This card gives you a way to save on overseas travel costs with 0% foreign transaction fees and overseas travel insurance, with the option of upgraded cover through Cover-More. Right now, it also offers 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee. This could help you save on interest for up to two years as you pay off a trip.
The 12.99% interest rate that applies after the introductory period is also competitive. And if you're approved, you can get a digital card straight after activating your account.
With the Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard you get 0% international transaction fees on purchases while you travel overseas or shop online. This card has a bunch of handy travel perks too. You get free data roaming with Flexiroam, which gives you a choice of SIMs and 3GB of free data for 15 days each calendar year to use in over 150 countries. Plus there's free lounge access when your flight is delayed with the Flight Delay Pass at select airport lounges.
Pros & cons
0% international transaction or currency conversion fees on purchases
Shop and be rewarded with the Latitude Rewards Program
Complimentary E-commerce and Purchase Protection
Free global data roaming with Flexiroam
Complimentary Flight Delay Pass
Purchase interest rate of 27.99% p.a.
Charges a payment handling fee of $1.95 for BPAY payments and $3.95 for payment at Australia Post. You can avoid the fee by using Latitude Service Centre or via direct debit.
You can't find a cheaper credit card to use overseas than one with $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The card also offers complimentary overseas travel insurance, which is a rare perk for a cheaper card like this.
The card doesn't offer too much else in terms of perks and features, but it's a really cost-effective choice for anyone looking to spend money overseas, whether shopping online or travelling.
Pros & cons
$0 annual fee
0% international transaction fees on purchases
Access to complimentary overseas travel insurance
Finder Score of 9.82 in the travel card category.
No introductory offers on purchases and balance transfers
Unlike most travel cards that offer 0% foreign transaction fees, the Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard
also lets earn Qantas Points on your spending. While the earn rate is not very high compared to most frequent flyer credit cards, it's a nice added benefit.
And the card also offers 0% foreign transaction fees. The annual fee with this card is a bit higher than other top scoring cards, which is normal for cards that let you earn frequent flyer points.
Relatively high ongoing annual fee of $160 p.a. and purchase rate of 19.99% p.a.
Earn rate per $1 spent is low compared to other Qantas cards
The Finder Score for travel credit cards scores all the eligible cards in Finder's database. Cards are ranked on 6 features:
Foreign exchange fees: Cards with 0% fees score the highest. This is the most important factor in the travel credit card category.
Travel insurance: Cards score higher if they offer complimentary travel insurance.
Overseas ATM fee: the lower the fee the higher the score.
Purchase rate: The lower the rate the higher the score.
First-year fee. $0 annual fee in the first year of the card scores the highest.
Ongoing annual fee: A $0 ongoing annual scores the highest.
We weigh up these 6 factors and score the cards. The higher the score, the better the card for the average travel card customer. We update these scores every month.
Keep in mind: Our top picks may not always be best for you. Based on your situation, you may find certain features to be more or less important, so compare your options before you apply.
Can I use my everyday credit card overseas?
Yes, you can use any credit card when you travel overseas. Just like in Australia, the business will need to accept card payments, but that's common in a lot of popular travel destinations.
Keep in mind that many credit cards and debit cards charge a 2-3% foreign transaction fee when you make payments in another country. So before you go overseas with your everyday card, check its foreign currency fee to make sure it's affordable.
Compare more credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees
If you're trying to save money, the best credit card to use overseas is likely one with 0% foreign transaction fees. If you want a card that can help you earn points and get you there for free, you can compare frequent flyer credit cards.
These cards offer lower currency conversion fees and relevant perks for travelers like insurance and ATM access.
7+
Great
Reasonable cards for travelers, however can potentially charge higher fees.
5+
Standard
While eligible to be used to travelers internationally, these cards may charge currency conversion, overseas ATM withdrawal and ongoing fees.
0+
Basic
These cards should be used for international purchases only in the event of an emergency.
Types of travel credit cards
There are 4 main types of credit cards that offer features and benefits for travellers:
0% foreign fees These credit cards don't charge an international currency conversion fee and can save you around 2-3% compared to some other credit and debit cards.
Complimentary travel insurance Credit cards with complimentary overseas travel insurance typically offer cover for medical emergencies, travel delays and lost or stolen luggage. Some offer cancellation cover and many cover COVID-related claims.
