Best travel credit cards — fewer fees, more drinks by the pool

Don't get ripped off every time you use your card overseas. Get one of the best travel credit cards on the market and pay 0% foreign transaction fees.

Key takeaways

  • The best travel credit cards have 0% foreign transaction fees. This saves you big time (most cards charge as much as 3% per transaction).
  • Low (or $0) annual fees save you money too. And complimentary travel insurance is a great perk too.
  • A credit card isn't your only travel option. Pre-loaded travel money cards are a great option too.

4 of the best travel credit cards on the market right now

Here are some of the 4 best 0% foreign transaction fee cards on the market, based on their Finder Scores.

Best overall pick for travel features and 0% interest offer

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

  • 0% Foreign Transaction Fees
  • $59 Annual fee
  • 12.99% Purchase rate

Pros & cons

  • Balance transfer offer of 0% p.a. for 24 months
  • A low ongoing 12.99% p.a. purchase rate
  • No foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases
  • Access to complimentary overseas travel insurance
  • Does not include a rewards program
  • Cash advance rate of 21.99% p.a.
  • Charges a 3% balance transfer fee

Why we like it

  • 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.

Top pick for 0% foreign transaction fees

Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard - Rewards Offer

  • 0% Foreign Currency Conversion Fees
  • $96 Annual fee
  • 27.99% Purchase rate
Ends on 28 May 2025

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.

Why we like it

  • 0% international transaction fees on purchases while you travel overseas or shop online.
  • Free additional users – there’s no cost to add an additional cardholder.
  • 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.
  • Free lounge access when your flight is delayed with the Flight Delay Pass at select airport lounges.

Best $0 annual fee travel card

Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $0 Annual fee
  • 19.99% Purchase rate

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
  • Does not feature a rewards program
  • There is a $15 late payment fee

Why we like it

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.

Best points earning travel credit card

Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard

  • 0% Foreign Currency Conversion Fees
  • $160 Annual fee
  • 19.99% Purchase rate

Pros & cons

  • Up to 50,000 bonus Qantas Points offer
  • 0% foreign transaction fees
  • Complimentary overseas credit card travel insurance
  • 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

Why we like it

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.

1 - 10 of 24
Foreign currency conversion fee Interest-free days Intro purchase rate Annual fee
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 55 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
12.99%
Annual fee
$59
Go to siteMore Info
Get 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months (with a 3% BT fee). Plus 0% foreign fees and complimentary overseas travel insurance.
Westpac Lite Card image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 45 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
9.9%
Annual fee
$108
Go to siteMore Info
Save with 0% foreign transaction fees, a low interest rate on purchases and cashback offers through Westpac Extras.
Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard - Rewards Offer image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 55 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
27.99%
Annual fee
$96
More Info
Get $300 bonus Latitude Rewards when you spend $1,000 or more on eligible transactions every statement period in the first 3 months from approval.
NAB Rewards Signature Card image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 44 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
20.99%
Annual fee
$288
More Info
Comes with a 0% p.a. interest rate for 12 months on balance transfers (with a one-time 3% BT fee) and no foreign transaction fees.
CommBank Neo Card image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
-
Intro purchase rate
0%
Annual fee
$0
More Info
Receive 10% back in Travel Credits, borrow up to $3,000 with no interest charges - just a monthly fee that depends on your credit limit plus, 0% foreign transaction fees.
humm90 Platinum Mastercard image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 110 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
26.3%
Annual fee
$119.40
More Info
Offers up to 110 days interest-free on purchases, 0% foreign transaction fees and flexible instalment plan options.
ING Orange One Low Rate image
Foreign currency conversion fee
3%
Up to 45 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
12.99%
Annual fee
$0
More Info
$0 annual fee and 100% foreign transaction fee rebates for customers with an Orange Everyday account who meet the minimum deposit and spend requirements.
Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 55 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
0% for 6 months, then 18.99%
Annual fee
$0
More Info
Get 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months (with a 3% BT fee) and 0% foreign transaction fees.
HSBC Low Rate Credit Card image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 55 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
12.99%
Annual fee
$99
More Info
0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months. Plus, no overseas transaction fees and complimentary domestic travel insurance.
Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card image
Foreign currency conversion fee
0%
Up to 55 days on purchases
Intro purchase rate
19.99%
Annual fee
$0
More Info
Save with an ongoing $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
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Showing 10 of 24 results

