When it comes to controlling spending overseas, the appropriate credit card may make all the difference for frequent travelers. Through benefits, incentives, and safeguards, the best credit card for overseas traveler not only offers ease but also contributes to cost savings. The greatest credit cards are made to facilitate and lower the expense of overseas travel by providing features like travel insurance and waived foreign transaction fees. We’ll outline some of the finest credit cards in this article that provide the most value for people who travel frequently.
What Makes a Credit Card Ideal for International Travel?
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s important to understand what makes a credit card perfect for international use. Here are key features to consider when selecting a card:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: One of the most essential features for travelers is the absence of foreign transaction fees, which typically range from 1% to 3% of every purchase made abroad. This fee can quickly add up, especially for long trips, so a card that eliminates this cost is highly valuable.
- Global Acceptance: Travelers need a card that’s widely accepted, particularly one under major networks like Visa or Mastercard, which are recognized in most countries. Some American Express and Discover cards may have limited acceptance outside the U.S.
- Travel Rewards and Points: Many cards offer rewards points or miles for purchases, with some providing extra points for travel-related expenses like airfare, hotels, and dining. These points can be redeemed for future trips, making your credit card spending more rewarding.
- Travel Insurance and Protections: A good travel card often includes built-in insurance for things like trip cancellations, baggage delays, rental car damage, and emergency medical coverage. These protections can offer peace of mind and significant savings in the event of unforeseen travel issues.
- Airport Lounge Access and Travel Perks: Premium travel cards often come with access to airport lounges, free checked bags, priority boarding, and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credits, making your travel experience more comfortable.
Top Credit Cards for International Travelers
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best all-around travel cards, offering a high rewards rate and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases. The points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel bookings, often at a higher value than if used for other types of redemptions.
What makes this card stand out is its flexibility, with points transferable to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. It also offers primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and no blackout dates on point redemptions, making it an excellent option for international travelers who want both rewards and protection.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is a great choice for those who value simplicity and flexibility. It offers 2x miles on every purchase, with no restrictions on earning or redeeming. The miles can be used as a statement credit against travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, or even Airbnb stays.
The card has no foreign transaction fees and includes a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can help you breeze through security on your international flights. It’s widely accepted internationally thanks to its Visa network, and the miles are easy to redeem for any travel-related expenses.
3. American Express Platinum Card®
For luxury travelers, the American Express Platinum Card offers unmatched perks. With this card, you’ll have access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs. The card also provides $200 in annual airline fee credits and up to $200 in Uber credits.
Cardholders earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex. While American Express may not be as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard in some countries, its extensive list of perks—including comprehensive travel insurance, elite status with hotel programs, and no foreign transaction fees—makes it a favorite among high-end travelers.
Honorable Mentions
- Citi Premier® Card: Offers 3x points on air travel, hotels, and dining, and no foreign transaction fees. It’s a solid card for those who want robust travel rewards with a lower annual fee.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: This no-annual-fee card earns 1.5x points on every purchase, has no foreign transaction fees, and allows you to redeem points for any travel-related expense, making it a simple and versatile option for casual travelers.
Selecting the right credit card for international travel can enhance your travel experience while saving you money. Whether you prioritize rewards, travel perks, or peace of mind with built-in insurance, there’s a card designed to meet your needs. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and Amex Platinum offer a balance of rewards, savings, and benefits that make them ideal companions for international adventures. With the right card, you can travel smarter, earn rewards, and enjoy valuable perks that make every trip more enjoyable.
