Delta Credit Cards to Ditch Foreign-Transaction Fees

Many travel-rewards cards have gotten the message: Savvy travelers don’t want to be dinged for foreign-transaction fees of up to 3 percent. It’s a gouge, and travelers know it. So there are now cards available from American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, and so on that boast no foreign-transaction fees whatever.

In many cases, the no-foreign-transaction-fee cards are the cards issued on behalf of the airline and hotel loyalty programs, including those of American, British Airways, United, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott.

The co-branded Delta SkyMiles credit cards, issued by American Express, were not on that list. But they will be soon.

According to American Express:

As of May 1, 2014, the foreign transaction fee is waived for American Express Consumer and Business Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards (Gold, Platinum and Reserve) issued in the U.S. or PRVI. Card Members should start to receive notice of this change in their February statement.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

Also happening May 1, EMV chip technology will be available on all American Express Delta Cards. After May 1, interested Card Members can call the number on the back of their Card to request a new Card with chip.

Eliminating the foreign-transaction fee (currently 2.7 percent) and adding the chip technology are definitely upgrades to the Delta cards. Better late than never.

This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.

You Might Also Like:

• Here’s Why It’s Now a lot Easier to Travel to Turkey
• Will Insurance Cover Nonrefundable Payments?
• Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals