Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

A smiling couple sits on a sofa, the man points at a laptop while the woman holds a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card. In the background, there is a shelf and a floor lamp. — photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

Paying abroad with a credit card or withdrawing cash? Yes, it can sometimes incur quite high costs. But beware: depending on the provider, there are significant differences in foreign transaction fees. We'll reveal which credit cards with no foreign transaction fees can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Who hasn't experienced this scenario: You're on vacation, traveling in a foreign country, and cash is running low. You start calculating whether you can manage with the remaining money or if you need to start using your travel credit card or perhaps even withdraw cash. But what were the associated costs with your own credit card again? What are the foreign transaction fees? Or maybe there aren't any within the EU?

We bring a little light to the darkness here and show you which credit cards without fees you can use abroad without worry. After all, the credit card has become one of the most important travel essentials, as you often can't manage without the 'plastic money' for spontaneous hotel or flight bookings abroad.

Why a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is worth it for you

To avoid unnecessary costs when withdrawing cash or making payments with your card while on vacation, it's worth getting a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Many banks charge foreign transaction fees on most common cards ranging from 1% to 3% - or even more. Therefore, we have compared the 5 best credit cards for you that waive these foreign transaction fees.

The main advantages of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees at a glance:

No foreign transaction fees

Free cash withdrawals

No or very low annual fee

Flexibility while traveling

Attractive additional benefits like travel insurance, fuel discounts, or cash back

Protection against theft or misuse through integrated security features

To ensure you can benefit from the mentioned advantages to the fullest during your next trip, we provide you with an overview of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees below.

No foreign transaction fees
Free cash withdrawals
No or very low annual fee
Flexibility while traveling
Attractive additional benefits like travel insurance, fuel discounts, or cash back
Protection against theft or misuse through integrated security features

The best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees compared

As mentioned earlier, the amount of foreign transaction fees on credit cards typically ranges between 1% and 3% depending on the provider, and some even charge a flat fee of at least $5. Therefore, in this article, we present you with the current 5 best credit cards without foreign transaction fees. Such a credit card is particularly useful if you travel often and pay in a foreign currency.

Generally, the presented travel credit cards are divided into two variants: a linked credit card, such as the DKB Visa Card, or a so-called 'real' credit card, like the Barclays Visa. A linked credit card is directly connected to the corresponding checking account at the same bank and is settled through it. With a real credit card, you do not need to open an additional account and can simply designate your existing bank account as the reference account.

Nice-to-know: While linked credit cards have overdraft interest you must pay for borrowing against the checking account, real credit cards charge an annual percentage rate. Detailed information about each credit card can be found below.

DKB Visa Card
Barclays Visa
Santander BestCard Basic
Norisbank Mastercard
MasterCard Gold

Our top 5 credit cards with no fees abroad at a glance

DKB Visa Card

The DKB Visa Card is a linked credit card, which means you need to open a checking account at DKB Bank for this. Card payments are settled through your checking account. While the checking account is free (with a deposit of $700/month, otherwise $4.50/month), you will pay a small monthly fee of $2.49 for the DKB Visa credit card. Cash withdrawals and foreign transactions are free wherever Visa is accepted.

$0 cash withdrawal fee worldwide for active customers (i.e., a deposit of at least $700/month)
0% foreign transaction fee worldwide for active customers (applies to card payments and cash withdrawals)
Attractive credit limit (depending on your creditworthiness)
Free emergency package: If you lose your card abroad, you'll receive an emergency card or emergency cash from DKB within 48 hours
Linked credit card
Overdraft interest of 9.28% per year or 8.68% per year for active status (variable)
Not free ($2.49 fee per month)

Barclays Visa

The Barclays Visa is a real credit card that has no annual fees. Withdrawals from ATMs with the Visa sign worldwide are free (minimum amount $50). Payment with the card is also free worldwide where Visa is accepted. The Barclays Visa provides flexible repayment options, allowing you to pay off your open amounts in installments, thus increasing your financial flexibility.

Alternatively, you can select 100% repayment via automated monthly direct debit. This incurs a $2 card usage fee per month. To keep the Barclays Visa completely free, we recommend keeping track of your repayments and simply making a transfer once a month yourself. This works quite easily in the app associated with your travel credit card.

$0 annual fee
$0 cash withdrawal fee (worldwide at all ATMs with the Visa sign, minimum amount $50)
0% foreign transaction fee
'Real' credit card
Flexible repayment option with installments
$2 card usage fee with automated direct debit (this is not pre-set and must be selected by you in online banking)
The flexible repayment option can also become a disadvantage if you lose track of it
22.71% effective annual interest rate (variable)

Santander BestCard Basic

The Santander BestCard Basic is, like the Barclays Visa, a real Visa credit card. You can apply for this card without a checking account at Santander; there is no need to switch accounts. The Santander BestCard Basic has no annual fees. The foreign transaction fee is waived for all payments in euros. For all other payments, there is a foreign currency fee of 1.5%.

Additionally, customers benefit from a 1% fuel discount (up to a maximum of $200 in fuel station sales per month) and receive a free secondary card. However, the downside here is that full invoice reconciliation via direct debit is not possible, as 5% of the amount or at least $25 are automatically deducted. To avoid unnecessary costs here, you can simply settle the invoice amount anytime via bank transfer.

$0 annual fee
$0 cash withdrawal fee (worldwide and up to 4 times per month free)
0% foreign transaction fee (when paying in euros)
'Real' credit card
Additional benefits: 1% fuel discount (up to a maximum of $200 in fuel station sales per month), 5% cash back on travel bookings & free additional card
19.16% effective annual interest rate (variable)
Full invoice reconciliation via direct debit is not possible; 5% of the amount or at least $25 will be automatically deducted (to avoid unnecessary credit interest, it is best to transfer the invoice amount yourself)

Norisbank MasterCard

The Norisbank MasterCard belongs to the linked credit cards, just like the DKB Visa Card. However, there are also no long-term annual fees, and you pay no cash withdrawal fees worldwide. Foreign transaction fees are completely waived for payments in euros; however, for foreign currency, you will pay a flat fee of 1%. A free checking account at Norisbank is a prerequisite, and you can also receive a free partner card upon request.

In addition to a 3D Secure service, which is also included with the other mentioned credit cards, you also benefit from a free SMS service that promptly informs you of suspicious transactions.

$0 annual fee
$0 cash withdrawal fee (worldwide)
0% foreign transaction fee when paying in euros
Free SMS service for suspicious transactions
Additional benefits: including a free additional card
Linked credit card
1% foreign transaction fee for foreign currency outside the EEA
13.24% effective annual interest rate (variable)

Fee-free MasterCard Gold

The fee-free MasterCard Gold is a real credit card from Avanzia Bank and is not linked to any checking account. It imposes no cash and foreign transaction fees worldwide, and there are also no annual fees. However, unlike the other credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, the effective annual interest rate is higher at 24.69%.

Special additional benefits include 5% cash back on travel with a best price guarantee as well as 5% cash back on rental cars, travel insurance package if at least 50% of transport costs are paid with the MasterCard Gold, and personal liability insurance with coverage up to $350,000.

$0 annual fee
$0 cash withdrawal fee (worldwide)
0% foreign transaction fee
'Real' credit card
Additional benefits: 5% travel cash back with best price guarantee, travel insurance package if at least 50% of the transport costs are paid with MasterCard Gold, rental car portal with 5% cash back, personal liability insurance with coverage up to $350,000
24.69% effective annual interest rate (variable)
Nominal interest rate of 1.86% for each debit if the amount is not paid off in the required time frame

Tips for using credit cards abroad

On a green suitcase lie a red book, a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card, and a straw hat with sunglasses. Next to it are colorful clothes. — photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

Using credit cards abroad can be very practical and safe, but there are some important things you should consider to minimize costs, avoid security risks, and get the most out of your credit card. Here are some useful tips for using credit cards abroad:

Pay in local currency

When making payments abroad, we always recommend selecting the local currency to avoid unnecessary conversion and foreign transaction fees. When paying in your home currency, a disadvantageous dynamic currency conversion surcharge (usually an additional 2-3%) is often charged.

Choose a card without foreign transaction fees

Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees of 1 to 3% for payments in a different currency. So ideally, choose a card that doesn't have foreign transaction fees to avoid additional costs. You can refer to the cards we present on this page.