Types of travel credit cards

There are 4 main types of credit cards that offer features and benefits for travellers:

Credit card and card terminal
  • 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.
Travel insurance icon
  • 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.
Plane tickets
  • 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
  • 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.
Richard Whitten's headshot

"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."

Money Editor

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.

Frequently asked questions

Matt Corke's headshot

"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."

Head of Publishing Ventures

2025 Finder Awards for Low Rate Credit Cards

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.

Best Travel Credit Card: Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Best Travel Credit Card badge
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard logo

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.

Highly commended

Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card logo

Bendigo Bank Ready Credit Card

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 Qantas Platinum Mastercard logo

Bankwest Qantas Platinum Mastercard

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.

Richard Whitten's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Whitten as part of our fact-checking process.
Amy Bradney-George's headshot
Journalist

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 555 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Credit cards
  • Frequent flyer
  • Credit score
  • BNPL
  • Money management
  • Sustainability

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18 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    StephenSeptember 9, 2024

    Hi, Could i ask you to update this International credit card information?
    Latitude 28Degrees is changing to an $8 monthly fee as of September/October 2024.
    They have sent me the info.

      AvatarFinder
      SarahSeptember 9, 2024Finder

      Thanks Stephen, we had made a note to update this on the date of the change coming into effect (Sept 17) but we have updated in advance for full transparency.

    Default Gravatar
    TFJ100June 26, 2023

    A quick note that the Bendigo Ready Credit Card also has a good travel insurance option where you don’t need to pay the whole cost of your travel on the card to activate the travel insurance, just a portion. So, if you have already bought your overseas tickets, and don’t want to pay extra for travel insurance, you might still be able to claim using this card – read the PDS to see the rules. It is also one of the only cards that still has rental car excess reduction on it – so I book all my rental cars through this card

    Default Gravatar
    SaijaMarch 25, 2023

    Which cards are best for 2 card holders (husband & wife)?

      AvatarFinder
      AmyMarch 27, 2023Finder

      Hi Saija,
      Most credit cards in Australia allow you to share your account with someone by getting an additional card for them that’s linked to your account. A few credit cards also offer joint accounts, where both people share legal responsibility for the credit card account. You can learn more and compare different options in Finder’s guide to joint credit cards. I hope that helps.

    AvatarFinder
    JeniAugust 31, 2019Finder

    Hi Valerie,

    Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

    As of this writing, there are some credit cards offering travel insurance for over 65. NAB covers up to 90 years old while Virgin Money, HSBC, and Citi did not include the traveler’s age limit so long that there’s no pre-existing medical condition.

    It is recommended that you contact your chosen provider on this matter for further clarification. Once you have decided which credit card to apply with, please make sure though to read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the card, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the card before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

    I hope this helps.

    Thank you and have a wonderful day!

    Cheers,
    Jeni

    Default Gravatar
    BebeJuly 3, 2015

    If I have a 28 degrees Mastercard, does it mean when I withdraw cash from an overseas ATM that there will not be a withdrawal fee?
    Thanks for your help in clarifying my query.

      AvatarFinder
      JonathanJuly 6, 2015Finder

      Hi Bebe, thanks for your inquiry!

      The 28 Degrees MasterCard provides no international transaction fees on purchases, which only covers currency conversion rate charges. Overseas ATM withdrawals may still incur a charge, depending on the local ATM’s withdrawal policies and fees.

      Cheers,

      Jonathan

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