7 Best No Foreign Transaction Credit Cards of October 2026 in Canada
Published Aug 12, 2026 8:50 PM • 4 min read
While travelling, foreign transaction fees can quickly add up, so having a no foreign transaction fee card with you can save you a significant amount on your purchases. The number of cards that offer this benefit in Canada is very limited; therefore, only a few financial institutions provide it.
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Best No Foreign Transaction Credit Cards
Our choice for: Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Card and high acceptance
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $1,250 in value, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Annual Fee
$150
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.8/5
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.
Awards & Recognition
Best Travel Credit Card
2026
Pros
- High rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Airport lounge access
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Generous intro offer
Cons
- High income requirements
- High annual fee
Rewards
- Earn 3x Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more†
- Earn 2x Scene+™ points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)†
- Plus earn 1 Scene+™ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases†
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia†
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$2M/insured up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$2M/insured up to 3 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/trip
Trip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/trip
Flight Delay
$500/person after 4 hours
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000/insured, $1M combined.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of Canada
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visits.svg)
Gas Discount2
Get up to 10¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations.svg)
Status lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membership.svg)
Concierge Services
Discount**
Yearly GigSky 1GB/15-Day plan, 20% off future purchases, and 10GB of global data for 15 days with Travel Essentials
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Our choice for: Choice for Cashback
on Wealthsimple's website
Wealthsimple Premium client, or $4,000+/mo direct deposit?
Either one waives the $240/yr card fee (Premium = $100k+ in assets)
Welcome Bonus
Get 5% cash back for the first 30 days (1)
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
20.99%* / 22.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4/5
The Wealthsimple Cash Back Visa Infinite offers a no-FX-fee spending solution with a conditional no-fee setup that earns 2% cash back on all purchases without any limits! It also lets you grow your rewards—as you can deposit your cashback whenever you want in a high-interest chequing account. Its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for many Canadians.
Pros
- Decent cashback
- No premium client annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Solid insurance
Cons
- High income requirements
- High annual fee
Rewards
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, no limits.
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 yearTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)*
14 days up to $1M (under age 65)Trip Cancellation*
$1,000/person ($3,000 per trip)Trip Interruption*
$1,000/person ($3,000 per trip)Baggage Delay*
$500 ($1,000 combined with Lost or Stolen Baggage coverage)*Lost or Stolen Baggage*
$750 ($1,000 combined with Baggage Delay coverage)*
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid FX fees when you travel abroadVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Our choice for: Choice for Premium Cashback
on Wealthsimple's website
Wealthsimple Premium client, or $4,000+/mo direct deposit?
Either one waives the $240/yr card fee (Premium = $100k+ in assets)
Welcome Bonus
Get 5% cash back for the first 30 days (1)
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
20.99%* / 22.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.4/5
The Wealthsimple Cash Back Visa Infinite Privilege offers a no-FX-fee spending solution with a conditional no-fee setup that earns 2% cash back on all purchases without any limits! It's currently the ONLY Visa Infinite Privilege card with an annual fee that can be completely waived. It also lets you grow your rewards—as you can deposit your cashback whenever you want in a high-interest chequing account. Its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for many Canadians.
Pros
- Decent cashback
- No premium client annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Solid insurance
- Airport lounge access
Cons
- High annual fee
- High income requirements
Rewards
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, no limits.
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 yearTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)*
14 days up to $2M (under age 65)Trip Cancellation*
$1,500/person ($5,000 per trip)Trip Interruption*
$1,500/person ($5,000 per trip)Baggage Delay*
$1,000 ($1,250 combined with Lost or Stolen Baggage coverage)*Lost or Stolen Baggage*
$1,000 ($1,250 combined with Baggage Delay coverage)Car Rental Damage & Theft*
31 days, $65K car MSRP
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees*
Avoid FX fees when you travel abroadVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits*
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass*
6 complimentary visits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
Our choice for: Great rewards
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
5/5
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits. The first-year annual fee waiver is the cherry on top, providing even greater value to cardholders.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Well-rounded rewards
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Flexible redemptions
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- No lounge access
- Annual fee
Rewards
- Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.*
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more*
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services*
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$1M, Up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1,000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CADGas Discount2
Get up to 12¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
American Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
Our choice for: Prepaid rewards
on EQ Bank's website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.4/5
The EQ bank card is not a credit card; it's a prepaid card, so you will not be able to get the same level of rewards as when using a credit card and it will not build credit. But if getting a prepaid card is your goal, then this card is, without a doubt, the best choice. Voted the best "Prepaid Card" in Canada, this card offers rewards and benefits that are mostly not offered by other prepaid cards. Earning interest on balance, rewards on purchases, no foreign transaction fee, and especially the unique no ATM fee that no other card provides, makes this card the best among prepaid cards.
