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Best Credit Cards for International Travel of June 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards || Best hotel credit cards

Traveling outside the United States? Make sure the credit card you bring is a worthy companion. The best credit cards for international travel are accepted worldwide, provide solid rewards for travel-related expenses and don't charge an extra fee for purchases outside the U.S. Many of them also come with travel protections, such as trip delay and trip cancellation insurance and coverage for lost or delayed luggage.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for International Travel of June 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Flexibility and value

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Simple travel rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for VIP travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Flexibility and high-end perks

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Simple rewards + no annual fee

Best Credit Cards for International Travel From Our Partners

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Flexibility and value

Simple travel rewards, flexibility and high-end perks, bonus rewards + no annual fee, simple rewards + no annual fee, full list of editorial picks: best credit cards for international travel.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Flexibility and value

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Simple travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: VIP travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Flexibility and high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Simple rewards + no annual fee

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

HOW TO COMPARE CREDIT CARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

The factors that go into choosing a credit card specifically for international travel aren't that different from choosing a travel card in general. You'll want to look at such things as annual fees, rewards rates, cardholder perks and sign-up bonuses. But a few items take on outsize importance when picking a card to use outside the United States:

Foreign transaction fees. Many cards slap a surcharge on purchases made outside the U.S. The typical foreign transaction fee is 3% of the purchase amount. Any credit card you plan to use abroad should not have this fee — period.

International acceptance. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted internationally. If a place takes credit cards, it's probably going to take Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less widely accepted. Tourist-focused destinations will be friendlier to AmEx, but even then, take along a Visa or Mastercard as a backup. Discover lags way behind in international acceptance, although it does have partnerships with some foreign payment networks.

Travel protections. When you're far from home, a credit card becomes even more valuable if it offers coverage for things like trip delays or interruptions, luggage problems and rental car damage.

Understand that no travel rewards credit card — no credit card of any kind — is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find high rewards rates, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based and choose the best credit card for international travel for your specific needs and preferences.

Our roundup of the best travel credit cards offers comprehensive guidance on choosing travel cards. Below, we'll hit the high points specifically as they apply to choosing a card for international travel.

Most of the best cards for international travel charge an annual fee. Fees around $100 are standard; for that, you can expect solid rewards and some useful benefits. Premium cards with extensive perks like airport lounge access and travel protections can have fees of $500 or more. Paying an annual fee isn't required, though. There are good cards on our list without annual fees (and we've rounded up more here ). Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

When looking at credit card rewards, there are two parts to the value equation: How much you earn when you make purchases with your card, and what you can do with those rewards.

Earning: The cards on this page all earn points of one kind or another. Some cards pay the same rate — for example, 2 points per dollar — on all purchases. Some pay bonus rewards in specific categories, such as travel, restaurants or gas stations. Don't just focus on the numbers, though. Pay attention to the details of the categories. For example, earning 5 points per dollar on airfare seems terrific. But there's a difference between earning 5X on airfare booked directly airlines (where you can hunt for the best deal) and earning 5X only on airfare booked through the issuer portal (where selection may be limited and prices inflated).

Redemption: Points are only as good as your ability to redeem them. Some cards give you a lot of options for using your rewards. Others, not so much. Can you use your points to book travel? Use them for statement credit to offset travel purchases? Redeem them for cash back? And what kind of value do you get per point when you redeem? The industry standard is 1 cent per point, but some cards give you more value for certain redemptions (and some cards give you less value for certain redemptions). Another consideration: Can you transfer points to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs to potentially get more value? If so, are those partner programs realistic options for you?

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to claim the bonus. Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a bonus worth $500 doesn't make economic sense. The interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Foreign transaction fees

Simply put, if a card charges a foreign transaction fee, it's not a good credit card for international travel. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never travel outside the U.S., these fees aren't a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them. Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $500 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks. Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks can often easily make up for the annual fee on a card.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on May 20 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards for international travel based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits, airport lounge access and travel protections. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

About the author

Sara Rathner

9 types of cards you should pack for your next trip abroad

When traveling abroad, what you pack in your wallet matters as much as what you pack in your luggage.

The approach to both should be the same: Keep it simple and practical. You'll want at least one credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees , one that earns bonus points on travel, another that offers travel insurance and rental car coverage , and a fourth that gets me hotel elite status benefits.

Regardless of where your next trip takes you, this guide will run through nine credit cards for international travel that will serve you well on your travels abroad.

A card with no foreign transaction fees

When traveling internationally, you should have at least one card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees . You're bound to make purchases abroad, so why pay an (up to) 3% fee every time you swipe your card? In many cases, these fees will negate the rewards you'll earn, defeating the purpose of using a credit card for international travel to begin with.

Nowadays, most travel rewards credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, but a few everyday cards do not. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex are popular no-annual-fee cards that charge a 3% transaction fee when you use them abroad. Double-check your favorite rewards cards and ensure they do not impose foreign transaction fees. Here are some of our favorite card picks in this category:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees )
• American Express® Gold Card (see rates and fees )
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (see rates and fees )
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card and the Capital One Savor has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

A card that earns bonus points on travel

If you're going to travel anywhere, you'll need a travel rewards card that earns a sufficient number of points. After all, you'll spend a lot on hotel charges, restaurants, transportation and more. A travel rewards card can help you get as many as 10 points per dollar on these purchases.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express – 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel on up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year and 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card – at least 3 points per dollar on air travel and hotels (see rates and fees )
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – at least 3 points per dollar on travel
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card – 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in multiple categories, including travel each account anniversary year
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – at least 2 points per dollar on travel
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – 2 miles per dollar on all spending
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

While it's easy to go for the card with the highest travel bonus, you'll want to consider a few other factors. Namely, you'll want a card that protects your travel purchases.

A card that offers travel protection

When you're traveling abroad, a lot can happen. Your travel plans may unexpectedly change, and if you don't have travel insurance , you could be in a tough spot. Luckily, you don't need to purchase travel protection coverage every time you travel if you have the right credit card for international travel.

Be sure to bring along a card that offers travel protection , including trip cancellation/interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and emergency evacuation and transportation coverage.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• United Club Infinite Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Remember that coverage may be restricted, depending on where you live or your travel destination.

Related: When to buy travel insurance versus when to rely on credit card protections

A card that offers primary rental car coverage

Rental car coverage is crucial, especially when you're traveling abroad. The last thing you want is to get into a fender bender and get hit with a higher insurance premium. You can buy primary coverage at the rental counter or get it for free using a card that offers primary rental car coverage , such as:

• Ink Business Cash Credit Card
• United Explorer Card
• United Quest Card
• United Business Card
• Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

A card that offers airport lounge access

Traveling abroad means spending quite a bit of time at the airport. You need to arrive several hours before departure and will probably have a few hours to spare. An airport lounge is a great place to pass the time and grab a snack before a flight.

Luckily, many premium credit cards offer lounge access , although you can also score day passes with a card like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card .

• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Priority Pass Select membership (except restaurants) and access to Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (before same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025), Plaza Premium, Airspace and Escape lounges
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Same access as The Platinum Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – Priority Pass Select membership, which includes access to Chase Sapphire Lounges
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Priority Pass Select membership (except restaurants) and access to Capital One Lounges
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) – American Airlines Admirals Club membership
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card – Access to The Centurion Lounge when you book your Delta flight with this card. Get Delta Sky Club when flying a same-day Delta flight, plus four one-time guest passes. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card – Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when traveling with Delta. Plus, per-visit rate of $50 per person for up to two guests . Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• United Club Infinite Card – Complimentary United Club membership

Enrollment required for select benefits.

So what's the best card for international lounge access? That depends on various factors, but The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the most comprehensive network. You not only get Priority Pass Select membership, but you can also visit lounges within the exclusive Centurion lounge network. Just note that this card won't give you access to Priority Pass restaurants.

A card that offers hotel elite status benefits

Having hotel elite status abroad is incredibly valuable. You'll not only earn more points on your hotel stays, but you'll also save money via perks such as free breakfast and club lounge access. As an elite member, you'll also qualify for room upgrades, which can be great in places where hotel rooms tend to be smaller (looking at you, Europe). With the right hotel credit card , you can get top-tier status outright or spend your way there.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – Automatic Hilton Honord Diamond status; $450 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – Hilton Honors Gold status, plus earn Diamond after spending $40,000 in a calendar year
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card – Marriott Platinum Elite status
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Hilton Honors and Marriott Gold status. Enrollment required
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card – Marriott Silver elite status, plus earn 15 elite night credits per calendar year towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card – IHG Platinum Elite status
• World of Hyatt Credit Card – Hyatt Discoverist status

A card that offers Global Entry fee credits

Forget long customs lines when you return to the U.S. Rather than spending an hour in line, you can skip over to the Global Entry kiosk and get through in a matter of minutes.

If you want a smooth experience (and no lines) when returning from your trip abroad, the $100 Global Entry application fee (including TSA PreCheck) is well worth it. Better yet, get yourself a credit card that offers a Global Entry fee credit and put that $100 toward its annual fee. You'll get a nice welcome bonus and your Global Entry application fee covered. These credits get renewed up to every five years in time for your renewal application.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee)
• United Explorer Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card ($95 annual fee)
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee)
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card ($99 annual fee)

Related: 14 things you should know about Global Entry before your next trip

A card that offers travel credits

Things can get expensive when traveling abroad, but you might be covered if you carry a premium credit card in your wallet. Many of these cards offer annual travel credits that are either airline/hotel specific, or you can use them for virtually anything.

If you have one of these cards in your wallet, you'll want to pack it for your trip abroad to put that annual credit to use and lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – Up to $250 Hilton resort credit and up to $250 in statement credits for airline incidentals. Enrollment required for select benefits
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 Uber cash (distributed in $15 monthly increments and on U.S. services), up to $200 prepaid hotel statement credits with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection each calendar year on bookings (two-night minimum stay required with The Hotel Collection), up to $189 Clear Plus membership credit per year. Enrollment is required for select benefits
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — $300 in annual credits for flights, hotels or rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite – Up to $325 general travel credit
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – Up to $300 general travel credit
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card – Up to $300 statement credit each calendar year for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Up to $200 in statement credits for airline incidental fees per calendar year. Enrollment is required
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card – Up to $100 airline incidental fee statement credit
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees ) – Annual $100 hotel savings when you spend at least $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) in a single booking through Citi ThankYou Travel

A debit card that waives international ATM fees

Credit cards aren't as widely accepted abroad as in the U.S. It's not just off-the-beaten-path destinations where you'll need to carry cash – I've encountered merchants in fairly large European cities that did not accept credit cards. You might find yourself short on cash, so a trip to the ATM will be necessary.

That's why bringing a debit card that charges no international ATM fees when you use it abroad is so important. The Charles Schwab debit card is a great option because it carries no fees whatsoever and reimburses all international ATM fees. You can even use the card for purchases since it charges no foreign transaction fees .

