Most credit cards charge a hefty 2–3.5% international transaction fee when you use it overseas while traveling or shopping online. But not these cards.
Many credit cards charge 2%+ all international transactions, which can quickly add up when you're travelling or shopping online. A card with no fees can save you hundreds of dollars.
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard won the 2026 Finder Award for best travel credit card.
Check the annual fee and pay off your card in full each month to maximise your savings.
How do credit cards with no foreign transaction fees work?
A small selection of credit cards don't charge you the standard 2 to 3.5% fee when using the card overseas. Some cards charge the fee but give you a rebate.
This is a great benefit if you're using the credit card overseas while travelling, or even if you're just shopping online at non-Australian merchants.
Finder ranks the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards using the Finder Score, which considers fees but also benefits like interest-free days and complimentary travel insurance.
How much can I save with a 0% foreign transaction fee card?
If you spent $2,000 on a card with a 3% international transaction fee, it would cost you $60. A 0% fee card would save you $60 in one transaction.
Keep in mind that the cost of foreign transaction fees may not be obvious straight away, as they are added as separate transactions on your credit card account.
In 2024 the ACCC found that credit and debit cards can be cheaper than travel credit cards when making purchases overseas. Especially cards that don't charge international transaction fees.
Bankwest's Breeze Platinum Mastercard is Finder's winning Travel Credit Card at the 2026 Finder Credit Card Awards. The card combines 0% foreign transaction fees with a low annual fee.
Bankwest's Breeze Platinum Mastercard is Finder's winning Travel Credit Card at the 2026 Finder Credit Card Awards. The card combines 0% foreign transaction fees with a low annual fee.
How to compare no foreign transaction fee credit cards
0% fee conditions. Certain credit cards automatically waive foreign transaction fees when you make an international purchase. Others offer a rebate when you meet specific requirements.
Annual fees. Annual fees typically range from $0 to $400 or more for higher-end cards. You can weigh this fee against the value you'd get from 0% foreign transaction fees and any other card perks.
Interest rates. Interest rates on these cards range from around 10% to 28% for purchases. If you pay off your credit card as you go – or pay the total by the due date on your statement – you'll typically get interest-free days on your purchases. But if you end up carrying over a balance, a low rate credit card could be a more cost-effective option.
Overseas ATM withdrawal fees. Overseas ATM fees typically cost around $5 or between 2-3% of the total transaction. And that's not including any charges added by the overseas ATM operator.
💡 Tip: If you're planning to withdraw international currency from an overseas ATM, a multi-currency account such as Wise or the HSBC Everyday Global Account means avoiding cash advance fees. You can also check out Finder's guide to travel money for other options.
Want to use your credit card in Australia as well?
The range of credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees means it's worth looking for other features that you want on your credit card. For example frequent flyer points, 0% interest rate offers, cashback bonuses or something else. The key is to find a card with features that add value when you're shopping in Australia and overseas.
Our expert says: You don't have to use a credit card when you travel
"I use a frequent flyer credit card when booking flights and hotels so I can earn points. But when I go overseas I use a travel card like Wise. This lets me load up money in a foreign currency pretty cheaply and spend it like a local. For me it's the best of both worlds."
When you're planning to use your card overseas spending, keep the following details in mind:
Daily cash withdrawal limits. Some credit card providers have a limit on the amount you can withdraw from an ATM using your credit card – and it could be lower than your available credit limit. Check your credit card account details through Internet or mobile banking, or call your provider for specific information on these limits.
Global ATM alliance networks. Many Australian credit card providers have ATM alliance networks that extend around the world and allow you to get cash out overseas without paying an ATM withdrawal fee. For example, a credit card from Westpac, St.George, BankSA or Bank of Melbourne gives you access to the Global ATM Alliance network, which includes Westpac NZ (New Zealand), Barclays (UK), Bank of America (US) and Deutsche Bank (Germany and Spain).
Exchange rates. Currency exchange rates will apply when you use an Australian credit card for a transaction in another currency. This rate can fluctuate daily, making it harder to work out the cost in Australian dollars (until it's added to your transaction list).
These cards offer lower currency conversion fees and relevant perks for travelers like insurance and ATM access.
