7 Credit Cards With No International Fees in Australia
This guide is for Australians who want to use a credit card overseas or shop online from international websites without paying extra international transaction fees.
Many Australian credit cards charge around 2% to 3% every time you spend in a foreign currency. Over time, those small fees can add up to a lot of money. The cards covered in this article either don’t charge international transaction fees at all or significantly reduce them, which can make overseas spending much cheaper.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What international transaction fees are
- Which types of credit cards in Australia don’t charge them
- What to watch out for before applying
- How to choose the right card for your spending habits
This article is written in simple, everyday English and focuses on practical information, not promotions. Credit card features and conditions can change, so always check the latest details before applying.
What Are International Transaction Fees?
International transaction fees are extra charges added when you use your credit card for purchases that involve another country. This can happen when:
- You buy something while travelling overseas
- You shop on an overseas website
- An Australian business processes its payment through an overseas system
Even if a website looks Australian, the credit card payment can still be processed internationally.
Why These Fees Matter
Let’s say you spend $5,000 overseas in a year.
If your card charges a 3% international fee, that’s $150 gone, just in fees.
Cards with no international transaction fees help you:
- Save money when travelling
- Shop online from overseas stores without extra charges
- Budget more accurately
- Avoid nasty surprises on your statement
How These Cards Are Different
Not all “no international fee” cards are the same. Some:
- Have no overseas fees but charge an annual or monthly fee
- Have no fees but don’t offer rewards
- Waive fees only on purchases, not cash withdrawals
Understanding the differences is important so you don’t trade one cost for another.
7 Credit Cards With No International Fees in Australia – Comparison Table
| Credit Card | International Transaction Fees | Ongoing Fee Type | Rewards Program | Best For |
| Westpac Lite Mastercard | No fees on overseas purchases | Monthly fee | No | Simple overseas spending without rewards |
| Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard | No fees on overseas purchases | Usually no annual fee | No | Frequent travellers and overseas online shopping |
| HSBC Low Rate Credit Card | No fees on overseas purchases | Annual fee | No | Lower interest with international fee savings |
| NAB StraightUp Credit Card | No fees on overseas purchases | Fixed monthly fee | No | Predictable costs and no interest |
| Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard | No fees on overseas purchases | No annual fee | No | Occasional travel and everyday overseas spending |
| ING Credit Cards (eligible customers) | No fees if conditions are met | Annual or monthly fee may apply | Sometimes | ING customers who meet account conditions |
| CommBank No-Fee International Cards | No fees on overseas purchases | Monthly fee (often waivable) | Yes | Reward earners who spend regularly |
7 Credit Cards With No International Fees in Australia (Explained)
1. Westpac Lite Mastercard
This card is designed for people who want things simple.
Why People Choose It
- No international transaction fees on purchases
- Works overseas anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- Straightforward pricing with no complicated conditions
Costs to Consider
- Monthly card fee applies
- Interest still applies if you don’t pay off your balance in full
Who It Suits
This card is best for people who:
- Want to save money on overseas purchases
- Prefer simplicity over rewards
- Use their card regularly but pay it off on time
It doesn’t offer reward points, but the fee savings can easily outweigh that if you spend internationally.
2. Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard
This is one of the most popular cards for overseas spending.
Key Benefits
- Zero international transaction fees
- Good acceptance worldwide
- Designed with travellers in mind
Things to Know
- Usually requires a higher minimum credit limit
- Cash advances still attract fees and interest
- Interest rates can be higher if you carry a balance
Who It Suits
Ideal for:
- Frequent travellers
- People who shop online from overseas stores
- Anyone who wants a dedicated travel card
If you pay off your balance each month, this card can be very cost-effective.
3. HSBC Low Rate Credit Card
This card balances low interest with no overseas fees.
Key Features
- No international transaction fees on purchases
- Lower purchase interest rate compared with many cards
- Simple structure without unnecessary extras
Costs
- Annual fee applies
- Cash advances are still expensive
Who It Suits
This card works well for people who:
- Occasionally carry a balance
- Want overseas fee savings without premium card pricing
- Prefer predictable costs
4. NAB StraightUp Credit Card
This card works differently from traditional credit cards.
How It’s Different
- No interest at all
- Fixed monthly fee based on your credit limit
- No international transaction fees
Why Some People Love It
- Very predictable costs
- No surprises with interest
- Easy to budget
Who It Suits
Best for people who:
- Want control and certainty
- Don’t care about rewards points
- Prefer knowing exactly what they’ll pay each month
5. Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard
This is a popular choice for travellers who want low ongoing costs.
Key Benefits
- No international transaction fees
- No annual fee
- Interest-free days on purchases
Extra Perks
- Often includes complimentary travel insurance
- Strong everyday usability
Who It Suits
Perfect for:
- Occasional travellers
- Online shoppers buying from overseas
- People who want a no-fee card that still offers value
6. ING Credit Cards (Eligible Customers)
ING cards can offer no international fees, but there are conditions.
How It Works
- No international transaction fees if account conditions are met
- Requires an ING Everyday account
- Monthly requirements usually apply
Who It Suits
Best for:
- Existing ING customers
- People comfortable meeting monthly account conditions
- Those who want banking and credit cards under one provider
7. Commonwealth Bank No-Fee International Cards
Some newer CommBank cards waive international fees entirely.
Why People Choose Them
- No overseas fees on purchases
- Option to earn reward points
- Fees may be waived with regular spending
Who It Suits
Good for:
- People who already bank with CommBank
- Those who want rewards without overseas fees
- Regular spenders who can meet monthly requirements
Other Cards Worth Looking At
There are also:
- Airline rewards cards with no overseas fees
- No-annual-fee cards designed for travel
- Premium cards with travel insurance and lounge access
These usually come with higher income requirements or annual fees, so they suit frequent travellers who value perks.
