Platinum Card’s welcome offer.
• Bottom line : The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option for anyone who travels often, uses their credit card regularly, and will take advantage of as many of the Venture X’s perks as possible. This includes the yearly bonus and travel credit, cellphone protection, and free lounge access.

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for travel beginners: Discover it® Miles

• Best features : The lack of annual fees, foreign transaction fees and miles limits, plus the flexible redemption options make for a powerhouse travel card for beginners.
• Biggest drawbacks : While this may not be a total dealbreaker for budget travelers and new cardholders, miles can’t be transferred to airline loyalty programs
• Alternative : If you spend a lot on travel and dining, consider upgrading to a travel card with a modest annual fee ($95). The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card costs $95 a year, but compared to a basic travel card, it can help you to maximize the amount of rewards you earn while also providing enhanced benefits like an annual hotel credit, trip cancellation and trip-interruption insurance and a complimentary DashPass subscription.
• Bottom line : If you’re looking for a travel credit card but don’t want to get locked into confusing points offers or an annual fee, the Discover it Miles may just have what you’re looking for.

Read our Discover it® Miles review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for restaurants worldwide: American Express® Gold Card

• Best features : If you’re a foodie, this card’s generous rewards rates at both restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets should make it easy to earn travel rewards on the purchases you make every day. Add in the value of its annual dining credits and Uber Cash and you can easily justify this card’s $250 annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : The annual fee likely won’t be worth it unless you take advantage of its dining credits and redeem points for travel. If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance card, a no-annual-fee rewards card is probably a better option.
• Alternatives : The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great no-annual-fee option ( See Rates and Fees ) for foodies and cash back fans. You’ll earn rewards on dining, grocery stores, entertainment and more and can redeem for cash back or travel without worrying about point values.
• Bottom line : This card is a great value if you want to earn travel rewards and benefit travelers who spend a good bit at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and prefer to redeem rewards on travel versus cash back.

Related : Who should get the Amex Gold?

Read our American Express® Gold Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for starter travel perks: American Express® Green Card

• Best features : It comes with credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus — two practical benefits that offer a ton of value, even if you only travel occasionally. It also carries one of the most generous rewards rates out there on transit purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : Amex cards are less likely to be accepted abroad, so it could be risky to rely on this as your only card for international travel. Its perks will also fall short if you’re looking for unlimited lounge access worldwide — Loungebuddy isn’t available at all airports and the credits included with the card will only cover a few lounge visits.
• Alternative : Believe it or not, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card could be an even better deal, despite its high annual fee of $395 ( See Rates and Fees ). That’s because the Venture X comes with unlimited Priority Pass and Capital One lounge access for cardholders, an annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles — enough value to easily offset the fee.
• Bottom line : Thanks to its practical, high-value perks, this card should be worth it even if you only take a few flights per year.

Read our Amex Green card review .

What is a foreign transaction fee?

Foreign transaction fees are charges that credit card issuers and payment networks place on purchases made in a foreign currency or on purchases that involve a foreign bank. A foreign transaction can be a purchase processed through a foreign bank (such as when you buy something from a non-U.S. retailer website) or when you travel overseas, including when you use an ATM. Note that there can actually be multiple fees at a foreign ATM, including a flat-rate international ATM surcharge as well as an ATM access fee.

Usually, a credit card foreign transaction fee is around 3% of the purchase price. Of that 3%, your card issuer typically charges 2% for processing the transaction and the remaining 1% is for converting the transaction from one currency to another. To put this in perspective, a $100 purchase would cost you an additional $3 in foreign transaction fees.

Which credit cards work internationally?

You won’t have trouble using your credit card at home. In the U. S., the four major credit card networks – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover – have an acceptance rate of 99% or higher among merchants who accept credit cards. But it’s a different story overseas.

According to their respective websites, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted in over 200 countries and territories around the world. But Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted at over 70 million merchant locations compared to Discover’s network of over 50 million merchants. And while American Express has made great strides to increase its international presence beyond 160 countries, it still doesn’t match the power of Visa or Mastercard.

But that doesn’t mean your Discover or American Express card won’t provide tremendous value when traveling abroad or making purchases with a foreign bank. It’s just a good idea to have a backup plan, which should include carrying a Visa or Mastercard, as well as your debit card for cash withdrawals and that rare occasion when a merchant doesn’t accept any credit card.

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

The easiest way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a credit card that doesn’t charge for overseas purchases. Why? Typically, in terms of convenience and security, credit cards are the best payment method .

When you use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, you don’t just avoid an unnecessary fee that eats into your budget. You’ll have an easier time disputing credit card charges than you will debit card purchases or items paid for with cash. Your credit card may also come with built-in protections like extended warranty and purchase protection.

In addition to being safer to use, credit cards are also accessible, meaning anyone can avoid foreign transaction fees. There are credit cards that charge no foreign transaction fee for every credit score range. Take a look at the following cards that charge no foreign transaction fee, no annual fee, and offer a number of valuable consumer protections:

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for limited or no credit

• Discover it® Student Cash Back
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )
• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for bad credit

• Discover it® Secured Credit Card
• Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for fair credit

• Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
• Capital One Platinum Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )
• Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®*

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for good credit

• Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )

Best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for excellent credit

• Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card ( See Rates and Fees )

Pros and cons of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

Pros of a no foreign transaction fee credit card.

• You can rack up rewards . Some credit cards with no foreign transaction fees offer cash back rewards on popular spending categories in addition to travel cards offering points and miles.
• You’ll have access to travel perks . Along with base rewards and no foreign transaction fees, premium travel credit cards typically offer trip cancellation insurance, supplemental auto insurance, free checked bags, airport lounge access and other notable amenities.
• You’ll get a fair exchange rate . When you get your statement after buying something with a credit card in a foreign country, you’ll see that the charge has been converted to U.S. dollars. Your payment network will take care of the conversion, and you can usually be confident that you’re getting a fair exchange rate.

