Key takeaways
- The best travel credit cards have 0% foreign transaction fees. This saves you big time (most cards charge as much as 3% per transaction).
- Low (or $0) annual fees save you money too. And complimentary travel insurance is a great perk too.
- A credit card isn't your only travel option. Pre-loaded travel money cards are a great option too.
4 of the best travel credit cards on the market right now
- Best overall pick for travel features and 0% interest offer: Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard
- Best travel card for perks and extras: Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard
- Best $0 annual fee travel card: Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card
- Best points earning travel credit card: Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard
Can I use my everyday credit card overseas?
Yes, you can use any credit card when you travel internationally. Just like in Australia, the business will need to accept card payments, but that's common in a lot of popular travel destinations.
Keep in mind that many credit cards and debit cards charge a 2-3% foreign transaction fee when you make payments in another country. So before you go overseas with your everyday card, check its foreign currency fee to make sure it's affordable.
Compare more credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees
If you're trying to save money, the best credit card to use overseas is likely one with 0% foreign transaction fees. If you want a card that can help you earn points and get you there for free, you can compare frequent flyer credit cards.
Compare other products
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseTypes of travel credit cards
There are 4 main types of credit cards that offer features and benefits for travellers:

- 0% foreign fees
These credit cards don't charge an international currency conversion fee and can save you around 2-3% compared to some other credit and debit cards.
- Complimentary travel insurance
Credit cards with complimentary overseas travel insurance typically offer cover for medical emergencies, travel delays and lost or stolen luggage. Some offer cancellation cover and many cover COVID-related claims.

- Frequent flyer
A frequent flyer credit card offers you points for your everyday spending, which you can redeem for flights and other rewards.

