Traveling to Another Country? Avoid This Sneaky Credit Card Fee

Using a credit card as a payment method when traveling can be convenient. But as you pack your bags for your next adventure, you’ll want to consider the best credit card to bring. This is especially important if you’re traveling outside the United States.

Bringing the wrong card could result in you being charged foreign transaction fees when swiping your card for foreign currency transactions. Here’s how to avoid this sneaky credit card fee when traveling internationally.

Foreign transaction fees can make your trip more costly

Some credit cards, especially many of the top picks on our best travel rewards credit cards list, don’t charge foreign transaction fees. However, some rewards credit cards do, so you need to stay alert to this fee.

What is a foreign transaction fee? It’s a fee that’s charged when you swipe your card for foreign transactions. This fee is typically around 3% per transaction, though it can vary by credit card and issuer. This extra cost can add up fast.

Here’s an example: If you bring a credit card with a 3% foreign transaction fee and spend $1,500 on international purchases while traveling in Paris, you’ll pay an additional $45 in fees.

You should consider this fee when deciding which credit card to bring on your next trip abroad. Luckily, you can avoid this fee completely. There are many top-rated no foreign transaction fee credit cards. By bringing a credit card without foreign transaction fees, you can avoid extra fees and stick to your vacation budget throughout your trip.

These travel cards are ideal for international travel

Are you planning an upcoming international trip and want to bring a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees? Here’s one card to consider.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular rewards card among frequent travelers. It has no foreign transaction fees. Chase also offers a generous welcome bonus to eligible new cardholders, worth over $900 for travel when booking on Chase Travel.

This travel credit card earns rewards in several ways: 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. And cardholders earn a 10% bonus at each card anniversary.

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about this card. But if it’s not a good fit for you, here are a few other cards with no foreign transaction fees:

Pay attention to credit card fees

Review all fees before adding a new credit card to your wallet. Credit card fees can impact your finances. The good news is many fees, like foreign transaction fees, can be avoided.

Looking for a new card? Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards for inspiration.

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