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4 Best No Foreign Transaction Credit Cards of September 2025
Published Sep 9, 2025 2:50 AM UTC • 4 min read
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Lead WriterWhile 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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Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card: Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Card and high acceptance
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card: Great rewards
Home Trust Preferred Visa: With No annual fee
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card: Luxury Travel
Our choice for: Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Card and high acceptance
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 45,000 Scene+ points ($450 value)
Rewards Rate
1x - 3x Points
Points
Annual Fee
$150
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
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.
Pros
- High Rewards on Select Purchases: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on select categories.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop abroad without additional charges.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 11 types of insurance coverage.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy up to 6 airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion program.
Cons
- High Income Requirements: Requires $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income.
- Lower Overall Rewards: Rewards potential is lower compared to premium credit cards.
- High Annual Fee: Comes with a significant annual fee.
- Average Insurance Coverage: Insurance benefits are standard, not exceptional.
- Mediocre Earnings Potential: The card’s rewards structure might not offer the highest returns for every spender.
Rewards
- Earn 3x Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and moreScotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Review: Benefits & Lounge Access†
- 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
Emergency Medical Term
$2M/insured up to 25 daysEmergency Medical (65+)
$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
$1000Baggage Delay
$1000
Travel Accident
$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)
Status lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membership.svg)
Concierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
**†Terms and conditions apply. See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Great rewards
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 50,000 Scene+ points ($500 value)
Rewards Rate
1x - 6x Scene+ points
Points
Annual Fee
$120 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
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 fee saves you 2.5% on all non-CAD purchases.
- Rewards cover all high-spending categories, including food, groceries, entertainment, and gas.
- Comprehensive coverage of all travel insurance.
Cons
- The card network is American Express, which might not be widely accepted in some countries, making it a bit harder to use the no foreign transaction fee benefit.
- Having a lounge pass would have made this card even more perfect, but there is access to a discount code for lounge access pass purchases.
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
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Medical Term
$1M, Up to 25 daysEmergency Medical (65+)
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1500/person, $10000/tripTrip Interruption
$1500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrence
Mobile 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 $CAD
American Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
*†With minimum spend in the 1st year. ◊Conditions apply. See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Terms and conditions apply. See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: With No annual fee
APPLY NOW
on Home Trust's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
0% - 1%
Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 21.99%"
The Home Trust Visa card is the only no-annual-fee credit card in Canada that offers no foreign transaction fees, which is a significant benefit for frequent travelers. The big catch is that you don't earn any rewards on foreign purchases, so if you have a credit card that gives you a cashback rate close to 2.5%, it might not be worth the hassle to get this card. Other than this benefit, there are no compelling reasons to use this card as your primary credit card.
Pros
- The only No Annual fee Credit Card in Canada that offers No Foreign Transaction Fees
Cons
- Rewards are very average
- No Extended Warranty benefit on this card
Rewards
- 1% cashback on all eligible purchases.
- Foreign transactions don't receive cashback!
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Up to 90 days
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Eligibility
Credit Score
FairAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Luxury Travel
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 80,000 Scene+ points ($800 value)
Rewards Rate
2x Points
Points
Annual Fee
$399
Interest Rates
9.99% / 9.99%
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 Rate: Offers a competitive interest rate of 9.99%.
- Strong Rewards: Earn 2x Scene+ points on all purchases.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 10 complimentary lounge visits, including Plaza Premium Lounges, through Priority Pass (membership required).
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes extensive coverage for travel-related needs.
- Flexible Travel Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings with any provider.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop internationally without extra charges.
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The annual fee is steep compared to similar cards offering similar perks.
- Limited Premium Perks: Lacks top-tier travel benefits like free checked baggage and priority boarding.
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
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Medical Term
$2M, Up to 31 daysEmergency Medical (65+)
$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/personTravel Accident
$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)American 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
*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information. Check here for full details and current product information.
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. 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. To learn more read Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite 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 Scotiabank Gold American Express Card review.
Choice for No annual fee: Home Trust Preferred Visa
The Home Trust Preferred Visa is the only no annual fee credit card in Canada that offers no foreign transaction fees, making it the best free option for international purchases. However, there are two important trade-offs: it doesn’t earn any rewards on your international spendings, and customer service may not match the standard of larger financial institutions. While it's a solid pick for those avoiding annual fees, there are other cards that, despite charging foreign transaction fees, offer better overall value through rewards and benefits on international purchases. To learn more read Home Trust Preferred Visa 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. To learn more read Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card review.
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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Kevin Shahnazari
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Kevin started FinlyWealth and juggles a bit of everything—digging into data, running our marketing, and keeping the finances on track. Before this, he spent years as a data scientist at tech companies...
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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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