Every traveler knows the thrill of stepping into a bustling city square, hiking through ancient ruins, or catching a sunset in a new country. But nothing dampens the adventure faster than hidden fees chipping away at your vacation fund. Foreign transaction fees, which often add up to 3% on every overseas purchase, can quietly drain your budget. Why not use a credit card that rewards you for exploring the world instead? Imagine getting paid, with airline miles or cash back, every time you swipe your card on your travels.
Let’s make sure your wallet is filled with the right type of plastic, not just for earning rewards, but for dodging travel hassles and hidden costs. This guide will help you find the top travel credit cards for 2025 that skip foreign transaction fees and shower you with rewards.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards and No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2025
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You don’t have to pick between earning travel points and skipping pesky fees. Some credit cards offer both—plus perks that make every trip smoother. Here are standout options for 2025:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: High rewards, rich perks.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Generous bonus and useful protections.
- Bank of America Travel Rewards: Budget-friendly, flexible points.
- Co-branded cards (like Delta SkyMiles Reserve or United Quest): For loyal flyers and hotel lovers wanting premium extras.
For an up-to-date overview of top contenders, the latest best travel credit cards of 2025 roundup provides a solid starting point.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Venture X sets a high bar for travel rewards. With a strong earning rate—2 miles per dollar on every purchase—and a whopping 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, this card pays out fast. The $300 annual travel credit offsets much of the $395 annual fee right away.
Travelers enjoy unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass, making long airport layovers much more comfortable. This card has no foreign transaction fees, so you can shop international markets or book guided tours without worry.
Transfer miles to leading airline and hotel partners when you’re ready to redeem. The flexibility to use miles for flights, hotels or even transfer for higher value makes this card stand out for frequent globetrotters. Capital One also offers robust travel protection, so you’re covered for more than just points.
Find more details and current offers by browsing the best travel credit cards for July 2025.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Sapphire Preferred remains a go-to for travelers chasing value without breaking the bank. Earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, plus extra on select streaming and grocery purchases. A hefty sign-up bonus gives your points balance an early boost.
When you redeem points through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you get a 25% value bump, meaning your points stretch further. No foreign transaction fees means you can enjoy pasta in Rome or sushi in Tokyo without hidden charges.
The card includes solid travel protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and rental car coverage. All this comes with a $95 annual fee that’s easy to offset with a couple of trips or dinners out.
Card details, plus a full comparison of options, are featured on US News’ list of best travel credit cards.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
First-time travelers and deal hunters will find a lot to like here. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, which makes this card risk-free to add to your wallet. Earn 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase—no special categories or spending hoops to jump through.
Points can be redeemed for statement credits toward travel expenses, giving you freedom to book with any airline or hotel. This card keeps things simple: easy rewards, fast redemptions, and no surprise fees eating into your travel stash.
You’ll find it included in almost every roundup of no foreign transaction fee credit cards for obvious reasons.
Best Premium and Co-Branded Travel Credit Cards
Travelers loyal to a particular airline or hotel can unlock even more perks with branded cards. Luxurious extras come standard—think lounge access, room upgrades, and companion certificates.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Free checked bags, sky club access, upgrade priority, and annual companion ticket.
- United Quest Card: Generous United miles, two free checked bags, $125 annual United purchase credit, and priority boarding.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Free hotel nights, fast track to elite status, late check-out, and room upgrades.
- American Express Platinum: Highest level lounge access, hotel and airline credits, global entry fee credit, and unbeatable travel protections. See what’s on offer at American Express No Foreign Transaction Fee Cards.
If you’re looking for a luxurious ride through the airports and a little pampering at your hotel, these are the premium choices.
What to Look for in an International Travel Rewards Credit Card
Picking the right card isn’t just about earning points. When your trip takes you outside your home country, little details make all the difference. Make your checklist before you apply:
- Acceptance: Look for cards with global networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid the 2-3% surcharge.
- Rewards Flexibility: Can you use or transfer points how and where you want?
- Travel Protection: Does the card offer insurance for trip delays or lost luggage?
- Annual Fee vs Perks: Is paying more worth the extra benefits?
- Ease of Redemption: Can you actually use your points without blackout dates or hoops?
For an in-depth analysis, US News breaks down the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards and the features to prioritize.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Real Cost Savings
Foreign transaction fees can sneak up on you. If you spend $4,000 abroad, a 3% fee means $120 lost for nothing. That’s a nice meal, a theater ticket, or an extra night in a fun city.
Choosing a card without these fees instantly saves you money on every purchase outside the U.S. These savings add up fast, especially for jetsetters or frequent business travelers. For a list of cards that drop these fees, check out the no foreign transaction fee credit cards page.
Flexible Rewards and Partner Transfers
The power to transfer your points turns an ordinary card into a travel tool. Transferring to airline or hotel partners can squeeze more value out of every point, unlocking business class seats or luxury rooms. Flexibility means you aren’t locked into a single loyalty program—pick the best deal or most useful redemption for each trip.
Cards that offer direct transfers to airlines or major hotel chains empower you to catch deals or special availability as it pops up. Once you use this feature, you’ll see why flexibility is crucial for frequent travelers.
Travel Protections and Perks
Top travel cards go well beyond points. They act as your wingman on trips, providing protection you might never have thought about. Look for these benefits:
- Trip Delay/Cancellation Insurance: Peace of mind if plans change.
- Lost or Delayed Baggage Insurance: No more scrambling if your bag goes missing.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Save on rental insurance.
- Purchase Protection: Extra security if things go wrong with new buys.
- Airport Lounge Access: Turns layovers into a comfortable break.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credits: Skip long lines at security and customs.
Read the fine print in each card’s benefits guide to know exactly what’s covered.
Conclusion
Travel opens doors, but only the right card opens rewards and slams the door on hidden fees. Compare your options carefully. The best travel rewards cards for 2025 combine rich earning rates, easy redemptions, and strong protections, all without charging foreign transaction fees. Each trip makes your next adventure more rewarding and less expensive.
Pick the card that fits your travel style and let it work as hard as you do—so you can roam farther and smarter, without foreign transaction fees taking the fun out of your journey.