- Lounge passes or travel credit
Some premium credit cards offer airport lounge passes you can use before your flight. And a few cards offer flight or travel credit for international or domestic bookings.
Pros and cons of using credit cards for travel
Pros
- Global acceptance. Australian credit cards can be used in most hotels, restaurants, stores, travel agencies and entertainment venues around the world.
- Travel perks. Credit cards designed for international use often come with travel-related benefits like 0% foreign transaction fees, frequent flyer rewards programs, complimentary insurance or airport lounge passes.
- Security and emergencies. A credit card can come in handy if you need to cover unexpected costs when you're travelling overseas. If your card is lost or stolen, you can report it and get the account locked. Credit card zero liability policies also mean any fraudulent transactions will be refunded.
Cons
- Fees. Depending on the card, you may be charged a foreign transaction fee or surcharge for using a credit card overseas. This typically costs 2–3% (or more) of the transaction. Credit card annual fees can also add to your account costs and range from $0 to over $700. Cards with more perks like rewards and lounge passes tend to have higher annual fees than more basic ones.
- Limitations. You'll need to meet eligibility requirements (such as income and credit score criteria) to be approved for a credit card.
- Risk of debt. While a credit card is handy and offers some peace of mind, it can also lead to overspending, interest charges and ongoing debt.
How to compare travel credit cards
- Look at all the fees. A 0% foreign transaction fee will save you most when using a credit card overseas. Some cards charge up to 3%. But there's also fees for making overseas ATM withdrawals, and standard fees like the annual fee.
- Travel insurance. Check if the credit card offers complimentary travel insurance. While you can get a standalone policy, being covered by your card is convenient.
- Other travel perks. Some credit cards offer flights or yearly travel credit, concierge services to help with travel bookings. You might also be able to get complimentary lounge passes that offer a one-off access to an airport lounge.
- Points and rewards. It's possible to get a travel credit card that also lets you earn frequent flyer points, rewards points or some form of cashback.
Do I need a travel credit card?
A credit card is not your only option to spend money overseas.
- Cash. Depending where you travel, carrying some local cash is wise. It's not particularly secure if you lose it, and in some countries you may have an easier time with plastic.
- Pre-loaded travel card. A pre-loaded travel card or travel money card is a great alternative to a credit card. You can load it up with a foreign currency and spend it overseas without getting charged foreign transaction fees. Wise and Revolut are 2 popular options.
- Debit card. You can often use a debit card overseas just like a credit card. And like a credit card, you'll likely get charged a foreign transaction fee.
"Last time I went overseas I didn't use a credit card once I landed. I used a Wise multi-currency card, which I was able to pre-load in the local currency for a small fee and a pretty competitive rate. Then I just used that card as if it was a local debit card. It was quick to top up mid-journey as well. But I did book flights, hotels and a hire car in advance using a credit card that earns frequent flyer points."
Planning your next trip? Check out our selection of frequent flyer credit cards and see if you can get a few thousand bonus Qantas or Velocity Points when you book your trip.
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.
Frequently asked questions
"I always travel with my CBA Gold card. It has no foreign transaction fees and also has travel insurance included. The other benefit to using credit cards when you travel is that any fraud happens, it is dealt with swiftly by the bank."
2026 Finder Awards for Travel Credit Cards
Each year the Finder Credit Card Awards recognises Australia's top credit cards, with expert analysis of rates, fees and offers based on 12 months' worth of data. Here are the top performing travel credit cards.
Best Travel Credit Card: Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard
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.
Highly commended
Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card
The Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card finished highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with its low fees and 0% foreign transaction fee.
Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card
The Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card finished highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with its low fees and 0% foreign transaction fee.
Bankwest More Platinum Mastercard
Bankwest's More Platinum Mastercard was highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category at this year's awards.
Bankwest More Platinum Mastercard
Bankwest's More Platinum Mastercard was highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category at this year's awards.
Bank First Visa Platinum Credit Card
The Bank First Visa Platinum Credit Card ranked highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with its 0% foreign transaction fee and complimentary travel insurance.
Bank First Visa Platinum Credit Card
The Bank First Visa Platinum Credit Card ranked highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with its 0% foreign transaction fee and complimentary travel insurance.
Commonwealth Bank Smart Awards Credit Card
The Commonwealth Bank's Smart Awards Credit Card secured a highly commended place in the Travel Credit Card category with a 0% foreign transaction fee and rewards points.
Commonwealth Bank Smart Awards Credit Card
The Commonwealth Bank's Smart Awards Credit Card secured a highly commended place in the Travel Credit Card category with a 0% foreign transaction fee and rewards points.
Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard
The Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard was highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with a combination of no foreign transaction fee, points earning potential and travel insurance.
Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard
The Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard was highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with a combination of no foreign transaction fee, points earning potential and travel insurance.
Bankwest More World Mastercard
Bankwest's More World Mastercard finished highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category thanks to its 0% foreign transaction fee, reward points and complimentary travel insurance.
Bankwest More World Mastercard
Bankwest's More World Mastercard finished highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category thanks to its 0% foreign transaction fee, reward points and complimentary travel insurance.
Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard
Bankwest's Qantas World Mastercard ranked highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with a 0% foreign transaction fee, a strong Qantas Points offer and free overseas travel insurance.
Bankwest Qantas World Mastercard
Bankwest's Qantas World Mastercard ranked highly commended in the Travel Credit Card category with a 0% foreign transaction fee, a strong Qantas Points offer and free overseas travel insurance.
Sources
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Hi,
Is there any card that offers zero foreign transaction fee, and currency conversion fees? If not what card offers the lowest fees.
Regards
Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your question.
You can compare a range of cards that charge no foreign currency conversion fees or transaction fees.
I hope this will help.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi,
Can I obtain cash out at the point of purchase in the USA like we can here in Oz?
Hi N,
Thanks for your question.
This is possible, but it’s up to the discretion of the retailer.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
I have been told that to avoid bank currency exchange rates that if you load your credit card up with extra money that there is no foreign exchange rate charge – is this true ?
I have the NAB premium card.
Hello,
I would like to avoid taking a credit card and have the Qantas traveller card but am a little confused with conversion – I am going to Brazil and the card does not hold the Brazilian Real, but if I load it up with Australian or American money, can I still use it at an ATM in Brazil ie: will the machine convert my money and give out Brazilian Real? Thank-you.
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your question.
Yes you can still use an ATM in Brazil, just make sure it displays the same symbol on your card (Mastercard/Visa/Amex etc). Usually the ATM gives out the local currency as well.
Please note a currency conversion fee could apply, because you don’t have the preloaded currency read in your card.
Cheers,
Shirley
Hi Paul,
This is not correct. You will be charged a currency conversion fee regardless of whether your account is in a positive balance. You can compare travel money options. These cards do not charge a currency conversion fee when you carry out a transaction in a currency other than Australian dollars.
Thanks for your question.
Cheers,
Jacob
i want know how can i get cash from my international credit card.
Hi Renotta,
Thanks for your question.
There are a couple of ways you can access cash from a credit card when you use it overseas – either you can withdraw it from an ATM, or you can use your card to make a purchase over the counter. Fees and charges will vary depending on how you use your card. If you are using your card to withdraw from an overseas ATM, you will incur cash advance interest rate, cash advance fee, international ATM fee, local ATM fee, and foreign currency conversion fee. These charges vary depending on the card and the ATM you use. Making a purchase over the counter is cheaper overseas and you just get charged the foreign currency conversion fee and the purchase rate of interest – excluding any interest-free days. There are cards that do not charge some of the fees listed above, you can check the fees in ‘fees table’ at the bottom of each card’s review and application page, and you can also compare travel money options.
Before applying, please ensure that 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.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jacob