Skip the 3% foreign transaction fees and earn rewards abroad. We compare the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and Apple Card for your next trip.
When you travel internationally, every purchase comes with a hidden cost: foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards charge around 3% on every swipe abroad, which adds up fast on a week-long trip. The right travel card eliminates that fee entirely and actually rewards you for spending.
We looked at the top options for personal use — cards that don't require a business, don't charge foreign transaction fees, and earn meaningful rewards. Here are our picks.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the most well-rounded travel card for most people. It charges a $95 annual fee (waived the first year) and has no foreign transaction fees.1 You earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel. Points transfer 1:1 to partners like United, Hyatt, and Marriott, which often gives you more value than cash back.
Key specs:
Why it wins: The combination of strong earning categories, flexible transfer partners, and solid travel protections makes this the card we'd recommend to most travelers.
If you don't want to think about bonus categories, the Capital One Venture Rewards card is your pick. It earns a flat 2 miles per dollar on every purchase — no categories to track, no rotating bonuses.2 The annual fee is $95 and there are no foreign transaction fees. Miles transfer to over 15 travel partners, including Air Canada and Emirates, or you can redeem them as a statement credit against travel purchases.
Key specs:
Why it wins: Simple, flat-rate earning means you never leave rewards on the table. Great for travelers who want one card and don't want to optimize categories.
The Apple Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a fantastic backup card or primary card for budget-conscious travelers. You earn 3% Daily Cash on purchases made directly with Apple (including Apple Pay at select merchants), 2% on all Apple Pay purchases, and 1% on physical card swipes. The card lives in your iPhone wallet with real-time spending tracking and no hidden fees.
Key specs:
Why it wins: Zero fees and zero annual cost. If you use Apple Pay regularly (which is common abroad), you get a solid 2% back on everything with no strings attached.
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Foreign Transaction Fee | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 5x travel, 3x dining, 2x other travel | $0 | Transfer partners, primary rental insurance |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | 2x miles on everything | $0 | Global Entry credit, simple earning |
| Apple Card | $0 | 3% Apple, 2% Apple Pay, 1% physical | $0 | Daily Cash, no fees ever |
If you're a foodie who dines out a lot: The Chase Sapphire Preferred's 3x on dining makes it the clear winner. Use it for restaurants and bars abroad, and you'll rack up points fast.
If you want simplicity: The Capital One Venture's flat 2x on everything means you never have to think about which card to use. It's ideal for travelers who don't want to track categories.
If you travel infrequently or want a free backup: The Apple Card costs nothing to keep and has no foreign transaction fees. Pair it with a hotel card or keep it as your emergency travel card.
Pro tip: Always choose to pay in the local currency (not USD) when using your card abroad. Dynamic currency conversion often comes with its own hidden fees that negate the benefit of a no-foreign-transaction-fee card.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend cards we've researched and believe in.
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