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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..

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

Best overall

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 dining

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

19.99% - 29.99% variable

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

Terms apply.

  • 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 .

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

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

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.

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 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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

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 Ultimate Rewards®
  • 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 Ultimate Rewards ®  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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,200 redeemed toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 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 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 .

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 Ultimate Rewards ®  (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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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.

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Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024

14 best travel credit cards of March 2024

Nick Ewen

The best travel credit cards offer an array of premium perks and benefits. For both occasional travelers and frequent flyers, adding a travel credit card to your wallet is a great way to earn rewards and save money on every trip you take. At The Points Guy, our team has done the legwork and curated a selection of the best travel credit cards for any globe-trotter, whether you prefer to backpack through mountains or settle into a luxury villa for some relaxation. From generous travel credits to premium lounge access, we’ve chosen the cards packed with the best benefits to elevate your next travel experience.

Check out our list below and discover which travel credit card from our partners makes the best addition to your wallet for all of your adventures.

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for earning miles
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium travel
  • American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for maximizing business purchases
  • Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines miles
  • Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee
  • Citi Premier® Card : Best for starter travel
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for business travel
  • Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for variety of bonus categories
  • American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel credits
  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel rewards beginners

Browse by card categories

  • Airport Lounge Access
  • Global Entry
  • No Foreign Fee
  • Best Overall
  • Find your CardMatch™

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (enrollment required)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
  • The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee credit and other monthly statement credits can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

  • This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, worth $1,388 based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
  • Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
  • A couple of partners' transfer ratios are mediocre at a less than 1:1 ratio.
  • Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

  • You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
  • Annual $50 hotel statement credit when booked through Ultimate Rewards
  • Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
  • The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • 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.
  • Member FDIC

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the  $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

  • 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
  • 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
  • $395 annual fee
  • $300 credit annually, only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
  • 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
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com ,  Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment is required for select benefits. Read our full review of the Amex Gold .

  • 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
  • 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening.
  • Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories.
  • Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
  • Few travel perks and protections.
  • 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.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 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.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

  • One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening.
  • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
  • Reasonable $95 annual fee.
  • Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
  • Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
  • Yearly cap on bonus categories.
  • No travel perks.
  • Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass each year from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our  full review of the Alaska Airline credit card.

  • Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.
  • Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $95 annual fee.
  • Limited Time Online Offer – 70,000 Bonus Miles!
  • Get 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
  • Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
  • Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don't expire on active accounts.
  • Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
  • Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card - Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
  • With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska's Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
  • Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
  • This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase! Coupled with the 20,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can use your rewards to book travel, transfer to Capital One’s loyalty partners and more. Read our full review of the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

  • No annual fee.
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
  • Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
  • Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases.
  • Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
  • Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Citi Premier® Card

Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier is a solid travel card choice with a plethora of travel partners and solid earning rates. Since the card earns the same number of points at gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, airlines and hotels, it’s a great pick for beginner travel cardholders who want a simplified point system. Read our  full review of the Citi Premier .

  • For a limited time earn 10 points per $1 dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, attractions (excluding air travel) when book through Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024
  • Earns 3 points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and other hotels.
  • $100 annual hotel savings benefit (on single hotel stay bookings of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, booked through thankyou.com)
  • $95 annual fee
  • Lacks travel protections that other travel rewards cards come with
  • Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
  • 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full  review on The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

  • Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
  • Up to $400 annual statement credit for U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
  • Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
  • Steep $695 annual fee.
  • Difficulty meeting $15,000 minimum spend for smaller businesses.
  • Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our  full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here .

  • This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer on purchases. Plus, you'll enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Despite the lucrative earning structure, Wells Fargo doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits.
  • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
  • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full  review of the American Express Business Gold Card .

  • You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year).
  • Hefty $375 annual fee.
  • There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
  • Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
  • Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
  • Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
  • *Terms Apply

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card .

  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners.
  • 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
  • 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Ultimate Reward.
  • Steep initial $550 annual fee.
  • May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • $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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 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

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great starter card thanks to its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees when you travel internationally. Earning and redeeming is effortless, with no confusing bonus categories to keep track of and the ability to redeem your points for all of your travel needs. Read our  full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards  card.

