When traveling abroad, it’s important to understand the potential fees associated with using your credit card. One of the most common charges is a foreign transaction fee, which can add up quickly and put a damper on your travel budget. However, some credit cards, like the Discover card, offer no foreign transaction fees, making them an attractive option for international travelers.
What is a Foreign Transaction Fee?
A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge imposed by credit card issuers on purchases made in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. This fee is typically a percentage of the total transaction cost, usually ranging from 1-3%. It covers the cost of converting the foreign currency to USD, as well as any additional processing fees incurred by the credit card network.
These fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re making multiple purchases while traveling abroad. For example, if your credit card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee and you spend $1,000 during your trip, you’ll incur an additional $30 in fees. While this may not seem like a lot, it can eat into your travel budget and reduce the overall value of any rewards you earn on your purchases.
Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees are levied by credit card issuers whenever a transaction is processed in a foreign currency. This includes purchases made while traveling abroad, as well as online purchases from foreign merchants. The fee covers the cost of converting the foreign currency to U.S. dollars, as well as any additional processing fees charged by the credit card network.
It’s important to note that foreign transaction fees are separate from any fees charged by the merchant or the foreign bank processing the transaction. These additional fees, such as dynamic currency conversion fees, can further increase the cost of using your credit card abroad.
Typical Foreign Transaction Fee Amounts
Foreign transaction fees typically range from 1-3% of the total transaction cost. The exact amount varies depending on the credit card issuer and the specific card you have. Some issuers, like Discover, have eliminated foreign transaction fees altogether, while others may charge a flat fee per transaction in addition to the percentage-based fee.
| Credit Card Issuer | Typical Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|
| Discover | 0% |
| American Express | 2.7% |
| Bank of America | 3% |
| Capital One | 0% |
| Chase | 3% |
Discover Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fee Policy
One of the standout features of Discover credit cards is their no foreign transaction fee policy. This means that you can use your Discover card abroad without incurring any additional fees on your purchases. This can result in significant savings, especially if you travel frequently or make a lot of purchases in foreign currencies.
No Foreign Transaction Fees with Discover
Discover has long been a leader in the no foreign transaction fee space. They were one of the first major credit card issuers to eliminate these fees across all of their cards, making them a popular choice for international travelers. By using your Discover card abroad, you can avoid the 1-3% fee charged by many other issuers, potentially saving hundreds of dollars over the course of a trip.
In addition to the savings on foreign transaction fees, Discover also offers competitive exchange rates when processing transactions in foreign currencies. This means you’ll get a fair rate when converting your purchases back to USD, without any additional markup or fees.
Other Discover Credit Card Benefits for International Travel
Beyond the no foreign transaction fee policy, Discover credit cards offer a range of other benefits that make them well-suited for international travel. These include:
- No annual fee: Most Discover cards have no annual fee, which can save you money compared to other travel rewards cards that charge upwards of $100 per year just to keep the account open.
- Worldwide acceptance: While Discover’s acceptance isn’t as widespread as Visa or Mastercard, their cards are accepted at millions of merchants around the globe. You can use the Discover Acceptance Map to check coverage in your destination before you travel.
- 24/7 customer service: If you run into issues while traveling, Discover offers around-the-clock customer support to help resolve any problems with your account or card.
- Travel protections: Depending on which Discover card you have, you may be eligible for additional travel protections like rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, and more.
Using Your Discover Card Internationally
While Discover cards offer great benefits for international travel, there are a few things to keep in mind when using your card abroad. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience while avoiding potential fees and issues.
Checking Discover’s International Acceptance
Before you travel, it’s a good idea to check Discover’s acceptance in your destination country. While Discover has partnerships with many international payment networks, like Diners Club International, JCB, and UnionPay, their acceptance still lags behind Visa and Mastercard in some parts of the world.
You can use Discover’s Acceptance Map to check coverage in specific countries and regions. This will give you a good idea of where you can use your card and where you may need to rely on other payment methods, like cash or a backup credit card.
Informing Discover of Your Travel Plans
To prevent potential fraud alerts and declined transactions, it’s a good idea to inform Discover of your travel plans before you depart. You can do this easily through the Discover mobile app or by calling customer service.
By letting Discover know where and when you’ll be traveling, they can note your account and avoid flagging legitimate purchases as suspicious. This can save you the hassle of having your card frozen or declined when you need it most.
