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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best, all-around international travel card for most consumers, thanks to its flexible points and great travel benefits.
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Travel can be amazing and exhilarating, but it can also cause stress, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Seeing new places and new cultures is one of the reasons many people travel, but paying in a different currency can be challenging and sometimes costly. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee for any purchases made in a foreign currency. If you spend $1,000 on a card that charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that’s an extra $30 out of your travel budget.
The best credit cards for international travel waive these foreign transaction fees, while also offering rewards and benefits that help make your trip more comfortable, like lounge access.
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Foreign transaction fee: $0
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our pick for the overall best card for international travel because of its flexibility and versatility. The Ultimate Rewards points that you earn can be transferred to a Chase’s airline and hotel partners for great redemption values, or you can use them to book travel directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also comes with $0 foreign transaction fees, which means that you can safely use it abroad without paying extra fees.
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Foreign transaction fee: None
If you’re seeking a travel credit card you can use abroad without racking up foreign transaction fees or paying an annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a good way to go. While it has a lower welcome bonus and lower earning rates than some other cards, it can be a good choice if you’re looking to lower the amount that you pay in fees. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also comes with an introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Foreign transaction fee: None
If you’re a frequent traveler looking for luxury perks, you will want to consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. This premium luxury card offers the most robust airport lounge membership program of all travel cards on the market today. The American Express Global Lounge Collection comes with Priority Pass™ Select membership, exclusive access to ultra-swanky Amex Centurion lounges and Delta Sky Club access each time you fly with Delta. Other travel benefits include a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, automatic Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required) and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status (enrollment required).
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Foreign transaction fee: $0
The United℠ Explorer Card is a great option if you’re looking to earn airline miles. It comes with a $0 foreign transaction fee and an annual fee of $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95. You’ll also get perks when flying United, including free checked bags for the cardholder and one companion, priority boarding and 25% back when buying food, beverages and Wi-Fi on United flights. Additionally, the United℠ Explorer Card has an outstanding welcome offer.
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Foreign transaction fee: None
For a simple travel card with rewards that are easy to redeem as they are to earn, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is hard to beat. You earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. One of the best features of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the flexibility of the rewards you earn. You can redeem them as a statement credit for any type of travel or transfer them to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners.
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Foreign transaction fee: $0
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is one of the most flexible and valuable business credit cards around. The card’s generous sign-up bonus and earning rate on business purchases can help add to the rewards pile fast. Like other Chase cards, it offers primary car rental protection and trip cancellation/interruption insurance when traveling for business. In addition to having $0 foreign transaction fees, that makes the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card a great option for international travel.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Foreign transaction fee: None
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is our top pick for hotels due to its earning rate on paid Marriott hotel stays, over-the-top welcome offer and annual travel perks. While a $650 annual fee applies, cardholders get up to a $300 annual dining credit (up to $25 per month), a free night award after card renewal each year (up to 85,000 points) and a $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit. Other perks like a Priority Pass™ Select membership (enrollment required), a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership (enrollment required) and no foreign transaction fees round out this card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Foreign transaction fee: None
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is the best international travel card for students due to its lack of foreign transaction fees and $0 annual fee. Cardholders also earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. . Its flexible rewards may be important for students who want to keep their options open as they figure out their travel style.
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Foreign transaction fee: None
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is the best option for international travel when you have a low credit score. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is marketed to those with limited / poor credit, so it will be easier to be approved for this card than other cards. You’ll need to put down a minimum security deposit of at least $200 which will become your credit limit. It doesn’t charge an annual fee or any foreign transaction fees. Cardholders also earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Foreign transaction fee: None
The American Express® Gold Card is an attractive option if you have a lot of dining purchases. The American Express® Gold Card lets you Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants (on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply
This makes it a great option to use while dining abroad, since it also comes with no foreign transaction fees. There is a $325 annual fee, but you can wipe out a large part of the fee if you take advantage of benefits such as up to $120 in credits toward select dining purchases ($10 monthly, enrollment required).