  • 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One.
  • No travel and purchase protections.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 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.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Comparing the best travel cards

More details on the best credit cards.

The Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel card that can provide amazing redemptions . Besides the welcome offer, it comes with more than $1,400 in credits each year and various lounge access options. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Anyone looking for luxury travel benefits will find that the ton of annual statement credits make the annual fee worth it. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access , automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott, and extra perks with Avis Preferred , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps. And with flexible redemption options and a manageable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep just one credit card in your wallet for all spending.

Those looking to earn flexible rewards should use the Capital One Venture card as it allows you to redeem miles for a fixed value or transfer the miles you earn to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners , including Avianca, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone’s wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards’ bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider jumping to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  (see  rates and fees ). The card’s up to $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel immediately covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

You’ll earn a solid return on dining and travel (6% back and 4% back, respectively, based on TPG valuations ) on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you also have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card.

We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card   as an excellent option for those who are new to earning travel rewards because it lets you earn valuable, transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points  with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it’s hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you’re new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve . Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit.

At $395 per year (see rates and fees ), this premium card is cheaper than all of its competitors without sacrificing the breadth of valuable perks it includes. Cardholders will get unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide  and able to bring up to two guests for no additional charge.

For frequent travelers, the Capital One Venture X is a must-have and is well worth the $395 annual fee. If you travel frequently with your significant other, family or friends, you can even add some authorized users for no additional cost. This will grant them their own lounge access (and the ability to bring up to two guests for no fee), among many other benefits, making this a huge cost-saver for those who travel in groups.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than The Platinum Card® from American Express (see Amex Platinum rates and fees ), the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you geta number of them at no cost — also enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG’s valuations ) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile — like auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ), identical sign-up bonus and similar earning and redemption options.

The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG’s valuations ). While a few other cards temporarily offer higher return rates on dining, this is the best option for long-term spending, making it one of the best dining cards and best rewards cards .

Those looking for a great return on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets will get a lot of value from this card.

“Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar. When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook , former credit cards editor

For those who dine out a lot and also want additional bonus categories and other valuable perks for a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases made on social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. TPG’s most recent valuations  peg the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, so you’ll get a fantastic return of 6% on purchases in these categories.

If you spend a lot on business travel or social media advertising, you’ll be able to earn significant points using the Ink Business Preferred card .

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card , which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

The Alaska Airlines Visa earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and transit (including local ride share purchases); and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. You get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, an annual Companion Fare on your account anniversary and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. The Seattle-based airline is mostly limited to North American routes, but international destinations through Oneworld partners make this card valuable for all travelers.

“With new benefits, this card is even more valuable to me — even with its higher annual fee. It provides a free first checked bag, discounts on inflight purchases and priority boarding. My favorite feature, however, is the annual Companion Fare. I get hundreds of dollars in annual value from this perk.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card might be a better option.

The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see  rates and fees ) has the same redemption options as its sibling card (the Venture Rewards card) but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, a benefit not usually seen with a no-annual-fee card.

The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that (see rates and fees ).

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner (see rates and fees ). It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards card . You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

The Citi Premier is a great all-around card that earns 3 points per dollar on multiple categories. Citi ThankYou points can be redeemed as statement credits or transferred to any of Citi’s partners.

Travel credit card users who are getting into the transferable point world but do not want to commit to a high annual fee should consider the Citi Premier card.

“Out of all of my credit cards, the Citi Premier Card is often my everyday card and a card I typically recommend to friends and family. Earning 3 points per dollar for gas, groceries and restaurants allows you to rack up points even when you're not on the road. Being able to transfer Citi ThankYou points to valuable partners like Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles and Avianca LifeMiles is also a key reason this card stands out, all while having a modest annual fee of $95.” — Danyal Ahmed , credit cards writer

If you’re looking for a similar card but prefer Chase Ultimate Rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card could be a great alternative. The card offers multiple bonus categories, travel and shopping protection and a fair annual fee of $95.

There are certain ways to earn bonus points for spending on the Amex Business Platinum Card, but it’s the array of perks on the card that make it a great option. Beyond airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status, there are a number of statement credits that are specifically targeted to common business expenses.

