When utilizing a journey bank card overseas as a Canadian, you’ll suppose that you just’d be nicely geared up for all of your journey purchases.
Nonetheless, the unusual actuality is that the majority travel-focused bank cards (and, the truth is, nearly all Canadian bank cards usually) include an extra overseas alternate charge on high of the imposed alternate fee.
With the price of every thing from airfare to motels to eating places going up, this extra charge feels additional burdensome and may actually add up over the course of a visit.
The excellent news is that there are some bank cards on the market that supply no overseas transaction charges as a part of their perks and advantages bundle.
On this article, we’ll share our favorite bank card with no overseas transaction charges, and spotlight a number of different notable playing cards that we expect you would possibly like.
If you’d like the fast model, right here’s a have a look at the highest no FX playing cards in a nutshell:
Canada’s Greatest Credit score Card with No International Transaction Charges
International transaction charges are an extra charge charged by your bank card that’s added to purchases made when you’re overseas or any time you pay in a global forex (e.g., paying US {dollars} on a web site buy).
In Canada, overseas transaction charges are usually 2.5%. That is equal to $2.50 (all figures in CAD) for each $100 you spend.
Because of this if you make a purchase order abroad or in a overseas forex, the cost in your month-to-month assertion will embrace not solely the overseas alternate primarily based in your financial institution/bank card’s fee, however it’s going to additionally embrace the two.5% charge.
When you journey typically or end up making lots of purchases in a overseas forex, it might profit you to have a bank card in your pockets that doesn’t levy overseas transaction charges so as to save the two.5% every time.
Beneath, we’ll discover the main points of our favorite bank card with no overseas transaction charges, and we’ll take a fast have a look at a number of different notable playing cards that supply no overseas transaction charges as nicely.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
Our decide for the most effective Canadian bank card with no overseas transaction charges is the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card.
As a Visa card, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is extensively accepted, making this card appropriate for every type of purchases.
Not solely does this card provide no overseas transaction charges, nevertheless it additionally permits you to earn Scene+ factors – among the finest fixed-value factors applications in Canada – on all of your purchases, and it usually comes with a wholesome welcome bonus in addition.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card earns Scene+ factors on the following charges:
- 3 Scene+ factors per greenback spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and different Empire-affiliated grocery shops
- 2 Scene+ factors per greenback spent on transit, groceries, eating, and leisure
- 1 Scene+ level per greenback spent on all different purchases
What’s particularly good right here is that the 2x earn fee on eating and transit multiplier additionally applies internationally. If you’re travelling, these two classes are likely to rack up an honest chunk of spend—whether or not it’s subway rides, taxis, or stocking up on the native grocery store. Getting a boosted return on these purchases whereas skipping FX charges is a win-win.
We’ve additionally chosen the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card as our high decide because it comes with six complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program lounge passes every year, and it boasts sturdy journey insurance coverage choices, together with emergency medical insurance coverage, journey cancellation and interruption insurance coverage, flight delay insurance coverage, rental automotive collision or injury insurance coverage and extra.

The cardboard comes with an annual charge of $150, which is usually waived for the primary 12 months.
Plus, when you make $6,000 in overseas transactions every year, you’ll have successfully saved the annual charge, because you’d in any other case be charged 2.5% with a card that levies overseas transaction charges.
The cardboard has a reasonably normal minimal earnings requirement for Visa Infinite merchandise of $60,000 (private), $100,000 (family), which can make it out of attain for some folks.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a good card for frequent travellers who can reap the benefits of the six complimentary lounge passes and who need a Visa with no overseas transaction charges of their pockets.
Whereas the incomes charges aren’t the most effective out there (see the Scotiabank Gold American Specific® Card under), the cardboard does benefit from the extensive acceptance of a Visa.
When you’re all for signing up for this card or simply studying extra about its perks and advantages, take a look at our full information, which incorporates an Apply Now hyperlink for if you’re prepared so as to add this nice card to your journey arsenal.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
- Earn 30,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $2,000 within the first three months
- Earn an extra 10,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $40,000 within the first 12 months
- Earn 2x Scene+ factors on groceries, eating, leisure, and transit
- Plus, earn 3x Scene+ factors on grocery purchases at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, and FreshCo
- Visa Airport Companion membership with six free lounge visits per 12 months
- Redeem factors for assertion credit score for any journey expense
- Minimal earnings: $60,000 private or $100,000 family
- Annual charge: $150
Different Playing cards with No International Transaction Charges
Whereas we expect the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card stands out amongst no overseas transaction charge playing cards due to its extensive acceptability, complimentary lounge passes, and powerful journey insurance coverage protection, there are a number of different bank cards that will additionally communicate to some travellers.