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Foreign transaction fee: None
If you’re in the market for points that can easily be transferred to partners, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Capital One has over 15 hotel and airline transfer partners, allowing you to maximize your points no matter where you’re going. You’ll earn 2X Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 10X Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. With no foreign transaction fees, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great card to take when traveling abroad. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with a $395 annual fee, but also gives 10,000 Venture miles on your anniversary and an annual $300 travel credit that applies to most travel purchases.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Foreign Exchange Fee | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
$0 | $95 | Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year. |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
|
|
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
None | $0 | Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
|
The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
None | $695 | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | ||
|
United℠ Explorer Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
$0 | $95 | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
|
|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
None | $95 | 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
|
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
$0 | $95 | Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
|
|
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
|
None | $650 | Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. | ||
|
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
Review Coming Soon
|
None | $0 | 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases | Review Coming Soon | |
|
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
None | $0 | N/A |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
|
American Express® Gold Card
|
None | $325 | Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24. | ||
|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
None | $395 | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
International travel credit cards come in a few different varieties:
Airline credit cards
Airline credit cards are usually co-branded between a specific airline and a credit card issuer. Airline credit cards usually earn the miles for that particular airline, and can come with airline-specific benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags or help qualifying for airline elite status.
Hotel credit cards
Hotel credit cards are usually co-branded between a credit card issuer and a particular hotel chain. Hotel credit cards usually earn hotel points that can be used for stays and also often offer hotel-specific benefits like complimentary night certificates, elite status or increased earning rates.
Transferable travel credit cards
Transferable travel credit cards are usually issued directly by a bank or credit card issuer, and earn flexible points that can be used in a variety of different ways. With most transferable travel cards, you can usually redeem your points for statement credits, to book travel directly or transfer to hotel or airline travel partners.
Business travel credit cards
Business travel cards are marketed towards small business owners, and you’ll need to enter in your business information when you apply for the card. Business travel credit cards can be airline, hotel or transferable travel cards, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.
When choosing an international travel credit card, you’ll want to consider factors like how widely it’s accepted, whether it charges foreign transaction fees and a variety of these other factors.
Whenever you use a debit or credit card outside of the U.S., your issuer will charge you a fee of around 3% of each purchase. While it may not seem like a huge deal, the charges will certainly add up. Finding a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is a must when considering an international credit card.
If you’re visiting major tourist destinations, resorts, hotels and museums, you should have no problem paying with your credit card there. However, some destinations may not accept certain networks — or credit cards at all. It’s important to research the common types of currency accepted in your given destination to make the right credit card choice.
Many credit cards will come with the added benefit of complimentary travel protection benefits, such as trip cancellation or interruption insurance. In the event of an emergency while on your trip, you can contact your credit card company and receive reimbursement for any nonrefundable expense — potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
You’ll want to apply for a credit card that will reward you appropriately for your spending habits. For example, frequent diners will want a card that will offer bonus points or miles for restaurants and takeout. Meanwhile, frequent travelers will want to be rewarded for flight and hotel purchases. Many travel credit cards offer hybrid reward categories, offering points for both everyday and travel purchases.
Many travel rewards cards incentivize you to apply by offering a large sign-up bonus that can be redeemed for free travel. This can heavily reduce the cost of your trip — especially if you plan on flying internationally.
If you’re particularly loyal to one airline, it would be advantageous to open a credit card affiliated with an airline to receive perks, such as free checked bags or priority boarding. Hotel cards can only offer free award stays as well as complimentary elite status. Finally, a general travel rewards card can offer flexibility to transfer your points to either airline or hotel programs.
Owning a travel credit card can open a wide variety of benefits handy for your next international trip, such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement or lounge access. You’ll want to think about how much you’re willing to spend on annual fees each year and what travel perks are important to you.
Some countries (such as France and Germany) require both an EMV chip and a PIN in order to use a credit card in an unattended terminal. While most credit cards issued within the U.S. include an EMV chip, cards with PINs are rare. However, some issuers (such as Bank of America) allow you to add a PIN to your travel credit card. You should check with your issuer to see if they offer this option.
Another factor you should consider is if you want airport lounge access, significantly improving your travel experience. Many premium credit card companies come with lounge membership or passes — advantageous for frequent travelers.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is when you choose to pay in your own currency, rather than the local currency. When you pay for things with a credit card internationally, you’ll often be presented with a choice to use DCC when finalizing your payment. While this might seem like a good idea, since you’ll then be more familiar with the actual cost of the purchase, DCC will often use a less-favorable exchange rate and should be avoided.
