A curated selection of credit cards designed for students and young travelers that waive foreign transaction fees. These cards help save money on international purchases while offering benefits relevant to student lifestyles, such as lower annual fees or introductory offers.
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A popular choice for students with no annual fee and 5% rotating categories plus 1% on everything else. While it has a 2.9% foreign transaction fee, it is often recommended for domestic spending to build credit before upgrading, though not ideal for direct international use due to fees.
Offers 5% rotating categories and 1% on all other purchases with no annual fee. Like other Chase cards, it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it better suited for building credit domestically rather than for international travel expenses.
While not a student-specific card, this card is highly recommended for those who have established credit. It offers 2% cash back on all purchases and has no annual fee, but it does include a 3% foreign transaction fee, so travelers should look for no-fee alternatives.
Provides 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee. However, it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, which makes it less suitable for international travel compared to dedicated travel cards that waive these fees.
Offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. It also has no annual fee but includes a 3% foreign transaction fee, limiting its utility for international travelers.
Allows cardholders to choose their 3% category with no annual fee. It is a solid general-use card but charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it is not optimal for those frequently traveling abroad.
Offers 4X points on dining and grocery stores and 2X on streaming services with no annual fee. This card also imposes a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less attractive for international spending compared to fee-free travel cards.
A top-tier travel card with 5X points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3X on dining, streaming, and online groceries. It has a $95 annual fee but waives foreign transaction fees, making it excellent for student travelers who can afford the fee.
Earns 2X miles on every purchase with no annual fee for the first year, then $95. It waives foreign transaction fees, offering flexibility for students who want to earn rewards on all spending without worrying about international surcharges.
Offers 5X miles on flights and 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. With a $395 annual fee but $300 annual travel credit, it waives foreign transaction fees and provides premium travel benefits.
Though marketed for small businesses, this card is accessible to students who are self-employed or freelancers. It earns 3X points on travel and shipping with no annual fee for the first year, followed by $95, and waives foreign transaction fees.
Offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. It has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95, but charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it unsuitable for international use.
Provides 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and on U.S. online retail purchases with no annual fee. It also includes a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it is not recommended for students who plan to travel frequently abroad.
Offers 2X points on travel and dining with a $95 annual fee after the first year. It waives foreign transaction fees and provides substantial travel benefits, though it may have higher credit score requirements for students.
Features 3X points on travel and dining with a $550 annual fee. It waives foreign transaction fees and includes a $300 annual travel credit, making it a premium option for students who can justify the cost for frequent international travel.
Offers 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel with a $695 annual fee. It waives foreign transaction fees and provides extensive travel protections, though it is expensive for most students.
Earns 3X points on travel and mobile wallet purchases with a $400 annual fee. It waives foreign transaction fees and offers a $325 annual travel credit, providing strong value for travelers who can absorb the cost.
Offers 5X points on air travel and restaurants with a $495 annual fee. It waives foreign transaction fees and includes travel benefits like airport lounge access, though its availability and credit requirements may limit student access.
Earns 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets with a $250 annual fee. It waives foreign transaction fees, making it a strong option for students who dine out frequently and want to save on international food expenses.
Offers 1.5% cash back on everything with no annual fee. While it is simple and versatile, it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it is not ideal for international travel compared to the other no-fee options listed.