• Capital One debit card – Requires a Capital One 360 checking account
• Charles Schwab debit card – Requires opening a Schwab Bank High Yield Investor checking account
• Fidelity Visa Gold Check Card – Requires a Fidelity Cash Management Account
• SoFi Money debit card – Requires a SoFi Money account

The information for the Capital One debit, Charles Schwab, Fidelity Visa Gold Check and SoFi Money debit cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: 5 cards I take with me on every trip abroad

Which cards are best for travel abroad?

The best credit cards for international travel are the most widely accepted and offer robust rewards, travel protection and benefits. While there is no single perfect card that fits everyone's travel needs, the Chase Sapphire Reserve checks off the most boxes. As a Visa card, it's also more widely accepted than Amex cards — but with a $550 annual fee.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great pick. It has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ) and offers (secondary) rental car coverage and a Global Entry application fee credit every four years. Not only can you offset most of your travel expenses by charging them to this card and redeeming your Capital One miles for 1 cent per mile, but you can also transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners.

Do I need a card with a chip-and-pin?

Chip-and-pin credit cards are popular throughout Europe, so you may want one in your wallet if you travel abroad. The good news is that many popular reward credit cards are already chip-and-pin enabled, so you may not have to go through the hassle of finding another card to apply for. Many merchants now offer contactless pay (services like Apple Pay).

What are foreign transaction fees?

Some credit cards impose foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. These fees are usually around 3%. We're all about saving on travel, so avoiding another 3% charge on top of all your travel spending would be ideal. Get yourself a rewards card without foreign transaction fees , and you won't have to worry about this added expense.

Do I need to let my card issuer know if I'm traveling abroad?

You don't have to let your card issuer know you're traveling abroad, but it's a good idea to do so. That way, you minimize the risk of your purchases being declined abroad. Some banks allow you to submit travel notices online, while others require you to call and speak to a representative. Provide a list of countries you plan on visiting, and your account will be notated. Abnormal transactions may still get flagged, but this way, you reduce the chances of your purchases being declined.

Bottom line

Now is a great time to plan your next trip by saving up transferable rewards and making sure you have the right credit cards for international travel in your wallet. You'll save money, earn more points and enjoy a better travel experience. Whichever card combination you pick, make sure it covers all the criteria outlined above.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, please click  here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card, please click  here. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here . For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire card, click here .

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Stella Shon.

Updated as of 4/18/2024.

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Find the best credit card for you

Traveling abroad save money and maximize rewards with these 5 credit cards, if you travel abroad, having a credit card with no international fees can help you save..

Booking international travel can be costly, but with a little advanced planning, you can use a credit card to save money. One of the biggest mistakes credit cardholders make abroad is using a card that charges foreign transaction fees, which average 3% per purchase.

If you spend $1,000 on purchases during your overseas vacation , you'll pay $30 in fees that can easily be avoided by using a credit card with no foreign transaction fee . There are many financial steps to take before an international trip, and you can check off choosing the right credit card by considering one of the options mentioned below. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best cards.)

CNBC Select reviewed popular rewards credit cards to find the best options for people who are traveling outside the U.S., so you can maximize rewards and save on unnecessary fees. All of the cards mentioned below have no foreign transaction fees.

Best cards for international travel

• Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card
• Best for hotels: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Best for bad credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
• Best for luxury travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*

Best for dining

American express® gold card.

4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Not applicable

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fee, credit needed.

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

• Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment)
• Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
• Strong rewards program with 4X points earned at restaurants and 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
• Baggage insurance plan covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage that is damaged, lost or stolen
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• No introductory APR period
• $250 annual fee
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,074
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,969

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? If you love food and travel, the American Express Gold Card could be the ideal rewards card for you. Cardholders earn a competitive 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants and 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X). Plus, earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Terms apply.

Cardholders also receive an annual dining credit of up to $120 ($10 in statement credits a month) at participating partners, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment is required. In addition, cardholders receive $120 ($10 a month) for Uber rides or for ordering Uber Eats.

This card has a $250 annual fee * , but it can be reduced to effectively $10 if you take advantage of both spending credits.

Cardholders can also benefit from Amex Offers , where they earn statement credits or bonus Membership Rewards® points at select retailers. Travelers will appreciate that there are no foreign transaction fees * as well as getting insurance for car rentals and damaged, lost or stolen luggage.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefits guide for more details.

* See rates and fees

Check out CNBC Select's best rewards credit cards .

Best for hotels

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.25X miles per dollar on every purchase

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months

19.99% - 29.99% variable

3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time

Terms apply.

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review.

• 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles never expire for the life of the account
• No Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit offerings
• No airport lounge access

Who's this for? Anyone looking to book hotel rooms should consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card with its impressive offer of 5X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Cardmembers can earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all other purchases, making it a solid choice for everyday use. The card has no annual fee and charges no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ).

Another perk is the 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies (3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time; see rates and fees ).

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers new users a strong welcome bonus: 20,000 bonus miles after they spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening. You can redeem miles for past travel expenses, which is essentially a statement credit. Or you can book new travel reservations through the Capital One Rewards Center.

Additionally, with this card, it's possible to transfer your miles to any of Capital One's partner airlines, including Emirates Skywards, Air Canada and Qantas. (Read how to make the most of your airline miles .)

Read CNBC Select's Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review for more details and check out Select's best hotel credit cards .

Best for bad credit

Discover it® secured credit card.

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year

N/A on purchases

28.24% Variable

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

New / Rebuilding

*See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

• Cash-back program
• Generous welcome bonus
• Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit
• Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
• Low credit line prevents cardholders from charging high-cost items or many expenses

Who's this for? If you have no credit history or bad credit (scores below 580), a secured card may be your best option. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a well-rounded secured card that offers many benefits that are typically found with unsecured cards. Cardholders can earn cash back, receive a generous welcome bonus, use the card overseas without incurring added fees and more — all for no annual fee.

Cardholders earn a competitive 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. Plus, you can earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. The welcome bonus is also unique: For new card members in the first year only, Discover will automatically match all the cash back they've earned at the end of their first year. So, if you earn $50 cash back at the end of the first year, Discover will give you an additional $50.

This card requires a $200 security deposit, which is fairly standard for secured credit cards. It stands out from the crowd because it gives users a clear path to upgrading to an unsecured card (and getting their deposit back). Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically start to review your credit card account to see if they can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit. This takes the guesswork out of wondering when you'll qualify for an unsecured credit card.

Read CNBC Select's Discover it Secured Credit Card review for more detail and check out Select's best credit cards for bad credit .

Best for luxury travel

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

22.49% - 29.49% variable

5%, minimum $5

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

• $300 annual travel credit for travel purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every four years
• Priority Pass™ Select lounge access at 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide
• Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
• Special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
• Complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership
• High annual fee, but it can be offset by taking advantage of all the card’s perks
• No introductory APR
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,469
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $3,346

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve is geared toward foodies and frequent travelers who are looking for luxurious perks, such as annual travel credits, airport lounge access and complimentary hotel room upgrades. You can take advantage of an annual $300 travel credit, which can cover everything from airfare and hotels, to parking and tolls.

As you spend on the card, you will earn:

• 10X points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10X points per dollar spent on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®
• 5X points per dollar spent on flights through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 3X points per dollar spent on travel worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 3X points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,200 redeemed toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. This perk is a great way to get the most value for your rewards.

In addition, Chase recently added new Lyft perks, including 10X points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025, when you use your Sapphire Reserve.

While this card has a robust rewards program, it also has a steep $550 annual fee . All the card's added credits and benefits provided by Chase can help offset the cost. The $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee to a more manageable $250. Cardholders can take advantage of a Priority Pass™ Select membership that has a value of about $429, as well as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit of up to $100 every four years.

Read CNBC Select's Chase Sapphire Reserve review for more details and check out Select's best travel credit cards .

Best for entertainment

Capital one savor cash rewards credit card.

4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 4% on eligible streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases

Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening

4% for promotional APR offers; none for balances transferred at regular APR

• Unlimited 4% cash back on entertainment purchases
• Ability to redeem rewards at any amount, unlike some other cards with $25 minimums
• $95 annual fee
• No introductory 0% financing offers for purchases or balance transfers

Who's this for? Travelers who love to eat out can't go wrong carrying a dining rewards card. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* offers 4% cash back on dining purchases. This is one of the highest rewards rates on dining available, and Capital One classifies dining as restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains and bakeries. Plus, you can enjoy foodie-centric perks, such as exclusive access to premium reservations with OpenTable . And if you're dining overseas, this card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

You can also earn 4% cash back on entertainment spending, whether you're buying movie tickets, taking a family trip to the zoo or spending the evening bowling with friends.

Cardholders benefit from exclusive access to dining, sports and entertainment events. Beyond dining and entertainment perks, you will also earn 3% cash back at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.

This card comes with a $95 annual fee, but it can be offset by the cash back you earn.

Check out CNBC Select's best credit cards for dining out and restaurants .

How to choose the best credit card for international travel

Choosing the right credit card for your travels is a highly personal choice because, unless you're traveling full-time, you'll probably be using the card more within the U.S. than outside of it. Make sure you're getting a card that earns the most rewards for the types of purchases you frequently make. And focus on choosing a rewards program that you'll find the most useful.

That said, there are a few boxes any credit card should check if you're going to use it for traveling out of the country. Be sure the card charges a $0 foreign transaction fee , so you don't get stuck paying extra for every purchase. It's also important to consider what payment networks are most widely accepted internationally. Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted anywhere you can pay with a card. So if you want to use a Discover or Amex card abroad, you may want to bring a Visa or Mastercard along as well, just to be safe.

What's the best credit card for international travel?

CNBC Select ranked the American Express Gold Card as the best credit card for traveling internationally. It has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), has generous bonus spending categories and comes with a range of travel insurance benefits.

Depending on your travel needs and wants, you may be better off with a card that has a more specific set of perks. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium credit card with luxury benefits such as airport lounge access (including Chase Sapphire Lounges ), a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit and 10X points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠  (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually).

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer if I'm traveling out of the country?

You generally aren't required to let your credit card issuer know when you'll be traveling out of the country. However, it's a good habit to practice and can help you avoid a situation where your card is declined for suspicious activity . Some card issues allow you to notify them online, including when and where you'll be traveling. If you aren't able to submit a travel notification online, you'll have to call the number on the back of your card.

What is a foreign transaction fee?

Certain credit cards charge an additional fee for purchases you make in a foreign currency. These transactions are typically the ones you make we you're traveling abroad, but they can also apply to online purchases you make in a currency other than U.S. dollars. Foreign transaction fees are charged as a percentage of the total purchase amount and are usually around 3%. That may not seem like a lot but it can add up quickly, which is why we recommend always using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees .

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Bottom line

Traveling internationally can sometimes be more expensive, and more complicated than domestic travel . However, the right credit card can help alleviate some of these problems.

You won't need to pay excessive exchange fees when using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, simply swipe your card and the conversion into U.S. dollars is done for you — with no additional fees. And you can earn valuable credit card rewards to use for your next adventure.