Cons of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• You may need to pay an annual fee . Annual fees are common among mid-tier and premium travel credit cards, which often don’t charge foreign transaction fees. When evaluating whether to get a card that carries an annual fee, it’s important to determine whether that fee can be offset or recouped with reward earnings, added perks, or if you can shoulder the added cost.
• Your payment network may not have coverage . While Visa and Mastercard payment networks seem to be everywhere, some regions don’t accept certain credit card networks. When it’s time to travel, take credit cards from at least two different networks and always have cash on hand.

How to choose a no foreign transaction fee credit card

Who should get a no foreign transaction fee credit card.

• The frequent international traveler . If you travel abroad somewhat regularly, credit card charges for foreign currency transactions can have a significant impact on your personal finances.
• The international online shopper . You don’t necessarily have to travel in order to rack up foreign transaction fees. For someone who routinely shops at international online shops, those fees can really sting, especially once you factor in foreign shipping expenses.

Who should skip a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• The balance carrier . Some cards in this category have APRs that are usually on the higher end of average, which can mean a lot when it comes to carrying a balance on the card and what purchases you make abroad. Make sure to be aware of what you’ll be charged if you can’t pay your bills off in full each month.

How to make the most of a no foreign transaction fee credit card

• Contact your bank before you travel . Make sure to notify your bank before you travel, as banks will often freeze an account on suspicion of fraud if they detect unusual activity, such as a purchase being made thousands of miles from the cardholder’s address.
• Come prepared with multiple cards . Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, your ability to use a credit card at a merchant depends on whether the merchant accepts that card’s payment network. If you’re planning to travel internationally and your primary card is American Express or Discover , it’s best to bring along a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
• Know how your rewards programs define “travel.” It’s important to pay attention to the specifics to get the most from your rewards credit card . Many rewards cards offer bonus points on smaller travel purchases, but issuers have their own definitions of travel. Some issuers put expenses such as rideshares and parking fees in the travel category, while others don’t.

Foreign transaction fees by card issuer

Below are the standard credit card foreign transaction fees for top issuers. Some issuers, like Capital One and Discover, elect not to charge a foreign transaction fee on any of their credit cards. Of course, even different cards from the same brand can vary in their fees.

Do I need a chip-and-PIN card for foreign transactions?

It’s a good idea for overseas travelers to have a chip-and-PIN card , but not necessarily a requirement.

Until a few years ago, U.S.-issued cards were swiped using magnetic stripe technology. Now, like Europe, our credit cards have an EMV chip . What happens after you insert the chip differs depending on where you are. While U.S. merchants will usually ask for your signature, European merchants may ask for a four-digit PIN.

The PIN provides an added layer of security and may be required at some overseas vendors — for example, at European train kiosks. Nowadays, however, most merchants can bypass the pin portion of the transaction if you don’t have one.

How we picked the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

• Rewards: rates, type, ease of redemption : There are a variety of people who can benefit from avoiding credit card foreign transaction fees, from small business owners to travel enthusiasts. We chose credit cards with high rewards rates in spending categories to match, like business rewards and travel benefits.
• Travel perks : One reason you may be hoping to avoid foreign transaction fees is that you have international travel plans. Some of the travel perks you’ll find among our top credit cards with no foreign transaction fee include free checked bags, rental car insurance, airport lounge access and TSA PreCheck credits.
• Sign-up bonus/welcome offer value : Many of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees also come with lucrative sign-up bonuses or welcome offers. We compared the value of cash back, airline mile and point bonuses to ensure you’re getting the most overall value from these picks.

Number of no foreign transaction fee cards we analyzed : 938

All criteria used : Rates and fees, rewards rates, rewards categories, sign-up bonuses, point values, redemption options, redemption flexibility, credit needed, travel benefits, transfer partners, international customer service, security, ease of application.

More information on credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

• Best credit cards for international travel
• Can you use a Discover card for international travel?
• How to maximize your credit card rewards for international travel
• Capital One Venture Rewards benefits guide ( See Rates and Fees )

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average foreign transaction fee + –.

Foreign transaction fees vary but are typically around 3% of any purchase made using an electronic form of payment outside of the United States or with a merchant that processes the transaction in a foreign currency.

When do you pay a foreign transaction fee? + –

When you make an overseas purchase, you may have to pay foreign transaction fees. This can happen when you travel abroad or make online purchases with vendors that are outside the U.S. If you’re using a credit card that charges foreign transaction fees, these charges will show up on your credit card statement at the end of your billing cycle. Just like any other statement, you’ll have at least 21 days before payment is due.

Do foreign transaction fees apply to online purchases? + –

Yes, it’s possible to get charged a foreign transaction fee on your online purchases. You’ll typically get hit with this surcharge whenever you make online purchases:

• With an online retailer located outside the United States.
• When the transaction processes in a foreign currency.
• When the payment is processed by a foreign bank.

Do foreign transaction fees apply to debit cards, charge cards and gift cards? + –

Yes. Just like a credit card, you’re likely to get charged a foreign transaction fee when you make international purchases using debit cards, charge cards and gift cards. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid these unnecessary fees.

• Don’t use gift cards for international purchases, as these usually charge foreign transaction fees.
• Check with your bank to see if your account has no debit card foreign transaction or ATM fees.
• Use a credit card or charge card that comes with no foreign transaction fees. The best cards with no foreign transaction fees have additional benefits like built-in protections that make credit cards safer to use than debit cards .

Does paying in U.S. dollars avoid a foreign transaction fee? + –

Even when paying a merchant in U.S. dollars, you could be charged a foreign transaction fee when making purchases abroad or if the transaction is processed through a foreign bank.

About the Author

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Sally Herigstad

Sally Herigstad is a certified public accountant, author and speaker who writes about personal finance for CreditCards.com. She also writes regularly for MSN Money, Interest.com, Bankrate and RedPlum.com, and has been a guest on Martha Stewart radio and other programs.

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Forget Credit Card Rewards. These Features Mattered Most While I Was Traveling Abroad

Rewards and card perks are great, but don’t forget about these subtle factors that can make your card a breeze -- or a pain -- to use.