If you travel for business frequently, this card could help you upgrade your experience in the air and on the ground while saving you money on select business-related services. And the current welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that’s even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell (enrollment required), I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express®  Business Gold Card , which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great no-annual-fee card that offers quality earning categories and travel and shopping protection.

Travel card beginners who are looking to get into points earning should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which offers a welcome bonus, 3 points per dollar on a variety of everyday spending categories and cellphone protection.

If you’re just getting into the travel credit card world and are not sure travel cards are for you, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which will allow you to earn bonus points on travel spending without the commitment of an annual fee.

If you’re looking to earn transferable reward points but still maintain a similar earning structure, consider the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees ), which offers 3 points per dollar on various travel and food categories. In addition, you can transfer ThankYou Rewards points to any of Citi’s travel partners.

The American Express Business Gold card comes packed with perks and benefits, but its most unique feature is the ability to shift your monthly bonus categories. Cardholders will automatically earn 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter), so if your business spending varies month to month, you won’t have to commit to a bonus category.

The American Express Business Gold card is an excellent choice for business owners who are looking for a premium business card with premium business perks like monthly office supply statement credits, travel and shopping protection and access to The Hotel Collection.

The American Express Business Gold is an excellent choice for small businesses that have changing bonus categories but still want more premium business perks and benefits.

If you still want to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees ), which earns 2 Membership Rewards points on all business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit to offset a variety of expenses — such as airfare, hotels, rental cars, transit and more. You’re also getting an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit  once every four years along with Priority Pass Select membership. And Chase’s slate of transfer partners allows plenty of opportunity to get the maximum value from your points.

Those looking for elevated earning rates and extensive travel protections should have this card in their wallet. The 50% redemption bonus when you use your points to pay for travel through the Chase portal  is also a nice perk.

“I’ve had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it’s going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and various trip protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I’m able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you just can’t stomach the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card  instead. It has similar perks, redemption options and travel protections — for a much lower $95 per year.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers  who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

“I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee (see  rates and fees ), consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

Credit pointers with Brian Kelly

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How to maximize travel credit cards

Earn the welcome bonus.

One of the best ways to maximize your travel credit cards is to earn the welcome bonus . Most travel credit cards will offer a welcome or sign-up bonus that allows cardmembers to earn points or miles that would otherwise require a very high spend. Welcome bonuses are a crucial part of a card’s value, so before you apply for your next travel card, be sure to plan for how you will meet the spending requirement. Ideally, you would align large purchases with your card opening so that you don’t need to spend frivolously to earn that lucrative welcome bonus.

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Use a travel card that matches your travel style

There is a travel credit card for everyone, but not every travel card is the best fit for your wallet . Consider what type of traveler you are, whether you have any brand loyalty and what perks you are looking for from your next credit card. If you travel often and in luxury, consider premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve . These cards are loaded with tons of luxury perks like lounge access and automatic elite status . 

Alternatively, if you’re a more thrifty traveler who likes to maximize your travel earnings, consider a mid-tier travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . These cards allow you to earn points on your travel, and while they don’t come with a long list of luxury perks, they’re much more cost effective for an everyday traveler.

And even beginners don’t have to veer away from travel cards, since many products out there offer an introduction to the travel rewards world without incurring an annual fee.

Knowing what your travel style is like will help you determine what type of travel card you need.

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Use loyalty programs to stack your rewards

You don’t have to limit your earnings to just travel credit cards . Many airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can be used in conjunction with your travel card to unlock added perks when doing business with a specific brand. In addition, many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points from your card to your eligible loyalty programs . This can open up nearly endless redemption options.

How we rate cards

What is a travel credit card.

Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that are redeemable for travel expenses or are geared toward travel spending. The cards on this list are some of the best credit cards to book flights , hotels and more with their many perks and rewards . 

Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases that can help you book flights, hotels and more for little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status . If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.

Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles . You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.

Related: The complete history of credit cards, from antiquity to today

We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Travel vs cash back credit cards

A travel credit card is a card that is geared toward travel spending and a cash-back credit card is a card that earns cash back on purchases made with the card.