Pros
- Best prepaid card
- No ATM fees
- Interest earned on balance
- No foreign transaction fee
- Some purchase cashback
Cons
- No insurance
Rewards
- 0.5% cash back on every purchase
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Pay no extra FX fees when making purchases outside of Canada
Free ATM withdrawal
ATM fee reimbursement for Canada only
Interest on Balance
Base rate of 1.00%*, or 2.75%** bonus rate
Eligibility
Credit Score
N/AAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: No fee runner-up
on Wealthsimple's website
Welcome Bonus
$25 Exclusive bonus for new clients (min $1 funding required)
Rewards Rate
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
N/A / N/A
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3.7/5
The Wealthsimple Cash Prepaid Mastercard offers a no-fee, no-FX-fee spending solution that waives ATM fees on withdrawals across the globe and lets you automatically grow your rewards—in a high-interest savings account, investments, or crypto. Its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for Canadians, though it forgoes traditional credit-card perks and insurance.
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Instant approval
- ATM fee reimbursement
- High interest on account balance
Cons
- No insurance
- No revolving credit
- Lacks premium perks
Rewards
- The highest-interest rate for a chequing account in Canada (up to 2.25%)2
- No minimums, monthly fees, or overdraft penalties
- No ATM fees or Foreign Transaction (FX) fees4,5
- Access to 60,000 ATMs across the country
- Third-party ATM fee reimbursements4
- Unlimited free Interac e-Transfers®, bill payments, and debit transaction
- 0.5% interest boost (up to 2.25% total) when you set up eligible direct deposits6
- Up to $1 million in CDIC deposit insurance coverage on eligible CAD deposits7
- Up to eight individual and eight joint accounts to help organize your money for different goals like vacations, emergency fund, etc.
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid FX fees when you travel abroadFree ATM withdrawal
ATM fee is reimbursed at all ATMs across the globe, no limits
Eligibility
Credit Score
PoorAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Luxury Travel
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,0001 bonus Scene+ points.
Annual Fee
$399
Interest Rates
9.99% / 9.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3.8/5
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.
Pros
- Low interest rates
- Strong rewards
- Airport lounge access
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Flexible travel rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Higher annual fee
- Limited premium perks
Rewards
- Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$2M, Up to 31 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$2M, Up to 10 daysTrip Cancellation
$2500/person, $10000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripTrip Interruption
$5000/person, $25000/tripBaggage Delay
$1000 After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$1000/personCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)Gas Discount2
Get up to 11¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stationsAmerican Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass MembershipStatus lift
Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
Extra points
Extra 4 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
From our editors: The full list of Best No Foreign Transaction Credit Cards in Canada For 2025
Choice for No Foreign Transaction Fee Card and high acceptance: Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card was chosen as the best overall no foreign transaction fee credit card. It's also one of our top ranked Canadian credit cards. Unlike many no-FX cards that run on the less widely accepted American Express network, this Visa card offers broader usability worldwide. It stands out as one of the very few non-Amex cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees. It also has an edge over competitors like the Home Trust Visa, which, while fee-free, doesn’t reward international purchases. This card was chosen as one of the best travel credit cards in Canada. Read all about it in our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card review.
Choice for Cashback: Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Card
The next two Wealthsimple contenders are quite unique. The Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Card, one of the best Wealthsimple credit cards in Canada, offers a flat rate of cashback on all eligible purchases, strong insurance coverage, and no foreign transaction fees. While the monthly fees add up to a hefty annual cost, this charge is completely waived for Premium, Generation, and Core clients who deposit at least $4,000 into their chequing account monthly. See more in our Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Card Review.