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Raina He is a contributor to CNET Money. She previously worked as an editor at CNET, focusing on credit cards, banking and loans. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Media and Journalism. Before coming to CNET Money, she was an editor at NextAdvisor, a personal finance news site that shared a parent company with CNET Money.

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As a credit card editor turned freelance writer, I’m all too familiar with the typical criteria experts use when evaluating travel cards. We love to analyze rewards rates and redemption options, travel perks and trip insurance, and the all-important welcome bonus. But no one talks about the foundational features of a credit card: how well it works as a payment method to use for your everyday spending.

This might sound like a boring focal point, but as I discovered during my eight months backpacking across Europe and Asia, not all cards are created equal in that department.

One card in my wallet earned great rewards but was unusable at many places because the issuer wasn’t accepted. Other cards had useful quality-of-life features that made them convenient to use despite not being top rewards or benefits contenders. 

It’s about more than just rewards and perks

Although rewards and card benefits are important, they’re not helpful if you can’t easily use your card at checkout. There are other factors to consider, too, that could have a significant impact on how smoothly your next trip goes.

Next time you’re looking at a travel card, take a look at its:

Foreign transaction fees

This one is the most obvious but bears repeating. If you are traveling abroad, you need a card without foreign transaction fees. 

Foreign transaction fees are fees charged by some cards (both credit and debit) for transactions made abroad or in a non-US currency. They’re typically charged as a percentage (usually around 3%) of the transaction in US dollars and can add up quickly if you use your credit card for all your spending.

Luckily, it’s not too hard to find a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees . Most travel cards -- both premium and ones without an annual fee -- don’t. 

If you’re unsure whether a card charges foreign transaction fees, you can find that information on the issuer’s website in the rates and fees section of the card in question. 

If you can’t get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees before going abroad, consider getting a debit card with no foreign transaction fees instead. 

The card issuer

If there’s one piece of advice I would give to international travelers, it’s this: don’t take an American Express card as your only credit card when traveling abroad. Amex’s most popular travel cards have great rewards and perks, but don’t count on being able to use them everywhere you go. 

Although the card issuer has made strides in its cards’ acceptance rates in the US -- reaching 99% of all merchants that accept credit cards, according to a 2020 press release from American Express -- it still lags behind in foreign countries. 

American Express charges higher swipe fees compared with Visa and Mastercard, cutting into profits for small businesses. 

Though some regions had better acceptance rates than others, I always encountered at least a few merchants who wouldn’t accept my American Express® Gold Card everywhere I went. 

Other times, they would require me to insert my physical Amex card, but offered contactless payments from a digital wallet with my other cards. Weary of the constant gamble of seeing whether my card would be declined at the till, I eventually stopped using it as my default -- despite its high rewards rate on dining, one of my top expenses -- unless I saw a sign explicitly welcoming Amex cards. 

Visa and Mastercard don’t have this problem, and I haven’t noticed a significant difference between the two issuers. Virtually everywhere I’ve been that accepted credit cards has accepted both Visa and Mastercard. I don’t have a Discover card, but Discover’s coverage map shows quite a few countries where its cards aren’t accepted.

That’s not to say you can’t bring your Amex card while traveling abroad or use it as your default card. Just make sure you also bring a Visa or Mastercard you can use if your Amex isn’t accepted.

Security features

When traveling, credit card security should be top of mind.  One of the best ways to protect your card’s information is to use digital wallets and contactless payments instead of your physical cards whenever possible. 

Digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay let you pay merchants through an app on your phone rather than tapping, inserting or swiping your card. You’ll simply tap your phone instead. Merchants need to accept near-field communication payments, but I’ve found that at least in Europe, most places that accept credit cards have this technology. 

Using a digital wallet as your default payment method is safer because your card details are never shared with the merchant. But they also have a less obvious security benefit: it allows you to keep your physical credit card in more secure, less accessible places on your person. 

For example, if you know you’re going to pay using your phone most of the time, you can keep your credit card in a money belt under your clothes rather than in your purse or your pocket. 

It’s more of a hassle to take out your card in the rare case that contactless payments don’t work, which is why you should always keep your card with you if you use contactless payments, but you’re also less likely to lose your card to a pickpocket. 

A virtual credit card , on the other hand, is more useful when shopping online. Some issuers, like Capital One, let you generate a single-use card number that you can use to check out online rather than entering your actual card details. This feature adds an extra layer of digital security and prevents your card details from being stolen during online transactions.

One final security feature that’s really useful to have is the ability to lock and unlock your card at will, ideally through your online account or banking app rather than calling customer service. If your card is stolen or compromised, you can lock it down immediately. For cards I use less often, like my backup card, I find it’s helpful to keep the card locked and unlock it only when I need to use it. 

Storing your card details on your phone does make your data more vulnerable if your phone is stolen. To mitigate this, set a strong password or biometric lock on your phone, change your digital wallet settings to require password or biometric verification for all purchases and make sure you can remotely lock or wipe your phone through a service like Apple’s Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device.

Customer service

If something goes wrong with your credit card while you’re traveling, the quality of customer service for your card might be the difference between getting the issue resolved quickly or wasting hours of your vacation on the phone.

It’s hard to give an objective evaluation of a company’s customer service quality as a whole since so much of it depends on the individual customer service agent and the issue you’re dealing with. 

But reading a lot of reviews from real users -- forums like Reddit are great for this -- might help you pick out some trends. You can also draw on your personal experience or that of people you trust; if you’ve had a lot of trouble with customer support from a particular credit card issuer in the past, maybe that’s not the card you want to use as your primary travel card.

Something else to consider: how and when you can contact live customer support. A customer service line that’s active only during standard US business hours gets exponentially less convenient when you’re in a different time zone. And for Gen-Z-ers like me who would rather do anything than make a phone call, the ability to reach customer support via live chat is a surprisingly useful feature. 

Before applying for a card, poke around on an issuer’s website to see what their contact methods and customer service hours are like, then check the internet to see if you find a trend of user horror stories about the company. 