Avoid cash withdrawals at ATMs

Cash withdrawals at ATMs with a credit card can often incur high fees (up to 5% of the amount). Nowadays, you can pay cashless in most places, which is significantly cheaper with the right credit card.

If you do need to withdraw cash, choose ATMs that do not charge high fees. Be sure to check ahead of time about availability at your destination. Also, ensure that your credit card allows for fee-free cash withdrawals worldwide.

Prefer payments with a credit card instead of cash

In many countries, your credit card is now accepted more frequently than cash, especially in large cities and tourist areas. Using credit card payments often offers better exchange rates compared to exchanging money on-site and avoids potential cash withdrawal fees.

Pay attention to security

Use security features like Face ID, PIN, and contactless payment to protect your card from unauthorized access. It's also a good idea to write down your credit card issuer's emergency number so you can quickly react in case of loss or theft.

Additionally, you should regularly check your transaction records. If something seems suspicious, you can react quickly and find a solution directly with your card provider.

Use contactless payments

In many countries, particularly in Europe and North America, contactless payments are widespread. These payments are not only convenient but also secure for you due to the aforementioned security features.

Always have an emergency reserve in rural areas

Even if you use your credit card for most payments, it is advisable to have some cash in the local currency. An amount sufficient to cover an emergency meal or your taxi ride to your accommodation is enough. In rural areas or at smaller businesses, a credit card is not always accepted.

Avoid high-interest rates by repaying on time

When using your credit card for larger payments, ensure that you settle the bill promptly to avoid high interest rates. Many credit cards apply a high interest rate on unpaid amounts, which can lead to additional costs.

In conclusion:

Using credit cards abroad is a convenient and secure payment option as long as you are optimally prepared. Avoid foreign transaction fees, inform yourself about any additional costs, choose a card with good supplementary services, and pay attention to the security of your credit card.

Everything you need to know about credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

A young woman sits on a sofa, smiling, holding a smartphone in her right hand. In her left hand, a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card. Behind her, modern architecture with glass and stairs. — photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

Which is the best credit card for frequent travelers?
In which countries do you need a credit card with no foreign transaction fees?
How can I really avoid foreign transaction fees with credit cards?
Are fee-free credit cards really free?

What is the best credit card for frequent travelers?

In addition to the already presented credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, the best credit card for frequent travelers depends on various other factors, such as attractive additional services and benefits relevant for your travels. Here are our top 3 credit cards for frequent travelers (as of 2025):

American Express Platinum Card
Miles & More Credit Card (DKB)
Barclays Platinum Double

American Express Platinum Card

Advantages:

Welcome bonus: often there is a large bonus for the first spending.
Travel insurance: comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation, luggage loss, and foreign health insurance.
Lounge access: worldwide access to over 1,200 airport lounges (including Priority Pass).
Points program: earn Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more.
Travel benefits: upgrades, priority check-in, and discounts with selected hotel chains.
No foreign transaction fees

Costs: $720 per year

apply for your American Express Platinum Card

Miles & More Gold Credit Card DKB (Lufthansa)

Advantages:

Earn miles: accumulate Miles & More miles (1 mile per $2 in card spending) that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.
Welcome bonus: 4,000 miles for new customers to greet them.
Travel insurance: comprehensive insurance coverage such as foreign health insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and rental car full coverage insurance.
Exclusive offers: discounts and special promotions with Lufthansa and partners.
Foreign transaction fees: no fees for payments in euros within the EEA, otherwise 1.95% of the transaction.

Costs: $138 per year

apply for your Miles & More Gold Credit Card

Barclays Platinum Double

Advantages:

More time: up to 8 weeks to decide how you want to repay your expenditures.
Comprehensive protection for every journey: comprehensive insurance packages for travelers (foreign health insurance, travel luggage, trip cancellation).
No foreign transaction fees for payments in foreign currencies.
Flexibility: points can also be redeemed for discounts or vouchers.

Costs: only $99 per year.

apply for your Barclays Platinum Double

Our criteria for choosing the best credit cards for frequent travelers

No foreign transaction fees: important for frequent travelers to avoid additional costs.
Travel insurance: good cards offer comprehensive travel insurance, such as foreign health insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
Lounge access: Access to airport lounges is a great benefit for frequent travelers.
Mileage programs: With the collected points or miles, flights, hotels, or rental cars can often be booked for free.

The choice of the best credit card for frequent travelers largely depends on your specific needs and travel destinations. If you often travel in economy class, cheaper cards with good insurance benefits might suffice, while luxury travelers might benefit from premium cards such as the American Express Platinum.

In which countries do you need a credit card with no foreign transaction fees?

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is particularly advantageous when you travel to vacation spots where high additional costs for payments or withdrawals abroad are incurred. Foreign transaction fees generally arise for payments or cash withdrawals in foreign currencies and can range from 1% to 3% of the amount. Therefore, having a credit card without foreign currency fees is beneficial in many countries, especially when traveling outside the Eurozone.

USA

In the USA, credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, especially in restaurants, stores, and hotels. Without foreign transaction fees, you save on every purchase, as fees for foreign currencies can be particularly high in the USA.

United Kingdom

Also in the United Kingdom, that is in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you can conveniently pay for almost everything with your credit card. A card without foreign transaction fees is sensible here, as many banks charge a fee for payments in British pounds.

Canada

In Canada, payments are also predominantly made with credit cards. With the right credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you can save a lot on all transactions in Canadian dollars.

Australia & New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, credit cards are also frequently used. Here, it's definitely worthwhile to have a suitable credit card without foreign transaction fees.

Japan

Especially in larger cities and tourist areas, you can easily pay with your credit card without foreign transaction fees in Japan.

South America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina)

In many South American countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, paying with credit cards is common. Travel credit cards without foreign transaction fees also save you unnecessary costs there.

Asia (e.g., Thailand, Singapore, South Korea)

In major Asian metropolises like Singapore, Hong Kong, or South Korea, it's common to use credit cards. Here too, you can save a lot with the right credit card without foreign transaction fees, as even small amounts can quickly add up.

European countries outside the Eurozone (e.g., Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark)

In non-Euro countries of the EU or in countries like Switzerland and on a trip to Denmark, additional foreign transaction fees may apply, especially for payments in local currencies such as Swedish or Danish crowns. It is best to use a travel credit card that waives a foreign transaction fee.

Caribbean and Central America (e.g., Mexico, Dominican Republic)

In the Caribbean and Central America, paying with credit cards is also common, so you can benefit greatly from a card without foreign transaction fees. If you're planning a vacation in places like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Costa Rica, don't forget your credit card without foreign transaction fees.

How can I really avoid foreign transaction fees with credit cards?

The simplest method to avoid foreign transaction fees is to choose a credit card without foreign fees. At the same time, be careful not to make unnecessary cash withdrawals and purposefully use the card for payments when it doesn't incur additional fees. So be sure to check beforehand whether the waiver of foreign transaction fees for your card applies worldwide or if there are any restrictions. You can get information about this here on this page and in your credit card's contractual documents.

Are credit cards with no foreign transaction fees really free?

Yes, there are credit cards that do not charge an annual fee and come with few or no basic fees. However, even with 'fee-free' credit cards, other fees or costs may still apply, such as foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees, interest, or fees for additional services.

Therefore, you should always check the total costs and conditions of a credit card to ensure that it truly fits your needs and doesn't contain hidden costs.

Who is a prepaid credit card without foreign transaction fees suitable for?

A prepaid credit card with no foreign transaction fees is ideal for travelers who want to keep their budget in check. You can only spend the amount you previously loaded onto the card, and you benefit from fee-free transactions abroad. It is particularly popular with families or young people, as the risk of overdrawing is eliminated.

Vacation Guru's conclusion: How to save on payments abroad

Close-up of a hand holding a white credit card. There is a gold chip at the top left and a contactless payment symbol on the right. The card could be a credit card without foreign transaction fees. — photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

So, those were five selected credit cards without foreign transaction fees that we can recommend. As you can see, with each of these cards, no additional costs apply for payments or withdrawals within the Eurozone. With some cards, you don't even pay fees for foreign currencies, or you benefit from numerous additional services. Which no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card is best suited for you can only be determined by you.

We hope our practical overview of the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees makes your decision easier. No matter which of the cards you choose, with any of the presented credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, you can sit back and relax while paying on your next trip.

Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees Compared