Important Things to Watch Out For When Using a No International Fee Credit Card
A credit card with no international transaction fees can save you a lot of money, but it doesn’t mean every overseas cost disappears. There are still a few important things to understand so you don’t get caught out. Many people assume “no international fees” means “no extra costs at all”, which isn’t always true.
Here are the key things you should always keep in mind.
1. Overseas Cash Withdrawals Can Still Be Expensive
Even if your card charges zero international transaction fees on purchases, most credit cards still treat overseas cash withdrawals as cash advances.
This means:
- A cash advance fee is charged immediately
- Interest starts straight away (no interest-free days)
- The interest rate is usually higher than purchase interest
So if you withdraw cash from an ATM overseas, you may end up paying:
- An ATM operator fee
- A cash advance fee from your bank
- High interest until the amount is fully paid
Tip:
Use your credit card for purchases where possible and rely on a debit card or travel card for cash.
2. Dynamic Currency Conversion Can Cancel Out Your Savings
When paying overseas or on foreign websites, you might see a message like:
“Would you like to pay in AUD or local currency?”
This is called dynamic currency conversion.
While paying in Australian dollars sounds convenient, it often comes with:
- Poor exchange rates
- Extra hidden conversion fees
Even if your card has no international transaction fees, choosing AUD can still cost you more.
Always choose to pay in the local currency.
Your card provider usually gives a better exchange rate than the merchant.
3. Interest Charges Still Apply If You Don’t Pay in Full
“No international transaction fees” does not mean “no interest”.
If you don’t pay off your statement balance in full:
- Purchase interest will apply
- Interest can be higher than the fees you avoided
For example, saving $50 in international fees won’t help if you end up paying $120 in interest over time.
Best practice:
Treat your credit card as a payment tool, not a loan. Pay the full balance every month if you can.
4. Some Cards Have Monthly or Account Conditions
Certain cards only offer no international fees if you:
- Hold a linked everyday bank account
- Deposit a minimum amount each month
- Make a set number of transactions
If you don’t meet these conditions:
- Overseas fees may apply
- Monthly fees may increase
Tip:
Before applying, check whether the no-fee benefit is automatic or conditional.
5. Annual or Monthly Fees Can Reduce the Benefit
Some cards remove international transaction fees but charge:
- Annual fees
- Monthly account fees
These fees might still be worth it if you:
- Travel often
- Spend a lot overseas
But if you only make the occasional overseas purchase, a high yearly fee could cost more than the fees you’re avoiding.
Ask yourself:
“How much do I realistically spend overseas each year?”
6. Rewards Cards May Earn Fewer Points on Overseas Spending
Some rewards credit cards:
- Earn points at a lower rate on international purchases
- Cap point earnings overseas
- Exclude certain foreign transactions from points altogether
So while you avoid fees, you may also earn fewer rewards than expected.
Tip:
If points matter to you, check the overseas earn rate before applying.
7. Exchange Rates Still Matter
Even with no international transaction fees, you’re still subject to:
- Daily exchange rate fluctuations
- Currency conversion at the time of card processing
This means:
- The final amount on your statement may differ slightly from what you expected
- Rates can change between purchase date and processing date
This is normal and not a fee — but it can surprise people who aren’t aware of it.
8. Travel Insurance May Have Conditions
Some no-international-fee cards include travel insurance, but:
- You may need to pay for flights with the card
- Coverage may not start automatically
- Excesses and exclusions apply
Don’t assume you’re covered just because insurance is mentioned.
Always check what activates the insurance and what it covers.
9. Cards Can Change Terms Over Time
Credit card providers can:
- Add or remove fees
- Change eligibility rules
- Adjust interest rates
A card that has no international fees today may not stay that way forever.
Tip:
Review your card’s terms once a year to make sure it’s still right for you.
10. No Fee Doesn’t Mean No Responsibility
A no-international-fee card is still a credit product. You still need to:
- Make repayments on time
- Stay within your limit
- Avoid unnecessary debt
Used well, these cards can save you money. Used carelessly, they can become expensive.
2. Dynamic Currency Conversion
When paying overseas, you may be asked:
“Would you like to pay in AUD?”
Always choose local currency instead.
Paying in AUD often adds hidden conversion fees.
3. Interest Can Cancel Out Savings
No international fees won’t help if you:
- Carry a balance
- Miss payments
Interest charges can quickly cost more than the fees you avoided.
How to Choose the Right Card
Ask yourself:
How often do I spend internationally?
- Rarely → a no-fee card might be enough
- Often → consider a travel-focused card
Do I want rewards?
- Yes → choose a rewards card with no overseas fees
- No → focus on low or zero fees
Do I pay my balance in full?
- Yes → interest rate matters less
- No → low interest is very important
Quick Comparison Guide
| Your Priority | Best Choice |
| Cheapest overseas spending | No-fee travel cards |
| Predictable monthly cost | Fixed-fee cards |
| Rewards and points | No-fee rewards cards |
| Low interest | Low-rate cards |
Final Thoughts
International transaction fees are one of the easiest costs to avoid — if you choose the right credit card. With so many options now available in Australia, there’s no reason to keep paying extra every time you shop overseas or travel.
The key is matching the card to how you actually use it. A card with no international fees can save you real money, but only if the rest of the features suit your spending habits.
Always check the latest terms before applying, as fees and conditions can change. Used wisely, the right card can make overseas spending simpler, cheaper, and far less stressful.
More Resources:
Best Credit Cards in Australia 2026