Does American Express Have Foreign Transaction Fees? What You Need to Know
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Written by
Joseph Hostetler
Some American Express cards charge foreign transaction fees and other don’t. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about American Express foreign transaction fees and the cards you should use to avoid them.
What Are Foreign Transaction Fees?
A foreign transaction fee is what some credit cards charge you to make purchases outside of the U.S. They typically range from between 1% and 3% of your transaction amount.
Even if you make your purchase stateside, you may still find a surprise foreign transaction fee on your statement. That’s because the fee is charged according to the location where the payment is processed. All to say, if you find yourself beguiled by antique nesting dolls from a merchant in Moscow, you may pay foreign transaction fees if the website processes your card in Russia.
Credit card issuers charge these fees to make up for the fees they get charged for processing the payment. However, these fees can be avoided.
American Express Cards Without Foreign Transaction Fees
American Express (a CardCritics™ partner) offers many options with no foreign transaction fees. This includes travel-focused cards like:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The premium travel perks add up quickly with this card, including airport lounge access, complimentary hotel elite status, and incredible statement credits for Uber rides, airline incidentals, hotel stays and more. The card comes with a $695 annual fee. Enrollment may be required for certain benefits. Learn more by reading our full review of Amex Platinum.
American Express® Gold Card
This card also offers annual statement credit opportunities tied to dining, Uber and hotel stays. You’ll also get one of the best return rates on the market for everyday spending on dining and at U.S. supermarkets. The card comes with a $325 annual fee. Learn more by reading our full Amex Gold review.
American Express® Green Card**
This card offers a yearly $189 Clear® Plus Credit to help you speed through domestic airport security checkpoints. It also earns points quickly for travel and transit purchases. You’ll be charged a $150 annual fee.
These cards also earn valuable American Express Membership Rewards, which you can transfer to airline and hotel programs for big savings on travel. Think Delta, Hilton, Air Canada and more.
American Express Cards With Foreign Transaction Fees
Yes, American Express has a generous list of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees — but they also issue plenty of cards that do have foreign transaction fees. If you’re planning to travel internationally, it’s important to know which cards not to bring with you.
The most popular American Express credit cards that incur a foreign transaction fee include the:
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card*
These cards all charge a 2.7% foreign transaction fee. So, you shouldn’t use these cards abroad if you can help it.
How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees While Traveling
Here are a few practical things you can do to avoid unnecessary currency fees while traveling abroad:
1. Use an American Express Card That Has No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Amex-branded cards like Amex Platinum and cobranded airline and hotel credit cards are all safe bets to avoid foreign exchange fees.
2. Use Another Credit or Debit Card That Waives Foreign Transaction Fees.
Other banks issue credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees, too. You can even find debit cards that eat this fee.
3. Book Your Travel on U.S. Websites.
Most of the time, you can avoid foreign transaction fees when booking your airfare, hotel stay, and rental car from within the U.S. But even if you’re already in another country, you should be able to circumvent the fees by making reservations online via the U.S. version of whichever online travel agency you’re using.
**All information about the American Express® Green Card** and The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card has been collected independently by CardCritics™
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amex Gold charge foreign transaction fees?
The Amex Gold card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Which American Express cards are best for international travel?
The best American Express cards for international travel are Amex Platinum and the American Express® Green Card**. Both cards earn bonus points for common travel purchases and come with perks that help to enhance your travel experience.
Are foreign transaction fees refunded for business cards?
Some American Express business cards, such as The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, waive foreign transaction fees. But others, like the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, do not.
How can I avoid foreign transaction fees altogether?
To avoid foreign transaction fees altogether, you should stick to a credit card that doesn’t incur them — like the Amex Gold or Amex Platinum.
Does Amex automatically convert foreign currencies?
American Express does not automatically convert foreign currencies. If you choose to pay in the local currency, you won’t be charged a conversion rate — though the purchase will show up on your statement in the USD equivalent.