But before you apply for your next credit card, be sure to check your credit score to ensure it's as solid as possible. Additionally, be sure your travel budget is well-planned out, as you don't want to come home to a mountain of debt.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best international travel credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which cards will put the most money back in your pocket, CNBC Select evaluated 127 popular rewards credit cards offered by major banks, financial companies and credit unions that allow anyone to join. We compared each card on a range of features, including travel rewards (points and miles), annual fee, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, one-time perks, annual perks, redemption rates, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available.

Select teamed up with location intelligence firm Esri . The company's data development team provided the most up-to-date and comprehensive consumer spending data based on the 2019 Consumer Expenditure Surveys from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can read more about their methodology here .

Esri's data team created a sample annual budget of approximately $22,126 in retail spending. The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). General purchases include items such as housekeeping supplies, clothing, personal care products, prescription drugs and vitamins, and other vehicle expenses.

We then estimated how much the average consumer would redeem over the course of a year, two years and five years, assuming they would attempt to maximize their rewards potential by earning all welcome bonuses offered and using the card for all applicable purchases. All rewards total estimations are net the annual fee.

It's important to note the value of a point or mile varies from card to card and based on how you redeem them. When we calculated the estimated returns, we assumed that cardholders are redeeming points/miles for a typical maximum value of 1 cent per point or mile. (Extreme optimizers might be able to achieve more value.)

Our final picks are weighted heavily toward the highest five-year returns, since it's generally wise to hold onto a credit card for years. This method also avoids giving an unfair advantage to cards with large welcome bonuses.

While the five-year estimates we've included are derived from a budget similar to the average American's spending, you may earn a higher or lower return depending on your travel habits.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here .

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here .

*Information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

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Best credit cards for international travel

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Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

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Key takeaways

• The top credit cards you’ll want to use abroad don’t charge foreign transaction fees and offer rewards on your spending.
• We’ve highlighted six travel cards that appeal to different types of spenders, as well as tips on how to choose the best card for you.

Credit cards can be valuable tools when you use them close to home, but they should also be an essential part of your packing list any time you travel overseas . Not only do you normally need a credit card to put down a security deposit to rent a hotel room, but you’ll likely need a credit card to rent a car, too. And if you run out of cash while on a trip, a credit card lets you charge whatever you need and pay the balance when you return home.

The best credit cards for international trips also let you avoid added fees on international transactions and earn rewards for each dollar you spend . Some even offer robust travel protections that can shield you financially if your flight is delayed or your bags are lost or stolen.

If you’re planning a trip overseas this year, here are some of the best cards to consider.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for international travel overall

Why we picked it : The Platinum Card® from American Express makes it easy to earn American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be used for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel purchased through the American Express Travel portal or transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners. A $695 annual fee applies, but the first-year and ongoing benefits can more than make up for it.

As a welcome offer, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within six months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel; 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel; and 1X points on all other purchases.

You won’t pay foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad, and this card comes with the broadest airport lounge access of all travel cards. It also includes up to a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to a $189 credit for CLEAR® Plus Credit membership each year. Other credits that add more value to this card include a $200 airline incidental credit each year, $200 in Uber cash (doled out in monthly increments), a $200 hotel credit on eligible Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings made through Amex and more (two-night minimum stay required). You’ll also get access to a Global Assist hotline, which can help with emergency planning if you run into legal or medical issues when you travel.

• Can transfer points to Amex airline and hotel partners
• Access to the Global lounge collection (which includes Priority Pass and Centurion lounges )
• Automatic Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)
• Excellent travel insurance , including trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Over $1,500 in credits
• $695 annual fee
• Some of the card’s credits can be difficult to use

Who should apply : If you travel frequently and are able to use enough card benefits to make up for the cost of the annual fee , the Amex Platinum is a must-have.

Who should skip : If you don’t want to pay such a high annual fee , or if you think you won’t use the Amex Platinum’s many travel perks and benefits , it would be better to go with a different card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for flexible rewards

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Reserve® lets you earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 10X points on hotel stays and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards ; 10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards; 10X points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025); 5X points on air travel through Ultimate Rewards (after the $300 annual travel credit ) ; 3X points on general travel and restaurant purchases following your travel credit redemption ; and 1X points on all other purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed in many ways , including cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel through the Chase portal or 1:1 points transfers to travel partners.

This card comes with some of the best travel protections of any travel credit card. Some of these benefits include primary auto rental coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay coverage, lost luggage reimbursement and emergency evacuation and transportation coverage. You’ll also get airport lounge access, up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS and a 50 percent points boost on travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Note that the Chase Sapphire Reserve does come with a hefty $550 annual fee .

• $300 annual travel credit
• Can transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck or NEXUS
• Airport lounge access
• Excellent travel insurance
• $550 annual fee
• Fewer travel partners than Amex

Who should apply : If you travel frequently and you’re able to make up for the cost of the annual fee through the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s many benefits , this card could be a good fit for you.

Who should skip : If you don’t travel frequently, don’t want to pay an annual fee or can’t use enough card benefits to justify the cost of card membership, you may want to look into a travel card with a lower (or no) annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best for domestic and international travel

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers the same type of rewards as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, including the same exceptional transfer partners for both domestic and international travel. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are the only credit card points that transfer directly to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. You can also transfer your points to partners like United MilagePlus, Air France / Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy and the highly valuable World of Hyatt program, among other options.

You’ll pay a much lower fee of $95 with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, so you’ll give up some travel perks as a result. However, this card comes with a range of important travel benefits that can be useful for international trips, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage, baggage delay coverage, trip delay protection and more.

At the moment, you can even earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Since you get a 25 percent rewards boost when you redeem for travel through the Chase portal, the bonus alone is worth $750 in airfare, hotels and more. Also note that this card lets users earn 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs); 5X points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and Lyft Rides (Lyft offer through March 31st, 2025); 2X points on other travel; and 1X points on other purchases.

• Lucrative welcome offer
• $50 annual hotel credit benefit
• 10% anniversary points boost
• Exceptional travel protections included
• Lower annual fee of $95
• No airport lounge access
• No other premium travel benefits

Who should apply : Consider this card if you want to earn flexible rewards for travel but don’t want to pay the high annual fee of some premium travel credit cards.

Who should skip : Skip this card if you want luxury perks like airport lounge access.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate travel rewards

Why we picked it : If you want to earn flexible rewards and enjoy travel perks without an overly expensive annual fee, you can also consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which comes with a $95 annual fee. This card lets you earn 75,000 bonus miles — worth $750 in travel — after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.

We like the flat-rate rewards structure for this card because it keeps things simple. Other than earning more rewards on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One, having the chance to rack up a flat 2X miles on all your spending can help you boost your rewards haul quickly.

Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits to cover eligible travel purchases, travel through the Capital One portal or miles transfers to a handful of airline and hotel partners, among many other redemptions. This card also comes with benefits like no foreign transaction fees, and up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, travel accident insurance and extended warranty coverage. Cardholders also get two free complimentary visits to Capital One airport lounges ; these lounge visits can also be used in Capital One partner lounges, including 100+ Plaza Premium lounges.

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

Who should apply : If you’re interested in earning flexible rewards for any aspect of your international trip (including hotels, airfare, rental cars and trains) and want travel perks, no foreign transaction fees and a low annual fee, this card is hard to beat .

Who should skip : 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 .

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card: Best for no annual fee

Why we picked it : If you don’t want to pay an annual fee, consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card . This card comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great card for international travel. As a welcome offer, you can earn 25,000 points — worth $250 toward travel purchases — when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening. You’ll also get a zero-interest offer on both purchases and balance transfers (note that balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days to qualify).

In terms of rewards, you’ll earn 1.5X points on all purchases , as well as 3X points on Bank of America Travel Center purchases. Plus, if you’re a   Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25 percent to 75 percent more rewards on every purchase you make. Just be aware that, instead of using these rewards to book your travel, Bank of America travel rewards are issued as statement credits on travel or dining purchases.

• No annual fee
• Zero-interest offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Visa Signature benefits like travel and emergency assistance, Visa Signature Concierge access and a lost luggage reimbursement
• Potential for boosted rewards with Preferred Rewards membership
• Limited redemption options
• No option to transfer points to travel partners
• No specific travel benefits

Who should apply : If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card that earns flat cash back and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, this card could be a good fit for you . Plus, if you’re a Preferred Rewards member with at least Platinum or Platinum Honors status, you could earn an additional points multiplier on all purchases.

Who should skip : If you’re not a Preferred Rewards member, you may want to look into flat-rate cash back cards that offer at least 2 percent cash back on all purchases. And if you’re looking for more travel perks — but don’t want to pay a several-hundred-dollar annual fee — you may want to consider one of the top travel credit cards with a lower annual fee , like the Capital One Venture.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: Best for students

Why we picked it : If you’re a student who wants to build your credit over time, you should check out the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students . This card lets you earn valuable rewards without paying an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, and you’ll get access to your FICO credit score each month for free.

When it comes to rewards, you’ll earn an unlimited 1.5X points on all purchases. You’ll also earn 25,000 points when you spend $1,000 on your card within 90 days of account opening. When you’re ready to cash in your points , you can redeem them for a statement credit to pay for flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, baggage fees and more at a rate of 1 cent per point. Other redemption methods include checks, direct deposits and gift cards, but these may not net as much value.

• Free FICO score
• A high, flat rewards rate on all purchases
• Can earn 25 to 75 percent more rewards as a Preferred Rewards member
• Very few travel or student benefits

Who should apply : Students who are looking to build positive credit habits and earn rewards without paying an annual fee, or students who are planning to study or travel abroad, would do well with this card.

Who should skip : If you’re looking for a card with a different rewards structure or benefits, you should take a look at some of the other top student credit cards on the market today. Many of them offer boosted rewards for bonus category purchases or student-focused benefits , plus no foreign transaction fees.

Compare the best cards for international travel

How to choose a card for international travel.

Choosing a card for international travel shouldn’t be too difficult since there are so many options available. However, these tips can help you wind up with the best card for your needs.

• Earn the rewards you want the most . First off, it’s important to pick a travel credit card that offers the type of rewards you want to earn. If you can’t decide which type of travel rewards you want, consider flexible rewards credit cards that let you earn points you can use for gift cards, statement credits, travel and more.
• Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees . You should definitely pick a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees . If you don’t pick up a card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’ll wind up paying an extra 3 percent on average for each purchase you make abroad.
• Check for airport lounge access . This perk can be immensely helpful if you hate waiting for your flight at a crowded airport gate, or if you often have a long layover. Cards that offer airport lounge access typically charge higher fees, but the free food and drinks you’ll receive can more than make up for them.
• Get a card that offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck . Finally, consider cards that let you get expedited security access with one of these programs. Both let you skip lines at airport security, which can easily save you hours of wait time over the course of a year.

The bottom line

Signing up for one of the top travel credit cards can make travel more convenient and affordable — both domestically and abroad — but it’s important to understand any travel card you’re interested in inside and out before you sign up. Make sure you know which cardholder perks you’ll receive, including perks that will benefit you when you travel internationally like no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, airport lounge access and more.

Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024

Best credit cards for international travel in 2024

Dec 29, 2023 • 15 min read

Your next great adventure is never far away when you're maximizing points and benefits with the best cards; Mattertal, Switzerland © mbbirdy / Getty

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. This card is not available through Lonely Planet.

When traveling abroad, the right credit card can be as crucial as your passport. The best credit card can help you not only earn more rewards, but it can also provide valuable protections and benefits. A credit card can save you money on foreign transaction fees and protect your purchases from fraudulent activity and theft.

Some credit cards can make your travels more comfortable with valuable perks like lounge access, elite status benefits and travel insurance. 

For international travel, you’ll want a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and offers bonus points on travel along with travel insurance. We’ve taken the guesswork out of this task for you by rounding up the best credit cards for international travel:

How to get started with travel points and airline miles

The best credit cards for international travel in 2024:

• Best overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express *
• Best for travel insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for tours and activities: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for dining around the world: American Express® Gold Card *
• Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The best credit cards for airline miles

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best overall for international travel in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent card for international travel because it checks all the boxes regarding benefits you’ll need when traveling abroad. The card provides vital travel protections and earns valuable rewards at a reasonable $95 annual fee. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal and 2 on all other travel purchases. The card also comes with valuable travel insurance, which is vital when traveling abroad. 

Cardholders pay no foreign transaction fees, which hover around 3% for purchases abroad on standard credit cards. Whether paying your hotel bill or doing extra shopping, the waived fee can add substantial savings.

Sapphire Preferred cardholders get up to $10,000 per person in trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage (in the U.S. and abroad), up to $100 per day in baggage delay insurance (maximum of five days) and up to $500 in trip delay reimbursement per ticket. These protections can be beneficial in case of travel delays or emergencies. While you may consider buying supplemental travel insurance for certain trips, these credit card protections provide excellent baseline coverage.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit);  3X points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out; 3X points on online grocery purchases; 3X points on select streaming services; 2X points on all other travel; 1X on other purchases.

Travel benefits: Annual $50 Chase Travel℠ hotel credit, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. See rates and fees .

• Generous category bonuses.
• Excellent rewards program with a great selection of airline and hotel transfer partners.
• $50 annual travel credit.
• Extensive travel protections, including primary rental car insurance abroad. 
• The card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule (meaning you won’t be approved if you’ve opened five credit cards at any bank in the last 24 months).
• The $50 annual hotel credit is limited to Chase Travel℠ bookings (and does not earn bonus points).

How to use points and miles to save money on travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for travel perks

No other credit card can compete with The Platinum Card® from American Express  regarding travel perks. The card offers over $1,500 in annual statement credits for airline fees, hotel bookings and trusted-traveler programs like CLEAR® Plus and Global Entry . Global Entry is particularly useful for international trips, as it expedites the passport control process.

Cardholders can upgrade to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status without ever stepping foot in a hotel lobby. These higher status levels can provide added perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast, enhancing your hotel experience. 

The Platinum Card 's travel protections can provide added peace of mind with trip delay coverage and cancellation/interruption insurance.*

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after $8,000 spent within six months of account opening. 

Rewards: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel; 1X point on everything else.

Travel benefits: Annual airline fee credit up to $200; annual hotel booking credit up to $200 (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay); annual Uber Cash up to $200; $20 monthly digital entertainment credit for select streaming services; $155 Walmart+ Credit; $300 annual Equinox statement credit; $50 Saks credit issued semi-annually; $189 CLEAR Plus credit; Hilton and Marriott Gold elite status; elite status with Avis, Hertz and National rental car; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation & interruption insurance.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees .

• Wide range of travel credits that offset the annual fee (if you use them).
• Earns valuable Membership Rewards points.
• Exceptional travel protections.
• High annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited to Amex Travel and direct bookings.
• The current welcome bonus isn’t the highest to date, and the card is subject to the Amex once-per-lifetime rule.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential when traveling abroad – things always go wrong, and you don’t want to incur added expenses on top of your trip. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides exceptional travel insurance. Depending on your travel habits, you may not even need to buy a policy. Simply charge your travel expenses to the card, and you’ll be covered in case of trip delays, lost luggage and rental car accidents. The card provides emergency medical services and transportation up to $100,000 and trip cancellation/interruption coverage up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. In case of trip delays of six hours or longer, each passenger will be reimbursed up to $500 per ticket for meals and lodging. 

If you arrive at your destination and discover your luggage is missing, you’ll get up to $3,000 per passenger to buy essentials. This policy also applies to damaged luggage, including carry-ons.

The Sapphire Reserve ’s auto rental collision damage waiver is one of the best in class. It applies to rentals made abroad and covers up to $75,000 in case of theft or collision damage.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, including airfare, hotels and rental cars; get 50% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠; Priority Pass Select membership; application fee credit towards Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years; travel protections including cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and emergency evacuation and transportation.

Credit score:  Excellent.

Annual fee: $550 (plus $75 per authorized user). See rates and fees .

• Comprehensive travel insurance when you use the Sapphire Card for booking.
• Application fee credits for Global Entry, TSA Precheck and NEXUS.
• Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1300 airline lounges worldwide.
• The $300 annual travel credit partially offsets the high annual fee. 
• Approval is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule (ie, you might not qualify for the card if you've signed up for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months).
• $75 authorized user fee.

10 amazing hotels around the world you can book with points

Capital One Venture Card: Best for international tours and activities 

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best card for tours and activities because it offers unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to earn rewards quickly. Plus, the miles can be redeemed for any travel-related expense, so you can use them to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. 

Additionally, cardholders get six months of complimentary membership to The Cultivist. This subscription platform typically costs $40 per month and provides free admission to over 60 museums, including the New York Met, Paris Louvre and The Art Institute of Chicago. You can bring up to three guests for free, making the Venture Card a terrific credit card for tours and activities.

With its simple reward structure and no-hassle redemption process, the Capital One Venture Card is an ideal choice for travelers looking to save money on their next tour or activity.

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

Rewards: 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hertz Five Star status, rental car insurance and travel accident insurance, Capital One Dining access; complimentary six-month membership to The Cultivist.

Credit score:  Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. 

• $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees every four years.
• Generous lounge benefit for a $95 annual fee card.
• Simple rewards structure with multiple international airline transfer partners.
• Limited lounge network compared to other credit cards.

Should you book travel with cash or points?

American Express Gold Card: Best for dining around the world

Dining is one of the most significant expenses when you’re traveling abroad. The American Express Gold Card is the best card to pack in your wallet, earning 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants. The card also earns 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel so that you can maximize every dollar spent on vacation. 

The Amex Gold Card also offers up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash and another $10 towards Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Granted, you may not find many Cheesecake Factories abroad, but it’s a nice bonus that could come in handy during domestic travels. The card qualifies for Amex Offers, a rotating list of discounts at popular retailers, restaurants and hotels. You can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of dining deals through this portal.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 within the first six months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 4X points at restaurants; 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases and then 1x after); 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel; 1X points on all other purchases. 

Travel benefits: Receive up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash (valid for rides or Uber Eats orders); up to $10 in monthly dining credit at Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations; secondary rental car coverage*; baggage insurance plan; Global Assist hotline; access to experience credits and travel perks through The Hotel Collection.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $250. See rates and fees .

• High earnings on popular travel spending categories.
• Up to $240 in annual dining credits.
• Amex Offers provides additional savings on travel.
• Includes valuable travel protections.
• The current welcome bonus isn’t the highest to date. 
• The card is subject to American Express’s once-per-lifetime rule.

American Express Gold Card review: a 'gold' standard with impressive benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a great option for international travel if you want a card that earns generous rewards and minimal fees. The card waives foreign transaction fees, which is unusual for a card with no annual fee. It also offers generous bonuses on popular travel spending categories like dining, gas, transit, airfare, hotels, rental cars and cruises. With a 0% intro APR for 12 months, this is an excellent choice if you need to finance some purchases in the short term.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.

Rewards: Earn 3X points on travel, gas, restaurant, transit and popular streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases. 

Travel benefits: Secondary rental car insurance in the US., primary rental car coverage abroad, travel and emergency services assistance, emergency cash disbursement and card replacement, cell phone protection (up to $600 per year). 

Annual fee: $0. 

• High earning potential in board travel spending categories.
• One of the few credit cards offering cell phone protection.
• Primary rental car coverage abroad and secondary in the U.S.
• Low welcome bonus.
• Points are not transferable to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
• No travel protections outside of rental car insurance. 

How to travel to Bali with points and miles

Who should get a credit card for international travel?

Anyone who frequently travels internationally should consider getting a credit card for international travel. There are added costs and hassles associated with traveling abroad that these credit cards can eliminate. With the right credit card, you’ll earn bonus points in popular spending categories restricted abroad. 

You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to benefit from these cards either. They can provide peace of mind by serving as a backup form of payment if your debit or cash is lost or stolen while abroad. In fact, the right credit card can serve you well even when you’re just going about your daily routine.

Below are some of the features and benefits you should look for when choosing a credit card for international travel:

Traveling to Europe using points and miles

How to choose the best credit card for international travel

When it comes to international travel, selecting the right credit card is essential. The right credit card can save you money on fees and travel expenses and provide you with a range of benefits to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some tips for choosing the best credit card for international travel: 

No foreign transaction fees:  Many credit cards charge a fee of up to 3% when you use them abroad. Look for a card that doesn’t charge these fees so you can save money when making purchases in other countries. 

Bonus points on travel:  Many cards offer rewards in popular spending categories like travel, dining, groceries and gas. These points can then be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays or other travel perks. Some credit cards limit bonus points on dining and grocery spending to U.S. supermarkets and restaurants only. You’ll want a card in your wallet that offers bonus points in the U.S. and abroad since these expenses add up during travels. 

Trusted traveler programs:  Navigating airports can be a stressful experience both in the U.S. and abroad. Trusted traveler programs like TSA Precheck , Global Entry and NEXUS can eliminate the hassle (and long lines). When choosing a credit card for international travel, consider one that offers an application fee credit for trusted traveler programs. These credits can offset high annual fees and make your next trip abroad much more pleasant.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: A guide to picking the best one for you

International credit cards FAQ

Which cards are best for international travel.

The best international travel cards are those with no foreign transaction fees, offer travel protections and earn bonus rewards on travel purchases. Some of the top cards for international travel include the Chase Sapphire Preferred , Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

The best credit cards for airport lounge access

What’s the advantage of using a credit card when traveling internationally?

The main advantage of using a credit card when traveling abroad is its convenience and security. Credit cards offer a secure way to make purchases without carrying large amounts of cash. Some credit cards also earn rewards on travel purchases, offer travel insurance and waive foreign exchange fees.

The best credit cards with no international fees

Is American Express or Visa better for international travel?

It depends on the country you are traveling to and which cards are accepted in that country. Generally, Visa is accepted more widely than American Express, so it may be the better option for international travel.

The best travel credit cards

* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit  americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

This article was first published Aug 2, 2023 and updated Dec 29, 2023.

