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 2025 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.
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard won the 2025 Finder travel credit card award. It offers a 0% foreign transaction fee, a low purchase rate plus complimentary travel insurance and a very competitive annual fee.
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard won the 2025 Finder travel credit card award. It offers a 0% foreign transaction fee, a low purchase rate plus complimentary travel insurance and a very competitive 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).
Meet our money expert Graham Cooke
Graham heads Finder's insights team and specialises in a variety of financial topics, including credit cards, loans, insurance and investing. He regularly appears on TV including ABC News, Sunrise and Today, and edits Finder's Insights column.
Graham's top credit card tips
Credit cards often charge a significant foreign transaction fee, so check your card's terms before you travel.
A card with low or no international transaction fees could help you save when travelling or shopping online with overseas businesses.
You could also consider debit cards which offer low transaction fees or refund ATM charges.
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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We have property in the Philippines which we are selling. What is the best and cheapest way to repatriate the money back to Australia.
Finder
JonathanJanuary 27, 2015Finder
Hi Felino,
Thanks for your inquiry,
Please note that finder.com.au is an online comparison service, we are not a lender. It would be recommended that you seek professional advice from an accredited service for this.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
tomJanuary 23, 2015
going to Dubai,Barcelona, Mediterranean Cruise, Italy Greek Islands ,Amsterdam. what is best prepaid travel card.or credit/debit card and some cash , many different currencies?
Finder
JonathanJanuary 27, 2015Finder
Hi Tom,
Unfortunately, we can’t recommend one card over another. Your decision may be based on whether or not you can preload the currency beforehand to save on fees. For travel money depending on the users, currency/ spending needs the product will vary as well. For access to a range of different currencies and convenience a travel credit card can be useful. Check our full guide on travel money options. Press the “Go to site” button of the card that suits you to start your application. Just ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
FranJanuary 17, 2015
When I used my Anz Visa card in USA , the question was asked do I want to pay in US dollars or Australian dollars what’s best ??
Finder
JonathanJanuary 19, 2015Finder
Hi Fran,
Thanks for your question,
A foreign exchange rate which is 3% of the transaction value will apply to any transaction which is not in Australian dollars. So, to avoid this fee you can make the purchase in Australian dollars rather than US dollars.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
DerrickDecember 31, 2014
How do I pay money onto my NAB Visa whilst in New Zealand?
Finder
ElizabethDecember 31, 2014Finder
Hi Derrick,
Thanks for your question.
In order to make payments to your NAB Visa card while you’re overseas, you can arrange payments in Australian dollars via Internet or telephone banking.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
FranciaDecember 28, 2014
I live in Australia must I’m in New Zealand on holiday. I just purchased something on my ANZ visa and was asked did I want to pay in NZ or Aus dollars. Which is cheaper?
Finder
ElizabethDecember 29, 2014Finder
Hi Francia,
Thanks for your question.
A foreign exchange rate which is 3% of the transaction value will apply to any transaction which is not in Australian dollars. So, to avoid this fee you can make the purchase in Australian dollars rather than New Zealand.
Compare credit cards that give you an outcome within 60 seconds of when you submit your application online and find out how to increase your chances of getting this type of "instant" credit card approval.
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When you apply for a credit card online, you could receive a response within 60 seconds. Find out how you to find a card that you're eligible for and increase your chances of approval.
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We have property in the Philippines which we are selling. What is the best and cheapest way to repatriate the money back to Australia.
Hi Felino,
Thanks for your inquiry,
Please note that finder.com.au is an online comparison service, we are not a lender. It would be recommended that you seek professional advice from an accredited service for this.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
going to Dubai,Barcelona, Mediterranean Cruise, Italy Greek Islands ,Amsterdam. what is best prepaid travel card.or credit/debit card and some cash , many different currencies?
Hi Tom,
Unfortunately, we can’t recommend one card over another. Your decision may be based on whether or not you can preload the currency beforehand to save on fees. For travel money depending on the users, currency/ spending needs the product will vary as well. For access to a range of different currencies and convenience a travel credit card can be useful. Check our full guide on travel money options. Press the “Go to site” button of the card that suits you to start your application. Just ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
When I used my Anz Visa card in USA , the question was asked do I want to pay in US dollars or Australian dollars what’s best ??
Hi Fran,
Thanks for your question,
A foreign exchange rate which is 3% of the transaction value will apply to any transaction which is not in Australian dollars. So, to avoid this fee you can make the purchase in Australian dollars rather than US dollars.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
How do I pay money onto my NAB Visa whilst in New Zealand?
Hi Derrick,
Thanks for your question.
In order to make payments to your NAB Visa card while you’re overseas, you can arrange payments in Australian dollars via Internet or telephone banking.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
I live in Australia must I’m in New Zealand on holiday. I just purchased something on my ANZ visa and was asked did I want to pay in NZ or Aus dollars. Which is cheaper?
Hi Francia,
Thanks for your question.
A foreign exchange rate which is 3% of the transaction value will apply to any transaction which is not in Australian dollars. So, to avoid this fee you can make the purchase in Australian dollars rather than New Zealand.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth