Best Travel Credit Cards for Americans Living Abroad in 2026
If you live outside the US, pick a card with no foreign transaction fees that you can actually get approved for. The Amex Gold ($325 a year), Capital One Venture X ($395) and Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95) all waive foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad, but US issuers are not equally open to applicants overseas.
1. American Express Gold Card
Annual fee: $325 · Foreign transaction fee: none · Dining credit: up to $120 a year, with enrollment
The official Gold Card page lists no foreign transaction fees and a $120 dining credit, paid as up to $10 a month at participating restaurants. It has the highest fee of the Amex-style options here, so it pays off mainly if you use the dining credit every month.
2. Capital One Venture X
Annual fee: $395 · Foreign transaction fee: none
Capital One's Venture X page lists a $395 annual fee and no transaction fee on purchases outside the US. It is the priciest card in this group, so it suits people who will use its travel perks. The page does not spell out eligibility for applicants with a foreign address, so confirm that with Capital One before you apply. Creditcards.com's review is a useful next read.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee: $95 · Foreign transaction fee: none · Applicant rule: US address required
The Sapphire Preferred page says you pay no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the US, and its $95 annual fee is the lowest here. The catch is access. NerdWallet's expat guide reports that Chase requires applicants to have a valid US address and Social Security number, which makes it largely off the table once you have moved.
People also ask
Can Americans living abroad get a US credit card?
Sometimes, but it depends on the issuer. NerdWallet's expat guide notes that US banks are generally wary of approving applicants overseas, and that the easiest way to keep access is to get a card before you leave the US. Chase, for example, requires a valid US address and Social Security number.
Do these travel cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Not on purchases made outside the US. The official pages for the Amex Gold, Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Preferred each list no foreign transaction fees. Chase's comparison page and NerdWallet's roundup list other cards with the same feature.
Which of these cards has the lowest annual fee?
Chase Sapphire Preferred, at $95 a year according to Chase's own page. The Amex Gold costs $325 and the Capital One Venture X costs $395. A lower fee only helps if you are approved, so check each issuer's eligibility rules first.
Facts were checked against official issuer pages and current reporting as of October 13, 2026. Confirm fees and eligibility with each issuer before you apply.