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Best credit cards for international travel

The best credit cards for international travel do not charge fees for purchases made in foreign currency, are widely-accepted abroad, and feature enhanced customer service and security features to keep your card safe and active, wherever in the world you roam. We’ve reported on international travel credit cards for 15+ years to bring you our recommendations.

Only a few choice cards make our short list, and it’s hard to pick an overall winner in this category. After much debate, we recommend the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card as the best credit card for international travel. Other cards in the Venture family and the ever-popular Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cards are nearly as good, however, so read on for all the details.

Overview: Best credit card for international travel

• Best credit card for international travel : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Also great for international travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best no-annual fee credit card for international travel: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The newest contender on our list, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card beats out our longstanding top pick, Chase Sapphire Reserve® (still our #2) because we feel the Venture X card offers unparalleled value for international travelers wanting a premium travel credit card.

Information about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money Under 30. Please confirm terms on the card issuer's website. Offer details verified on Apr. 28, 2024.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel; unlimited 2 Miles per dollar on all other purchases.

$395 annual fee.

Our Thoughts

A premium travel credit card option that's a step up from the Venture Rewards. For those fine with Capital One Travel, the airport lounge access, annual credit, anniversary bonus miles and travel-friendly perks can make this card worth the high annual fee. Just be sure to maximize all it has to offer.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card checks all our boxes for a great credit card for international travel: No foreign transaction fees, global acceptance, international customer service and industry-leading travel rewards.

The Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that carries a $395 annual fee. But generous benefits like up to $300 back annually on travel bookings through Capital One quickly make this card a great value. And, the thing is, the Venture X annual fee is actually a good deal lower than annual fees with many competing cards.

New card-members will enjoy an amazing welcome bonus: earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards are also solid. Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked with Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other spending. The “catch”, if you want to call it that, is that you must book your hotels and flights through Capital One’s travel site to earn the unprecedented rewards rates. If you prefer to always book travel directly with your airline and hotel, that might be a deal-breaker. Capital One Travel works just like Expedia or Kayak and all the other travel booking sites; you’ll see a list of options where you can book the best deal for you.

Each year, the Venture X Rewards Card also “reimburses” you up to $300 for travel purchases booked through Capital One Travel. These reimbursements appear as statement credits.

You’ll also enjoy a credit up to $100 to use toward your TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus. The card’s high annual fee isn’t nothing, but it is less than other premium cards, making the Venture X Rewards Card a solid choice.

If you’re looking for a lower-fee or fee-free travel card, two other Capital One Venture Card variants are both excellent choices for international travel. Consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card as lower-fee alternatives. To learn more, compare the Capital One Venture X and Venture Rewards cards .

» MORE: R ead our full Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Over the years, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has earned adoration among world travelers and credit card nerds alike for its premium benefits. But those jet-setting perks come with a sky-high annual fee, and that requires a close look at whether the price of admission is worth it based upon your spending and travel habits.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

On Chase's secure website

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’ll earn 10x points hotel and car rental bookings through Chase Travel℠; 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠; 3x points on other travel worldwide; 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services); and 1x points on all other purchases.

The  Chase Sapphire Reserve® checks several boxes when it comes to being a best credit card for international travel. For one, it does not charge foreign transaction fees (like many other cards on this list), but it also offers plenty of other travel perks, too. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® does carry a $550 annual fee — something you’ll definitely have to weigh when considering the benefits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a related Chase offering with a lower annual fee; you can read about the differences between the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®  to see which is right for you.

Most notably, it provides valuable travel insurance that can come in handy should things go awry while you’re abroad. When you charge your trip to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® you get:

• Auto rental collision damage waiver —  Covers up to $75,000 in theft or damage to rental vehicles in the U.S. and abroad.
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance —  Provides up to $10,000 reimbursement per person ($20,000 per trip) if your trip is canceled or cut short due to weather, illness, or other covered reasons.
• Lost luggage reimbursement —  Receive up to $3,000 per passenger for lost or damaged luggage.
• Trip delay reimbursement —  Offers up to $500 per person towards unreimbursed travel expenses caused by delays of six hours or requiring an overnight stay.
• Emergency evacuation & transportation coverage —  Covers up to $100,000 in medical services and transportation in case you or a family member become ill while traveling away from home.
• Airport lounge access — Priority pass select membership is included with your card membership, giving you access to certain airport lounges around the world.

With all that insurance included, you can skip out on buying separate travel insurance and save that money for other (more fun) things on your trip.

Another benefit of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is access to Chase Travel℠. Not only can you redeem your points for travel purchases like hotels and rental cars or airfare, you can also exchange points for miles or points at dozens of leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.

» MORE:  Learn more/apply  or read our full  Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for international travel with no annual fee. Although this card lacks the premium perks of competitors like travel statement credits and airport lounge access, you’ll still enjoy earning 1.25 miles on every purchase, no foreign transaction fees, and worldwide acceptance.

Information about the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money Under 30. Please confirm terms on the card issuer's website. Offer details verified on Apr. 29, 2024.

Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn an unlimited 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

$0 annual fee.

A travel card for beginners that earns flexible rewards but at a low rate compared to similar no-annual-fee credit cards. Cardholders who spend would likely be better off paying the annual fee for the better benefits and sign-up bonus that comes with the Capital One Venture instead.

With the no annual fee Captial One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, earn unlimited 1.25 miles on all purchases. Use your rewards to fly any airline, stay at any hotel, anytime – no blackout dates; transfer your miles to over 15+ travel partners, and; pay no foreign transaction fees.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also has a sign-up bonus: 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening .

It’s not just the absence of an annual fee that makes this an outstanding credit card. Like the Capital One Venture Card, the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is tailored specifically to travelers with features that will make it a top credit card for traveling to Europe or wherever your travels take you.

» MORE: Read our Capital One VentureOne Credit Card review

The competition

The platinum card® from american express.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers incredible benefits (including up to $1,500 in statement credits each year), but comes with an eye-popping $695 annual fee. Although it’s a great card for the right person, it falls short of our best credit cards for international travel only because Amex isn’t universally accepted in Europe and elsewhere outside of the United States.

All information about The Platinum Card from American Express has been collected independently by MoneyUnder30.com. Content has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 spent on these purchases per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com; and one point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere.

World-class luxury travel perks that make the high annual fee well worth it if you can take advantage.

Offer details accurate as of 9/6/23

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a good international travel credit card where it’s accepted, packed with valuable travel protections and money-saving benefits.

What kind of benefits? Well, cardmembers receive over $1,500 worth of statement credits every year that can offset the cost of international travel:

• $300 Equinox credit
• $240 digital entertainment credit
• $200 hotel credit
• $200 Uber cash
• $200 airline fee credit
• $189 CLEAR credit
• $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit (every four years)
• $100 credit with Saks Fifth Avenue
• $155 Walmart+ credit

In addition to these benefits, cardmembers get access to over 1,400 airline lounges worldwide, which can make even your longest layovers much more pleasant. Instead of waiting by a busy gate, you can hang out in a dedicated space with free food and drinks.

The card’s benefits also go beyond flying. Cardmembers receive complimentary Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status. Elevated status can get you perks like bonus points, room upgrades, and even complimentary breakfast.

Aside from the high cost, one significant downside to this card is that American Express cards are less widely accepted than Visa and Mastercard. So the various benefits may not be as useful if your card isn’t accepted. If you’re bringing your Amex Platinum abroad, having a backup card is definitely a good idea.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  is another excellent choice for international travel credit card. Although lighter on benefits than the Sapphire Reserve card, this card has no foreign transaction fees, international customer service, and an ample travel rewards program.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you’ll enjoy no foreign transaction fee and a great rewards program. Earn:

• 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3X points per dollar on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points per dollar on other travel purchases
• 1X points per dollar on everything else

Th sign up bonus on this card is a nice 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Note that there is a $95 annual fee.

» MORE:  See card details/apply  or read our  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking for a credit card for international travel with a lower annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice.

Information about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money Under 30. Please confirm terms on the card issuer's website. Offer details verified on Apr. 29, 2024.

Earn unlimited 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

$95 annual fee.

This is an easy-to-understand popular option that's rightfully among the best travel rewards credit cards. The simple rewards on every purchase, high sign-up bonus for new cardholders, flexible redemption options and cardmember benefits are hard to beat.

• Welcome bonus:  Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Rewards:  5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked with Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases

When considering the best credit card for international travel, widespread acceptance is critical. After all, there’s no sense in bringing a card that’s packed with travel perks if you can’t use it! 

The 2x-mile base earn rate is also great for maximizing all purchases abroad, while the 5x bonus on hotels and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel can help you earn more on your travel bookings.

The card’s Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit is unique for a $95 annual fee card and can make your travels abroad more convenient.

Overall, this is an excellent option if you just want a simple rewards credit card with travel bonuses and perks and no foreign transaction fees.

» MORE: Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

How to choose a credit card for international travel

When deciding on a credit card for international travel, there are a few benefits you should look for. The most important one is no foreign transaction fees.

Some credit cards charge fees of up to 3% when you use your card abroad. That’s an extra $30 for every $1,000 in spending. Imagine how much that adds up when you pay for your flights, hotels, meals, and activities! There’s no sense in paying an extra fee to earn credit card rewards.

You also want to look for a card that offers bonus points on travel and some level of travel protection. If you’re spending thousands of dollars on travel, you want peace of mind in case of unexpected travel delays or cancellations. Many travel rewards cards offer trip interruption/cancellation coverage, alongside baggage insurance and emergency evacuation.

Having these benefits will give you comfort when traveling abroad, knowing you’re covered in case things don’t go as planned. And while you can get these benefits from travel insurance, many travel credit cards offer it free of charge.

What’s the best credit card for international travel?

The best credit card for traveling abroad depends on your travel needs. But at the very least, your card should offer some travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, and bonus points on travel.

Wide acceptance is also important, so if Amex is your primary card, you should bring a Visa or Mastercard as backup.

Is Visa or Mastercard better for European travel?

Both Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted in Europe and around the world, so you should’ve have issues whichever you use. If you want to use an American Express card for international travel, we recommend you carry a back-up card that’s either a Visa or Mastercard. And Discover credit cards are not widely accepted outside of the United States.

Are Amex credit cards good for international travel?

American Express markets themselves as an international brand for sophisticated world travelers. Although Amex cards come with some amazing travel benefits, it’s important to note that they are not as widely accepted as Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

When you travel to Europe or Asia or even the Middle East, you can expect major airlines, hotels and some restaurants to accept American Express cards. Don’t be surprised, however, if you can’t use an Amex card for international travel at smaller restaurants, shops or other purchases.

What are the best credit cards for traveling to Europe?

Can i use a us credit card in europe.

US-issued credit cards that bear either the Visa or Mastercard logo will be just fine to use traveling in Europe and elsewhere abroad. One thing you’ll notice, however, is that in European countries, most merchants expect you to enter a PIN each time you make a credit card purchase (like we do here in America for debit card purchases or ATM transactions). In Europe, they do typically have credit card users sign a receipt.

You may get some confused looks from waiters or others when you use your US credit card in Europe. But, rest assured, they will work just fine.

What are foreign transaction fees?

