American credit cards, generally speaking, have a currency conversion rate decided by the bank that is pretty much close to the real thing and costs nothing. With that said, most credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee that is usually anywhere between 1-3%. 2% is very common. AMEX Gold, and most credit/charge cards with an annual fee have 0% foreign transaction fees. The currency conversion rate used by each bank might be slightly different, but I've found it to be negligible over many uses. Answer from cwdawg15 on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amex › foreign transaction fees
r/amex on Reddit: Foreign transaction fees
March 30, 2024 -

I’m going on a Europe trip to several different countries in a couple months. I was wondering what the international fees on the Amex gold card would be like. It says there are no international fees by Amex but, merchants may charge their own foreign fees.

What’s everyone’s experience with this traveling abroad? Are there any fees either from Amex or merchants, especially in Europe?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amex › additional fees for using amex platinum/gold outside us
r/amex on Reddit: Additional fees for using Amex platinum/gold outside US
September 12, 2022 -

First time visiting outside USA after getting my amex gold, platinum and few other cards. I understand the foreign transaction fee is 0 but wanted to check if there are additional charges/fees associated like currency conversion.

I am visiting India if that matters. Suppose I make a purchase of INR 8000 which is approx $100. Will I see the amount as something over $100 due to some other fee?

Edit: would it be cheaper to use an Indian credit card with no annual fee and no benefits instead? I am certain that I won’t need return protection etc

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amex › atm foreign transaction fee???
r/amex on Reddit: ATM foreign transaction fee???
August 1, 2025 -

I am about to leave the country for 10 months and have been trying to find the best currency exchange rate because my banks rates aren’t great. It was suggested that I just frequent ATM’s while traveling since the card has no foreign transaction fee- but does that include when I withdraw money from an ATM? I’m about to go to the bank to get some money to last me for the first few months but if it is true that I can get the foreign cash that I need with no fee that would be game changing (sounds too good to be true but I know some who insist otherwise)

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amexplatinum › does it ever make sense to use overseas?
r/AmexPlatinum on Reddit: Does it ever make sense to use overseas?
September 12, 2023 -

Does it ever really make sense to use my Germany platinum overseas, given the 2% fee?

For example, I’m heading to Australia and thinking about picking up a watch for about 5k euro. Does it make sense to accept the 2% surcharge (considering I’d get back 10% GST) just to get Amex points on the purchase?

Someone tell me I’m crazy.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amex › amex is reinstating ftf at 2.7% starting on 2/21/25
r/amex on Reddit: Amex is reinstating FTF at 2.7% starting on 2/21/25
January 21, 2025 -

Can't fit the title so this is for Business Checking account and this is what the email said:

Effective February 21, 2025, we are reinstating the 2.7% Foreign Transaction Fee on your American Express® Business Checking account.

Here's what you should know

Effective February 21, 2025, we are reinstating the 2.7% foreign transaction fees for cash withdrawals and purchases made with your Business Debit Card that are paid in a currency other than U.S. Dollars. ATM owners or merchants may charge a separate fee on foreign transactions.

On February 21, 2025, we will be changing the BCA Account Agreement and the Rates & Fees Table to reflect the reinstatement of the Foreign Transaction Fee.

We're here for you

If you have any questions, please contact us. We're here for you 24/7.

Sincerely,

American Express

Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amex › amex card has no foreign transaction fee, but...
r/amex on Reddit: Amex card has no foreign transaction fee, but...
December 10, 2024 -

Amex card has no foreign transaction fee, but they get you on the exchange rate.

I made a car reservation in Iceland, and the pending charge came up to $898, when the charge posted, it became $905. !!!

Then I had to cancel the rental the same day, and the car rental in Iceland issued the full refund in ISK. Guess what, Amex only refunded me $898. !!! WTF.

I had to call to get the $7 difference back. They were initially saying I have to deal with merchant about this, like really? But eventually refunded the $7.

I never had this problem with Visa tacking extra $ to hide the foreign transaction fee. If you make a foreign currency charge, make sure to keep an eye on the exchange rate. So no more foreign currency transaction using Amex for me.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amex › is incurring the 2.99% foreign charge worth it?
r/amex on Reddit: Is incurring the 2.99% Foreign Charge worth it?
October 11, 2022 -

Hi all,

I am an expat (from the UK) considering either a Platinum or Gold card and spoke to an agent to clarify whether or not getting a UK-based card would make sense to build my credit rating.

The agent told that despite incurring a 2.99% foreign charge for every transaction, the bonus point for spending in a currency different to the one that card used will incur additional bonus points that outweighs the 2.99% foreign charge.

The agent said that for every 1GBP spent on that card (in a different currency to that of the account) I will get 1GBP worth of bonus points that can then be spent in the future.

This seems too good to be true. Was there a miscommunication between me and the agent?

The agent also said that it is common for expats to get an Amex card issued in the country in which they are from (to build credit) and then use it for every day use in a different country which they live in and incur 2.99% transactions on every purchase that they make.

Once again, can anyone vouch for this?

Thank you all.

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Upgraded Points
upgradedpoints.com › home › credit cards › reviews › amex platinum card
Traveling? Understand Amex Platinum Card's International Fees
October 6, 2023 - But there’s good news if you’re a cardholder of the Platinum Card® from American Express: this card doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee (rates & fees) and is an excellent choice for international travel. Still, it pays to be aware of all the fees you may encounter as you use this card at home or abroad and understand how the Amex Platinum card can be helpful for international travel.
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Ramp
ramp.com › blog › business credit cards
American Express Foreign Transaction Fees Guide
October 13, 2025 - You can avoid AmEx foreign transaction fees by using a business card that doesn’t charge them. American Express offers several options, including the Business Gold, Business Platinum, and Marriott Bonvoy Business cards.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/amexuk › amex in us - transaction fees
r/AmexUK on Reddit: Amex in US - Transaction Fees
June 26, 2025 -

Hi All,

I will be travelling to the US with a group of 15x people. I will be spending circa 10k on attractions / meals etc ; I currently have the AmexGold but aware I get charged a ~3% foreign transaction fee on each purchase.

Is there a way to avoid this and or what do you suggest I do.

My thoughts are

A) Take the hit on the 3% fees and enjoy the extra spend = points B) Alternative AMex card available with 0% fees? C) Proceed with another credit card supplier

Any comments / suggestions very much appreciated

Thank you in advance.