Generally, when we are talking about travel credit cards we refer to cards that earn points and miles like the Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors Aspire card. The Platinum Amex earns transferable points which can be used with any of Amex's travel partners while the Hilton Honors Aspire card only earns Hilton points which can be redeemed at Hilton properties. These cards do not earn cash back on any purchases.

Cash back cards generally offer cash back as a flat rate or feature bonus categories that earn an elevated cash back rate. Select cash-back cards can also be a great travel card such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express which offers 3% cash back on transit including rideshare, trains, buses, and more. Even though it is a cash-back card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers an elevated return on select transportation which potentially makes it a solid travel card option.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards work like other reward credit cards: They help you earn rewards, primarily points and miles, on your purchases. This section will primarily focus on transferable rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express, as they are what are typically considered travel credit cards.

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value

How to earn transferable points

Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles” (depending on the issuer). All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards. 

Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

How to redeem points and miles  

Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Before booking your flight, you should consider doing a  flight portal comparison to ensure you're getting the best redemption. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.

Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles

It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort. 

How to use travel credit card portals  

In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel. 

Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase , offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal. 

We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits. 

Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal , it can be a great way to earn extra points. 

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal

Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline. 

Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight. 

Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: Which is the best for booking flights?

Types of travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are cards that are geared towards travel spending. Luckily, there are many types of travel credit cards which means there is a good option for any traveler. Typically, when talking about travel credit cards, we are referring to transfer rewards credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. There are additional types of travel credit cards that are less popular but can still be a good option for the right traveler.

Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner . Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags , a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

For example, if you have a Marriott credit card , you’ll earn bonus points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program. This can really amplify the rewards you can earn when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.

The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.

Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card . Fixed-value credit cards are often the best travel credit cards for beginners. 

As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.

Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels. 

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.

Travel credit card benefits

Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.

One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access , a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments. Be sure to check the priority pass guest policy as many lounges allow you to bring a complimentary guest (or guests).

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States. 

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is up to $85 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application . 

How to choose the best travel credit card

  • 1 Sign-up bonus Choosing a card with a healthy sign-up bonus will help jumpstart the possibility of unlocking elite status across different areas, including airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • 2 Annual fee Premium travel credit cards typically feature higher annual fees. Double-check that the card you choose suits your spending habits and travel needs before applying.
  • 3 Bonus categories It also helps to check which bonus categories a card offers to ensure that they align with your spending, whether it’s at restaurants, at grocery stores or on streaming subscriptions.

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Ask our experts

What's your favorite travel credit card — and why.

Brian Kelly

Pros + cons of travel credit cards

  • Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
  • Travel credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
  • Travel credit cards can provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
  • Travel credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more.
  • Credit cards can encourage overspending.
  • Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
  • The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
  • Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
  • Travel credit cards may be too complicated (or expensive) for those who aren’t frequent travelers.

Frequently asked questions

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free , so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.

This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.

It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.

It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

Many of the luxury travel cards on this list offer hundreds of dollars in annual travel statement credits. However, not all annual travel statements are created equal. While some cards feature easy redemptions, other cards feature redemptions that come with more restrictions. 

Out of the various cards that offer annual travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has the easiest redemption process for travel credits . The Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit covers a broad selection of charges, including flights, hotels, campgrounds and more. Additionally, the travel does not have to be booked through Chase’s travel portal, and the statement credit will automatically post when you make an eligible purchase. 

Best credit cards for international travel in 2024

Ariana Arghandewal

Dec 29, 2023 • 15 min read

international travel best credit card

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

Huilo-Huilo waterfall; Los Ríos, Chile

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 Ultimate Rewards 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 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards 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 Ultimate Rewards 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 Ultimate Rewards bookings (and does not earn bonus points).

How to use points and miles to save money on travel

The American Express Platinum Card

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.

Best travel credit cards for foodies

Earn 10x rewards on hotel stays with Chase Sapphire Reserve

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 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on flights purchased travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards travel; 3X points on other travel and dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out); 1X point on all other purchases. Note: Travel reward points accrue after using the $300 travel credit.