Foreign transaction fees are charged by banks when you use your card abroad. They range from 3% to 5% in most cases and can quickly add up if you’re paying for all your travel expenses with a card.

Many travel rewards credit cards waive foreign transaction fees completely.

Should I get a credit card to travel internationally?

If you don’t already have a credit card, you should get one before traveling internationally. You’ll need a credit card to check into hotels and book activities online. Not only that, but in some destinations, such as western Europe, many shops and restaurants have turned card-only, especially since the pandemic.

Paying with a credit card also offers a higher level of protection than cash. You can save on foreign transaction fees with select credit cards and get valuable insurance perks to protect your trip.

What kinds of travel credit cards are there?

There are mainly three types of travel credit cards:

• Ones that earn hotel points
• Ones that earn airline miles
• Ones that earn transferable rewards

Hotel credit cards are good for earning free nights and hotel benefits.

Airline cards are ideal for travelers who want to earn more frequent flyer miles and save on checked baggage fees.

Transferable rewards cards like the  Chase Sapphire Reserve®  and the  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  are ideal because they provide more flexibility. You can convert your rewards to hotel points, airline miles, or redeem them at a fixed rate on direct bookings.

The bottom line

Credit cards can provide tremendous value when you’re traveling abroad. Whether you’re looking for high-value perks at a premium, or a no-annual-fee card that covers the basics, there are lots of great cards to choose from.

Hopefully, this round-up gives you an idea of the best cards available and which one might be a good fit for your next trip abroad.

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Best credit cards for international travel

The right card might include valuable travel perks like airport lounge access and expedited airport security

Published: August 18, 2023

Author: Holly Johnson

Editor: Kaitlyn Tang

Reviewer: Barri Segal

How we Choose

The best credit cards for international travel can make traversing the globe a more comfortable and rewarding experience. Compare our top picks to see how they work for your travel style and goals.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Please review our list of best credit cards , or use our CardMatch™ tool to find cards matched to your needs.

The Bank of America content was last updated on September 28, 2023

When it comes to travel credit cards , there are lots of good options to choose from. But ultimately, the right option for you should fit your spending habits while making your trips more comfortable and rewarding.

With the right rewards credit card , you can score valuable travel perks, like airport lounge access and expedited airport security. Some cards even come without any foreign transaction fees, making them a good choice for international travel. The top travel cards may also enable you to earn points and miles to redeem for free flights, hotel stays and more.

As you’re searching for a card to help you on your next trip, it’s helpful to compare all the best credit cards for international travel to see how may fit with your travel style and goals. To help you get started, here are some of the best credit cards for travel overseas and information on what they offer in terms of perks and rewards.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best credit card for international travel

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is widely considered one of the top travel credit cards on the market today, and for good reason. This card offers you 10X points on hotel and car rental purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards , 5X points on air travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3X points on other travel purchases. Plus, you can earn higher rewards on all travel purchases immediately after earning the $300 annual travel credit. It also offers 3X points on dining and 1X point on all other purchases.

Redemption options are flexible, too. You can redeem your rewards as statement credits toward any travel purchase, or for travel through the Chase portal, which offers a 50% redemption bonus (making your points worth 1.5 cents apiece). You can also transfer your points at a 1:1 rate to 14 travel partners, including Air France and Aer Lingus.

• 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months
• Up to $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit (every four years)
• Priority Pass Select membership
• $300 annual travel credit
• $550 annual fee
• Lower rewards value for merchandise

Who should apply : If you’ve been waiting for a chance to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points , now is your time.

Who should skip : If the $550 annual fee doesn’t fit in your budget, you can skip this one. Or, if you prefer to redeem your rewards for merchandise (like Amazon.com purchases), you may want to look elsewhere.

• The Platinum Card from American Express: Best credit card for international lounge access

Why we picked it : Frequent travelers who want superior perks may want to consider The Platinum Card ® from American Express . This card offers 5X points (on up to $500,000 per year) on airfare booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel , as well as 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. You also earn 1X points on other purchases, plus 100,000 points when you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months.

While the Platinum card is more limited in terms of acceptance in foreign countries, you may find that it’s a good choice for comfortable travel to your destination. It’s just piled with perks, including access to one of the largest lounge networks in the world, encompassing Amex Centurion lounges , Delta SkyClub lounges and the Priority Pass network.

• Access to American Express Global Lounge Collection
• 100,000 points if you spend $6,000 in the first six months
• Generous amount of statement credits on Clear membership, hotels and more
• Transfer points to Amex travel partners
• Credits tricky to apply
• $695 annual fee

Who should apply : If the idea of joining the largest airline network is appealing, it may be worth it to apply. Or, if you want to join the luxury travel card space, this card is a great option to consider.

Who should skip : If you find it difficult to justify the annual fee , you may want to skip this one. Or, if you only travel infrequently, you may find it difficult to maximize returns on this card.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flexible international travel

Why we picked it : The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers an interesting rewards structure and miles that can be used in more than one way. This card offers 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 2X miles on everything else. And, it also offers 75,000 miles (worth $750 in travel) if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.

You can redeem Capital One miles for any type of past travel on your credit card statement at a rate of 1 cent per mile. Or, if you’re a bargain hunter and want to get a little extra value out of your miles, you can transfer them to a number of airline and hotel partners at a transfer ratio that varies based on the program.

• Various redemption options
• 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 in the first three months
• May redeem Capital One miles retroactively for past (last 90 days) travel purchases
• Earn unlimited miles
• $95 annual fee
• Lacks common travel insurances
• No major U.S. airlines among airline partners

Who should apply : If you want greater flexibility in terms of booking travel on third-party sites, you may like this card. Or, if you’re looking for a beginner travel credit card , this may be a good option to consider.

Who should skip : If you don’t travel enough to make it worth the annual fee, it may be worth skipping this card.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best credit card for infrequent international trips

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a top option because it allows you to transfer your points 1:1 to popular airlines for international travel, including Emirates, United Airlines, British Airways and more. You can also book international travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards for 25% more value when you do.

This card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points, worth $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, when you spend $4,000 within three months. You’ll also earn 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025), 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2X points on other travel purchases and 1X points on general purchases.

• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit
• 10% anniversary points bonus (based on total spend from previous year)
• Points worth 25% more on Chase Ultimate Rewards portal

Who should apply : If you want to earn rewards for international travel but you don’t take many trips abroad, this card may be worth a look. This card is also great if you’re a travel card beginner who wants an introduction to earning travel points.

Who should skip : Cardholders who want a no-annual-fee credit card should skip this one. Also, anyone who travels once every few years will find it difficult to maximize the benefits on this card.

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best no-annual-fee card for international travel

Why we picked it : If you’re searching for a travel card with no annual fee, consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card . This card offers 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25X miles on all other purchases and doesn’t charge an annual fee. The rewards have no blackout dates, no expiration dates and no mile limits. You can even transfer your miles to Capital One’s 15+ travel partners.

The Capital One VentureOne also comes with a welcome offer of 20,000 miles after you spend just $500 in the first three months. Depending on which travel partner you transfer your miles to, your sign-up bonus could end up being worth even more.

• No annual fee
• 20,000 miles if you spend $500 in the first three months
• No foreign transaction fee
• No major U.S. airlines among travel partners

Who should apply : If you’re looking for your first no-annual-fee travel card, this may be a good candidate. Or, if you want greater flexibility and don’t want to be tied to booking with a specific travel site, you may like this card.

Who should skip : This card doesn’t come with travel insurance, so if that’s a perk you’re looking for, you may want to skip it.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card for Students: Best international credit card for students

Why we picked it : If you’re a student who wants to qualify for a travel card, you may want to check out the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students* .  This card doesn’t charge an annual fee or any foreign transaction fees, and it offers an exceptionally good rewards program for a student travel card. You get the same 25,000-point sign-up bonus as the regular Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card and the same 1.5X points rate, allowing you to rack up lots of points on every purchase, which you can use to fund your travels.

• 5X points on general purchases
• No blackout dates, point limit or point expiration date
• 0% intro APR on new purchases for 15 billing cycles (18.24% to 28.24% variable thereafter)
• 10% point bonus for Bank of America account holders
• High penalty APR (up to 29.99%)
• Penalty APR (up to 29.99%)
• Late payment fee (up to $40)

Who should apply : Students who are preparing to study abroad may find value in this card. Or, if you’re planning a post-graduation, international trip, consider whether it makes sense to sign up for this option.

Who should skip : If you aren’t traveling internationally anytime soon, you may want to skip this one. And, if you’re not a student, you should skip this one.

Comparing the best credit cards for international travel

• How to choose a card for international travel

When choosing a card for international travel, you’ll want to look for rewards and benefits that match your travel plans and preferences. Most important, you need a card that you can use where you’re planning to travel. Here are the key features to consider:

• Global acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are most likely to be accepted around the globe, though American Express is also widely accepted in some parts of the world. Make sure you select a card that will be accepted where you travel the most.
• No foreign transaction fees : Choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you from paying an additional 3% or more on every purchase you make abroad.
• Chip and PIN technology: Chip and PIN technology is immensely helpful when traveling abroad, but not all travel credit cards offer this perk. See which cards have chip and PIN technology before you choose a card.
• Earning categories:  The best credit cards for international travel tend to offer bonuses on certain categories of spend. Search for cards with category bonuses that match your spending patterns.
• Good redemption options: The top cards in this realm let you redeem for travel directly or transfer points to airline and hotel partners at a good value (1 cent per point or mile is standard). The more options you have and the more value you get from your points and miles, the better off you’ll be.
• Travel insurance benefits: The best travel credit cards offer free travel insurance like trip cancellation/interruption coverage , auto rental coverage, lost baggage insurance, baggage delay coverage and travel accident insurance.
• Airport lounge access:  Look for cards that let you enter a range of airport lounges at airports around the globe, but specifically in destinations you travel to often.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Look for credit cards that offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. Both these benefits let you enjoy expedited airport security, saving you time and stress when you travel.
• Hotel or airline preferences:  If you travel frequently with certain hotels or airlines, you’ll find that certain cards are a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you aren’t loyal to any airline or hotel program , you may be better off with a more flexible travel card.
• Origin or destination of travel:  Make sure the card’s rewards and benefits fit with your travel plans. For instance, some cards may offer better lounge options along your route, or you may find that certain rewards cards don’t offer good redemption options where you’re planning to travel.
• Customer service:  Having a card with excellent customer service could come in handy in case of an emergency.
• Tips for using credit cards while traveling internationally
• Notify your card issuer that you will be out of the country to reduce the chance of having your account frozen at an inconvenient time.
• Bring multiple credit cards (preferably from different payment networks) in case a merchant doesn’t accept your main card, or your card gets declined.
• Rotate your cards to get better rewards on certain purchases.
• Have plenty of cash on hand for situations when you can’t use your credit cards.
• If you are traveling to a country with chip and PIN cards, see if your issuer will allow you to add a PIN to your card.
• Have your card information and your issuer’s emergency card services phone number on hand in case your card gets lost or stolen.
• Opt to put your charges in the local currency to avoid paying more for the currency conversion.
• Use your credit cards instead of cash where you can – as long as you are charging in the foreign currency, you can get a better exchange rate.
• Avoid using your cards for cash advances , unless it’s an absolute emergency.
• Use your credit card instead of a debit card to make purchases – not only can you avoid foreign transaction fees, but your purchases are also more secure.

