Planning a trip abroad? Whether you’re exploring the streets of Paris or shopping in Tokyo, using the right credit card can make a big difference. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a popular choice for travelers, but does it charge foreign transaction fees?
What Are Foreign Transaction Fees?
Foreign transaction fees are extra charges some credit cards add when you make purchases outside your home country. These fees are usually 1% to 3% of each transaction.
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For example, if you spend $100 on a meal in Italy, a 3% fee could add $3 to your bill. Over a trip, these small charges can add up fast, eating into your travel budget.
The good news? Not all cards charge these fees. Some, like the Capital One Quicksilver, are designed to save you money when you shop or dine abroad.
Let’s explore why this card stands out.
Does the Capital One Quicksilver Have Foreign Transaction Fees?
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees.
That’s right—zero! Whether you’re buying souvenirs in Mexico or booking a hotel in Thailand, you won’t pay extra for using this card outside the U.S.
This makes it a great option for frequent travelers or anyone planning a big international trip.
Here’s a quick look at how the Quicksilver compares to other cards:
| Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Quicksilver | None | $0 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 3% | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | 3% | $0 |
| Blue Cash Preferred (Amex) | 2.7% | $95 ($0 first year) |
As you can see, the Quicksilver’s lack of foreign transaction fees gives it an edge for international use, especially since it also has no annual fee.
Why Choose the Capital One Quicksilver for Travel?
The Quicksilver isn’t just about avoiding foreign transaction fees. It’s packed with features that make it a solid choice for travelers.
Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, everywhere. From flights to coffee shops, every dollar spent earns rewards.
- No Annual Fee: Keep more money in your pocket with no yearly cost to carry the card.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first three months. That’s an easy way to offset travel expenses.
- Travel Benefits: Enjoy perks like travel accident insurance and 24/7 travel assistance services, which add peace of mind on the road.
- 5% Cash Back on Select Travel: Book hotels or rental cars through Capital One Travel and earn 5% cash back, boosting your rewards.
These features make the Quicksilver a versatile card, whether you’re traveling abroad or shopping at home.
How to Use the Quicksilver Card Abroad
Using the Capital One Quicksilver internationally is simple, but a few tips can help you make the most of it:
- Pay in Local Currency: When paying at a store or restaurant, choose to pay in the local currency (like euros or yen) instead of U.S. dollars. This avoids dynamic currency conversion fees, which can be higher than the card’s exchange rate.
- Notify Capital One: Before you travel, let Capital One know your travel plans through their mobile app or website. This helps prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity.
- Carry a Backup Card: While the Quicksilver is widely accepted as a Mastercard, it’s smart to bring a second card (preferably a Visa) in case a merchant doesn’t accept Mastercard.
- Use Virtual Card Numbers: For online purchases, use Capital One’s Eno assistant to generate virtual card numbers. This adds an extra layer of security for international transactions.
By following these steps, you can use your Quicksilver card confidently and securely anywhere in the world.
Other Fees to Watch Out For
While the Quicksilver has no foreign transaction fees, it’s wise to be aware of other potential costs:
- High APR: The card’s variable APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.24%. If you carry a balance, interest charges could outweigh your cash back rewards. Pay your bill in full each month to avoid this.
- Balance Transfer Fee: If you transfer a balance, you’ll pay a 3% fee during the first 15 months (4% after that). This isn’t travel-related but good to know.
- Cash Advance Fee: Taking out cash with your card comes with a fee of $5 or 5% of the advance (whichever is greater), plus a high APR. Avoid cash advances when possible.
Being mindful of these fees ensures you maximize the card’s benefits without unexpected costs.
Comparing the Quicksilver to Other Travel-Friendly Cards
The Quicksilver is great, but how does it stack up against other no-foreign-transaction-fee cards?
Let’s take a look:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Offers 2x miles per dollar on all purchases and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. It has a $95 annual fee but includes a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earns 5x points on travel through Chase Travel and 3x points on dining. It has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, but its rewards structure is more complex.
- Discover it Cash Back: Like the Quicksilver, it has no foreign transaction fees or annual fee. However, Discover cards are less widely accepted abroad, which could be a drawback.
If you want simplicity and no annual fee, the Quicksilver is hard to beat. But if you spend heavily on travel or dining, a card with bonus categories might offer more rewards.
Maximizing Rewards with the Quicksilver Card
The Quicksilver’s 1.5% cash back is straightforward, but you can make it work harder for you:
- Pair with Another Card: Use the Quicksilver for everyday purchases and a card with bonus categories (like the Capital One SavorOne for dining) to maximize rewards.
- Redeem Flexibly: Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, check, or used for purchases on Amazon.com or through PayPal. There’s no minimum redemption amount, so you can cash out anytime.
- Book Through Capital One Travel: Get 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through their travel portal. This is a great way to boost your earnings for trip expenses.
By strategically using the card, you can turn everyday spending into extra cash for your next adventure.
Is the Quicksilver Right for You?
The Capital One Quicksilver is ideal for people who want a simple, no-fee card that’s travel-friendly.
It’s perfect if you:
- Travel internationally and want to avoid foreign transaction fees.
- Prefer a flat-rate cash back card without tracking bonus categories.
- Have good to excellent credit (typically a FICO score of 670 or higher).
- Want a low-maintenance card with a generous welcome bonus.
However, if you spend a lot in specific categories like dining or gas, you might earn more with a card that offers higher rewards in those areas.
Also, if your credit isn’t strong, you might consider the QuicksilverOne, which has similar benefits but a $39 annual fee and is easier to qualify for.
FAQs: Capital One Quicksilver Foreign Transaction Fee
Q. Does the Capital One Quicksilver charge foreign transaction fees?
A. No, the Capital One Quicksilver has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international purchases.
Q. Can I use the Quicksilver card anywhere in the world?
A. Yes, as a Mastercard, it’s widely accepted globally. However, always carry a backup card in case a merchant doesn’t accept Mastercard.
Q. Are foreign transaction fees the only cost to worry about when traveling?
A. No, you should also avoid dynamic currency conversion fees by paying in the local currency and be cautious of high APRs if you carry a balance.
Conclusion
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option for travelers who want to save on foreign transaction fees while earning solid cash back.
With no annual fee, a simple 1.5% cash back rate, and travel-friendly perks, it’s a reliable choice for both international adventures and everyday spending.
By paying in local currency, notifying Capital One of your travel plans, and paying your balance in full, you can make the most of this card without surprise costs.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available data as of June 28, 2025, and is subject to change. Always check with Capital One for the most current rates, fees, and terms before applying for a credit card. Credit card offers and benefits may vary based on your creditworthiness and location.
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