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 Ultimate Rewards; 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

The overwater bungalows at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

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?

The Rose Gold American Express Card

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

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

Consider upgrading your travel experience with the right credit card

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

Unlock benefits like seat upgrades with the best international travel cards

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

Herengracht Canal in Amsterdam

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 August 2023 and updated December 2023

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Best credit cards for international travel in 2024

The 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.

international travel best credit card

On Capital One's secure website

See Rates & Fees.

  • 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
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

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: Learn more/apply or read 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®

international travel best credit card

On Chase's secure website

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • $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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 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: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’ll earn 10x points on Chase Dining, hotel and car rental bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 5x points on flights booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 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 Ultimate Rewards®. Not only can you redeem your points for travel purchases like hotels and rental cars or airfare, you can also exchange Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for miles or points at dozens of leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.

» MORE:  Learn more/apply now  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 ( See Rates & Fees. ) .

international travel best credit card

  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

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:  Learn more/apply now or 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.

international travel best credit card

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.

Welcome Offer

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.

Our Thoughts

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

international travel best credit card

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • 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 Ultimate Rewards®
  • 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 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

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 Visa card for international travel with a lower annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice.

international travel best credit card

  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • 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! Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard and American Express, in  over 200 countries  worldwide.

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: Learn more/apply now or 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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Advertiser Disclosure

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

Holly Johnson

Author: Holly Johnson

Kaitlyn Tang

Editor: Kaitlyn Tang

Barri Segal

Reviewer: Barri Segal

Why trust us?

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

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Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards of 2023

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Best Credit Cards for International Travel

The Best Credit Cards for International Travel

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Seeking the perfect travel companion for your international adventures? Dive into this guide, where I unveil the top credit cards for international travel. Each one designed for globetrotters, ensuring financial efficiency, safety, and coveted perks.

Best Credit Cards for International Travel

What’s your idea of the perfect getaway? A tropical island, or a snowy mountain peak? A bustling city, or a desolate landscape? There’s no right answer to this question, and the point is: no one travels the same, and so no travel credit card is right for everyone. 

Graphic image that lists the Best Credit Cards for International Travel

With the right credit card offering rewards on travel when you buy everything from buying groceries to gas at the pump, running your daily errands, and planning your trip become one and the same.  

To this end, I selected three credit card options for you to choose from:

Best Credit Card for International Travel with a Large Sign-up Bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Best credit card for international travel with rewards: capital one venture rewards credit card, best credit card for international travel with points: citi premier card.

A bit later on, I’ll present a complete picture of what I liked and a few things to be aware of about each of the cards I discussed. 

But first, let’s talk about one of the most important points to consider when selecting a credit card for an overseas trip: foreign transaction fees, what they are, and how to avoid them.

What are Foreign Transaction Fees?

Your credit card spending limit is valued in US dollars. When you travel overseas, you pay for lodging, or just a cup of coffee, in the currency of whatever country you’re in. 

That means there’s a currency exchange occurring whenever you swipe the card, and for that service, some credit card companies, like Chase charge currency fees , sometimes called a foreign currency or foreign purchase transaction fee. 

When traveling abroad, these fees can add up, so it’s best to choose a credit card for international travel that doesn’t charge them. The average foreign transaction fee is about 3% and consists of the following:

  • 1% charged by the payment processor (Visa, for example)
  • 2% charged by the card issuer (your bank or credit union)

This might not seem like a lot at first, but when you consider all the lodging, food, and other incidental expenses you’ll rack up while you’re on the road, it can be a substantial additional cost.

Furthermore, foreign transaction fees can accrue when booking your hotel in a foreign country, even if you’re doing it in advance from the comfort of your own living room.

To save money on your international wandering, choose a credit card with few, if any, foreign transaction fees. Here are a few additional ways to avoid this costly expense when traveling abroad:

How Do I Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees?

When preparing for a trip, there’s a lot to plan for. Don’t leave these points off your list:

Graphic image that explains How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees?

  • Open an account at a bank or credit union without foreign transaction fees. International spending fees don’t just apply to your credit card. Certain institutions may add an extra charge whenever you use their debit cards overseas, or even just when using an ATM.
  • Exchange currency before you travel. Although there are some safety concerns around carrying cash in a foreign country , if you’ll be in one place for a while, it may just be worth exchanging your currency in advance. Some credit unions, in fact, will do it for free. If you wait until you’re at the airport, however, you’ll have to pay a little more for the service. Once you’ve changed the money, however, there are no more fees to worry about!
  • Avoid foreign ATMs. I know how annoying it can be to need some cash and only have ATMs available from a bank you don’t use that charges fees for your withdrawal. Well, try this outside the country and you could be on the line for foreign transaction fees in addition to ATM fees. That also can add up. If you do need to withdraw money while abroad, try to use an ATM from the institution at which you bank, or at least within the same network of ATMs.
  • Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion. While traveling in a foreign country you may encounter a merchant or retailer that offers to exchange your currency right there at the point of sale. This is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. Although DCC may be convenient, merchants can set their own currency exchange rate, which most likely will be much higher than you might have paid exchanging your currency at a bank back home.

It sounds like foreign transaction fees should be avoided at all costs, right? Well, sort of. The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is by using a credit card that won’t charge you any. 

But if you do have to pay a fee, here’s something to remember:

  • Foreign Transaction Fees are better than Exchange Counter Fees. If you have no other choice, the foreign transaction fee on your credit card is a far better choice than the service fees at an exchange, like at the airport, for example. 
  • Rewards make all the difference. Even if you do pay extra, it’s not the end of the world. With the right rewards program, it can balance out, so there’s no need to panic. 

With a clearer understanding of foreign transaction fees, what they are and how to avoid them, let’s turn now to the best credit cards for international travel.

The right credit card sign-up bonus goes a long way toward financing the trip of a lifetime. Why not pad your travel budget with a little extra cash, just for signing up?  

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers the best sign-up bonus in this ranking, at an enormous 100K bonus points after spending just $4K on the card in the first three months after opening the account. You’ll reach that goal by just booking the airfare and lodging for your trip. 

What’s more, those points are worth an additional 25% when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards , with plenty of travel-related perks to choose from. They can also be transferred at a 1:1 value to a broad range of airline and hotel loyalty programs. And if that isn’t generous enough, Chase offers 2X points on every dollar spent on travel and dining, anywhere in the world, with 1 point for each additional dollar spent across all categories.  

With this card, there also are no foreign transaction fees to worry about, and chip-enhanced technology keeps you safe no matter where you roam. For this reason, you can also feel confident the card will be accepted wherever you happen to be. 

There is a $95 annual fee associated with the Chase Sapphire, but that’s not too bad considering all the other travel benefits associated with it, and the excellent credit that’s required to be approved for it. Regular APR ranges from 15.99% to 22.99%, which is a bit lower than average. You can also count on 24/7 customer service anywhere in the globe. 

Even though travel is expensive, with the Chase Sapphire card , money spent while traveling keeps on giving in rewards and cash, making it the best credit card to use when planning your next trip overseas. 

Incidental costs come up a lot when journeying abroad. Spend strategically, and while you’re at it, get something back in terms of miles. Outstanding mileage rewards are just what is offered by the next card in this list, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , one of the best credit cards for international travel on the market.

Capital One Venture Rewards

With Venture Rewards, in fact, you earn 2X in miles for every $1 spent, anywhere, anytime. What’s more, Venture One offers a one-time 100K mile bonus after spending $20K on the card in the first year after opening the account. If you use your credit card regularly to rack up travel miles, that’s hard to beat.

And the rewards don’t stop there. Spending just $3K in the first three months gets you 100K bonus points. Also, applying for the card gives you a $100 application fee credit on Global Entry or TSA Precheck , expediting your movement through airports and giving you even more opportunities to save money .

The annual fee on the card is just $95. but if you don’t like fees, check out the very similar no-annual-fee version, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card . There are some trade-offs in terms of points earned, though: the no-fee card offers only 1.25 miles for every dollar spent.

