When you travel, you shouldn’t have to worry about how much you’ll be charged for paying in another currency. Yet it happens when you use a card that works abroad but isn’t fully transparent about its fees or applies conversions at an unfavorable exchange rate.
To avoid that, we’ve put together an updated list of the 7 best cards for international travel in 2026. You’ll find no-annual-fee options, premium alternatives with perks, and solutions like DolarApp to save, stay in control, and gain clarity.
The idea is to choose the best travel card for your needs—with clear terms and conditions. That way, you compare what matters most: fees, exchange rate, and cash-withdrawal charges.
If you want transparency and control from your phone, DolarApp offers DolarCard, a prepaid card with no foreign transaction fees.
It’s a Mastercard prepaid card with domestic and international coverage. Simply put, it lets you pay anywhere in the world without surprise charges, whether in dollars or euros.
Why is it the best card for paying abroad?
Control. Fast issuance, in-app management (limits, lock, tracking), and bank-data integration to make moving money easier. No annual fees or maintenance fees.
Real-time conversion. You can instantly exchange currencies from the app, for example, from USDc (digital dollar) to pesos or vice versa, at a fair exchange rate.
Transparency. No hidden surcharges on international purchases, with clear rules for paying in another currency and visible rates in the app.
Ideal for Latin American travelers and businesses that need spend controls and cleaner payments.
Plus, with the app you can make international transfers for a flat 3 USDc/EURc.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a Canadian credit card known for no foreign-currency transaction fees.
It also adds traveler-friendly benefits:
Airport lounge access (visits included per the program).
Built-in travel insurance—useful for flights and international stays.
Travel rewards and perks—ideal if you travel often and want more value from your purchases.
Note that eligibility typically requires a minimum annual income and good credit history.
If you want a premium travel card, American Express Platinum may fit the bill.
A premium travel card is designed for frequent travelers seeking lounge access, rewards, and protection:
Lounges. Wide airport-lounge access.
Credits & benefits. Includes an anniversary travel credit (e.g., ~$5,500 MXN depending on terms).
Travel insurance. Coverage for lost or delayed baggage (up to $1,500 USD) and global assistance for medical emergencies abroad (up to $100,000 USD).
Ideal for international travelers.
While the American Express Platinum annual fee is high, its exclusive perks can offset it—especially if you travel frequently.
Venture X is a strong option for paying abroad, with premium travel perks and easy-to-use rewards.
Benefits include:
No foreign transaction fees. Pay without extra surcharges in foreign currencies.
Annual travel credit. $300 for bookings via Capital One Travel—great if you travel every year.
Rewards. Earn miles on daily purchases and higher rates when booking through their platform.
Ideal for frequent travelers seeking a flexible international credit card.
It appears in NerdWallet’s rankings as “the best premium travel credit card.”
Chase Sapphire Preferred is a travel card with a $95 annual fee and clear benefits:
No foreign transaction fees.
Rewards. Earn 5x points per $1 on Chase Travel bookings and 2x on other travel purchases.
More redemption value (Points Boost). Points can be worth up to 1.5x on select hotels and flights in Chase Travel.
Travel protections. Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption and baggage delays (per terms).
Transfer partners. Transfer points 1:1 to select airline and hotel programs.
Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most recognized travel cards. Their website highlights awards from NerdWallet, TPG, and Forbes Advisor.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express also offers practical rewards with clear costs.
Benefits include:
Zero foreign-currency transaction fee.
Scene+ rewards. Earn 5 points per $1 CAD at restaurants/food delivery & entertainment, and up to 6 points per $1 at participating grocery stores.
Purchase APR: 20.99% (variable).
Best for frequent travelers who also want strong local value and flexibility.
Pro tip: As it’s American Express, check acceptance with some merchants; it generally works well for travel, but it isn’t universal.
Tangerine Money-Back helps with budgeting as a no-annual-fee card. That means no yearly cost for using the credit card; it also stands out for:
Category cashback: choose 2 or 3 categories and earn 2% (if you deposit cashback into a Tangerine Savings Account); 0.5% on other purchases.
Auto-deposit of cashback into your Tangerine savings account.
Useful as a backup or contingency card for international trips.
Note: Foreign-currency purchases incur a 2.50% conversion fee on the converted amount.
If you prefer another no-annual-fee option, Wells Fargo Attune is similar but charges 3% for currency conversion/foreign transactions.
The best travel card is the one that’s transparent about charges and fits your travel style. If you travel often, paying an annual fee for more perks might make sense. If you travel occasionally, a no-annual-fee option may be enough.