Frequent flyer A frequent flyer credit card offers you points for your everyday spending, which you can redeem for flights and other rewards.
Lounge passes or travel credit Some premium credit cards offer airport lounge passes you can use before your flight. And a few cards offer flight or travel credit for overseas or domestic bookings.
Pros and cons of using a credit card overseas
Pros
Global acceptance. Australian credit cards can be used in most hotels, restaurants, stores, travel agencies and entertainment venues around the world.
Travel perks. Credit cards designed for overseas use often come with travel-related benefits like 0% foreign transaction fees, frequent flyer rewards programs, complimentary insurance or airport lounge passes.
Security and emergencies. A credit card can come in handy if you need to cover unexpected costs when you're travelling overseas. If your card is lost or stolen, you can report it and get the account locked. Credit card zero liability policies also mean any fraudulent transactions will be refunded.
Cons
Fees. Depending on the card, you may be charged a foreign transaction fee or surcharge for using a credit card overseas. This typically costs 2–3% (or more) of the transaction. Credit card annual fees can also add to your account costs and range from $0 to over $700. Cards with more perks like rewards and lounge passes tend to have higher annual fees than more basic ones.
Limitations. You'll need to meet eligibility requirements (such as income and credit score criteria) to be approved for a credit card.
Risk of debt. While a credit card is handy and offers some peace of mind, it can also lead to overspending, interest charges and ongoing debt.
How to compare travel credit cards
Look at all the fees. A 0% foreign transaction fee will save you most when using a credit card overseas. Some cards charge up to 3%. But there's also fees for making overseas ATM withdrawals, and standard fees like the annual fee.
Travel insurance. Check if the credit card offers complimentary travel insurance. While you can get a standalone policy, being covered by your card is convenient.
Other travel perks. Some credit cards offer flights or yearly travel credit, concierge services to help with travel bookings. You might also be able to get complimentary lounge passes that offer a one-off access to an airport lounge.
Points and rewards. It's possible to get a travel credit card that also lets you earn frequent flyer points, rewards points or some form of cashback.
Do I need a travel credit card?
A credit card is not your only option to spend money overseas.
Cash. Depending where you travel, carrying some local cash is wise. It's not particularly secure if you lose it, and in some countries you may have an easier time with plastic.
Pre-loaded travel card. A pre-loaded travel card or travel money card is a great alternative to a credit card. You can load it up with a foreign currency and spend it overseas without getting charged foreign transaction fees. Wise and Revolut are 2 popular options.
Debit card. You can often use a debit card overseas just like a credit card. And like a credit card, you'll likely get charged a foreign transaction fee.
"Last time I went overseas I didn't use a credit card once I landed. I used a Wise multi-currency card, which I was able to pre-load in the local currency for a small fee and a pretty competitive rate. Then I just used that card as if it was a local debit card. It was quick to top up mid-journey as well. But I did book flights, hotels and a hire car in advance using a credit card that earns frequent flyer points."
Planning your next trip? Check out our selection of frequent flyer credit cards and see if you can get a few thousand bonus Qantas or Velocity Points when you book your trip.
These cards offer lower currency conversion fees and relevant perks for travelers like insurance and ATM access.
7+
Great
Reasonable cards for travelers, however can potentially charge higher fees.
5+
Standard
While eligible to be used to travelers internationally, these cards may charge currency conversion, overseas ATM withdrawal and ongoing fees.
0+
Basic
These cards should be used for international purchases only in the event of an emergency.
The lowdown on Finder Score
The Finder Score gives you a simple score out of 10, the higher the better. In the travel card category we examine 250+ credit cards and assess six features, assigning them scores out of 10.
We look at features like international transaction fees, travel insurance, annual fees and the purchase rate. Cards with 0% foreign transaction fees and other travel perks score higher.
The methodology is designed by our insights and editorial team. Commercial partnerships carry no weight, all products in the database are scored objectively.
The same card will receive a different score within each category, depending on the features being assessed.
Our intention is to enable informed financial decision-making quickly and easily. Please consider your own financial circumstances when making a decision.
9+ Excellent - These cards offer lower currency conversion fees and relevant perks for travellers like insurance and ATM access.
