Best No-Foreign-Transaction-Fee Cards for December Travel, My Real Picks

Why I use it: It’s perfect for year-end travel because I earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining and 2x on travel, and the card has zero foreign transaction fees. December eating, airport taxis, hotel stays — everything earns points instead of fees.

Real savings: On a $2,000 Europe trip in December, I save $60 instantly (no 3% surcharge), plus I earn points that usually give me $25–$35 worth of value toward future flights by using Chase Sapphire Preferred® .

Best for: Travelers who want rewards, trip protection, and no-nonsense savings. 

2. Capital One Venture Rewards — Flat Rewards for Every December Purchas

Why I use it: I love Capital One Venture Rewards Card for December because it keeps everything simple: 2 miles per dollar on everything, everywhere I go.

No categories. No thinking. No foreign fees. 

Real savings: A $4,000 December trip = 

$120 saved from no FX fees 

8,000 miles earned (worth about $80) 

Best for: People who want easy rewards without tracking categories. 

3. Discover it® Miles — My Choice for Japan + S. Korea December Trips

Why I use it: In Asia, Discover it® surprisingly works in more places than I expected (especially in Japan). And it has: 

0% foreign transaction fees

No Annal Fees

1.5× unlimited miles 

First-year match (double your miles)

Real savings: On a $1,000 Christmas markets + food trip in Osaka, I saved $30 in fees and got 1,500 miles (effectively 3,000 in the first year).

Best for: Travelers visiting Asia who want easy approval + simple rewards.

4. American Express Gold — December Food Lovers’ Hidden Gem 

Why I use it: December = eating. Everywhere. The Amex Gold gives: 

• ​4× points at restaurants worldwide 
• Zero foreign transaction fees 
• Great travel insurance coverage

Real savings: If I spend $700 on food during December travel, I not only avoid the $21 in FX fees but also get enough points (2,800) to redeem around $28 in flights. 

Best for: Anyone who travels for food or dining experiences.

5. Wells Fargo Autograph — Best Free $0-Fee Card for December Trips

Why I use it: It’s one of the best no annual fee cards that also has no foreign transaction fees — this combination is rare.

Wells Fargo Autograph, unlimited 3x points and up to 3x rewards on travel, restaurants, gas stations, and more with the Autograph Card no annual fee credit card with 0% intro APR.

 Plus it earns: 

• ​3× travel 
• 3× dining 
• 3× gas and transit 

Real savings: On a $1,200 holiday trip with transportation and dining, I save $36 in fees and collect about 3,600 points. 

Best for: People who want travel perks without paying yearly fees.

6. Capital One SavorOne — Best for December Food + Entertainment Trips

Why I use it: December is peak season for markets, shows, concerts, and winter activities. SavorOne gives: 3% back on dining

• ​3% back on entertainment 
• 3% back on groceries 
• No foreign fees 
• $0 annual fee

 Here’s how I personally travel every December:

1 premium card (Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold) 

1 simple backup card (Capital One Venture or Discover) 

1 no-annual-fee card (Wells Fargo Autograph or SavorOne) 

This combo saves me anywhere from $60 to $150 on each December trip — before adding rewards or perks.