Citi credit cards with no foreign transaction fee

Citi normally charges a 3% fee for foreign transactions. However, around half of its products — including the Citi Prestige® Credit Card and most cobranded American Airlines cards — have 0% foreign transaction fees. These cards typically have annual fees between $0 and $495.

What is a typical Citi foreign transaction fee?

Around half of Citi’s cards have foreign transaction fees, which are typically 3% of every transaction made abroad. This is a standard fee across the credit card industry. However, most Citi travel cards have no foreign transaction fees.

Citi credit cards with no foreign transaction fee

How to compare Citi credit cards with no foreign transaction fee

• General vs. cobranded.

  Decide if you want a general card such as the Citi Premier® Card or a cobranded product such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®.

  ThankYou Points earned with a general card can be used for a variety of redemptions, making a general card more flexible. Rewards from a cobranded card, on the other hand, can typically only be used with the affiliated company. But you might get special benefits such as preferred airline boarding or status upgrades in loyalty programs.

• Annual fee.

  Citi’s cards can cost as much as $495 a year. It’s questionable if it’s worth picking up an annual-fee card just for a 0% foreign transaction fee.

  However, a more costly card could be well worth it if you think you’ll use the benefits. For example, just a few of the Citi Prestige® Credit Card‘s benefits add up to over $1,100 in annual value.

• Decide if you want cash back instead.

  You’ll earn cash back with Costco-branded cards, which could be a good option if you’d like other perks than point or mile redemptions. Most of Citi’s other cards offer ThankYou Points or cobranded rewards such as American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

• Signup bonus.

  Before opening a card, consider whether you can reach its signup bonus spending requirement. Also, compare bonus values, which you can find in our credit card reviews.

• Rewards.

  When evaluating a card, check if you spend in its bonus categories. Different cards offer various point or mile multipliers for certain spending.

• Penalty APR.

  If you make a late or returned payment, Citi may raise all of your APRs up to 29.99% variable. Many travel cards from other providers exclude penalty APRs.

Bottom line

Citi has a strong collection of cards with no foreign transaction fees. It offers general cards such as the Citi Prestige® Credit Card as well as cobranded products such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®.

Before your next trip abroad, consider no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

• If Citi assesses a penalty APR on my account, how long will the rate last?

  Citi says its penalty APRs may apply indefinitely. If a penalty APR is assessed to your account, consider calling Citi support to get the rate reversed. You’ll have better luck if you have a strong history of on-time payments.

  If that fails, try to make all payments on time for the next several months. Then contact Citi and try to get the penalty APR reversed.

• Why should I get a card with no foreign transaction fees?

  This can save you a lot of money when you use your card abroad. Typically, a foreign transaction fee is 3% of any purchase made abroad. It may sound like a pittance, but it can add up with many purchases.

• Why are the Costco-branded cards considered travel credit cards?

  There’s more here than simply the Costco affiliation — these cards are excellent travel partners. You’ll earn attractive cash back on eligible travel purchases worldwide and at restaurants.