The card does not offer a special introductory rate, but its regular APR lands between 17.24% and 24.49%. With the kinds of rewards you’ll be enjoying, however, the lack of a special introductory rate isn’t a concern. 

For these reasons and more, Venture Rewards is the perfect card to earn travel points on expenses in a foreign country.

To earn points while also saving money on foreign transaction fees, I recommend the Citi Premier Card . 

Person holding a Citi Premier Card

Through Citi, travelers enjoy 60K bonus ThankYou Points after the first $4K spent within three months after opening the account. Those points can be redeemed for $600 in gift cards at Thankyou.com , which are usable at Amazon.com and many other high-profile retailers that offer travel gear for your next adventure. 

If this doesn’t appeal to you, you can redeem your points to put $300 in cold hard cash back in your pocket.

Earning as few as 1,000 points, in fact, allows you to transfer them to a long list of airline loyalty programs without a fee. Participating airlines include Jet Blue , Virgin Atlantic , and Singapore Airlines . From this list, you’ll be able to fly almost anywhere you need, or somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going, whether it’s in Japan , or saving your money when travelling to Europe .

The everyday rewards offered through the card are also worth noting: 3X points on every dollar spent on a whole list of relevant categories, each and every day, and again, there are no foreign transaction fees to worry about. Eligible categories range from gas and supermarkets to hotels and airfare. And best of all, those points never expire .

Like to stay in the lap of luxury while indulging your wanderlust? Book a $500 hotel room (excluding fees and taxes) and activate the card’s Annual Hotel Savings Benefit , taking $100 bucks off that bill in a rebate. This benefit also renews each calendar year. 

Again, there is a $95 annual fee associated with the card, which is fairly standard, and you need good to excellent credit in order to qualify.

Now that you’ve selected the perfect card for your overseas vacation, what else do you need to know before boarding a plane? 

What Should I Do Before Traveling Internationally?

There’s a lot to know before leaving on a trip to a foreign country, and even more to do to prepare. Follow this checklist and you’ll travel like a pro.

Graphic image that answers that questions, "What Should I do Before Travelling Internationally?"

Update your VISA and Passport. 

It typically takes 10 to 12 weeks for the US Department of State to issue, update or renew a passport, and most countries require that your passport be valid six months after your return date. Don’t leave home without first taking care of these important details.

It’s also a good idea at this point to register your trip with the State Department . That way if something should happen to go wrong, someone will know approximately where you are, where you plan to be, and how to reach you. That information can also be shared with friends and family should the necessity arise. 

Confirm Health Restrictions, Safety Advisories, or Any Other Travel Warnings.

The State Department also lists areas of the world where it is unsafe for Americans to travel , and the kinds of precautions US citizens should take before visiting these areas. 

It’s also a good idea to study up on local customs. For example:

  • Dress codes and cultural expectations related to clothing.
  • Plenty of slip-on footwear should you be traveling to an area in which it is expected you remove your footwear before entering certain tourist sites.
  • Tipping etiquette and protocol (it varies widely across the globe).
  • Simple phrases, at the very least, in the common language or languages of the region.

Get Your Vaccinations and Fill Your Prescriptions.

Don’t leave home without stocking up on your important prescription medicine that may not be available or may be difficult to source wherever your destination happens to be. Also, update any vaccinations the CDC recommends travels receive before journeying to the area of the world you have your sights set upon. 

Paper with a printed image of an umbrella and the word "insurance, placed beside a man typing on his laptop

You may also want to check with the foreign embassy in the area of your trip to find out if any prescription drugs are prohibited, or instead, easily accessible: no packing required. And don’t leave home without needed medical supplies, like syringes if you have a condition that requires their use (just be sure to declare them at airport security.)

Consider Getting Insurance

Even if you have a domestic health insurance policy, it’s likely it won’t be enough to cover you should a medical incident occur while traveling overseas. 

A travel insurance policy will protect you if a medical evacuation should become necessary, or if some other emergency procedure needs to be performed while you’re traveling abroad.

If you’re planning on being overseas for an extended period of time, you might want to consider international health insurance . This way, you can get the medical attention you need while abroad, rather than needing to return back home to receive full treatment.

