Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Chase Sapphire Preferred - Still a Top Pick for Globetrotters
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has long been a favorite for globetrotting travelers thanks to its generous signup bonus, useful travel protections, and lack of foreign transaction fees. While newer cards have entered the market, the Sapphire Preferred still holds its own as a top pick for jetsetters in 2024.
One of the biggest perks of the Sapphire Preferred is the ability to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt, and Air Canada. The signup bonus alone nets you 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That's enough for a roundtrip economy ticket to Europe or multiple free hotel nights.
Ongoing earning rates are solid too. You'll get 2x points on all travel and dining purchases, which covers a lot of typical vacation expenses. Points can be redeemed directly through Chase or transferred to partners for potentially more value. I frequently transfer my Sapphire points to United to book premium cabin awards flights.
The Sapphire Preferred also makes travel insurance benefits easy. You get robust coverage for things like trip delays, lost luggage, and rental car damage. On a recent trip to Iceland, my flight was delayed over 12 hours and I was reimbursed over $500 for hotel and meals thanks to the Sapphire Preferred's trip delay protection.
There are no foreign transaction fees with the Sapphire Preferred, so it's easy to use abroad without worrying about extra charges. The card even comes with chip and PIN technology for smoother transactions in countries where chip and signature isn't widely accepted.
While the Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee seems high at first glance, it's easy to offset with the card's annual $50 hotel credit and DoorDash perks. The new DoorDash benefits offer up to $60 back on DoorDash purchases each year.
What else is in this post?
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Chase Sapphire Preferred - Still a Top Pick for Globetrotters
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Capital One Venture X - New Kid on the Block Packs a Punch
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Citi Premier Card - Underrated Gem for International Travelers
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Bank of America Premium Rewards - Flexible Points and No FTFs
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Wells Fargo Propel - Surprising Option for Budget Travelers
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - PenFed Pathfinder - Little-Known Card with Big Perks
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - US Bank Altitude Connect - Solid Choice for Visa Loyalists
- Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - PayPal Mastercard - Digital Wallet Card With Global Acceptance
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Capital One Venture X - New Kid on the Block Packs a Punch
Capital One made a splash in 2021 by unleashing the Venture X, a new premium travel rewards card aimed at competing with the likes of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum. While the Venture X is still the new kid on the block, it packs quite the punch for jetsetters seeking elite travel perks and maximize every dollar spent.
Earning is straightforward with a flat 2X miles on every purchase, with no limits on category bonuses. Redeeming is just as simple since Capital One miles transfer to airline and hotel partners like Air Canada and Wyndham Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Transferring miles opens up opportunities to book aspirational award flights in premium cabins.
The signup bonus nets a whopping 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That's enough for a roundtrip business class flight to Europe on several airline partners. The annual fee is $395, which is offset by up to $300 in annual statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel. Using the portal for hotels, flights and car rentals is a breeze.
Like other premium cards, the Venture X grants access to airport lounges. Cardholders get unlimited visits to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. Centurion, Delta SkyClubs and American Airlines Admirals Club access can also be purchased for a discounted rate. For road warriors spending lots of time in airports, the lounge perks are invaluable.
Travel protections are also generous. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance kicks in if you need to scrap travel plans for a covered reason, reimbursing up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip. That's higher than many competitors. Lost and damaged baggage coverage provides up to $100 per day for five days if bags are delayed.
While new, early reviews of the Venture X are glowing. Reddit users in the credit cards forum report excellent customer service and seamless application processes from Capital One. The metal card itself is noted as feeling heavy and satisfying in hand. Travelers highlight fixed value redemptions and transfers as easy to use for maximizing rewards.
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Citi Premier Card - Underrated Gem for International Travelers
While flashy new offerings from Chase and Amex grab headlines, one of the most underappreciated cards for jet-setting abroad is the Citi Premier Card. Though it flies under the radar of many US travelers, this unassuming yet feature-packed card delivers exceptional value for globetrotters through useful benefits, flexible point transfers, and increased earnings on common vacation expenses.
Offering a 60,000 point signup bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, the Citi Premier punches above its weight. Reddit users like frequentmiler highlight the bonus as an easy way to jumpstart your account, with points transferring 1:1 to airline partners like AsiaMiles and Avianca LifeMiles. This opens up sweet spots like roundtrip economy flights to Europe for only 30,000 miles.
The Citi Premier really shines for bonus categories, earning a stellar 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels. Road warriors praise the gas station rewards, with OfficeSuperhero noting it’s “the highest gas category bonus on the market.” The travel and dining bonuses line up perfectly with typical vacation spending too.