Bottom line

At the end of the day, picking the best credit card for international travel for you is an especially complicated choice. It all depends on what’s important to you.

While you may have your eye out for a card with a large sign-up bonus and lots of points, you should have some travel goals in mind before you choose a card. If you know where and how you intend to travel, you’re more likely to find a card that can take you far in your travels.

Editorial Disclaimer

The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Holly Johnson is a financial expert and award-winning writer who is obsessed with frugality, budgeting and travel. In addition to serving as contributing editor for The Simple Dollar, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of “Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love.”

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Best credit cards for international travel in 2024

Foreign transaction fees can make everything you buy overseas cost more. By selecting a rewards credit card that doesn't charge these fees, you save money each time you make a purchase abroad. These credit cards offer valuable rewards without the foreign transaction fees some other cards charge.

The best cards for international travel offer travel rewards or cash back, as well as a range of other perks.

Our top recommendations

Card_name : best overall, card_name : best for luxury travel, card_name : best for flexible rewards, card_name : best for value, card_name : best for flat-rate rewards, card_name : best with no annual fee, card_name : best for earning cash back, card_name : best for everyday spending, card_name : best for hotels, citi® / aadvantage® platinum select® world elite mastercard® : best for airfare, card_name : best for poor credit, chase sapphire reserve®, why we like it.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards credit card with souped-up travel perks that the frequent traveler will love. You’ll get up to $300 in annual statement credits to offset virtually any travel purchase; you’ll get the highest level of travel insurance; you’ll get access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.

This card’s points can save you a bundle on travel in two key ways: You can redeem them for airfare, hotel stays, rental cars and more through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.5 cents. Or, you can convert them into several different airline miles and hotel points currencies to potentially get a value of 2 cents (or more) in travel from your rewards.

• Points transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners.
• Get 50% more value for travel booked through Chase.
• Comes with $300 travel credit each year.
• Includes airport lounge access.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Comes with generous travel insurance benefits.
• annual_fees annual fee.
• High APR if you carry a balance.
• Very good or excellent credit required.

Why we like it: The card_name made our list of top credit cards for international travel due to its lack of foreign transaction fees and the fact it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These flexible rewards points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, merchandise or travel through Chase with 50% more value. They can also be transferred 1:1 to airline and hotel partners like British Airways, Marriott Bonvoy, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt.

Other benefits for international travel include a fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck each year, broad airport lounge access and the $300 annual travel credit.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

( Rates & Fees )

• Points transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners.
• Comes with more than $1,500 in statement credits each year.
• Comes with broadest airport lounge membership available today.
• Comes with travel protections included.
• High APR can apply.
• Very good to excellent credit required.
• Statement credits can be difficult to use.

Why we like it: card_name is excellent for international travel for a few reasons, including the fact it earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards points. These rewards transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners, but they can also be used to book travel through AmexTravel.com or redeemed for other flexible options.

This card's lack of foreign transaction fees is another major advantage, along with the fact it has the best airport lounge membership for international travel. Not only does this card let you enter Priority Pass lounges, but you also have access to Amex Centurion airport lounges and Delta Sky Clubs when you fly Delta. The $1,500 in statement credits this card offers offer even more incentive to sign up.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Often touted as the perfect beginner travel credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes with all the necessities that a traveler needs. It’s got a large welcome bonus, it earns points quickly and it confers excellent travel insurance to protect you against flight delays and rental car dings.

The biggest selling point of the card is its flexible rewards. You can travel for pennies on the dollar by transferring the points you earn to airline and hotel loyalty programs such as Hyatt, United Airlines, British Airways and many more. You can also redeem your points for flights, rental cars and cruises through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.25 cents each.

• Points transfer 1:1 to Chase airline and hotel partners.
• Other flexible rewards options.
• Excellent rewards rate for everyday purchases.
• Comes with travel protections.
• Comes with a $50 annual hotel stay credit.
• Requires very good to excellent credit.
• No luxury travel benefits.

Why we like it: The card_name is an excellent entry-level card for people who want to earn travel rewards and avoid foreign transaction fees when they take trips abroad. This card has an annual fee of just annual_fees per year, but it earns flexible rewards points that can be transferred to partners or used to get 25% more value for each point when redeeming for travel through Chase.

Other included benefits from Instacart and DoorDash, along with the $50 annual hotel stay credit, also add to this card's value. The card_name also comes with a range of travel protections included.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Flexible miles transfer to Capital One airline and hotel partners.
• $300 annual travel credit applies.
• Comes with airport lounge membership.
• Excellent rewards rate for eligible travel purchases.
• Lower annual fee than other premium cards with airport lounge access.
• Excellent credit required.

Why we like it: The card_name is a great value card for international travel at annual_fees per year since it comes with a $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select membership (retail value of $469). This card also earns flexible travel points that can be used to book airfare, hotels and car rentals through Capital One or transferred to Capital One airline and hotel partners.

Other benefits like free authorized user cards, cell phone protection and Hertz President's Circle status sweeten the pot. Also note that this card comes with a range of Visa Infinite benefits.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Earns flexible travel points that transfer to Capital One partners.
• Other flexible redemption options.
• Excellent flat rewards rate.
• Comes with fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
• Reasonable annual_fees annual fee.

Why we like it: The card_name requires an annual fee of just annual_fees per year, yet it earns generous rewards for purchases and comes with a sizable welcome offer worth $750. Cardholders will also love the flexibility of this card's rewards program considering miles can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, used to book travel through Capital One or redeemed for gift cards, merchandise or cash back.

VentureOne Rewards from Capital One

• Earns flexible miles that transfer to airlines and hotels.
• Other flexible redemptions for rewards.
• No annual fee.
• Comes with intro APR offer.
• Low rewards rate for regular purchases.

Why we like it: The card_name lets users earn flexible rewards for travel with no annual fee required. The miles you earn with this card can be used for travel through Capital One, transfers to airline and hotel partners, statement credits, gift cards and more. This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, and it even has intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration .

Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Generous rewards rate in everyday spending categories.
• intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration .
• Few travel-specific benefits for international trips.

Why we like it: The card_name doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or an annual fee, but it does earn generous cash back rewards in a range of categories most people regularly spend in. Cardholders also get intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration , plus Uber One membership benefits and a handful of travel protections.

Citi Premier® Card

• Flexible points transfer to Citi airline and hotel partners.
• Other flexible redemptions through the Citi ThankYou program.
• Generous rewards in everyday spending categories.
• $100 annual hotel savings benefit.
• Few travel-related benefits.

Why we like it: The card_name is a great card for everyday spending due to its generous bonus rewards categories that most people spend in. This card also earns rewards that fall within the Citi ThankYou program, which can be transferred to Citi airline and hotel partners, used to book travel through the Citi portal or redeemed for cash back, gift cards and more. This card's $100 annual hotel benefit also makes up for the annual_fees annual fee each year you use it.

IHG(R) Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

With the card_name , you can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, which is enough for up to four free nights at an IHG hotel. For ongoing rewards, you can earn up to 26x points when staying at IHG and 5x points for travel, dining, and gas station purchases, and 3x everywhere else. You’ll get a free night award worth up to 40,000 points every year after your account anniversary.

Cardholders also get a fourth night free when redeeming three award nights as well as a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points when spending $20,000 or more on the card in a calendar year. Considering the automatic Platinum Elite status and other card benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, the card is a great value for loyal IHG customers.

• Redeem points for stays at 6,000+ IHG properties.
• Welcome bonus is worth up to four free nights at 4,800+ hotels worldwide.
• Generous rewards for paid hotel stays.
• Free anniversary night (up to 40,000 points).
• Comes with Platinum Elite status.
• Limited flexibility for rewards.

Why we like it: The card_name can be a great option for international hotel stays if you want to spend time in one of the program's 6,000+ properties worldwide without paying foreign transaction fees. This card even comes with automatic Platinum Elite status and a free anniversary night each year.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

• Redeem miles for flights to 900+ destinations through American Airlines and its oneworld partners.
• Free checked bags.
• Preferred boarding.
• Earns Loyalty Points toward elite status.
• No annual fee the first year.

Why we like it: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a great card for airfare since miles can be redeemed with American Airlines and partners like British Airways and Cathay Pacific. Members get frequent flyer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, and this card earns Loyalty Points that count toward elite status requirements with the American AAdvantage program.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Available to applicants with poor credit or no credit.
• Earns 1.5% cash back.
• Refundable security deposit required.

Why we like it: The card_name is a secured credit card that requires a refundable cash deposit of at least $200 to get started. However, this card is available to people with poor credit or no credit, and it doesn't charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

Individuals can use this card to build their credit over time, and they can get their deposit back when they cancel or upgrade their card in good standing with a $0 balance. Capital One also promises automatic credit line reviews with this card after six months, which could pave the way to a higher credit limit.

Best credit cards for international travel 2024: Comparison

How we chose the best credit cards for international travel.

To find the best credit cards for international travel, we only considered card products that don't charge foreign transaction fees . From there, we looked at rewards rates and other card features that could make international travel more comfortable or affordable. We also looked at credit cards based on their fees, interest rates and credit ratings required.

Ultimately, we looked for credit cards that offer the most lucrative rewards structures and welcome offers, as well as flexibility within their designated rewards programs. Travel perks like travel insurance benefits, annual travel credits, expedited airport security and airport lounge access were also taken into account.

Choosing the best credit card for international travel: Where to begin

Finding the best credit card for international travel is no easy task when there are so many types of cards to choose from. Consider these factors as you search for the right card for your next trip.

Annual fees

Compare cards based on their annual fees, but keep in mind that cards with higher fees tend to offer more benefits in return. If you're willing to pay $395 per year or more, for example, you can get a credit card for international travel that comes with a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership plus broad airport lounge membership.

Travel perks and features

Many travel credit cards come with perks that can be useful, but you'll want to figure out which ones you can actually use. Benefits to look for include annual travel credits, automatic elite status benefits, airport lounge membership, fee credits for expedited airport security, free checked bags and free hotel nights.

Travel insurance benefits

Some credit cards also offer robust travel protections that can apply when you use your card to pay for travel with a common carrier. These benefits can include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage delay coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, primary auto rental coverage and more.

Customer satisfaction rankings

Note how different credit card issuers have scored in third-party rankings for customer service and satisfaction. You can see below how major credit card issuers scored in J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study , which was built using responses from 31,418 credit card customers between August 2022 through June 2023.

Eligibility by credit score

Also consider which credit cards you can qualify for based on your credit rating. While the best credit cards for international travel require very good to excellent credit, there are also options for good credit, fair credit and even poor credit or no credit.

Rewards for spending

Look at the rewards you can earn for spending, and make sure to consider the bonus rewards categories each card offers. Ideally, you'll pick a credit card that offers the most rewards in categories you frequently spend in.

