As summer approaches, thousands of students are finalizing plans for international travel and study abroad programs. If you’re wondering “which credit card has no foreign transaction fee for students” or researching “student credit cards with no foreign transaction fees 2025,” you’ve come to the right place. These fees typically add 3% to every purchase made abroad, potentially costing you hundreds in unnecessary expenses during your summer adventures or semester abroad program.
Top Student Credit Cards with Zero Foreign Transaction Fees
After analyzing dozens of options, these cards stand out for students planning international travel in 2025:
1. Capital One Savor Rewards for Students Credit Card
Our top recommendation for most student travelers and best credit card for college students who want to travel
● Foreign Transaction Fee: $0 (All Capital One cards do not charge a foreign transaction fee)
● Annual Fee: $0
● Rewards: 1-8% cash back (8% on entertainment, 4% on dining and streaming, 3% at grocery stores, 1% on everything else)
● Welcome Bonus: $50 after spending $100 in first 3 months
● Network: Mastercard (excellent global acceptance)
● Credit Requirements: Limited history accepted
● Standout Feature: High entertainment cashback rate perfect for student travelers exploring new destinations
– 8% cashback on Capital One Entertainment purchases
– 3% cashback at grocery stores, dining, entertainment & popular streaming
services
– 1% cashback on all other purchases
2. Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students Credit Card
Best for students seeking a straightforward, travel-friendly credit card
● Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
● Annual Fee: $0
● Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
● Network: Mastercard (widely accepted world wide)
● Credit Requirements: Available to students with limited or no credit history
● Standout Feature: Simple flat-rate cash back with no categories or enrollment needed.
Strong option for international students or study abroad travel, combining ease of use, no foreign fees and global acceptance.
3. Discover it® Student Cash Back
Best for maximizing first-year rewards
● Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
● Annual Fee: $0
● Rewards: 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (when activated)
● Special Feature: Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year
● Important Note: More limited international acceptance compared to Visa/Mastercard
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
Best for flexible travel redemption
● Foreign Transaction Fee: $0 (no Bank of America student credit card foreign transaction fee)
● Annual Fee: $0
● Rewards: Points redeemable for statement credits against travel purchases
● Special Feature: Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After that, 18.24% to 28.24%.
● Standout Feature: No need to book through a specific portal to redeem rewards
What Foreign Transaction Fees Actually Cost Students
Let’s break down what 3% foreign transaction fees would cost during a typical summer abroad:
| Expense Category | Typical Amount | Fee at 3% |
| Accommodation | $1,200 | $36 |
| Meals | $800 | $24 |
| Transportation | $500 | $15 |
| Activities | $700 | $21 |
| Shopping | $400 | $12 |
| TOTAL | $3,600 | $108 |
That’s $108 wasted—enough for an extra adventure excursion or several memorable meals!
Critical Features for Student Travel Cards
When selecting a card for international use, prioritize these features:
1. $0 Foreign Transaction Fees: The non-negotiable requirement
2. Wide Network Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard offer the broadest international acceptance
3. No Annual Fee: Especially important for students on tight budgets
4. Reward Structure: Look for categories that match your travel spending patterns
5. Credit Building Features: Free FICO score access and responsible use reporting
6. Security Features: Fraud alerts and easy card freezing through mobile apps
How to Choose Student Card for Study Abroad Program
Student credit cards are specifically designed for those with limited credit history. To maximize approval chances:
1. Include all income sources on your application (including financial aid and parental support if they regularly help with expenses)
2. Apply 3-4 months before your trip to ensure you receive the card in time
3. Consider starting with your existing bank, where your banking relationship may improve approval odds
4. Use pre-qualification tools to check approval odds without hard credit inquiries
Ready for Your Summer Adventures
The right student credit card does more than save on fees—it provides security, convenience, and rewards while building your credit history. For students backpacking in Europe or studying abroad in Asia, these cards offer protection from unnecessary fees while providing valuable travel benefits.
Apply for one of our recommended no-foreign-transaction-fee student cards today to ensure you’re fully prepared for your international summer adventures!
Pro Tip: Always carry multiple payment methods when traveling internationally, and be sure to notify your card issuer of your travel plans to prevent security freezes.