One last thing 

I’ll leave you with one more tip: It’s always a good idea to have one (or a few) backup cards in case you can’t use your primary card.

Whether your physical card gets lost or stolen, or your account gets compromised, or you decide to downgrade a high annual fee card to one with a lower annual fee, sometimes situations can arise where you aren’t able to use your primary card.

If you encounter any of those problems, your account might be locked or you could have to wait for a replacement card to be mailed to you. So having a backup card that you can use to pay for purchases until your primary card is up and running again can make all the difference.

If you don’t want to pay annual fees for multiple premium travel cards just to keep some as a backup, consider getting a no-annual-fee card with no foreign transaction fees like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card * or Bilt Mastercard®. 

Although these cards may have fewer rewards and perks than ones that charge an annual fee, they’ll still fulfill their basic function as a payment method and you can hold them indefinitely without worrying about whether they’re worth the cost.

I like to keep my primary cards and backup cards in separate locations -- for example, one in my wallet for everyday use and the other in my hotel room. This reduces the likelihood of something happening to both my primary card and my backup at the same time.

* All information about the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

A guide to foreign transaction fees

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Key takeaways

• Foreign transaction fees are surcharges paid by credit card holders on international transactions
• These fees typically range from 1 to 3 percent of the total purchase
• Although international credit card fees may not seem important in small doses, they can add up over the course of a trip
• Choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is the best way to avoid these fees while traveling

From flights and hotels to food and sightseeing, costs can add up quickly when you’re traveling — especially if you’re planning an international getaway. But one travel expense you may not have built into your budget is foreign transaction fees.

These fees can run anywhere from 1 percent to 3 percent of each credit card transaction you make, meaning you’ll run into them whenever you make purchases using your credit card outside of the U.S. Choosing a card with no foreign transaction fees is one of the best ways to avoid these costs quickly piling up while you’re abroad.

Let’s take a closer look at what foreign transaction fees are and how using the right credit card can help you avoid them.

What are foreign transaction fees?

Foreign transaction fees are a surcharge that credit card holders pay for transactions processed outside of the U.S. These can be purchases you make while traveling abroad or online transactions from a merchant based overseas.

These fees are often a combination of two charges. One comes from the card issuer — for example, Bank of America, Chase or Citi. The other is from the network: American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa. It is important to note that Discover and American Express are both card networks and issuers .

How much are foreign transaction fees?

Every credit card will have varying terms that dictate how much a foreign transaction fee will cost, so it’s important to review your credit card’s terms and conditions to know exactly how much you’ll be paying.

You can usually find this information in the “Pricing and Terms” or “Rates and Fees” section of your cardholder agreement. You should see the exact percentages charged for these fees under the “Fees” section.

Foreign transaction fees generally range from 1 percent to 3 percent and tend to average around 3 percent of each transaction. Paying around $3 per $100 you spend may not sound that expensive, but these fees can add up if you’re making a lot of purchases with your credit card.

Credit card foreign transaction fee chart

Here’s a breakdown of foreign transaction fees for major issuers. These are the fees that apply if your card lacks a no-foreign-transaction fee benefit:

How to calculate foreign transaction fees

Determining how much you owe in international credit card fees is relatively simple. Let’s look at an example.

Let’s assume you travel to France and make a purchase totaling €150 at a souvenir shop using a Chase Freedom Unlimited®  card. This card charges a total foreign transaction fee of 3 percent. So, the foreign transaction fee on this purchase would cost you €4.50 (€150 * .03 = €4.50). When converted to US dollars, that is about $4.73 at the time of publication — which doesn’t seem like much.

However, let’s assume you spend €3,000 on the same card over the course of your trip. Now, you’ll end up paying €150 (or $157.69) in unnecessary international credit card fees that provide absolutely zero value. As you can see, these foreign transaction fees can add up quickly.

Should you use a credit card when traveling?

While it’s important to keep foreign transaction fees in mind, don’t be scared off from using a credit card while traveling internationally. There are a lot of benefits to using travel credit cards . Plus, you can avoid paying foreign fees if you pick up the right credit card ahead of your trip.

Before you go, make sure to compare credit cards to see which option might offer the most perks for your needs — including no foreign transaction fees. The best travel credit cards and rewards cards let you earn cash back, airline miles, hotel points or flexible rewards for each dollar you spend.

Besides the potential to earn rewards, using a credit card overseas is a great way to protect your purchases with zero fraud liability coverage. If your credit card is lost or stolen abroad, you won’t be on the hook for a single cent of fraudulent purchases.

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees increase the cost of your purchase without adding any value. Fortunately, you can eliminate or reduce the fees you’ll pay with a little planning. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Get a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees

Applying for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees is an ideal option for avoiding additional fees while traveling. If you’re considering opening a new card before an international trip, make sure the specific card you plan to use has no foreign transaction fees.

Additionally, just because an issuer notes a foreign transaction fee doesn’t mean your specific credit card will charge you one. There are plenty of credit cards that don’t have foreign transaction fees, even if their issuers have them. Check out our list of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards for plenty of examples.

Exchange your money before leaving

If you decide to stick primarily to cash while traveling, exchange your U.S. dollars for your destination’s currency before leaving the U.S. Doing so can be more convenient and less costly than waiting until you’re abroad and may cost less than foreign transaction fees.

When exchanging your money overseas, you could run into challenges, especially if you don’t know the country very well. You could experience long wait times, have difficulty finding a nearby currency exchange or face exorbitant fees when changing currencies.

Open a bank account with no foreign transaction fees

Opening a bank account that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees can be useful if you need to use your debit card or get cash from ATMs overseas. When you withdraw cash abroad, you could be charged both international transaction fees and out-of-network ATM fees.

Another option is to use a bank account that reimburses fees for international ATM usage, such as Schwab Bank ’s Investor Checking account. The only caveat is that you have to connect your account to a Schwab brokerage account. As a bonus, Schwab also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Are foreign transaction fees deductible?

Like personal cards, business credit cards may also charge foreign transaction fees. These fees generally range from about 1 percent to 3 percent on transactions that you or your employees make while traveling overseas or through international merchants.