Scotiabank Gold American Specific® Card
When you’re in search of an American Specific product with no overseas transaction charges, we advocate testing the Scotiabank Gold American Specific® Card.
Not solely does this card provide no overseas transaction charges, nevertheless it additionally permits you to earn Scene+ factors on all of your purchases with glorious incomes charges in Canada.
Scene+ factors could be redeemed for good worth in opposition to journey purchases at a fee of 1 cent per level, in addition to for on a regular basis purchases like groceries and gasoline.
This card additionally usually comes with a pleasant welcome bonus to bulk up your Scene+ account.
What units aside the Scotiabank Gold American Specific® Card as a great entry-level card is that it has a low minimal earnings requirement of solely $12,000, and its annual charge is a reasonably normal $120. Relying on the provide, it might even be waived or rebated for the primary 12 months.
Moreover, the incomes charges on this card are fairly good (higher than the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card above), and so they break down as follows:
- 6 Scene+ factors per greenback spent on Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and different Empire-affiliated grocery shops
- 5 Scene+ factors per greenback spent on groceries, eating, and leisure
- 3 Scene+ factors per greenback spent on gasoline, transit, and streaming companies
- 1 Scene+ level per greenback spent on all different purchases
Not like the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card, overseas transaction purchases will solely earn 1 level per Canadian greenback spent no matter what spending class they fall inside.
Regardless of its decrease minimal earnings requirement, the Scotiabank Gold American Specific® Card comes with insurance coverage protection that’s worthy of a premium card. This consists of emergency medical insurance coverage, journey cancellation and interruption insurance coverage, flight delay insurance coverage, automotive rental insurance coverage, and extra.
This card is nice for somebody who’s seeking to benefit from the beneficiant incomes charges (in Canada), whereas additionally having an excellent journey card readily available.
When you’re somebody who enjoys flexibility of Scene+ factors, and is in search of a no card with no overseas transaction charges and powerful journey insurance coverage, take a look at extra particulars in our full information and apply for the cardboard by clicking Apply Now.
Scotiabank Gold American Specific® Card
- Earn 20,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $2,000 within the first three months
- Plus, earn an further 20,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $7,500 within the first 12 months
- Earn 6x Scene+ factors at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and extra
- Plus, earn 5x Scene+ factors on groceries, eating, and leisure
- Additionally, earn 3x Scene+ factors on gasoline, transit, and choose streaming companies
- Redeem factors for a press release credit score for any journey expense
- No overseas transaction charges
- Benefit from the unique advantages of being an American Specific cardholder
- Annual charge: $120
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
For these searching for a extra premium choice, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card gives an elevated set of advantages and journey perks, whereas nonetheless waiving overseas transaction charges.
As a Visa Infinite Privilege product, the cardboard comes with the next minimal earnings requirement of $150,000 (private) or $200,000 (family), and an annual charge of $599. Nonetheless, that is partially offset by a $250 annual journey credit score, which applies to eligible bookings made via Scene+ Journey.
You’ll earn:
- 3 Scene+ factors per greenback spent on eligible journey purchases akin to flights, motels, and automotive leases
- 2 Scene+ factors per greenback spent on eating and leisure
- 1 Scene+ level per greenback spent on every thing else, together with overseas purchases
The 2x multiplier on eating and leisure additionally applies internationally, which makes it a useful earn fee to have whereas travelling—whether or not you’re grabbing sushi in Tokyo or catching a present in New York. Coupled with no FX charges, it ensures you’re nonetheless incomes strong rewards even when spending overseas.
The 3x incomes on journey purchases is especially sturdy—it’s the best flat journey multiplier on any bank card within the Canadian market. This may be particularly helpful when reserving motels overseas that solely cost in native forex or apply less-than-favourable alternate charges when you attempt to pay in CAD or USD.
There’s additionally a possible bonus 3x factors when you guide motels, automotive leases, or actions via Scene+ Journey, bringing the full earn fee to 6 Scene+ factors per greenback on these purchases. Whereas this does imply giving up direct reserving perks like lodge standing advantages and elite night time credit, it’s nonetheless an honest choice when you’re not chasing elite standing.
Nonetheless, it’s price noting that regardless of being a premium card, there’s no grocery multiplier—a stunning omission provided that groceries are a serious spend class for a lot of travellers and households alike.
That mentioned, the cardboard does make up for it with a strong insurance coverage bundle that features emergency medical, journey cancellation and interruption, flight delay, cell machine protection, and extra—providing peace of thoughts whether or not you’re travelling throughout the nation or midway all over the world.