Rewards programs

Also consider the type of rewards you're earning, whether you prefer to earn flexible rewards for travel, airline miles, hotel points or cash back. Make sure you have an understanding of how much the rewards you earn are worth on average, as well as how you can redeem them.

International acceptance

Finally, make sure to consider international acceptance when you're planning a trip abroad. Visa and Mastercard credit cards feature the highest rates for international acceptance, whereas American Express and Discover feature lower acceptance rates in some destinations.

Case in point: The Discover website clearly shows that its cards are not regularly accepted across Asia, the Middle East, Russia and some countries in South America.

How to maximize card benefits for international travel

Once you pick a credit card for international travel, there are steps you can take to maximize your card's benefits and features. Consider the following tips:

• Use your card for all your spending abroad. Use your credit card for all your international purchases to avoid foreign transaction fees and boost your rewards haul over time.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck if your card offers a credit. Make sure to sign up for these programs if your card covers the membership fee, and use your card to pay so you can get reimbursed after the fact.
• Take advantage of airport lounge access if your card offers it. Keep tabs on airport lounges you will have access to during international trips, and make sure to use them when you can.
• Pay your credit card bill in full each month. Finally, remember that not paying foreign transaction fees won't save you money if you carry a balance on your card after each trip. Pay your credit card balance in full each month and you can avoid paying the exorbitant interest rates most credit cards charge.

Avoiding dynamic currency conversion

Dynamic currency conversion is a system that shows what your international purchases will cost in U.S. dollars for you, ahead of time. However, this conversion typically comes with a less-than-stellar exchange rate that leaves you paying more for everything you buy overseas.

If you want to avoid dynamic currency conversion when you use a credit card, you will need to make sure all merchants, restaurants and others who charge your card for international spending do so using the local currency.

Things to keep in mind when using a credit card overseas

Before you head overseas on your first international trip, you'll want to keep several important facts in mind. Consider these tips for a better travel experience overall:

• Tell your card issuer that you'll be traveling. Calling the number on the back of your credit card and notifying your card issuer before you travel overseas can help you avoid having transactions denied.
• Carry more than one type of credit card with you. If you're worried your card type won't be accepted, carry more than one with you when you travel overseas. For example, carry both a Visa and a Mastercard, or a Mastercard and an American Express card.
• Pay in the local currency. Make sure to pay using the local currency when you use your card, even if you have to be specific about it when charges are made. This can help you avoid dynamic currency conversion, which makes international purchases more expensive.
• Know which travel protections your credit card offers. Also be aware of which travel protections your card offers and when they apply. For example, look for trip cancellation and interruption coverage, travel delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and other perks that can apply to international trips.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What credit cards are most accepted internationally.

Visa and Mastercard feature the highest international acceptance rates, whereas international acceptance for American Express and Discover lag behind.

Do credit cards automatically convert currency?

Credit cards can use dynamic currency conversion in order to convert the cost of your purchases to U.S. dollars. However, the exchange rates you get with this method will make your purchases more expensive, so you should always pay in the local currency instead.

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer if I'm traveling out of the country?

Notifying your credit card issuer before you travel overseas can help you avoid having transactions denied due to suspicion of fraud. This is especially true if you're an infrequent traveler who rarely (or never) makes purchases overseas.

What is a foreign transaction fee?

Foreign transaction fees are additional fees that are added to international charges when you pay with a credit card. You can avoid these fees by picking a credit card that doesn't charge these fees and using it for purchases abroad.

For rates and fees of the card_name , please visit URL .

Credit Card vs. Debit Card: Which is the Best for Travel Abroad?.

Planning a trip overseas involves several aspects, and one important thing to consider is how you will use money when you get there. Failure to cover this part of the equation before leaving can lead to significant losses through fees, which is not how most travelers envision spending their funds.

To avoid these fees, it's crucial to find the best way to access and spend your money while abroad.

What’s the Best Way to Access and Spend Your Money While You Travel Abroad?

There are lots of ways to access your money while abroad, more than ever, in fact.

You could go credit cards only and leave the cash in your bank account to pay for it all when you return.

Or you could use your debit card to ensure that you don’t accidentally overspend (sometimes that credit card swipe can be a little too easy).

But which way is best?

Besides the fact that only you know what will work best for your habits, there are other considerations at play: making the choices that will charge the least amount of fees and that will potentially even earn you money.

Fees to Worry About While You Travel

When it comes to fees and travel, most people worry about the conversion rates.

And they should!

Depending on where you go, your money could either as much as double in value or go down to half of what it’s worth at home.

To a point, there’s not much you can do about it besides creating a budget that keeps that in mind, so you aren’t blindsided when it’s too late.

But conversion rates aren’t the only thing that can cost you money while you travel.

In fact, the fee that can be the peskiest of all is the foreign transaction fee.

Foreign transaction fees are charges that happen on every transaction you make while you’re traveling in a foreign country .

While these fees may not sound like much at first (usually around 3% at the most), they can add up very quickly - especially if you’re not likely to carry any cash while you travel.

Think about it this way, if you buy breakfast, lunch, and dinner while you’re away, that’s already three foreign transaction fees per day - that doesn’t even count buying train tickets or souvenirs or tickets for cultural events and institutions.

Multiply that minimum of 3 fees times one week-long trip, and suddenly you’re paying up to 3% of 21 transactions.

See how quickly that can get expensive?

The math makes this one simple.

No matter what kind of card you’re using to spend your money while you’re traveling in a foreign country, make sure it’s one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

How You Can Earn Money While You Travel

Now that you know how to avoid fees when you travel let’s talk about how you can earn money while you travel .

Depending on the type of card you’re using (or what kind you get if you’re shopping for a new card), you could earn rewards for all kinds of different spending.

If you’re planning on using a card to make your purchases while you travel abroad anyway, why not earn some points , cash, or rewards for doing so?

If your current debit or credit card doesn’t offer rewards - or if you don’t usually focus on rewards because you spend with cash - consider the benefits of looking into a rewards card for your trip .

Chances are you won’t be using cash - so why not get paid for using your card?

If it’s a credit card, just make sure you pay the balance in full before the interest hits, so you don’t wind up losing more than you earn.

So What’s Best for Travel? Credit or Debit Cards?

Now that we’ve covered the fees to look out for and the ways to earn, let’s get into the real question: whether you should use a debit card or credit card while you travel.

The Pro and Cons of Using a Debit Card

If you’re using a debit card, you’re basically using cash. Whether you enter a pin at the time of purchase or select the “credit” option, that money is coming right out of your account within a few days time.

For someone who doesn’t want to run the risk of spending more than planned, this can be a good option.

After all, as easy as it is to swipe a card, there is still a finite money in your bank account to contend with.

The other benefit of using a debit card is that it also functions as an ATM card.

So if you need cash on hand, you can get it with your debit card. Just beware hefty ATM and exchange fees.

The biggest downfall of paying with debit versus a credit card is the fact that if a debit card is hacked, the funds from your bank account are at risk.

If you don’t have a credit card to use as a backup, then that could severely hamper your entire trip while you wait to get it all sorted out and free up your funds.

When someone makes charges on your account, the money you need for bills and living expenses are immediately taken away, giving you less to manage, overall.

You could face serious financial consequences if your bank account information is leaked and someone manages to use all of the funds.

Pending transactions or checks may bounce, and that could result in hurting your credit score.

It is possible to fix errors that were not your fault, but when a debit card is stolen it could cause you a bigger headache.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card

Unlike a debit card, there are far fewer limits to what you can spend.

As long as your credit limit is decently high, you have a lot of funds to work with.

The problem is, that makes it a little too easy sometimes to spend more than you can afford.

The benefit of using a credit card while you travel is a double-edged sword.

You can spend roughly as much as you’d like, but you don’t want to spend so much that it will take years to pay off.

One of the best things about using a credit card for foreign travel is that, if it’s stolen, you don’t have to worry about losing access to your real money.

However, you’ll still need to have a backup card (whether it’s debit or credit) if that happens.

Your issuer may still suspend your account while the situation gets resolved.

The con of using a credit card for travel is you won’t be able to use it at ATMs to access the cash in your bank account.

So if you find yourself at a cash-only establishment, you’re going to get stuck if you don’t also have cash or a debit card to withdraw some money.

The Best Approach Is a Combination of the Two

Since both options have a fair list of pros and cons, the real winner here is to use a combined approach.

Rather than asking if you should use a credit card or a debit card while you travel abroad, bring both.

Bringing both a credit and debit card helps prepare you for all the situations listed above - and when you’re far from home, being prepared can be a real game changer.

But when it comes down to which one you should use primarily, consider your spending habits.

If you’re afraid of overspending, stick to the debit card.

If you’re afraid of fraud, use a credit card. (The credit card won’t prevent fraud, but it does prevent your bank account from being accessed in case of fraud.)

No matter what you do, choose the option that works best for you in the end.

Federal Laws Regarding Debit and Credit Cards

What many people do not realize is that consumer protection laws have different guidelines regarding debit and credit card fraudulent activity.

Under the federal credit billing act, if a credit card number is stolen and used, the card owner is not held liable for any charges.

When a credit card is actually stolen, the card owner is not held liable for any charges as long as it is reported missing before transactions take place; otherwise, a maximum of $50 for fraudulent activity could be charged on the card.

Debit cards are a completely different story and give people more to lose if lost or stolen.

If a debit card is lost or stolen and reported before it is used, the card owner is not liable for any of the charges.

However, he/she may be held liable for $50 of fraudulent activity if it is reported within two business days after unauthorized use.

Reporting a stolen card is crucial to avoid paying penalties.

A cardholder could be responsible for up to $500 of fraudulent charges if he/she fails to report a lost or stolen debit card after two days of unauthorized use.

In addition, there is no real limit to the amount a person can lose if a debit card is not reported lost or stolen after the first 60 days of unauthorized usage.

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Money While You Travel

Nothing can ruin a trip faster than not being able to access your money.

That’s why it’s imperative to have some protections in place before you leave.

Here are the two most important things you can do to protect your money before you embark on foreign travel .

Tell Your Card Issuer You’re Going to Travel Abroad

First of all, call your credit card issuer before you go and alert them of your plans.

If you don’t, you might find that the first transactions you make abroad get declined immediately.

Usually, a card issuer would worry that this type of activity is fraudulent - it’s up to you to warn them, so they know it's you making the foreign purchases.

In order to do this, simply look up the customer service number on the back of your card or on your card issuer’s website.

Let them know where you’re going and for how long.

They can make a note of it on your account, so you won’t get declined after you go away.

Keep Your Personal Items on You

Finally, a protected debit or credit card is one that you know where it is.

When you’re embarking on adventures, buy a pack to strap them to your body under your clothes.

When you’re in busy markets, avoid putting them in open purses or your back pocket.

When you’re sitting down, keep your bags near your feet instead of behind or even next to your chair.

It’s not hard for a practiced thief to swipe a wallet or purse.

Keep your personal items on you and you’ll be less likely to endure theft.

Again, a rule that works both abroad and at home.

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