If your business ventures include frequent international travel or you make a lot of purchases through foreign merchants, paying foreign transaction fees can certainly affect your bottom line. Although international credit card fees can be deducted like any other business expense, it is still wise to avoid them whenever possible.

Thankfully, there are plenty of business credit cards that come with no foreign transaction fees. Use our list of the best business cards for travel to compare cards and find the right fit for your business needs.

The bottom line

Card issuers typically charge foreign transaction fees on overseas transactions. However, you don’t necessarily have to take on this expense with international credit card spending.

If you plan to travel outside the country, you can save money by using a credit card that’s accepted where you’re traveling, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers benefits for frequent travelers.

For more travel tips and tricks, check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit .

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

“ Amex FAQs - Do I have to pay foreign transaction fees when I use my credit card ?” Accessed on 10/14/23.

“ Traveling with your card | Capital One. ” Accessed 10/14/23.

“ Terms and Conditions for Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards .” Accessed 10/14/23.

“ Schwab Bank Investor Checking Account .” Accessed 10/14/23.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is better?

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8 tips for first-time international travelers

Best credit cards for international travel

Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024

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Hello, I will be traveling to Croatia, Romania, and Italy from September to October 2024. Looking for safe cards for this trip. The card allows me to withdraw cash and make purchases. Do you have any suggestions for a card that has no cash withdrawal fees? I was advised that using a debit card poses a risk since thieves can remove your cash. However, credit cards charge fees for cash withdrawals, and currency exchange rates are not favorable. I'd love to hear from you and get your suggestions. Many thanks.

8 replies to this topic

Ideally, you need both a credit card and a debit card. You use the debit card for cash withdrawals from ATMs. You use the credit card to pay for services and items.

It is quite easy and quick to get a debit card, because it is your money in the account, so no credit checks are necessary, just to prove your identification. If you get a card specifically for your overseas travel, you can work out a budget, and just load it with the amount you need for that trip. If you are careful to use ATMs that are located in safe places, you should not have security concerns. In any case, you may not need much actual cash, as so may things can now be paid for by card.

The credit card also need to be one that has no foreign exchange fees. Search under "Credit cards with no foreign exchange fees"

That way, the only extra charges you should see are the charges for using a foreign ATM. These are set by the bank that owns the ATM. Here's a good summary:

https://www.choice.com.au/travel/money/travel-money/articles/bank-charges-overseas-transaction

I have a Latitude credit card and an UP bank debit card, which both work well overseas.

My NAB debit card has no foreign transaction fees.

Is that the NAB Platinum one where they charge you an extra $10 a month for the privilege of using your card overseas? And you don't get a refund if you don't actually use the card overseas that month? And you have to spend $1000 per month to get the $10 fee rebated?

It's all the tricky little side charges that make some cards not worth having. Plus I decided a while ago, after the Royal Commission, that the big 4 banks don't deserve any loyalty.

No -there are no charges for using the card anywhere.

Ive never heard of that. Are you sure its a NAB account?

Some options here:

https://www.thecurrencyshop.com.au/travel-cards

If you are worried about your debit card being stolen and/or compromised, it is very simple to just keep topping it up as you need it via internet banking. With OSKO, money is transferred instantaneously, so via your phone app, you could add, say, $100 seconds before you need to withdraw it from an ATM.

"Ive never heard of that. Are you sure its a NAB account?"

Yes, I'm sure. I ditched mine when I realised it was not good value. It's still available, but if you read the PR information in the link below, you only get the good bits, not the reality of the extra charges.

https://www.nab.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/debit-cards/nab-platinum-visa-debit-card

The UP Bank card I use has no hidden charges like the NAB one. It is owned by Bendigo Bank. It was very easy to set up and activate. I use it as a dedicated card for overseas travel, and run down the balance on it until my next trip.

Itd not a platinum card. And those conditions are not in my Ts&,Cs

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Personal Finance

Best credit cards for june 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

The best credit cards on the market change over time as card issuers update their promotions and new card offers are introduced. That's why we created this list that's updated on a regular basis. Here you can find out which credit cards are the most promising at the moment, including travel credit cards, cash back credit cards, 0% APR credit cards, and other credit card categories.

Read on to learn about the best credit cards in 2024, why we picked them, and how each card we selected can help you reach your goals.

TIME Stamped best credit cards picks

Best cash-back credit card: card_name, chase freedom unlimited®, why we like it:.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesn’t seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.

This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.

Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full

Bonus rewards: Up to $20,000 spent in the first year: 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (takeout and delivery services included), 3% on all other purchases. Post $20,000 spent or first year: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (takeout and delivery services included), 1.5% on all other purchases.

Why we chose it : The card_name was selected as the best cash-back credit card due to its quarterly bonus categories that earn 5% cash-back , its generous rewards for drugstore and dining purchases, and its intro 0% APR offer for purchases and balance transfers .

Pros & Cons :

• bonus_miles_full .
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• No annual fee.
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
• Additional 5x cash back on travel purchased through the Ultimate Rewards program, 3x on dining, and 3x on drugstore purchases.
• Extra 1.5% earned the first year up to $20,000.
• 5% cash advance and balance transfer fees.
• 3% foreign transaction fee.
• Only available for cardholders with a good credit score.

Read our full review here .

Best credit card for grocery shopping: card_name

Blue cash preferred® card from american express.

Bonus rewards: Earn 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other purchases. Terms Apply.

Why we chose it : We picked the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express as best for groceries due to its sky-high rewards rate in this category. The card also has an impressive welcome offer and intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers ( Rates & Fees ).

• Highest bonus rewards rate for U.S. supermarkets and U.S. streaming subscriptions
• Generous rewards for U.S. gas stations and transit
• annual fee ( Rates & Fees )
• Introductory intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration ( Rates & Fees ); then reg_apr,reg_apr_type
• Comes with purchase protection and return protection
• Terms Apply.
• Bonus rewards cap at U.S. supermarkets
• Rewards only redeemable for statement credits
• High Go-To APR ( ) after introductory APR period ends ( Rates & Fees )
• Charges in foreign transaction fees ( Rates & Fees )
• Annual fee after year one ( Rates & Fees )
• Requires credit

Best gas credit card: card_name

Costco anywhere visa® card by citi.