Here’s one example, using current conversion rates as a way to illustrate how dynamic currency conversion works. At the time of writing this article, 1 Euro can be converted to 1.07 USD. If you are traveling in Europe and have a 100 Euro bill, you may be presented with the option to pay 100 Euro or to convert to $109 — a higher rate than the current exchange rate (a fair conversion for 100 Euros in this scenario would be USD $107). For this reason, it’s a good rule of thumb to always pay in the local currency with your credit card, using a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Making the most of your international credit card is best done by following all of these international credit card tips. Pick a card with no foreign transaction fees and good travel perks and use it for all of your regular expenses. When traveling internationally, generally you should choose to pay for purchases in the local currency rather than using dynamic currency conversion.
Use your credit card for all your regular expenses
This will help you maximize your international credit card use and ensure you rack up as many travel rewards points and miles as possible, which you can put towards your next trip, or flight upgrades and free hotel nights. Paying for your expenses with a credit card can also give you additional security or peace of mind if your card has a $0 fraud liability benefit. Plus, if you use a card with no foreign transaction fees and pay in the local currency, you will likely get a reasonable conversion rate.
Never carry a balance
International credit cards are notorious for charging high interest rates. Be sure to avoid carrying a balance on your card so you never have to pay more than you should. Carrying a balance on your card can also be damaging to your credit score, so you’ll want to watch out for that as well. Put yourself in a position where you have the financial ability and discipline to pay your credit card statement in full, each and every month.
Maximize card benefits for international travel
Many premium travel credit cards come with benefits that can make your trip more affordable and comfortable. Check to see if your card offers these benefits and learn how to take advantage of them ahead of your next international trip.
Sign up for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or CLEAR
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are three different programs that allow you to minimize the time that you spend in airport security lines. If you are a frequent traveler, it can be a good idea to sign up for one or more of these programs. Even if you save a few minutes on each trip, that can add up over tens or hundreds of trips.
Each of these three programs helps you save time with airport security in different ways. For international travel, Global Entry will likely be the most helpful. Having a Global Entry account allows you to skip much of the immigration line when entering the United States. And because Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, you’ll also save time while traveling domestically. Many credit cards offer a statement credit to reimburse your application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four or five years.
Just about any credit card can be used internationally, though not all retailers take every kind of card. As a general rule, Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than Discover and American Express, especially internationally.
There are a variety of different credit cards that offer travel insurance. While most of these cards come with annual fees, the cost can be worth it if you need trip cancellation, lost baggage or trip delay insurance. Not all travel insurance credit cards are equal however, so make sure to check the details to know what is covered, what deductible you might have and exactly how your card’s travel insurance works.
Most banks and credit card companies no longer require you to let them know if you are traveling outside your local area or home country. In some cases, this is due to the added security that comes from most credit cards now having an EMV chip. While many credit card companies do allow you to let them know if you’re traveling if it gives you peace of mind, others (like Capital One) specifically say that you don’t need to tell them about your travel plans.
The best credit card for international travel will vary depending on the user. For high spenders and luxury travelers, owning a premium credit card will serve your travels well to score perks like hotel elite status and concierge services. We recommend the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card in these cases. For the average traveler, cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card should suffice — offering no foreign transaction fees and the potential to earn travel rewards.
It’s commonly thought that Visa and Mastercard are more generally accepted than any other card network available. This has changed dramatically in recent years, as networks such as American Express and Discover have worked hard to increase their international acceptance. In fact, our recent study found that Discover is the most accepted network internationally — with 48 million merchants. However, Discover isn’t accepted in some countries. Therefore, Visa will most likely be your best bet, since it’s accepted at more than 44 million merchants worldwide.
To make choosing the right card easier, we’ve looked at credit cards reviewed on LendingTree as well as cards on major issuer sites to compile a list of the best rewards credit cards available right now. Our recommendations are based on the additional value you can earn with the cards — including the rewards value, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as travel and purchase protections, lounge membership and airline companion passes. No cards on this page charge foreign transaction fees. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
