What Are Foreign Transaction Fees

As cold temperatures continue to plague us, you’re likely considering a tropical vacation to the beach or some exotic situation. You’ve likely heard that you can use credit cards to get valuable rewards and benefits that make travel more accessible, and that’s true! However, there is one important factor you should consider before applying for a travel rewards credit card: foreign transaction fees.

What are foreign transaction fees?

Credit card offers charge certain fees. One of the most common are foreign transaction fees. These fees are charged whenever you make a purchase with a non-U.S. retailer. The fees are generally set as a percentage of your total purchase; they’re typically about 3%.

That 3% may not sound very high. However, pretend you went abroad for a week-long trip. Over the course of your trip, let’s say you spent $3,000 on your credit card. Thanks to foreign transaction fees, you’d have to pay an extra $90. Over time, those charges can greatly add to your balance.

You should also keep in mind that foreign transaction fees don’t only apply to when you’re traveling outside of the country. You’ll also pay foreign transaction fees whenever you shop at a retailer outside of the United States, such as when you’re shopping online with certain retailers.

If you regularly travel outside of the United States, it makes sense to look for a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees to save money.

What cards charge foreign transaction fees?

Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. In fact, a 2017 survey from CreditCards.com found that 56% of credit cards charge foreign transaction fees. Even credit cards reserved for applicants with very high credit scores can charge them, so it’s important to shop around for the best deal.

When shopping for a credit card, make sure you look at the cards Schumer Box. The Schumer Box is a table that details the cards rates and fees. In it, you’ll see what the card charges — if anything — in foreign transaction fees.

What cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees?

While many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, they’re certainly not universal. In fact, there are some companies — such as Discover — that don’t charge foreign transaction fees at all. Here are some of our favorite picks for international travelers:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has no foreign transaction fees. With it, you will enjoy new 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. Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. You’ll also earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: With no foreign transaction fees, you can earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Rate & Fees *Information for this card is not reviewed by or provided by Capital One

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card has no foreign transaction fees and allows you to earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. 7,500 anniversary points each year. Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.

Make sure you compare several different rewards credit cards to ensure you get the best rewards and lowest fees.

The bottom line

Foreign transaction fees are incredibly common. Over time, they can be quite expensive, causing your credit card balance to balloon. By being aware of these fees and comparison shopping for a card that doesn’t charge them, you can save money and avoid costly fees on your transactions.