7+
Great
Reasonable cards for travelers, however can potentially charge higher fees.
5+
Standard
While eligible to be used to travelers internationally, these cards may charge currency conversion, overseas ATM withdrawal and ongoing fees.
0+
Basic
These cards should be used for international purchases only in the event of an emergency.
The lowdown on Finder Score
The Finder Score gives you a simple score out of 10, the higher the better. In the travel card category we examine 250+ credit cards and assess six features, assigning them scores out of 10.
We look at features like international transaction fees, travel insurance, annual fees and the purchase rate. Cards with 0% foreign transaction fees and other travel perks score higher.
The methodology is designed by our insights and editorial team. Commercial partnerships carry no weight, all products in the database are scored objectively.
The same card will receive a different score within each category, depending on the features being assessed.
Our intention is to enable informed financial decision-making quickly and easily. Please consider your own financial circumstances when making a decision.
9+ Excellent - These cards offer lower currency conversion fees and relevant perks for travellers like insurance and ATM access.
7+ Great - Reasonable cards for travellers, however can potentially charge higher fees. 5+ Satisfactory - While eligible to be used to travellers internationally, these cards may charge currency conversion, overseas ATM withdrawal and ongoing fees.
Less than 5–Basic - These cards should be used for international purchases only in the event of an emergency.
Finder Score metric assessment - Travel credit cards
Feature
Definition
Assessment
Weight
Foreign Exchange Fees
Fees charge on international transactions
Lower fees score higher
50%
Travel Insurance
Complimentary travel insurance
Full score for complimentary insurances
15%
Overseas ATM Fees
Fees charged by card provider to withdraw from international ATMs
Lower fees score higher
10%
Purchase Rate
Interest rate on new purchases
Lower rates score higher
10%
First-Year Fee
Annual fee charged in the first year of ownership
Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points.
7.5%
Ongoing Annual Fee
Annual fee charged from the second year onwards
Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points.
7.5%
Frequently asked questions
When you use a credit card to make a transaction in another currency, it will be converted back to Australian dollars based on the exchange rate that's applicable for your credit card. For example, if you spent US$100 and the exchange rate was US$0.67 to AUD$1, this transaction would show up on your credit card account as AUD$148.85 (to the nearest cent).
Sometimes when you're travelling, a business will give you the option of paying in the local currency or in Australian dollars. If you choose to pay in Australian dollars, the transaction will be processed using Dynamic Currency Conversion. This usually costs you a lot more than paying in the local currency.
According to the ACCC, this is because overseas banks "usually add a mark-up to the exchange rate". And depending on your credit card, you could still be charged an international transaction fee.
It's often useful to have a couple of different ways to spend money when you're travelling. As well as a credit card, you may want to buy foreign currency before you go or take a debit card in case you end up needing cash. Another option is getting a prepaid travel card that lets you spend money in different currencies so you can avoid foreign transaction fees.
A good credit is always one that matches your needs. If you plan to travel overseas or shop internationally, a no foreign transaction fee credit card is really useful.
But if your main interest is earning frequent flyer points, spending locally while avoiding big fees or paying off existing credit card debt you are probably looking for a different type of card.
Richard Whitten is Finder’s Senior Money Editor, with over eight years of experience in home loans, property, credit cards and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard started his career in education and textbook publishing in South Korea. He holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University.
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Hi,
I am going travelling for 7 months – which is the best credit card for me to use to avoid high fees for South and Central America and I have an Australian bank account?
Thanks
Is Travel Card a good idea.What are the fees for different currencies on the card or is it your own Bank only that charges any fees on this card and what are the fees.Thanks Sue PS going overseas soon.
Finder
JacobMarch 19, 2013Finder
Hi Sue,
Travel cards are a popular choice for people going overseas as they come with a backup. And they’re not directly linked to your main savings/transaction account. Travel money cards do have a fee. There’s a fee for loading money onto the card, but unlike credit cards and debit cards, there is no foreign currency conversion fee if you have the right currency loaded onto the card. Say you want to spend in Europe, make sure you have Euros loaded onto the card and you won’t get charged a conversion fee.
Other advantages of travel money cards include: Lock in an exchange rate. When you first load the card, it locks in the exchange rate for the money you load onto the card; Low-cost upfront. The cheapest initial cost is $11; and increased Security: these cards generally don’t have your name printed on them so if they’re ever lost or stolen overseas there are reduced chances of identity theft/fraud.
Having said that, there are a number of other options. For example would be the The Citibank Plus Transaction Account, which is also a popular option among travellers.
The type of plastic you take overseas with you will depend on how you plan to spend while you’re overseas. If you plan to make lots of purchases, you will want a card that has no cross currency conversion fee: Bankwest Platinum Cardsand Aussie offer products like this if you want a credit card.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jacob
SueMarch 19, 2013
Tell me about different currencies on Travel Card and is this a good way to go for a nervous O/Seas person’s Trip?
Finder
JacobMarch 19, 2013Finder
Hi Sue. Good question. Different cards have different currencies. Can you please check our travel money comparison page. If you still have questions after reading this page, don’t hesitate to ask.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jacob
KennethApril 14, 2012
ANZ:
3.00% for Visa and MasterCard
1.50% for American Express
Note that it is in fact 3.00% for American Express, but the bank explains that they charge 1.50% for American Express and then add an additional 1.50%
DeeAugust 23, 2011
i would like to know if you make an overseas purchase and the AUD is $1.04 on the stock exchange for USD – do you get that same rate when you make a purchase on the credit card on that day – or do you get a lower rate (like you do when you convert currency at the bank)?
Finder
JacobAugust 5, 2012Finder
Hi Dee,
The rate you see on the news is not the rate you get on your transaction. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and your lending institution all make a cut each time a foreign transaction is processed. It may not much, but worldwide it adds up.
To give you an idea: here’s ANZ exchange rates page.
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Hi,
I am going travelling for 7 months – which is the best credit card for me to use to avoid high fees for South and Central America and I have an Australian bank account?
Thanks
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for your question. You most definitely want to consider a travel friendly credit card or travel friendly transaction account. The option that’s right for you will depend on how you plan to use your card.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jacob
Is Travel Card a good idea.What are the fees for different currencies on the card or is it your own Bank only that charges any fees on this card and what are the fees.Thanks Sue PS going overseas soon.
Hi Sue,
Travel cards are a popular choice for people going overseas as they come with a backup. And they’re not directly linked to your main savings/transaction account. Travel money cards do have a fee. There’s a fee for loading money onto the card, but unlike credit cards and debit cards, there is no foreign currency conversion fee if you have the right currency loaded onto the card. Say you want to spend in Europe, make sure you have Euros loaded onto the card and you won’t get charged a conversion fee.
Other advantages of travel money cards include: Lock in an exchange rate. When you first load the card, it locks in the exchange rate for the money you load onto the card; Low-cost upfront. The cheapest initial cost is $11; and increased Security: these cards generally don’t have your name printed on them so if they’re ever lost or stolen overseas there are reduced chances of identity theft/fraud.
Having said that, there are a number of other options. For example would be the The Citibank Plus Transaction Account, which is also a popular option among travellers.
The type of plastic you take overseas with you will depend on how you plan to spend while you’re overseas. If you plan to make lots of purchases, you will want a card that has no cross currency conversion fee: Bankwest Platinum Cardsand Aussie offer products like this if you want a credit card.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jacob
Tell me about different currencies on Travel Card and is this a good way to go for a nervous O/Seas person’s Trip?
Hi Sue. Good question. Different cards have different currencies. Can you please check our travel money comparison page. If you still have questions after reading this page, don’t hesitate to ask.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jacob
ANZ:
3.00% for Visa and MasterCard
1.50% for American Express
Note that it is in fact 3.00% for American Express, but the bank explains that they charge 1.50% for American Express and then add an additional 1.50%
i would like to know if you make an overseas purchase and the AUD is $1.04 on the stock exchange for USD – do you get that same rate when you make a purchase on the credit card on that day – or do you get a lower rate (like you do when you convert currency at the bank)?
Hi Dee,
The rate you see on the news is not the rate you get on your transaction. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and your lending institution all make a cut each time a foreign transaction is processed. It may not much, but worldwide it adds up.
To give you an idea: here’s ANZ exchange rates page.
Cheers,
Jacob