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Credit cards with no international fees

Sean Callery Editor Money.com.au

Written By

Sean Callery

Shaun McGowan Money.com.au founder

Reviewed by

Shaun McGowan

Compare 23 credit cards with no international fees. Avoiding FX fees could save you up to 3.65% on your spending when you use your card overseas.

Credit cards with no international fees

Sean Callery Editor Money.com.au

Written By

Sean Callery

Shaun McGowan Money.com.au founder

Reviewed by

Shaun McGowan

Compare 23 credit cards with no international fees. Avoiding FX fees could save you up to 3.65% on your spending when you use your card overseas.

The most powerful credit card comparison engine

We have nothing to hide, so we don’t put credit cards behind a filter if they don’t pay us. See how it works.

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Rates updated 21 November 2024

Why get a credit card with no international fees?

Save up to 3.65% on overseas payments

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Applies if you are overseas or shopping from Australia

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Some cards also come with travel insurance included

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You may still earn rewards points on some cards

Why are there international transaction fees on some credit cards?

Card issuers usually charge international credit card transaction fees in return for converting your Aussie dollars into whatever currency you’re paying in using your card.

This fee is a standard part of how most credit cards work and will apply whether you are physically using your card overseas, or paying with an overseas merchant while in Australia.

International transaction fees are actually made up of two components:

  • A fee charged by the card processor (e.g. Visa or Mastercard) for processing the foreign exchange.
  • Plus a fee on top of that charged by the card issuer (your bank or credit card provider). These fees are designed to cover the additional cost of processing a transaction in a currency other than AUD, but often with a healthy profit built in for the card issuer.

However, this fee is waived by some card providers on some travel credit cards. Other cards offer more points on international purchases which may offset some of the transaction fee if applicable (e.g. some credit cards earning Qantas points).

How much could you save with a no-international-fee credit card?

Average saving with no international transaction fees

Analysis by Money.com.au shows the average credit card foreign transaction fee in Australia is 2.58%.

Based on the average amount each credit card account spends on overseas purchases per year (around $2,017 according to RBA data), the average saving by opting for a credit card with no international transaction fees is just over $52 per year.

Of course, those who spend large amounts overseas (e.g. business credit card users who travel a lot) will pay more than average and will benefit more from considering a 0% international transaction fee card.

The table below shows what you’d save on various international spend amounts with a no international fee credit card versus the average fee for all cards.

International spend amountPossible saving

$500

$12.90

$1,000

$25.80

$1,500

$34.20

$2,000

$51.60

$2,500

$64.50

$5,000

$129

Based on the average international transaction fee of 2.58% among the credit cards analysed by Money.com.au.

What other international credit card fees could I be charged?

Here’s a roundup of the main credit card fees you could be charged for using your card overseas:
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Foreign transaction fees

Charged for converting your AUD into the currency you’re buying in. It’s charged by your card provider.

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Overseas ATM fee (ATM operator)

A further fee charged by the operator of some ATMs overseas if you access cash using an Aussie card.

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Overseas ATM fee (card issuer)

A fee charged by your card issuer if you use an overseas ATM overseas to withdraw cash using your credit card. This will be on top of the ‘cash advance’ fees you’re likely to be charged for accessing cash with your credit card (this applies whether you’re in Australia or abroad).

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Dynamic currency conversion surcharge

This isn’t a fee as such but it’s an additional cost you’ll likely incur if you select the ‘pay in AUD’ option at a point of sale or ATM if you’re given the option to pay in local currency or pay in AUD. This extra cost is applied by the overseas merchant or ATM operator.

How to save on international credit card fees

1

Choose a credit card with no international transaction fees

There are more than 20 to choose from, some of which offer low interest rates and a low annual card fee.

2

Don’t use your credit card at overseas ATMs

Unless it's an emergency of course. You'll still pay fees if you withdraw cash using a debit card, but less than you would with a credit card.

3

Pay in the local currency

Don’t accept the “do you want to pay in Australian Dollars” option if presented with it. This is usually a significantly worse deal.

4

Have back up payment options

Having a debit card and some cash on hand will mean you can use your credit card only in scenarios where you can minimise fees.

Choose your ATM wisely if you need cash overseas

"If you do need to use an overseas ATM, be picky. The fees can vary hugely depending on the operator, regardless of whether it’s a debit or credit card you’re using. Sometimes the ATM at the back of the little convenience store on the corner will be cheaper than the big local bank. And check if your card provider has a network of overseas partner ATMs. For example, Westpac customers can use Global Alliance network ATMs in almost 40 countries with no ATM withdrawal fees."

How to choose a credit card with no international fees

  • Check if there are any criteria for getting the 0% foreign transaction fee. For example, ING waives the fee on its credit cards but only if you also have an ING everyday account and meet certain minimum requirements of usage.
  • Pay attention to what transactions are covered by the 0% foreign transaction fee. In many cases purchases at a point of sale (or online) will not be a subject to a fee, but ATM withdrawals will be.
  • Make sure you get a low interest credit card if think you will carry a balance on the card. A low interest rate card that does charge a foreign exchange fee, may still work out better than a high-rate card with no international fees.
  • Minimise the annual card fee as much as possible. Some cards waive the annual fee if you spend a minimum amount each statement period. There are only no annual fee credit cards where the fee is waved permanently.
  • Check what extra perks the card offers. If it's a frequent flyer credit card that comes with access to an airline rewards scheme, airport lounge passes and complimentary credit card travel insurance, this could add to the value you get from it. Just be wary of paying excessive fees on the card to access these benefits.

