Best Travel Cards for International Use
Updated 27 March 2026
Using the wrong card abroad can cost you 1% to 3% on every transaction in foreign transaction fees. The right travel card eliminates these fees entirely while continuing to earn points on every purchase made overseas.
What is a Foreign Transaction Fee?
A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge applied by your card issuer on purchases made in a foreign currency or processed by a foreign bank. The fee is typically 1% charged by Visa or Mastercard for currency conversion, plus an additional 1% to 2% charged by your issuer, totalling 2% to 3% per transaction.
On a two-week international trip spending $3,000 abroad, a 3% foreign transaction fee costs $90 in pure fees. Most dedicated travel rewards cards waive this fee entirely. All cards in the comparison table above that show no foreign transaction fee are completely free to use internationally.
What to Look for in an International Card
No foreign transaction fee
The most important feature. Confirm the card explicitly states no foreign transaction fee or 0% foreign transaction fee in the terms. Some cards advertise travel rewards but still charge 2% to 3% for international purchases.
Chip-and-PIN capability
Many countries, particularly in Europe, require chip-and-PIN at unstaffed terminals like train ticket machines and parking meters. Most US Visa and Mastercard travel cards have chip-and-signature, which works at attended terminals but may fail at some unstaffed kiosks.
Travel and emergency insurance
Premium travel cards often include trip cancellation insurance, emergency medical coverage, baggage delay protection, and rental car collision coverage when you pay with the card. This can replace separate travel insurance policies worth $100 to $300 per trip.
Global ATM access
Some travel cards refund international ATM fees or offer access to global ATM networks. Having a card with no ATM surcharge for foreign withdrawals is a useful backup when merchants do not accept cards, though withdrawals do not typically earn points.
International Travel Tips for Points Earners
Always choose to pay in local currency
When a foreign merchant or ATM offers to convert your transaction to USD at the point of sale (called dynamic currency conversion), always decline and choose to pay in the local currency. Dynamic currency conversion rates are typically 3% to 7% worse than your card's exchange rate. Pay in local currency and let your card handle the conversion.
Notify your card issuer before traveling
While many issuers have improved fraud detection and no longer require advance notice, calling your card's customer service or updating travel notifications in the app before your trip prevents your card from being blocked for suspicious foreign activity mid-trip. This takes 2 minutes and can save significant inconvenience abroad.
Keep an emergency backup card
Always carry a second no-foreign-transaction-fee card from a different network, ideally Mastercard if your primary is Visa, or vice versa. Some international merchants accept one network but not the other. Having a backup prevents being stranded without payment options if your primary card is declined or lost.
Compare cards for international travel
The comparison table shows which cards have no foreign transaction fees alongside lounge access and travel insurance features.
Compare Cards