Do Bank of America Credit Cards Have Foreign Transaction Fee

It depends on the card — the Bank of America Travel Rewards and Premium Rewards cards have no foreign transaction fees.

You’re planning a trip abroad, and the last thing you want is a surprise fee on every meal, hotel, and souvenir you buy. It’s easy to assume all credit cards tack on an extra charge for foreign purchases, but that’s not always the case.

The answer to whether Bank of America credit cards have foreign transaction fees isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on which card you carry. Some of their most popular travel cards skip the surcharge entirely, while others add a standard 3% fee. Here’s how to tell yours apart and how to avoid paying extra on your next international trip.

How Foreign Transaction Fees Work

A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge, typically 2% to 3%, that some credit cards apply to every purchase made outside the United States. The fee covers the cost of converting currency and processing international transactions.

Bank of America’s standard foreign transaction fee is 3% on cards that charge one. That means on a $1,000 hotel stay abroad, you’d pay an extra $30. Over the course of a weeklong trip, those fees can add up quickly.

Not all Bank of America cards include this fee. The bank offers several cards that specifically advertise a 0% foreign transaction fee, which can save you significant money if you travel regularly.

Which Bank of America Cards Charge Fees?

Knowing which cards have the fee and which don’t can save you from costly surprises. Here’s a breakdown of common Bank of America cards and their foreign transaction fee policies.

• Bank of America Travel Rewards: No foreign transaction fee and no annual fee, making it a strong option for anyone who travels occasionally.
• Bank of America Premium Rewards: No foreign transaction fee, though it carries a $95 annual fee. It’s designed for frequent travelers who want bonus rewards on travel and dining.
• Most other Bank of America cards (like Customized Cash Rewards): Typically carry a 3% foreign transaction fee on all international purchases and ATM withdrawals.
• Bank of America co-branded cards: Cards affiliated with airline or hotel partners may have separate policies; always check the cardholder agreement or the official Bank of America website to confirm.

The key takeaway: if your Bank of America card isn’t listed on the bank’s no-foreign-transaction-fee page, you should assume the 3% fee applies. Checking before you travel can save you dozens of dollars.

How Much You Could Save with a No-Fee Card

Avoiding a 3% fee doesn’t sound dramatic, but the savings add up fast. The table below shows what a 3% fee costs on common international spending levels — money you keep when using a no-fee card.

A Bank of America educational resource defines this foreign transaction fee definition and explains how the charge works on typical purchases.

Over a two-week trip, a family spending $3,000 across hotels, restaurants, and attractions could pay $90 in unnecessary fees. Choosing a no-fee card keeps that money in your pocket.

Tips to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

You don’t have to pay these fees. A few simple steps before your trip can help you spend freely abroad without the extra charge.

1. Check your card’s terms. Log in to your Bank of America account and review the pricing section for your specific card. If it lists a foreign transaction fee, look for alternatives.
2. Apply for a no-fee card in advance. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. Apply a few weeks before your trip so the card arrives in time.
3. Use the bank’s comparison tool. Bank of America’s credit card comparison page lets you filter for cards with no foreign transaction fees, making it easy to find the right fit.
4. Carry a backup card. If your primary Bank of America card charges a 3% fee, bring a second card that doesn’t — such as the Premium Rewards card or a travel card from another issuer.

Once you’re abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency rather than dollars. Paying in U.S. dollars often triggers a separate dynamic currency conversion fee on top of any foreign transaction fee.

Comparing Bank of America No-Fee Cards

If you decide to get a Bank of America card with no foreign transaction fee, you have two well-documented options. The table below highlights the differences so you can pick the one that fits your spending habits.

Bank of America maintains an official list of no foreign transaction fee cards that includes the cards below and any newer offerings.

If you don’t travel often, the Travel Rewards card saves you the annual fee while still eliminating foreign transaction fees. For frequent flyers who dine out regularly, the Premium Rewards card’s bonus categories may justify the $95 fee.

The Bottom Line

Bank of America credit cards do have foreign transaction fees on most of their lineup — typically 3% — but not on their travel-specific cards. The Travel Rewards and Premium Rewards cards both offer 0% foreign transaction fees, and the Travel Rewards card has no annual fee to boot. Checking your card’s terms before you leave and applying for a no-fee card if needed can save you a meaningful chunk of change on any international trip.

Before your next trip, confirm your specific card’s policy on the Bank of America website or reach out to their customer service team, especially if you hold a card that isn’t explicitly listed as no-fee — your travel budget will thank you for that five-minute check.