Did you know foreign transaction fees can hit up to 3% per purchase when using credit cards abroad? This means spending $1,000 overseas could lead to $30 in extra charges. Luckily, there are top credit cards made to cut down on these fees and boost your travel budget.
This guide will cover the best credit cards for international use. These cards offer great rewards, low or no foreign transaction fees, and travel perks. They’re perfect for both frequent and occasional travelers. These cards can save you money and give you points or cash back on your purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid foreign transaction fees that can add up to 3% on every international purchase.
- Seek out credit cards with global acceptance, EMV chip technology, and international banking partners.
- Maximize rewards and travel benefits like bonus points, airport lounge access, and trip protection.
- Compare annual fees and ensure the card’s features align with your international travel needs.
- Consider no-annual-fee options for occasional international travelers.
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Global Travelers
Flexible Rewards and Travel Perks
For those who love to travel the world, the right credit card can make a big difference. It should offer flexible rewards and great travel perks. The top cards for global travelers have many benefits that meet their needs.
These cards give you extra points or miles for travel and dining. This means you can earn rewards faster. They also don’t charge extra for foreign transactions, saving you money when you buy things abroad. Plus, you might get travel credits, lounge access, and special status with hotels and car rental companies.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card gives 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Capital One Travel and 2 miles on everything else. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers up to 10X bonus rewards on dining and travel, making it a great choice for travelers.
| Card | Rewards Rate | Travel Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 5X miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles on all other purchases | No foreign transaction fees, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 10X bonus rewards on dining and travel | $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel; 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com | $200 annual airline fee credit, access to Centurion Lounges and other premium airport lounges |
When picking the best travel rewards card, think about how you spend, your travel style, and what perks you want. Choosing the right card means you can earn more rewards and have a better travel experience.
Features to Look for in Credit Cards for International Use
When picking a credit card for your travels, look for key features that make your trip better and save you money. Choose cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges when you buy things abroad. It’s also important that the card is widely accepted internationally, as some places might not take cards from certain banks in the U.S.
Travel protections like trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage coverage, and emergency help are a big plus. They give you peace of mind when you’re in new places. Make sure the card uses chip-and-PIN technology, which is common in many countries and makes buying things easier.
Good currency conversion rates can also save you money. Some cards offer better exchange rates than others. So, it’s a good idea to compare different cards before you decide.
By focusing on these key features, you can find a credit card that’s great for traveling abroad. It will help you get the most value and avoid hassle on your trips.
“Choosing the right credit card for international use can make all the difference in your travel experience, from minimizing fees to unlocking valuable perks.”
- No foreign transaction fees
- Widespread international acceptance
- Comprehensive travel protections
- Chip-and-PIN technology
- Favorable currency conversion rates
Keep these features in mind when choosing a credit card for traveling abroad. They help make your trip smooth and affordable, letting you enjoy your adventures more.
Credit Cards for International Use
Traveling abroad can be easier with the right credit card. The best cards offer rewards, travel perks, and no foreign transaction fees. These cards help you earn points or miles, get travel insurance, and avoid extra charges when you spend in foreign currencies.
Foreign transaction fees can add about 3% to your purchases. Choosing a card with no foreign transaction fees can save you a lot of money. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, making them great for international travel. It’s smart to carry two credit cards when you travel, in case one is not accepted or gets lost.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card gives you 10 points per $1 on dining and 3 points per $1 on other dining. The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on dining and entertainment. The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card earns 4 points per $1 on dining.
Some places abroad might only take cash or have high minimums for credit card purchases. It’s wise to use bank ATMs for cash instead of airport exchange kiosks. Also, cash advances on credit cards come with high interest rates and extra fees, so try to avoid them.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at over 100 million locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Mastercard is accepted in more countries, but Visa has more merchants. Choosing a Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees can save you about 3% on each purchase.
Avoiding foreign transaction fees and dynamic currency conversion can save you up to 10% abroad. Chip-and-PIN cards are a bit more useful than chip-and-signature cards for international travel. Visa credit cards are the most widely used globally.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top pick for those who travel internationally. It offers a big 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. You’ll earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchases and 5 points for every $1 spent on Chase Travel purchases.
You’ll also get 3 points for every $1 spent on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases. This doesn’t include Target® or Walmart®.
This card has great travel perks too. You get a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit and a 10% anniversary points bonus each year. When you use your rewards, you get a 25% boost in value when booking through Chase Travel. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for international use.
| Rewards Earned | Redemption Value |
|---|---|
| 2X on travel purchases 5X on Chase Travel purchases 3X on dining, streaming, and online groceries 1X on all other purchases | $1 = 100 points $1.25 when redeemed for travel through Chase |
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is great for international travelers. It has a flexible rewards program, valuable travel perks, and no foreign transaction fees. It’s a top choice for a rewarding credit card experience.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Simple Rewards for Global Travelers
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is great for travelers. It earns 2X miles per dollar on all purchases, with no extra fees for foreign transactions. This card is perfect for those who want to earn rewards easily without worrying about extra charges when spending money abroad.
This card stands out because of its easy-to-use rewards. You can turn your miles into travel expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars. This means you can plan your trips without being tied to specific airlines or hotels.
New cardholders get a big bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. The card also offers travel benefits like insurance, extended warranty, and miles for statement credits on travel purchases.
If you’re planning a trip or just want to earn rewards easily, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great pick. It’s ideal for global travelers looking for simple travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you love to travel the world, the Platinum Card® from American Express is perfect for you. It offers top-notch perks and luxury. This card is made for the globe-trotter who wants the best.
