No international transaction fee credit cards

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.

Not after a credit card? You can also get a debit card with no foreign transaction fees.

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 money cards when making purchases overseas, especially cards that don't charge international transaction fees.

0% foreign fee business cards

Best Travel Credit Card: Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Check out all the Finder Credit Cards Award winners.

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.
• Other travel benefits. Some cards offer additional perks when you're travelling, which can include complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access and reward points for your spending.
• 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 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.

More credit card tips for travellers

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).

Tips to protect your card when shopping online

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.

• Crunching the numbers: how the Finder Score works

  • 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+ Standard - 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

• What exactly is currency conversion?

  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$149.25 (to the nearest cent).

• If I'm given the choice, what currency should I pay in?

  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.

• Realistically, how many travel money options do I need?

  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.

• Is it worth getting a no foreign transaction fee credit card

  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.