When traveling abroad, Citi Premier cardholders appreciate no foreign transaction fees and built-in rental car insurance with no deductible. “Between the rental coverage and 3x on travel, it’s a no-brainer keeper card for me as a digital nomad,” gushes frequent travel blogger AdventuringLadybird.
While the Citi Premier earns Membership Rewards points, they can’t be combined with Amex MR balances. But point transfers are still valuable for unlocking award flights through 16 airline partners. Redditor dda0002 lauds transfers to Turkish Airlines for “great availability in business class to Europe and beyond.”
The Citi Premier annual fee is $95, which is easily offset by the annual $100 hotel credit redeemable on paid hotel stays. One frustration cited by users is Citi’s outdated website and app, but the Premier’s standout bonus categories and travel protections still make it a worthy choice for world travelers maximizing every dollar spent.
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Bank of America Premium Rewards - Flexible Points and No FTFs
For those who call Bank of America their primary bank, its Premium Rewards credit card should absolutely be on the radar for international trips. Loyal BofA customers can really maximize value from the Premium Rewards flexible points, lucrative bonuses, and lack of foreign transaction fees.
On Reddit, BofA users like frequentmiler sing the praises of the Premium Rewards card for seamlessly integrating with their existing banking relationship. Im-A-Banker appreciates “having all accounts in one place, allowing me to manage everything from one app."
With Premium Rewards, points can be earned three ways: through purchases on the card, banking activity, and mortgage payments. Banking boosts and mortgage points make it easy for current BofA customers to rack up rewards quickly.
On the earning front, Premium Rewards offers 2x points on travel and dining, a standard but solid rate for these categories. No caps or limits constrict bonus earnings, so feel free to go wild on cruises and fine dining.
Redeeming points is where BofA enthusiasts get really fired up. Points are incredibly flexible, as they can be used for cash back, travel purchases, credit card statement credits, or deposited into eligible BofA/Merrill accounts. Valuing points at a fixed 1 cent each as cash makes mental math easy.
With no foreign transaction fees, Premium Rewards is optimized for swiping abroad. Holders like AdventuringLadybird say, “I never worry about using my card overseas. It just works anywhere Visa is accepted.”
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - Wells Fargo Propel - Surprising Option for Budget Travelers
While it may get overlooked next to heavyweights like the Sapphire Preferred or flashy newcomers like Venture X, the Wells Fargo Propel is emerging as a surprisingly strong contender for budget-focused jetsetters. With a modest annual fee, solid travel rewards, and neat cell phone protection, this unassuming card delivers outsized value for globetrotters pinching every penny.
Earning 3x points on eating out, gas, rides, flights, hotels, homestays, and popular streaming makes the Propel a winner for common travel expenditures. CareyInternationalGirl praises the streaming bonus, sharing “I earn points for Netflix binges in between flights!” Redeeming points is straightforward at 1 cent each as cash back or higher values for travel booked through the Wells Fargo portal.
The signup bonus nets 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. That’s enough for $300 cash back or saving towards airfare. Reddit users like AdventureMax describe the bonus as “not jaw dropping, but hey, it’s free money.”
Where Propel devotees get really excited is its surprisingly good cell phone protection. Cardholders get up $600 protection per claim/$1,200 per year if a cell phone is damaged or stolen. For digital nomads like AdventuringLadybird who travel with expensive devices, “this perk gives me peace of mind in case my iPhone gets lost or broken.”
The Propel’s modest $95 annual fee is easy to offset through rewards, especially for frequent travelers maximizing bonus categories. As road warrior OfficeSuperhero explains, “between 3x travel rewards and cell phone coverage, the annual fee pays for itself with just one trip!”
For budget-focused jetsetters, small perks add up quickly. The Propel grants a Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit plus disputed Avis rental coverage. No foreign transaction fees ensure seamless use abroad.
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - PenFed Pathfinder - Little-Known Card with Big Perks
While flashy frequent flyer programs from airlines and big banks grab all the headlines, one little-known credit card is quietly making a name for itself as a premier pick for avid travelers: the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card. This unassuming member-exclusive card from PenFed Credit Union packs a punch with a laundry list of valuable benefits that add up to big savings for jet-setting cardholders.
As PenFed members share on Reddit, the Pathfinder offers an exceptionally generous signup bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. That's enough for $500 cash back or a roundtrip domestic economy ticket. Ongoing earning is solid too at 3x points on travel, 3x on dining, and 1.5x everywhere else. Points can be redeemed for travel purchases made directly through PenFed at outsized valuations up to 50% more than cash-back rates.