Enjoy over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide with this card. They’re perfect for relaxing or getting work done before your flight. Plus, you’ll earn 5X points on travel purchases. Use these points for flights, hotels, and more.
There’s more than just airport lounges. You’ll get up to $200 in Uber credits and up to $200 in airline fee credits. Plus, you’re covered with trip cancellation and delay insurance. And there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can shop without extra charges.
Whether you’re off to exotic places or staying in luxury hotels, the Platinum Card® from American Express makes your trips better. It’s packed with premium travel perks.
“The Platinum Card® from American Express is a must-have for the international traveler who demands the best. The exceptional benefits and seamless luxury make it an invaluable companion on any journey.”
The Platinum Card® from American Express is great for travelers. It offers airport lounge access, travel credits, and no foreign transaction fees. It’s perfect for those who want a top-tier travel experience. Unlock VIP privileges and make your travels better with this amazing card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Premium Perks for Luxury Travelers
If you travel a lot and want top-notch benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is perfect for you. It’s a high-end travel rewards card with lots of luxury perks for the sophisticated traveler.
The card gives you a big $300 annual travel credit for eligible travel buys. This makes the card’s yearly fee only $250, which is a great deal.
There’s more, like Priority Pass Select lounge access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world. This means you can relax in style before your flight. Plus, you get a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, making airport trips smoother.
Earning rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is great too. You get 10X points on Lyft rides and 3X points on travel and dining purchases, with no extra fees for foreign transactions. You can use these points for travel and get a 50% boost in value through the Chase Travel portal.
“The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a true standout in the world of premium travel credit cards, offering a remarkable array of benefits that cater to the needs of the discerning global traveler.”
Looking for luxury hotel perks, purchase protection, or insurance for your trips? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has it all. It offers an unmatched set of benefits that make your travels better.
No Annual Fee Options
For global travelers wanting to dodge annual fees, there are top-notch no-fee travel credit card choices. These cards offer great rewards and benefits without the high fees. They have a simple rewards structure, giving you a fixed rate on all purchases. Plus, they don’t charge any foreign transaction fees. Even without the fancy perks of luxury cards, they can save you a lot and help you earn more on your trips.
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a top pick, earning 1.25 miles per dollar spent with no annual fee. Another excellent choice is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, which gives you 1.5 points per dollar and has no foreign transaction fees.
If you prefer cash back rewards, the Discover it® Cash Back card is a great option. It offers 5% back in certain categories and 1% on everything else. Plus, it comes with Discover’s Unlimited Cashback Match in the first year.
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Foreign Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | $0 | 1.25 miles per $1 spent | 0% |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | $0 | 1.5 points per $1 spent | 0% |
| Discover it® Cash Back | $0 | 5% back in rotating categories, 1% on other purchases | 0% |
These no-annual fee travel credit cards are perfect for those who want simple rewards and no foreign transaction fees. They’re ideal for international travelers looking to earn more without the extra cost of an annual fee.
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card for international use is key. Look for no foreign transaction fees, global acceptance, travel protections, and high earning rates. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express are great choices.
These cards offer benefits that make traveling abroad easier and more rewarding. By picking the best credit card for your needs, you can save money and earn rewards on purchases. You won’t have to worry about extra fees or limits when using your card overseas.
When picking a credit card, think about your travel style and spending habits. Consider what rewards and benefits matter most to you. This way, you can find the perfect card for your international adventures.
FAQ
What are the top credit cards for international use?
The best credit cards for international use offer rewards, travel perks, and no foreign transaction fees. They help you earn points or miles on purchases abroad. They also provide travel insurance and airport lounge access and avoid surcharges in foreign currencies.
What features should I look for in a credit card for international use?
Look for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and wide acceptance. It should have travel protections, chip-and-pin technology, and good currency conversion rates. These features help reduce costs and increase value when you buy things abroad.
What are the best travel rewards credit cards for global travelers?
The best travel rewards cards for global travelers have flexible rewards programs and big sign-up bonuses. They offer travel and dining purchase bonuses, no foreign transaction fees, and travel credits. You also get airport lounge access and elite status with hotel and car rental partners.
What are the top no-fee credit card options for international travel?
No-fee credit cards are great for avoiding annual fees. They offer rewards and benefits for international travel without the extra cost. These cards give you cash back or miles on all purchases and have no foreign transaction fees. They might not have as many perks as premium cards but are still valuable for travelers.
What are the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for international use?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is great for international travelers. It offers a big sign-up bonus, flexible rewards, and travel benefits. You earn more points on travel and dining, and get 25% more value when booking through Chase. It also has no foreign transaction fees and provides insurance for trip delays and lost bags.
What makes the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card a good option for global travelers?
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is easy to use for travel rewards. It earns 2X miles per dollar on all purchases, with no foreign transaction fees. You can use miles to cover travel costs, giving you flexibility. It also offers a big sign-up bonus and travel insurance.
What are the key features of the Platinum Card® from American Express for international use?
The Platinum Card® from American Express is for luxury travelers. It offers many benefits like airport lounge access, Uber credits, and airline fee credits. You earn 5X points on travel purchases and don’t pay foreign transaction fees.
What are the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for international travelers?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a top card for international travelers. It gives you a $300 travel credit, lounge access, and credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. You earn 10X points on Lyft rides and 3X points on travel and dining, with no foreign transaction fees.