7+ Great - Reasonable cards for travellers, however can potentially charge higher fees. 5+ Satisfactory - While eligible to be used to travellers internationally, these cards may charge currency conversion, overseas ATM withdrawal and ongoing fees.
Less than 5–Basic - These cards should be used for international purchases only in the event of an emergency.
Finder Score metric assessment - Travel credit cards
Feature
Definition
Assessment
Weight
Foreign Exchange Fees
Fees charge on international transactions
Lower fees score higher
50%
Travel Insurance
Complimentary travel insurance
Full score for complimentary insurances
15%
Overseas ATM Fees
Fees charged by card provider to withdraw from international ATMs
Lower fees score higher
10%
Purchase Rate
Interest rate on new purchases
Lower rates score higher
10%
First-Year Fee
Annual fee charged in the first year of ownership
Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points.
7.5%
Ongoing Annual Fee
Annual fee charged from the second year onwards
Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points.
7.5%
Frequently asked questions
There isn't much difference between Visa and Mastercard credit cards when you're overseas: both operate in over 200 countries and offer fraud protection.
American Express is accepted in over 130 countries and also offers fraud protection that's similar to Visa and Mastercard. So, with a few exceptions (think Cuba, North Korea, etc.), you'll pretty much be able to use any credit card when you travel.
While some travellers add money to their credit card accounts to avoid interest charges when they're away, it's not possible on all cards. You should talk to your credit card provider or check your credit card product disclosure statement (PDS) for details on how this type of balance is treated – it's usually referred to as a "positive balance".
When used wisely, a travel credit card offers a way to make secure payments when you're overseas and gives you access to other benefits such as 0% foreign transaction fees and complimentary insurance. Some hotels and car rental companies also prefer credit cards for security deposits and payments. But there are potential costs to getting a credit card, including the annual fee and interest payments if you don't pay it off in full, so weigh up your options carefully.
Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted credit cards worldwide, providing seamless transactions abroad. Most card providers and merchants charge international fees and/or currency conversion fees, which can add 3-4% to the cost of each transaction.
"I always travel with my CBA Gold card. It has no foreign transaction fees and also has travel insurance included. The other benefit to using credit cards when you travel is that any fraud happens, it is dealt with swiftly by the bank."
Each year the Finder Credit Card Awards recognises Australia's top credit cards, with expert analysis of rates, fees and offers based on 12 months' worth of data. Here are the top performing travel credit cards.
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard is the winner of this year's travel credit card award. It offers a 0% foreign transaction fee, a low purchase rate plus complimentary travel insurance and a very competitive annual fee.
The Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard is the winner of this year's travel credit card award. It offers a 0% foreign transaction fee, a low purchase rate plus complimentary travel insurance and a very competitive annual fee.
The Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card finished highly commended with a card that offers both 0% foreign transaction fees and a $0 annual fee. That's a very strong offer.
The Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card finished highly commended with a card that offers both 0% foreign transaction fees and a $0 annual fee. That's a very strong offer.
Bankwest's Qantas Platinum Mastercard offers bonus Qantas Points, which is a nice benefit on a travel card. Of course, it also has 0% foreign transaction fees to save you money while spending overseas.
Bankwest's Qantas Platinum Mastercard offers bonus Qantas Points, which is a nice benefit on a travel card. Of course, it also has 0% foreign transaction fees to save you money while spending overseas.
Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio
Amy's expertise
Amy has written 543 Finder guides across topics including:
Hi,
Can I obtain cash out at the point of purchase in the USA like we can here in Oz?
Finder
ElizabethNovember 28, 2014Finder
Hi N,
Thanks for your question.
This is possible, but it’s up to the discretion of the retailer.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
PaulDecember 4, 2013
I have been told that to avoid bank currency exchange rates that if you load your credit card up with extra money that there is no foreign exchange rate charge – is this true ?
I have the NAB premium card.
EmmaSeptember 1, 2014
Hello,
I would like to avoid taking a credit card and have the Qantas traveller card but am a little confused with conversion – I am going to Brazil and the card does not hold the Brazilian Real, but if I load it up with Australian or American money, can I still use it at an ATM in Brazil ie: will the machine convert my money and give out Brazilian Real? Thank-you.
Finder
ShirleySeptember 1, 2014Finder
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your question.
