To use a credit card internationally without fees, select a card with zero foreign transaction fees (common with travel rewards cards from Capital One, Chase, or Citi). Always pay in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. Utilize chip-and-PIN technology for security.
In order to avoid paying extra fees when purchasing from international merchants online or while traveling abroad, you may want to look into using a travel credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees or shopping through merchants that accept the U.S. currency.
Most credit card providers charge you a fee for currency conversion when you're abroad – and for withdrawing cash abroad you may also be charged a cash withdrawal fee. Your exchange rate will be set by your payment scheme provider – either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Advantages of using cash
No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't. No extra fees: Businesses pay interchange fees to banks for processing credit card payments, which eats into their profits.
The 2/3/4 rule is a guideline, primarily used by Bank of America, that limits how many new credit cards you can get: no more than 2 in 30 days, 3 in 12 months, and 4 in 24 months, helping to prevent over-application and manage hard inquiries on your credit report. While not universal, it's a useful benchmark for responsible card application, though other banks have different rules (like Chase's 5/24 rule).
0% Foreign Transaction Fee
The card doesn't charge you extra for making purchases from merchants in foreign countries, which means it's good for traveling abroad or making online purchases from foreign companies.
Fees aside, using your credit or debit card is probably your safest bet for getting an exchange rate that's closest to the market rate.
The best free travel credit cards for early 2026 include the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Discover it Miles, and Wells Fargo Autograph Card, offering flexible points, airline/hotel partners, or bonus rewards on travel/dining without annual fees, though choices depend on your spending habits (e.g., Hilton Honors for hotel stays, United Gateway for airline miles).
It's not essential, but it helps our fraud detection systems to know in advance that you're travelling abroad. Find out how to get it at How do I get the mobile banking app?
Are there any countries that have card restrictions?
Should I turn mobile data off when abroad? In addition to using airplane mode, you can also turn off international roaming and mobile data before you go. With this option, you can still use Wi-Fi, as well as some offline navigation apps, like Google Maps , CityMaps2Go , Maps.Me , and HERE WeGo .
The "credit card 20% rule" usually refers to the 20/10 Rule, a guideline suggesting your total debt (excluding mortgage) should stay under *20% of your annual net income, and monthly debt payments (including credit cards) should be under *10% of your monthly net income, helping to prevent unmanageable debt and improve financial stability by limiting borrowing to a sustainable level.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has several benefits that make it a great choice for your next international vacation. Travel benefits include: No foreign transaction fees. No annual fee with your active/paid Costco membership.
†For Executive Member purchases made directly from Costco Travel, a 2% Reward will be earned and applied after travel is completed. Must be an Executive Member when travel starts.
The EQ Bank Card works just like any other card you use to spend what you want, where you want, and when you want. Almost anywhere in the world where Mastercard ® is accepted—that's more than 210 countries, by the way—with no foreign transaction fees 1.
Mastercard is better for international travel than Visa because Mastercard is accepted in more countries and territories (over 210) than Visa (200). Both are widely accepted nearly everywhere you're likely to travel, though, and each network supports credit cards that are excellent for traveling abroad.
Do not use the GTCC: (1) to exceed the allowable daily meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) rate; (2) to make non-travel related purchases; (3) for personal expenses associated with "leave in conjunction with official travel;" (4) to take cash advances from the ATM more than three working days before scheduled ...
Major banks offering no foreign transaction fees on debit and/or credit cards include Capital One, Charles Schwab, Discover, and HSBC, with options like Capital One 360 Checking, Schwab Bank Investor Checking (which refunds all ATM fees), and Discover Debit providing fee-free international spending and ATM use, though some may have card acceptance limitations or require specific account types. Other banks like Ally, Fidelity, and USAA also offer accounts that waive these fees, making them great for travelers.
The best free travel credit cards for early 2026 include the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Discover it Miles, and Wells Fargo Autograph Card, offering flexible points, airline/hotel partners, or bonus rewards on travel/dining without annual fees, though choices depend on your spending habits (e.g., Hilton Honors for hotel stays, United Gateway for airline miles).
Fraud protection while you're away
There's no need to let us know about your trip. Our fraud detection systems monitor your accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If we spot a transaction we're unsure about, we'll call or text you straight away.