Best Credit Cards for Traveling Internationally

Comparing the best credit cards for international travel

A closer look at the best credit cards for international travelers

The Platinum Card from American Express

Travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a range of travel perks, including access to the Global Lounge Collection (which includes Priority Pass and Centurion lounges), automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, and excellent travel insurance. Earn 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $695

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.99% to 28.99% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 within six months of account opening.

Our verdict: If you travel frequently and can take advantage of the card’s benefits to offset the annual fee, the Amex Platinum is a must-have. However, if you’re not willing to pay such a high annual fee or won’t use the travel perks and benefits, there are other options to consider.

Pros:

• Can transfer points to Amex airline and hotel partners
• Access to the Global Lounge Collection
• Automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status
• Excellent travel insurance
• Over $1,500 in credits

Cons:

• $695 annual fee
• Some of the card’s credits can be difficult to use

Apply now: American Express Platinum Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Travel perks: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access through Priority Pass, and valuable travel protections. Earn 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 points per dollar on all dining and travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $550

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 22.24% to 29.24% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening.

Our verdict: If you travel frequently and can maximize the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve to outweigh the annual fee, this card could be a great fit. Although it has one of the higher annual fees on this list, the benefits more than outweigh the cost, even for infrequent travelers.

Pros:

• $300 annual travel credit
• Can transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS
• Airport lounge access
• Excellent travel insurance
• A suite of complimentary subscriptions, including Lyft Pink, DoorDash DashPass, and Instacart+

Cons:

• $550 annual fee
• Fewer travel partners than Amex

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Travel perks: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market. Earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.24% to 28.24% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening.

Our verdict: If you want to earn flexible rewards for travel without paying a high annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for luxury perks like airport lounge access, you may want to explore other options.

Pros:

• Lucrative welcome offer
• $50 annual hotel credit benefit
• Exceptional travel protections included
• 25% value boost when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards

Cons:

• No airport lounge access
• No other premium travel benefits

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Travel perks: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers flat-rate rewards on all purchases and the flexibility to redeem rewards for statement credits or miles transfers to travel partners. Earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, and 5 miles per dollar on hotel and car rentals purchased through Capital One Travel.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.99% to 28.99% variable

Signup bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Our verdict: If you want to earn flexible rewards for all aspects of your international trip and want travel perks, no foreign transaction fees, and a low annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is hard to beat. However, if you’re looking for more travel protections included, you may want to consider another low-annual-fee travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Pros:

• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• Can transfer miles to Capital One travel partners
• Two complimentary airport lounge visits per year
• May come with Visa Signature benefits
• Hertz Five Star status

Cons:

• Fewer travel protections than the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which also comes with a $95 annual fee
• Capital One transfer partners are typically considered less valuable than Chase or Amex partners

Apply now: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

Travel perks: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers no foreign transaction fees, a welcome offer, and a zero-interest offer on purchases and balance transfers. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles and balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening. A 3% balance transfer fee is applicable to each transaction.

Regular APR: 17.99% to 27.99% variable.

Signup bonus: Earn 25,000 points — worth $250 toward travel purchases — when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening.

Our verdict: If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card that earns flat cash back and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card could be a good fit. If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you could earn even more rewards on every purchase.

Pros:

• No annual fee
• Zero-interest offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Visa Signature benefits like travel and emergency assistance, Visa Signature Concierge access, and lost luggage reimbursement
• Potential for boosted rewards with Preferred Rewards membership

Cons:

• Limited redemption options
• No option to transfer points to travel partners
• No specific travel benefits

Apply now: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Things to look for in a credit card for international travel

1. Foreign transaction fees

Something you always want to be on the lookout for when looking at these types of cards is foreign transaction fees. Credit card companies typically charge these fees for purchases made in a foreign currency or outside your home country. By selecting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and save money while enjoying your trip.

2. Welcome bonus

A welcome bonus is an enticing offer many credit card issuers provide to attract new customers. When selecting a credit card for international travel, consider the welcome bonus it offers. These bonuses can range from cashback rewards to airline miles or hotel points. A generous welcome bonus can provide an excellent head start in earning rewards or even cover some of your travel expenses.

3. Travel insurance

Travel insurance is an essential aspect of any international trip. Some credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance coverage when you use them to purchase your travel tickets or accommodations. Look for a credit card that provides comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, lost baggage, and emergency medical expenses. Having these protections in place can provide peace of mind during your travels.

Related: Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

4. Bonus points on travel expenses

Another essential feature to consider when selecting a credit card for international travel is the ability to earn bonus points on travel-related expenses. Look for a card that offers accelerated rewards on flights, hotel bookings, and other travel expenditures. These bonus points can accumulate quickly and be redeemed for future travel expenses or upgrades, enhancing your overall travel experience.

5. Contactless features

Contactless payment technology has become increasingly popular and convenient in today’s digital age. When traveling abroad, it’s advisable to choose a credit card that offers contactless features. This allows you to make payments by tapping your card on a payment terminal, eliminating the need for physical contact or inserting your card into unfamiliar machines. Contactless payments are widely accepted worldwide, providing a secure and efficient way to transact while traveling.

How to choose a travel credit card for international travel

When selecting a travel credit card for international travel, consider the following factors:

• Research and compare: Thoroughly research different credit cards available for international travel. Compare their features, benefits, fees, and rewards programs to find the one that best suits your needs.
• Fee structure: Pay attention to annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and any other applicable charges. Balance these fees against the benefits and rewards offered by the card to determine its value for your specific travel plans.
• Acceptance and accessibility: Ensure your chosen credit card is widely accepted in the countries you plan to visit. Consider its accessibility through global payment networks, such as Visa or Mastercard, to ensure you can use it anywhere.
• Customer support: Look for a credit card issuer with reliable customer support services, especially for travelers. Access to 24/7 customer assistance, emergency card replacement, and fraud protection can be invaluable when you’re away from home.

Is a credit card for international travel worth it?

Using a credit card specifically designed for international travel can offer significant advantages and enhance your overall travel experience. These credit cards can provide peace of mind and convenience, from saving money on foreign transaction fees to earning rewards and accessing travel insurance coverage. However, it’s crucial to choose a credit card that aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.

Before deciding, carefully consider your travel frequency, preferred airlines or hotel chains, and the potential benefits and costs associated with the credit card. Assess whether the rewards and perks offered outweigh any fees or annual costs. Ultimately, a credit card for international travel can be worth it if it aligns with your needs, enhances your travel experience, and provides value in the long run.

Methodology

The methodology used to calculate the best cards for international travel relied on several factors, with the most prominent of those being:

• The required credit score to apply successfully for the card
• The additional benefits offered by the card beyond rewards
• The rewards rate of the card
• The history of the card issuer itself
• Any potential costs associated with owning the credit card, like foreign transaction fees, annual fees, and APR
• International travel-specific benefits, like lounge access or worldwide availability

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.