FIELD GUIDE · TRAVEL
Foreign Transaction Fees: Which Cards Charge Them and Which Don't
Don't lose 3% on every international purchase. Here's how foreign transaction fees work and the best no-FTF cards for travelers.
READING TIME · 5 min readBY DAVID CHEN, CFAApril 6, 2026
CHAPTER 01
01
What Are Foreign Transaction Fees?
A foreign transaction fee (FTF) is a surcharge — typically 3% — added to any purchase made in a foreign currency or processed through a foreign bank. This includes:
- Purchases made abroad (restaurants, hotels, shops).
- Online purchases from non-US merchants (even from home).
- ATM withdrawals in foreign currencies.
CHAPTER 02
02
Cards That Don't Charge Foreign Transaction Fees
Most travel-focused and premium cards waive FTFs. Notable no-FTF cards include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve
- Capital One Venture/Venture X/Quicksilver (Capital One has no FTFs across all consumer cards)
- Amex Gold/Platinum/Green
- Discover (no FTFs on any card, but limited international acceptance)
CHAPTER 03
03
Cards That Do Charge Foreign Transaction Fees
Many cash back and entry-level cards charge FTFs. Always check before traveling:
- Most Wells Fargo cards (except Autograph Journey)
- Most Bank of America cards (except Premium Rewards/Travel Rewards)
- Many Citi cards (except Premier/Prestige)
QUESTIONS · ANSWERS
Frequently filed.
The networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) charge a 1% international assessment fee. The remaining 2% is added by the issuing bank. Cards with 'no foreign transaction fee' absorb both charges.