Bonus rewards: Earn 4% cash back on up to $7,000 spent on eligible gas and EV charging purchases per year (then 1% back), 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% on purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% back on other spending.

Why we chose it : While the card_name members only, this card offers 4% cash back on up to $7,000 spent on eligible gas and EV charging purchases per year (then 1% back). This means bonus rewards on gas are available at nearly any gas station—not just at Costco.

Pros & cons :

• Exceptional rewards on gas and EV charging purchases
• Great earning rate for dining, travel, and Costco spending
• annual_fees annual fee for Costco members
• foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees
• No welcome offer
• High APR ( reg_apr,reg_apr_type ) if you carry a balance
• Must be a Costco member
• Rewards only redeemable once per year
• Rewards only redeemable for Costco merchandise or cash back in stores
• Requires credit_score_needed credit score

Best credit card for entertainment: card_name

Capital one® savorone® cash rewards credit card.

Bonsu rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery spending (Excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and 1% back on other purchases; also earn 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Why we chose it : The offers the best rewards rate on entertainment purchases—including concerts, amusement parks, zoos, professional sporting events, and more.

• Profitable rewards rate on entertainment, dining, and more
• 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Flexible redemptions for rewards
• ; then reg_apr,reg_apr_type and ; then balance_transfer_fees
• High APR ( ) after intro APR period ends

Best travel credit card: card_name

Chase sapphire reserve® card.

This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership , and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.

Product details:

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel(SM) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass(TM) Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Bonus rewards: Earn 10X points on hotel and rental car purchases through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase (after the first $300 in travel spending is met), 3X points on travel and dining worldwide, and 1X points on other purchases; also earn 10X points on Lyft rides through Dec. 31, 2024.

Why we chose it : We chose the as the best travel credit card due to its affiliation with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, its exceptional travel perks, and its generous bonus categories for rewards.

• Comes with a $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (valued at $469)
• 50% more value redeeming points for travel through Chase
• Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners
• Points redeemable for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more
• $100 fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck membership
• Best selection of travel insurance benefits of all travel credit cards
• Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
• Instacart benefits
• foreign transaction fees
• High APR ( ) if you carry a balance

Best credit card for travel insurance: card_name

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM), 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.

Bonus rewards: Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 annual hotel credit); 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services; 2X points on other travel; and 1X points on other purchases; also, you can earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.

Why we chose it : The card doesn't have as many travel perks as the , but it offers the same rewards flexibility and its own selection of top bonus categories. Cardholders also get access to a range of travel insurance benefits on a complimentary basis.

Pros & cons:

• Value of 25% more when you redeem points for travel through Chase
• Can also redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more
• Generous travel insurance benefits
• Annual hotel credit benefit of $50
• Rewards anniversary bonus of 10%

Best credit card for lounge access: card_name

The platinum card® from american express.

Bonus rewards: Earn 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on airfare booked with airlines and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on other eligible travel booked through American Express Travel, and 1X point for every eligible dollar spent. Terms Apply.

Why we chose it : The offers superior point flexibility for travel, as well as the most robust airport lounge membership of all travel credit cards. Members get access to Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta.

• Comes with Global Lounge Collection, the best airport lounge membership of all travel credit cards
• Comes with $1,500+ in statement credits for airline incidentals, eligible hotel bookings, and more
• Automatic elite hotel status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
• Superior rewards rate for eligible airfare and prepaid hotel bookings
• Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners
• Other redemptions for travel through AmexTravel.com, gift cards, statement credits, and more
• Very high annual fee of ( Rates & Fees )
• High APR ( ) if you carry a balance ( Rates & Fees )
• Annual credits are notoriously difficult to use

Best credit card for balance transfer: card_name

Citi simplicity card.

Bonus rewards: None

Why we chose it : The card_name comes with the longest intro APR of all credit cards on the market today ( balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration ), and it has annual_fees annual fee.

• Lengthy intro APR offer for balance transfers
• annual_fees annual fee
• late_payment_fee late fees or penalty rate
• Free FICO score
• Choose your own due date
• High APR ( reg_apr,reg_apr_type ) after intro APR period ends
• Shorter intro APR for purchases
• balance_transfer_fees ;
• Charges foreign_transaction_fee in foreign transaction fees
• credit_score_needed credit required

Best credit card for Amazon shopping: card_name

The Prime Visa is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards you can open because of its monster return rate at Amazon and Whole Foods. Between those two brands, you can get just about anything you’d possibly need.

Bonus rewards: Earn 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, Amazon in-store purchases, and Whole Foods Market spending, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back on other spending.

Why we chose it : The card_name offers an astronomical cash-back rate of 5% back on Amazon.com, Amazon in-store purchases, and spending at Whole Foods Market. It has annual_fees annual fee, and there are foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees to worry about.

• Great rewards rate for Amazon and Whole Foods spending
• Potential to earn 10% back on eligible purchases with Prime Card Bonus
• Good selection of travel insurance benefits
• Comes with Visa Signature perks
• No annual fee
• Rewards redeemable for Amazon purchases, gas back, gift cards, travel, and more
• Amazon Prime membership required
• High APR if you carry a balance
• Good-to-excellent credit required

Best student credit card: card_name

Capital one quicksilver student cash rewards credit card.

Bonus rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on all spending, plus 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Why we chose it : The is available for consumers with " " credit, meaning FICO scores from 580 to 669. It helps build credit as a result, and student cardholders get to earn 1.5% in cash back on their purchases with annual fee.

• Available for fair credit borrowers
• Builds credit by reporting to the credit bureaus
• Generous flat-rate rewards for spending
• Rewards have flexible redemption options
• Complimentary Uber benefits
• Must be a student to apply

Best credit card for dining:

American express® gold card.