Potential Fees When Using Discover Abroad
While Discover doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, there are a few other potential fees to be aware of when using your card internationally. These include:
- ATM fees: If you use your Discover card to withdraw cash from an ATM abroad, you may be subject to fees from both Discover and the ATM owner. These fees can add up quickly, so it’s best to minimize cash withdrawals and rely on credit card purchases when possible.
- Dynamic currency conversion fees: Some merchants may offer to process your transaction in USD instead of the local currency. While this may seem convenient, it often comes with a poor exchange rate and additional fees. Always opt to pay in the local currency to avoid these charges.
- Cash advance fees: If you use your Discover card to get a cash advance, you’ll typically be charged a fee of 5% or $10, whichever is greater. Cash advances also start accruing interest immediately, so they should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Maximizing Rewards with Discover Travel Credit Cards
In addition to offering no foreign transaction fees, Discover also has a lineup of travel rewards credit cards that can help you earn points or miles on your international purchases. By using these cards strategically, you can offset the cost of your travels and unlock valuable perks and benefits.
Earning Rewards on International Purchases
The Discover it® Miles card is a popular choice for international travelers, as it earns unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar spent, including purchases made abroad. There’s no annual fee, and Discover will match all the Miles you earn in your first year as a cardholder, effectively giving you 3x Miles on everything you buy.
Other Discover cards, like the Discover it® Cash Back or the NHL® Discover it® Card, offer 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories, which sometimes include travel purchases. By strategically using these cards for your international spending, you can maximize your rewards and offset the cost of your trip.
Redeeming Miles for Travel Statement Credits
One of the standout features of the Discover it Miles card is the ability to redeem your Miles for travel statement credits. This gives you the flexibility to book travel however you want, without being tied to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program.
To redeem your Miles, simply make a travel purchase with your card and then use your Miles to offset the cost. Travel purchases include flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more. Miles are worth 1 cent each when redeemed this way, so 10,000 Miles would cover a $100 travel purchase.
You can also redeem your Miles for cash back or gift cards, but travel statement credits offer the best value. And since you have 180 days from the date of your travel purchase to redeem your Miles, you have plenty of flexibility in how and when you use them.
Comparing Discover to Other Credit Cards for International Use
While Discover offers compelling benefits for international travelers, it’s worth comparing them to other credit card options to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your needs. Here’s how Discover stacks up against some of the other major credit card networks and issuers.
Discover vs Major Credit Card Networks Abroad
In terms of international acceptance, Discover lags behind the major credit card networks like Visa and Mastercard. While Discover has partnerships with Diners Club International, JCB, and UnionPay to expand their global reach, they’re still not as widely accepted as their competitors.
| Network | Number of Countries with Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Visa | 200+ |
| Mastercard | 210+ |
| American Express | 160+ |
| Discover (including partner networks) | 185+ |
This means that while you can use your Discover card in many international destinations, you may run into acceptance issues more frequently than you would with a Visa or Mastercard. It’s always a good idea to carry a backup payment method, like a secondary credit card or some cash, just in case.
Alternative Options for Foreign Transactions
If Discover’s more limited acceptance is a concern for your international travel plans, there are plenty of other credit card options that offer no foreign transaction fees. Some top picks include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This popular travel rewards card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points on dining and travel purchases, including those made abroad. There’s a $95 annual fee, but the card offers a generous welcome bonus and a range of travel protections.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Like the Discover it Miles card, the Capital One Venture earns 2x miles on every purchase, with no foreign transaction fees. Miles can be redeemed for travel statement credits or transferred to a range of airline and hotel partners. The card has a $95 annual fee.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: This no-annual-fee card earns 1.5x points on every purchase, with no foreign transaction fees. Points can be redeemed for statement credits to offset travel purchases, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards.
Ultimately, the best credit card for your international travel needs will depend on your specific spending habits, reward preferences, and destination plans. By researching your options and considering factors like acceptance, fees, and rewards, you can find the card that offers the most value and convenience for your globetrotting adventures.
See also:
- Discover it Cash Back Foreign Transaction Fee – Everything You Need to Know
- Chase Freedom Unlimited Foreign Transaction Fee Guide
- Citi Custom Cash Foreign Transaction Fee Explained
- Sam’s Club Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fee: Everything You Need to Know
- Amex Foreign Transaction Fee: Everything You Need to Know