Sean Callery is the Editor of Money.com.au. He has over 15 years of international experience. He is qualified with a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821) and is compliant to provide general advice in Tier 1 General Insurance (RG 146) products.

Shaun McGowan is the founder of Money.com.au. He's determined to help people and businesses pay as little as possible for financial products, through education and building world class technology. Previously Shaun co-founded CarLoans.com.au and Lend.

Important information

General information only

The information on this page is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information provided and the nature of the credit card product is suitable for you and seek independent financial advice if necessary.

We are not providing you with a recommendation or suggestion about a particular credit product. You should read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents before deciding whether to apply for or continue to hold a particular credit card.

What products, features and information are shown

While we make every effort to ensure all credit cards available in Australia are shown in our comparison tables, we cannot guarantee that all products are included. Where we become aware of a card that is missing from our tables, we commit to adding it within one business day.

Our product comparisons may not compare all card features and attributes relevant to you.

Product information, such as interest rates, fees and charges, is subject to change without notice. Before acting on any information, you should confirm the relevant product information with the card issuer. While we do our best to ensure the information provided on this website is accurate, all information on this website is provided without any representation or warranty, either express or implied, being given as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reliability or otherwise of its content. No responsibility is accepted by us for any errors, omissions or any inaccurate information on this website.

How cards are sorted and filtered by default

Users can easily change the sort order and apply product filters to our product comparison tables. However, when you arrive on a page initially or select a particular card type via the ‘card features’, a default sort order is applied as follows:

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  • Default sort (main credit card page): Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest ongoing annual fee, then the highest number of reward points earned per $1 spent, then alphabetically by provider/product name.
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  • No annual fee cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest ongoing annual fee, then the highest number of reward points earned per $1 spent, then alphabetically by provider/product name.
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  • Low rate cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest purchase rate, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then alphabetically by provider/product name.
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  • Balance transfer cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest balance transfer rate, then longest duration of BT offer, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then alphabetically by provider/product name.
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  • Rewards and frequent flyer cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by highest rewards/FF points per dollar earned on everyday purchases, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name.
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  • Cashback cards: Consumer credit cards sorted by highest cashback per dollar earned, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name Interest-free cards/offers: Consumer credit cards sorted by longest 0% purchase rate offer period, then lowest ongoing purchase rate, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then alphabetically by provider/product name
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  • Credit cards with lounge access: Consumer credit cards sorted by highest number of free lounge passes, then lowest to highest ongoing annual card fee, then highest to lowest points per dollar earned on everyday spending, then lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name.
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  • No international fee cards/cards with travel insurance: Consumer credit cards sorted by lowest ongoing annual card fee, then highest points per dollar earned on everyday spending, the lowest purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name.
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  • Business/corporate credit cards: Business cards sorted by highest points per dollar earned on everyday spending, then lowest ongoing annual card fee, then lowest ongoing purchase rate, then alphabetically by provider/product name.

We may earn a commission from product providers if you are issued with a credit card via a link from this page. Cards marked as ‘sponsored’ are not selected or positioned on the page based on their product attributes. However, in our comparison tables, products are displayed based on the relevant default sort order and filters applied for that card type, or the sort order and filters selected by a user. We do not sort or filter comparison tables based on whether or not we will make money from a particular card, but we may earn a commission if you are issued with a card via a link from our organic comparison tables.

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Money Pty Ltd (trading as Money) (ABN 42 626 094 773) Australian Credit Licence 528698 provides information about credit products. Money does not compare all products or issuers available in Australia. We are not a broker or credit provider and when we provide information via this website, we are not providing you with a recommendation or suggestion about a particular credit product. We may receive a commission when you apply for a home loan as a result of outbound links on this website.

This material has been prepared by Money Pty Limited (ABN 40 664 954 536) (Money, ‘us’ or ‘we’). Money is a corporate authorised representative (CAR 001307399) of 62 Consulting Pty Limited (ABN 88 664 809 303) (AFSL 548573) (62C). The material is for general information only and is not an offer for the purchase or sale of any financial product or service. The material is not intended to provide you with financial or tax advice and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although we believe that the material is correct, no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness is given, except for liability under statute which cannot be excluded. Please note that past performance may not be indicative of future performance and that no guarantee of performance, the return of capital or a particular rate of return is given by 62C, Money, any of their related body corporates or any other person. To the maximum extent possible, 62C, Money, their related body corporates or any other person do not accept any liability for any statement in this material.

The information on this website is intended to be general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents prior to making a decision about a credit product and seek independent financial advice. Whilst Money.com.au endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on this website, no responsibility is accepted by us for any errors, omissions or any inaccurate information on this website.

Interest rates, fees and charges are subject to change without notice. Before acting on any information, you should confirm the interest rates, fees, charges and product information with the provider. For clarity, where we have used the terms “lowest” or “best” these relate solely to the rates of interest offered by the provider and not on any other factor. The application of these terms to a particular product is subject to change without notice if the provider changes their rates.

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Assumptions:

  • The calculations do not account for changes in interest rates or other market conditions that may occur.
  • Results are approximations and may differ from actual payment schedules or amounts.
  • The calculator does not include all fees and charges that you may incur in relation to a financial product.

Limitation

  • This calculator does not guarantee the availability of any financial product or the accuracy of the calculations. Please consult a financial advisor or the relevant product provider to obtain specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
  • money.com.au does not accept any liability for errors or omissions, or for any loss you may suffer as a result of relying on these calculations.
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ABN: 42 626 094 773 / ACL: 528698 / AFCA: 83955
Money is a corporate authorised representative (CAR 001307399) of 62 Consulting Pty Limited (ABN 88 664 809 303) (AFSL 548573) (62C)
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