Citi Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees | Travel Points Hub
If you're planning a trip abroad, the last thing you want is to get hit with extra charges every time you swipe your card. A Citi credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you up to 3% on every international purchase. But not all Citi cards offer this perk — some still charge fees. In this guide, we'll break down exactly which Citi cards waive foreign transaction fees, what other travel benefits they pack, and how to choose the right one for your wallet.
Which Citi Cards Have No Foreign Transaction Fees?
Citi offers several credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees. Here are the top contenders:
- Citi Premier® Card: A solid all-around travel card with a $95 annual fee. Earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, plus no foreign transaction fees.
- Citi Prestige® Card: Premium travel card with a $495 annual fee. Offers 5x points on air travel and dining, 3x on hotels, and no foreign transaction fees. (Note: Currently not open to new applicants, but worth knowing if you have it.)
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: No annual fee (with Costco membership). Earns 3% cash back on travel and restaurants, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Airline card with no foreign transaction fees, though it has a $99 annual fee (waived first year).
These cards are your best bets if you want to avoid extra charges when spending overseas. Just remember that other Citi cards, like the Citi Double Cash® or Citi Custom Cash℠, do charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, so they're not ideal for international travel.
Why Foreign Transaction Fees Matter
A foreign transaction fee is typically 3% of every purchase you make outside the U.S. (or in a foreign currency). That might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly. Spend $3,000 on a trip, and you're paying an extra $90 just in fees. Over a two-week vacation, that could easily cover a nice dinner or a couple of museum tickets.
When you use a Citi credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you keep that 3% in your pocket. Plus, many of these cards also offer travel rewards, so you're earning points or cash back while you spend. It's a win-win for frequent travelers.
How These Cards Compare
Let's put the main no-foreign-transaction-fee Citi cards side by side:
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Premier® | $95 | 3x on air travel, hotels, restaurants; 2x on groceries; 1x on everything else | Frequent travelers who want flexible points |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® | $0 (with Costco membership) | 3% on travel and restaurants; 4% on gas (up to $7k/year); 2% on Costco purchases | Costco shoppers who travel |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® | $99 (waived first year) | 2x on American Airlines purchases; 1x on everything else | Loyal American Airlines flyers |
All three have no foreign transaction fees, but they cater to different lifestyles. The Citi Premier is the most versatile for general travel, while the Costco card is great if you already shop at Costco. The AAdvantage card makes sense if you fly American frequently.
Other Perks of Citi Travel Cards
Beyond waiving foreign transaction fees, these Citi cards come with a range of travel-friendly benefits:
- Travel protections: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage, and travel accident insurance on the Premier and Prestige cards.
- Transfer partners: Citi Premier and Prestige let you transfer points to airline partners like JetBlue, Turkish Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, often getting more value than booking through the Citi portal.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: The Prestige card offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
- No blackout dates: When you redeem points for travel through Citi, there are no blackout dates on flights.
These extras can make a big difference, especially if you travel often. A Citi credit card with no foreign transaction fees is just the starting point — the real value comes from stacking rewards and protections.
How to Choose the Right Citi Card for You
Picking the best Citi card depends on your spending habits and travel style. Ask yourself:
- How often do you travel abroad? If it's once a year, a no-annual-fee card like the Costco Anywhere Visa might be enough. If you're a frequent flyer, the Citi Premier's rewards and transfer partners could be worth the $95 fee.
- Do you prefer cash back or points? Cash back is simpler, but points can be more valuable if you transfer them to partners.
- Are you loyal to a specific airline? If you fly American Airlines often, the AAdvantage card could earn you valuable miles and perks like free checked bags.
- Can you use the extra benefits? If you'll use trip insurance or Global Entry credits, a premium card might justify its annual fee.
Remember, you can always start with a no-annual-fee option and upgrade later. The key is to get a Citi credit card with no foreign transaction fees so you're not losing money on every international purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Citi Double Cash card have foreign transaction fees?
Yes, the Citi Double Cash® card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. It's a great cash back card for domestic spending, but you'll want to leave it at home when traveling abroad.
Can I get a Citi credit card with no foreign transaction fees with bad credit?
Most Citi cards with no foreign transaction fees require good to excellent credit. If you have less-than-perfect credit, you may need to improve your score first or consider a secured card, though those often still charge foreign transaction fees.
Are there any Citi cards with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees?
Yes, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has no annual fee (with Costco membership) and no foreign transaction fees. It's one of the few no-annual-fee cards that waives foreign transaction fees.
How do I know if my Citi card charges foreign transaction fees?
Check your card's terms and conditions or log in to your Citi account online. You can also call customer service. Generally, travel-focused cards like the Citi Premier and Costco Anywhere Visa don't charge these fees, while cash back cards like the Double Cash do.
Do foreign transaction fees apply to online purchases from international websites?
Yes, if the transaction is processed outside the U.S. or in a foreign currency, your card issuer may charge a foreign transaction fee. Using a Citi credit card with no foreign transaction fees can help you avoid these charges even for online shopping.