Further advantages embrace 10 complimentary lounge visits per 12 months via the Visa Airport Companion Program, complete journey insurance coverage, and entry to luxurious perks such because the Visa Infinite Privilege Lodge Assortment and Avis President’s Membership membership.
Scene+ factors could be redeemed at a set worth of 1 cent per level, and are versatile sufficient to be utilized retroactively as a press release credit score in opposition to any journey buy made previously 12 months.
When you’re in search of a premium card that mixes sturdy journey perks, versatile redemptions, and no overseas transaction charges, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a compelling alternative, particularly for high-spending travellers targeted on journey and eating.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- Earn 30,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $3,000 within the first three months
- Plus, earn an extra 30,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $20,000 within the first six months
- And, earn an extra 20,000 Scene+ factors if you make a minimum of one eligible buy in the course of the 14th month of account opening
- Earn 3x Scene+ factors on eligible journey purchases
- Earn 2x Scene+ factors on eating and leisure purchases
- Visa Airport Companion membership with 10 free lounge visits per 12 months
- $250 annual journey credit score
- Redeem factors for a press release credit score in opposition to any journey expense
- Minimal earnings: $150,000 private or $200,000 family
- Annual charge: $599
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Enterprise Card
When you’re a enterprise proprietor who travels quite a bit and/or is usually making purchases in foreign currency, we advocate looking on the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Enterprise* Card.
This card is almost an identical to the private card, in that it has no overseas transaction charges, earns Scene+ factors, comes with six lounge passes, and has sturdy journey insurance coverage protection.
The place it differs is that the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Enterprise* Card comes with a flat incomes fee of 1.5 Scene+ level per greenback spent.
Whereas this can be a decrease earn fee than the private model of the cardboard in lots of classes, the 1.5x fee is larger than the baseline 1x fee supplied by the opposite Scene+ playing cards, and a 1.5% fee of return is taken into account pretty good for a enterprise bank card.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Enterprise* Card is an effective card to contemplate for enterprise house owners who’ve appreciable bills within the US and additional overseas, and for many who could make use of the journey insurance coverage and lounge passes.
To join this card or to be taught extra its choices, take a look at our full information. You’ll additionally discover an Apply Now button on the web page when you’re prepared to enroll now.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Enterprise* Card
- Earn 30,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $5,000 within the first three months
- Earn 10,000 Scene+ factors upon spending $60,000 within the first 12 months
- Plus, earn 1.5x Scene+ factors on all purchases
- Visa Airport Companion Program membership with six free lounge visits per 12 months
- No overseas transaction charges
- Qualify on the premise of your corporation financials
- $199 annual charge
Moreover, take a look at our information on making use of for enterprise bank cards even when you don’t at present have a enterprise.
Dwelling Belief Most well-liked Visa Card
When you’re simply in search of a fundamental card with no overseas transaction charges to have readily available, take into account the Dwelling Belief Most well-liked Visa Card. With no annual charge, this card is simple to carry onto for everytime you would possibly want it.
As a no-fee card, it doesn’t include a bevy of perks and advantages; nonetheless, it does provide 1% money again on purchases made in Canadian {dollars} for if you use the cardboard at dwelling.
This easy card is nice alternative for somebody who’s simply seeking to save money on overseas forex purchases and who doesn’t must earn journey factors or take pleasure in journey advantages (or is prepared to forego these for the sake of saving on charges.
To be taught extra in regards to the Dwelling Belief Most well-liked Visa Card, examine our full bank card information, which additionally consists of an “Apply Now” hyperlink for if you’re prepared to enroll.
Dwelling Belief Most well-liked Visa Card
- Earn 1% money again on all transactions in Canadian {dollars}
- Plus, get monetary savings overseas with no overseas transaction charges
- Minimal annual earnings: $15,000 private
- No annual charge
Conclusion
International transaction charges are a type of sneaky expenses that quietly chip away at your journey finances. At 2.5% per buy, they might not look like a lot—till you tally up your week in Europe and notice you’ve mainly paid for an additional night time at a lodge.
The excellent news? Avoiding them is simple. With the correct bank card, it can save you cash on each worldwide swipe, whereas nonetheless racking up rewards, lounge entry, and journey insurance coverage perks.
Whether or not you select a card like Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card for its extensive acceptability, free lounge passes, and nice journey insurance coverage protection, or a easy card just like the no-annual-fee Dwelling Belief Most well-liked Visa Card, having a no overseas transaction charge bank card in your pockets will definitely reap advantages.
If you wish to be taught much more about the most effective no overseas transaction charge journey playing cards, take a look at our YouTube video, and take into account becoming a member of our Prince of Journey Membership to get entry to our engaged neighborhood of points-savvy travellers similar to you.