Yes you can still use an ATM in Brazil, just make sure it displays the same symbol on your card (Mastercard/Visa/Amex etc). Usually the ATM gives out the local currency as well.
Please note a currency conversion fee could apply, because you don’t have the preloaded currency read in your card.
Cheers,
Shirley
Finder
JacobDecember 4, 2013Finder
Hi Paul,
This is not correct. You will be charged a currency conversion fee regardless of whether your account is in a positive balance. You can compare travel money options. These cards do not charge a currency conversion fee when you carry out a transaction in a currency other than Australian dollars.
Thanks for your question.
Cheers,
Jacob
renottaApril 26, 2013
i want know how can i get cash from my international credit card.
Finder
JacobApril 26, 2013Finder
Hi Renotta,
Thanks for your question.
There are a couple of ways you can access cash from a credit card when you use it overseas – either you can withdraw it from an ATM, or you can use your card to make a purchase over the counter. Fees and charges will vary depending on how you use your card. If you are using your card to withdraw from an overseas ATM, you will incur cash advance interest rate, cash advance fee, international ATM fee, local ATM fee, and foreign currency conversion fee. These charges vary depending on the card and the ATM you use. Making a purchase over the counter is cheaper overseas and you just get charged the foreign currency conversion fee and the purchase rate of interest – excluding any interest-free days. There are cards that do not charge some of the fees listed above, you can check the fees in ‘fees table’ at the bottom of each card’s review and application page, and you can also compare travel money options.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Compare credit cards that give you an outcome within 60 seconds of when you submit your application online and find out how to increase your chances of getting this type of "instant" credit card approval.
Compare introductory credit card offers that give you bonus rewards points, 0% p.a. balance transfers, interest-free periods and waived annual fees when you sign up for a new card.
Compare the best Qantas frequent flyer credit cards based on bonus point offers, points per $1 spent, rates, fees and other features so you can find a card that works for you.
When you apply for a credit card online, you could receive a response within 60 seconds. Find out how you to find a card that you're eligible for and increase your chances of approval.
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We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
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Hi,
Is there any card that offers zero foreign transaction fee, and currency conversion fees? If not what card offers the lowest fees.
Regards
Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your question.
You can compare a range of cards that charge no foreign currency conversion fees or transaction fees.
I hope this will help.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi,
Can I obtain cash out at the point of purchase in the USA like we can here in Oz?
Hi N,
Thanks for your question.
This is possible, but it’s up to the discretion of the retailer.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
I have been told that to avoid bank currency exchange rates that if you load your credit card up with extra money that there is no foreign exchange rate charge – is this true ?
I have the NAB premium card.
Hello,
I would like to avoid taking a credit card and have the Qantas traveller card but am a little confused with conversion – I am going to Brazil and the card does not hold the Brazilian Real, but if I load it up with Australian or American money, can I still use it at an ATM in Brazil ie: will the machine convert my money and give out Brazilian Real? Thank-you.
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your question.
Yes you can still use an ATM in Brazil, just make sure it displays the same symbol on your card (Mastercard/Visa/Amex etc). Usually the ATM gives out the local currency as well.
Please note a currency conversion fee could apply, because you don’t have the preloaded currency read in your card.
Cheers,
Shirley
Hi Paul,
This is not correct. You will be charged a currency conversion fee regardless of whether your account is in a positive balance. You can compare travel money options. These cards do not charge a currency conversion fee when you carry out a transaction in a currency other than Australian dollars.
Thanks for your question.
Cheers,
Jacob
i want know how can i get cash from my international credit card.
Hi Renotta,
Thanks for your question.
There are a couple of ways you can access cash from a credit card when you use it overseas – either you can withdraw it from an ATM, or you can use your card to make a purchase over the counter. Fees and charges will vary depending on how you use your card. If you are using your card to withdraw from an overseas ATM, you will incur cash advance interest rate, cash advance fee, international ATM fee, local ATM fee, and foreign currency conversion fee. These charges vary depending on the card and the ATM you use. Making a purchase over the counter is cheaper overseas and you just get charged the foreign currency conversion fee and the purchase rate of interest – excluding any interest-free days. There are cards that do not charge some of the fees listed above, you can check the fees in ‘fees table’ at the bottom of each card’s review and application page, and you can also compare travel money options.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jacob