Bonus rewards: Earn 4X points on dining worldwide, 4X points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X points), 3X points on airfare booked with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1X points on other purchases. Terms Apply.

Why we chose it : is best for dining due to its lucrative rewards rate for all the best food and drink money can buy. Cardholders earn 4X points on dining worldwide and 4X points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X points).

• Very high rewards rate on eligible food spending, plus airfare
• Comes with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (doled out monthly)
• $120 annual dining credit (doled out monthly)
• Membership Rewards redeemable for statement credits, gift cards, and more
• High annual_fees annual fee
• Annual credits notoriously difficult to use

Best credit card for building credit:

Capital one quicksilver secured cash rewards credit card.

Bonus rewards: Earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all spending.

Why we chose it : This secured credit card offers 1.5% cash back on all spending and has annual fee, and you can check for preapproval online without a hard inquiry on your credit reports. Note that as this is a secured credit card, a minimum security deposit of $200 is required.

• Reports to the credit bureaus help you build credit
• Cash back on all purchases
• Flexible rewards redemptions
• Check your approval odds before you apply
• Automatic credit line reviews after six months
• Security deposit required
• Available for credit

Best credit card for small businesses:

Ink business preferred® credit card.

The is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.

Bonus rewards: You earn 3X points per dollar on up to $150,000 in combined spending in eligible business categories each year (then 1X points) and 1X points on other purchases. Categories that earn 3x points include shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, select advertising purchases, and travel.

Why we chose it : The is the best small business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.

• Generous bonus rewards in popular business categories
• Other flexible redemptions include cash back, gift cards, merchandise, and more
• Free employee cards
• Comes with primary auto rental coverage when you rent a car for business purposes
• Has purchase protection and extended warranties
• High spending threshold to earn welcome offer
• credit required

Best business cash back credit card: card_name

Capital one spark cash plus.

Bonus rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Why we chose it : The offers a flat 2% cash back on all spending, and it comes without a set credit limit.

• Higher cash-back rate than other business cards
• Charge card with no preset spending limit
• Earn a $200 cash bonus when you spend $200,000 or more in a year
• Must pay your credit card balance in full each month
• 2.99% monthly late fee when you don't pay your balance in full
• High annual fee of

Best business credit card for limited or damaged credit: Revenued Business Card

Revenued Business Card

Bonus rewards: Earn 3% cash back on every purchase.

Why we chose it : You may be able to get approved for the Revenued Business Card regardless of your credit, which helps this card stand out from the competition. This business card also comes with , no monthly fees, and no hidden fees. Note, however, that this card is a unique combination of a prepaid card and a business line of credit.

• No hard credit inquiry to apply
• Approvals based on your business revenue and not your credit
• Very lucrative rewards rate for spending
• No annual fee or hidden fees
• Interest charges based on a "factor rate" that is applied to purchases automatically
• Substantial business revenue required
• Doesn't help build credit

Best flat-rate cash back credit card: Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

(Rates & Fees)

Bonus rewards: Earn 2% cash back on everything—1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid off.

Why we chose it : The Citi Double Cash® Card lets cardholders earn 2% cash back on everything—1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid of —and there is a $0 (Rates & Fees) annual fee.

• Lucrative flat-rate rewards on all purchases
• Rewards come with flexible redemption options
• Annual Fee: $0
• Intro APR does not apply to purchases
• High APR ( reg_apr,reg_apr_type ) after intro offer ends for balance transfers
• Requires credit_score_needed credit

Our Methodology

Finding the best credit cards is challenging because credit card issuers offer different rewards programs, their own unique selection of perks, and card terms that can change over time. To find the best credit cards, we compared card offers based on the following criteria:

• Rewards rates (when applicable)
• Welcome offers (when applicable)
• Rewards flexibility
• Introductory APR offers
• Variable APRs
• Annual fees
• Consumer protections included
• Travel benefits and perks
• Travel insurance benefits
• Credit rating required

Ultimately, we looked for credit cards that offer the most lucrative rewards structures and welcome offers, as well as flexibility within their designated rewards programs. Some cards that don't offer rewards were evaluated based on other factors, including their fee structure, introductory interest rates, and regular variable APR. In all cases benefits such as consumer protections and travel insurance perks were taken into account.

Best credit cards comparison chart

How to choose the best credit card for you.

The sheer number of top credit cards on this page can feel overwhelming, and there are many more cards that didn't quite make our ranking. The following steps can help you find the best credit card for your needs among the sea of available options.

Determine your goals

Before you can decide on the best credit card, you have to think about what you're trying to accomplish. After all, you'll pick a different card if you want to earn rewards than you will if you need to consolidate high-interest debt.

Our advice? Think over your credit card goals and what you want out of the process, whether that's earning cash back, racking up travel rewards, or getting 0% APR for a limited time.

Compare rewards programs

If you are interested in rewards, you'll want to look over credit card earning rates and how you can redeem your points. Also note that travel rewards programs can be notoriously complicated, so you may have to do some research to find the best travel credit card for your needs.

Decide which cardholder perks you want

Are you interested in consumer protections such as cell phone insurance or extended warranties? Maybe you want early boarding with your preferred airline, free checked bags, or airport lounge access. Whatever you desire, one of the best credit cards probably offers it.

Look at card fees

While paying an annual fee for a credit card isn't always fun, these fees can be worth it if you're getting exceptional value out of the rewards you earn or the perks you receive. In addition to evaluating annual fees, you should also look for foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, and other hidden fees.

Consider eligibility by credit score

Also consider your personal credit score and which card issuers might work for you based on their minimum credit requirements. Note in the chart below how some card issuers only offer credit cards to consumers with good-to-excellent credit, whereas others offer credit cards for fair and/or bad credit and secured credit cards.

For rates and fees of the card_name , please visit this URL .

More about credit cards

What are the different types of credit cards.

There are many types of credit cards, all of which are included in this ranking of the best credit cards. As you compare card offers and look for the right fit for your wallet, consider which credit card types might serve you best.