Compare these criteria:
Foreign transaction fee. Confirm it’s 0% or whether a percentage applies for non-local currency. Prioritize “no foreign transaction fee.”
Exchange rate. Check for a competitive conversion rate—visible in-app or on your statement.
Rules & exceptions. Look for limits, monthly caps, and fine print that could trigger unexpected charges.
Premium cards: higher upfront cost, but more advantages (lounges, insurance, credits) if you travel frequently.
No-annual-fee cards: lower maintenance, simpler protections—often enough for occasional trips.
To make it easier, build a comparison table covering: foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, rewards, acceptance, and spending requirements. Decision = much clearer.
On trips, surprise costs rarely come from a single big purchase. They creep in through details—like foreign-currency surcharges or rewards that don’t apply as expected.
A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge some cards add when you pay in a foreign currency—often 2%–3% of the purchase.
So check:
The terms. Look for “no foreign transaction fee.” If you don’t see it, assume there could be a surcharge.
Rewards rate. Compare how much you earn on travel (flights/hotels/transport) vs. everyday purchases.
Included insurance. Review medical coverage, baggage delay, and cancellation/interruption—limits and requirements.
For example, if your card includes trip cancellation, verify the maximum amount, when it applies, and what documentation is required.
Hidden costs usually come from currency conversions, ATM withdrawals, and fees you didn’t expect.
These habits help cut surcharges and save while you travel:
Notify your bank before leaving and turn on real-time alerts. This prevents blocks and lets you flag extra charges immediately.
Pay in local currency when you can choose. It’s usually the clearest way to avoid unfavorable “dynamic currency conversion.”
Use travel apps to plan and track expenses.
Carry two cards—a primary and a backup. If one fails, you won’t rely on cash or high-fee ATM withdrawals.
Consider a prepaid card with no foreign transaction fees, e.g., DolarCard from DolarApp.
With these habits, you’ll reduce surcharges and travel with more control from day one.
While a no-fee structure is great, the most value can come from the perks you actually use—like travel insurance.
Here’s what premium cards can cover:
Premium card | Lounges | Travel insurance coverage | Rewards/value |
American Express Platinum (Mexico) | Priority Pass Prestige (lounge access per program terms). | Medical emergencies, cancellation/interruption, delays, baggage, among others. | Membership Rewards + travel benefits and premium credits/perks (per plan and terms). |
Capital One Venture X | Access to 1,300+ lounges (Capital One + Priority Pass, after enrollment). | Cancellation/interruption, delays, baggage, and rental-car related coverage, among others (per terms). | 10x hotels/cars & 5x flights via Capital One Travel; 2x on everything else. |
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite (Canada) | Visa Airport Companion: 6 free visits per year + access to 1,200+ lounges (per program). | Emergencies, cancellation/interruption, flight delays, among others. Detailed coverages in kit/certificate | Bonuses/promos: up to $400 per terms. |
Note: Always review the specific terms and conditions; they depend on your country, issuer, and the current program.
For travel, premium cards stand out for tangible benefits like these. But you can also get great advantages from international credit cards—wide acceptance and useful protections.
That said, a prepaid card can still be the best travel card without hidden fees. If you live in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, or Brazil, DolarCard is one of the most convenient options. Just request it in DolarApp, load funds in USDc or EURc, and use it abroad.
The best are those that don’t add surcharges when paying in foreign currency—for example, certain digital prepaid and international cards that convert at a clear rate with no hidden fees.
Some cards include a limited number of free withdrawals per month. Limits, caps, and ATM fees depend on the product, issuer, and even your plan.
Choose a card with no foreign transaction fee, pay in the local currency, and avoid the merchant processing the conversion. Turn on alerts to spot extra charges.
They may include medical assistance, delays, baggage, and trip cancellation/interruption—depending on the card. Review conditions, caps, and requirements before traveling.
Yes. Carry two on different networks in case one fails or isn’t accepted. This helps you avoid relying on cash and reduces urgent ATM withdrawals that often carry fees.
Sources:
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
The Platinum Card American Express
American Express Platinum Annual Fee
Scotiabank Gold American Express
Priority Pass American Express
Os países têm fronteiras. Suas finanças, não mais.
Trabalho e viagem The price of the Mexican passport in 2026 depends on the validity you choose and whether you qualify for any benefits. Find out here, along with the requirements to apply.
Trabalho e viagem What can you take in your carry-on when you fly? Here we explain standard sizes, rules, and permitted items.