Choice for Premium Cashback: Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card, one of the best flat rate credit cards in Canada, boasts a flat rate of cashback, stronger insurance coverage, no foreign transaction fees, and airport lounge access. Like the Visa Infinite + version, these rewards, perks, and coverage are also available at no cost for Premium, Generation, and qualifying Core clients. Otherwise, the fees are quite steep. Note that applicants will also need to meet some higher annual income requirements to qualify. For more information, check out our Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.
Choice for Great Rewards: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a top choice for rewards, offering some of the highest earn rates across multiple everyday categories. If maximizing your points is your main priority and you're comfortable with slightly more limited acceptance compared to Visa worldwide, this card delivers exceptional value through its generous rewards structure and versatile redemption options. To learn more, read our Scotiabank Gold American Express Card review.
Choice for Best Prepaid Rewards: EQ Bank Card
For no annual fee, the EQ Bank Card, one of the best prepaid credit cards in Canada, offers no foreign transactions fees, free ATM withdrawal, and interest earned on your balance, particularly when you set up qualifying recurring direct deposits. The best part? Cardholders also collect some cash back on every purchase, making this prepaid option increasingly valuable. Discover more in our EQ Bank Card review.
Choice for No Fee Runner-Up: Wealthsimple Prepaid Mastercard
Another affordable prepaid no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card worth considering is the Wealthsimple Prepaid Mastercard. This no-fee contender also pockets an impressive interest rate on your balance, especially when you set up eligible direct deposits. Other perks include fee ATM withdrawal, no minimums, no monthly fees, and unlimited Interac e-Transfers. To learn more, read our Wealthsimple Prepaid Mastercard review.
Choice for Luxury Travel: Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is a luxury travel credit card best suited for frequent travellers who want premium perks and comprehensive coverage. While it carries a high annual fee, it offers exceptional benefits like airport lounge access, extensive travel insurance, and strong earning potential on eligible purchases, making it a valuable choice for those who prioritize comfort and convenience while traveling. Read our Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card review for more details.
How we picked these cards
First, all available credit cards in Canada were filtered down to those that offer the no foreign transaction fee benefit. Then, the most important criterion was worldwide acceptance, followed by the rewards and benefits the cards offer. Using these steps, the best cards were selected.
What are foreign transaction fees?
Foreign transaction fees are additional charges (usually around 2.5%) that credit card issuers apply when you make purchases in a foreign currency or with an international merchant.
Is it worth it to get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees?
Yes, if you travel frequently or shop with international retailers, a no foreign transaction fee card can save you 2.5% on many transactions abroad, making it a valuable perk. It's also a great way to exchange money and many times with this method you beat all other currency exchange methods because credit card exchange rates are one of the best methods available to exchange currency.
Which credit card is most accepted internationally?
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards internationally. Both networks have extensive global reach, making them reliable choices for travelers in most countries. While American Express is also accepted in many places, it tends to have more limited acceptance compared to Visa and Mastercard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foreign transaction fees are generally not refunded, even if you return the item or cancel the purchase.
The difference between currency exchange and foreign transaction Fee? Currency exchange refers to the process of converting one currency into another, typically at a rate determined by the market or the credit card network. This exchange happens when you make a purchase in a foreign currency.
Foreign transaction fees are additional charges (usually around 2.5%) imposed by your credit card issuer for handling purchases made in foreign currencies or with international merchants. While currency exchange is a necessary part of international purchases, foreign transaction fees are an extra cost added by the card issuer.
Yes, as long as the card is accepted by the merchant, you can use a no foreign transaction fee credit card in any country without incurring extra currency conversion charges.
Always choose to pay in the local currency, as the conversion rate offered by credit card networks is typically better than the rate offered by the merchant for conversion.
You can check current exchange rates using the official tools provided by Visa and Mastercard. Visit the Visa Exchange Rate Calculator and the Mastercard Exchange Rate Calculator to see the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
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Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...
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