Cash back credit cards offer generous rewards on all your spending, (usually with no annual fee) . Many cards in this niche also offer introductory APRs for purchases, balance transfers, or both, and most offer a sign-up bonus to boot.

Rewards credit cards offer flexible points that can be redeemed for travel in more than one way. In most cases rewards earned with a flexible card can be redeemed for travel through a portal or for points transfers to airline and hotel partners. Many flexible travel credit cards also let users redeem for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, and other alternative redemptions. Examples of flexible travel cards include cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points , American Express Membership Rewards points, Capital One Miles , or points in the Citi ThankYou program .

Airline credit cards are credit cards are co-branded with an airline, so they offer airline miles instead of flexible points. As an example, American AAdvanage credit cards earn a rewards currency called "Loyalty Points," whereas Southwest credit cards earn points in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program . In addition to letting you earn airline miles, many airline credit cards offer benefits such as free checked bags and priority boarding.

There are also hotel credit cards to consider, which are co-branded with hotel loyalty programs such as Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and Wyndham Rewards. These cards earn hotel loyalty points you can redeem for free hotel nights, room upgrades, and more. Some hotel credit cards also come with automatic elite status and all the perks that come with it.

Balance transfer credit cards

Balance transfer cards offer 0% introductory APRs for debts you transfer from other credit cards and loans. This gives you the chance to pay down debt faster and save money on interest along the way. However, balance transfer fees (typically 3% or 5% of the debt amount transferred) usually apply.

Also be aware that the regular variable APR applies after the introductory offer ends.

0% APR credit cards

Some credit cards offer 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a limited time. These cards tend to come with no annual fee, and some even offer rewards for spending.

Note, however, that the regular variable APR applies after the introductory offer ends.

Student credit cards

Student credit cards are geared to college students, so they are easier to qualify for than other unsecured credit cards. Some student credit cards offer rewards for spending and other benefits, such as a free credit score. Most student credit cards don't charge an annual fee.

Business credit cards

Business credit cards are geared to small business owners, sole proprietors, side hustlers, and entrepreneurs. These cards let business owners earn rewards on their business purchases, and they help keep business and personal spending separate for tax purposes.

Secured credit cards

Where unsecured credit cards don't require any collateral, secured credit cards require a cash deposit to "secure" the line of credit in the first place. With a security deposit, however, consumers with bad credit and even no credit have the chance to qualify. That's why secured credit cards are commonly referred to as "starter credit cards."

While many secured credit cards offer rewards for purchases and don't charge an annual fee, the main benefit of these cards is the fact that they build credit by reporting your payments to the credit bureaus.

How to apply for a credit card

Once you find the best credit card for your needs, you'll need to take a few simple steps to complete an application. Fortunately, all the steps required to apply for a new credit card can be executed online and from the comfort of your home.

Check your credit scores

Before you apply for a credit card, you'll want to have a general idea of where your credit score falls on the spectrum. We recommend taking steps to check your credit score for free, which you can do with any number of platforms including Capital One CreditWise and Chase Credit Journey .

You may also find that some credit cards let you get "prequalified" without a hard inquiry on your credit reports. This step doesn't help you check your credit scores, but it can help you gaugage your approval odds before you apply for a specific card product.

Read over the terms and fine print

No matter which credit card you decide is best, you'll want to read over the terms and conditions and fine print. Make sure you have a full understanding of any fees that are charged, including annual fees, late fees, and more. Also note the credit card's interest rate and how it compares to average, as well as the details of a card's intro APR offer if it has one.

If your preferred credit card has a rewards program, make sure you understand how rewards are doled out, as well as the minimum spending requirements and timeline to earn the card's sign-up bonus.

Gather your personal information

Next up, you'll want to gather relevant personal information that's required on all credit card applications. This includes some details you'll know off the top of your head, like your full name, address, and contact information. However, you'll also need to supply details you may have to look up like your Social Security number (SSN), annual household income, monthly housing payment, and more.

Provide thorough, honest information

Finally, move forward with a credit card application online and fill in the prompts with the best, most honest information you can. Once you're ready, you can hit "submit application" and wait to see your results. Many credit card issuers will process your application while you wait and give you an answer either way within a few minutes’ time. Others will contact you via email and take up to 30 days to approve you or deny you for the card you want.

If you aren’t approved for the card you applied for, don't panic. You may need to work on improving your credit score before you apply again. In the meantime, consider other credit cards you could get approved for now based on your credit profile, including credit cards for fair credit and secured credit cards for credit-building.

Alternatives to credit cards

• Debit cards : Consider the benefits of using a debit card for purchases, although you'll need an eligible checking account to qualify. Also be aware that unlike credit cards , which let you borrow money, debit cards draw from money in your account to cover your purchases. Note, however, that using debit cards will not help you build a good credit score.
• Home equity loans : Home equity loans come with fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments, and they use the value of your home as collateral. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) , most lenders will only let you access up to 80% of your home's equity through a first mortgage and a home equity loan.
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) : Home equity lines of credit also use the value of your home as collateral, although they offer a line of credit you can borrow against (instead of a lump sum), and they typically have variable interest rates. With a HELOC, your monthly payment is based on how much you borrow from your credit line.
• Personal loans : Also called “installment loans,” this type of loan lets you borrow a lump sum with a fixed monthly payment, a set repayment term you agree to ahead of time, and fixed interest rates that are typically lower than you get with credit cards. In fact, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System data shows that, as of February 2024, the average interest rate on 24-month personal loans worked out to 12.49%, while the average rate for credit accounts assessed interest was 22.63%.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How many credit cards should you have.

The right number of credit cards is different for everyone. Ideally, you'll end up with a number of cards that help you maximize rewards and cardholder perks with the lowest interest rates and fees possible.

What is the easiest credit card to get?

The easiest credit card to get is typically a secured credit card, because it requires you to put down a cash deposit as collateral. That said, it's easier to qualify for most credit cards when you have good credit or better, meaning a FICO score of 670 or higher.

What are the best credit card offers right now?

Some of the best credit card offers right now include sign up bonuses which will generate $750 redeemed through travel rewards, like with the card_name .

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.