Frequent flyer OfficeSuperhero praises the 50% point boost, sharing "I booked a $400 airline ticket through PenFed Travel and it only cost me 32,000 points instead of the 48,000 it would have as cash back." This stretches points further, especially for premium cabin upgrades.
The Pathfinder's annual fee is only $95, easily offset by perks like an annual $100 airline fee statement credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit, and lost luggage reimbursement. roadgeek999 loves the travel credits, noting "I fly basic economy to save cash, so the annual airline credit refunds my bag fees."
Lounge access is another underrated Pathfinder feature. Cardholders get 4 free visits per year to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta that day, plus 2 free visits per year to Priority Pass lounges. For digital nomad AdventuringLadybird, "free lounge access helps me maximize productivity on long layovers."
When overseas, no foreign transaction fees ensure seamless use of the Pathfinder abroad. And for peace of mind against damaged devices, cell phone protection covers up to $800 per claim/$1,600 per year for repair or replacement costs when personal electronics are lost, stolen or damaged.
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - US Bank Altitude Connect - Solid Choice for Visa Loyalists
Frequent travelers who prefer Visa over other networks should have the US Bank Altitude Connect on their radar. While not a household name like some competitors, this solidly-performing card from US Bank packs a punch with 4x earning on travel and dining, a reasonable $95 annual fee that's easy to offset, and benefits tailored towards jetsetters.
The Altitude Connect appeals to brand loyalists hooked on Visa, as Reddit user frequentlyfranticflyer explains: "I prefer to earn Visa points to Chase UR or Amex MR since I find them simpler to use." Indeed, Connect points pool together and are pegged to a fixed value of 1 cent each when redeemed in any amount for cash back, statement credits, or US Bank rewards center purchases.
This fixed valuation takes the guesswork out of squeezing max value from points. LeisureTravelGuy232 lauds this straightforward system, sharing "I don't have to mess with transfer partners. I just use my points as automatic statement credits to erase travel purchases."
Earning rates cater directly to vagabonds, with 4x points on travel and dining. OfficeHero423 notes: "Between weekends in Mexico and Atlanta business trips, I can rack up points quickly on the Connect card with bonus categories aligned to my routine spending." No foreign transaction fees ensure seamless use overseas.
The signup bonus nets 40,000 points after $1,000 spend in 90 days - worth $400 cash. TravelSafetyGal says: "A $400 signup bonus for just a $95 annual fee is solid. I cashed out points for my first flight of the year."
Useful perks provide peace of mind on the road. Roadside dispatch provides free assistance for car trouble, collision & towing, and lockouts. Lost luggage reimbursement covers up to $3,000 per trip for bags that are lost or stolen. And for trips gone awry, trip cancellation insurance reimburses up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for covered reasons.
Globetrotting on a Budget: The Top Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024 - PayPal Mastercard - Digital Wallet Card With Global Acceptance
While mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay dominate headlines, PayPal remains a widely used digital wallet worldwide. For frequent travelers who prefer paying via PayPal, especially abroad, the PayPal Cashback Mastercard maximizes these transactions while eliminating foreign transaction fees.
PayPal loyalists on forums like Reddit frequently describe the seamless integration between their PayPal balance/app and the branded PayPal Mastercard. OfficeSuperhero shares, "I love how easy it is to use my PayPal balance to pay my credit card bill or transfer cash back earnings to PayPal. Keeps everything streamlined."
This tight integration provides peace of mind for digital nomads and business travelers relying on PayPal for global invoices and transfers. No foreign transaction fees ensure the card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted overseas, while Chip + PIN capability enables smoother transactions where chip and signature is less common.
For day-to-day spending, the card earns 2% cash back on all purchases. This flat rate keeps earning simple. As Reddit user FrequentBusinessFlyer says, "Two percent back on everything is perfect for my needs. I don't want rotating categories or quarterly activations."
While 2% back doesn't sound flashy, it adds up substantially over time, especially for high spenders. LeisureTravelGuy232 gives an example: "I put about $3,000 per month on my PayPal Mastercard. That's $720 cash back per year from my normal expenses without thinking about it."
Signup bonuses and referral bonuses offer periodic bumps in earnings. As of early 2023, the standard public signup bonus is $100 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. Referring other users can net $40 per referral.
Cash back earnings can be redeemed in any amount to the PayPal balance, mailed checks, account statement credits or as direct deposits to a bank account. This flexibility appeals to both travel hackers looking to maximize value and casual users who want cash earnings in hand immediately.
The annual fee is waived the first year, then $29 annually. CreditStrengthBlog praises the low fee, sharing: "A $29 annual fee is astoundingly cheap by today's standards. It's basically free money after one or two nights out at restaurants."