And finally, perhaps the most important box to check before leaving on your trip overseas is to make sure you have a method of payment at your disposal that’s widely accepted wherever your destination happens to be.

Carrying some local currency is a good idea, but a great credit card secret and better option is to choose a major credit that won’t overcharge in foreign transaction fees, and that also helps you earn points and rewards while you spend, many of which can be used to finance and fund other parts of your trip, like dining, airfare, and lodging.

And with that, you’re ready to go. There’s no better way to learn about the cultures of the world than a trip overseas. I hope my guide to the best credit cards for international travel has been helpful. Bon Voyage!

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The Best Credit Cards for International Travel

Matt Fitzgerald

December 18, 2023

The Best Credit Cards for International Travel

10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. 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.

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Note: All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by 10xTravel.

Every time you swipe your travel rewards credit card, you’re one step closer to your next points-and-miles-funded vacation.

A travel rewards credit card earns points or miles on purchases, which are rewards currency that can be redeemed for travel purchases. You can open co-branded airline and hotel cards, which earn points with specific loyalty programs tied to the hotel or airline. You can also open a general travel rewards credit card, which gives you maximum flexibility in how you redeem your points for travel.

However, knowing which credit cards are best for international travel isn’t always easy, given the wide variety of international credit cards on offer. Picking a travel credit card that’s ill-suited to your spending habits and travel goals can end up costing you more in annual fees than you’ll earn in perks and rewards.

Luckily, with the right strategy, the best credit cards for international travel can save you money while giving you access to luxury perks. You could save on hotel stays, flights, TSA PreCheck ® , airport lounge access, insurance and much more.

Let’s take a look at the best credit cards for international travel, as well as the pros, cons and any other considerations to make before selecting a card.

The Best International Travel Credit Cards for 2023

Here are the best international travel credit cards of 2023. After this quick overview, we’ll dive into each card, detailing its pros and cons.

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express ® Gold Card is an excellent pick if you want to earn points on everyday spending.

You’ll earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points thereafter. You’ll also earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide, as well as on takeout and delivery in the U.S.

This ability to earn points on everyday spending makes offsetting its annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees ) much easier.

international travel best credit card

Membership Rewards® Points

after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms apply.

Annual Fee: $250 Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

If you book flights directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, your purchases will earn you 3X points. Likewise, when you book a property belonging to The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel, you’ll gain a $100 experience credit to enjoy at the property (a minimum stay of two nights is required).

The American Express ® Gold Card is free of foreign transaction fees, allowing you to continue earning points abroad.

  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide, as well as on takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • Earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X points thereafter).
  • Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com.
  • Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
  • Up to $120 Uber Cash, given as Uber Credits, issued in $10 monthly increments, when you add your card to your Uber account for Uber Eats order or Uber rides in the U.S. (enrollment required)
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit, issued in $10 monthly statement credits, when you pay with your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations (enrollment required)
  • Receive a $100 experience credit (minimum stay of two nights required) when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel.
  • No foreign transaction fees. (See rates and fees )
  • Annual fee is somewhat high for a mid-tier card.

airline incidental fees

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card is best for earning a statement credit toward airline incidental fees.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card comes with a host of benefits that help offset its hefty annual fee of $550.

This card rewards and supports travel, giving you a $300 annual statement credit for airline incidental fees as well as a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership application fees. It comes with four annual complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge visits and will enable you to save 20% on domestic and international airfares of any class when you pay with points.

If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you’ll enjoy 25% to 75% more points per purchase. To qualify as a Preferred Rewards member, you need to have a Bank of America checking account, as well as have a three month average combined balance of at least $20,000 across your Bank of America deposit and/or Merrill investment accounts.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card charges no foreign transaction fees.

  • Earn 25% to 75% more points per purchase as a Preferred Rewards member.
  • Save 20% on domestic or international flight tickets for any class when you pay with points.
  • 2X points on travel purchases
  • 2X points on dining purchases
  • 1.5X points on all other purchases
  • Receive four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges.
  • Complimentary 24/7 full service concierge
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $300 annual statement credit for airline incidental fees
  • $150 annual statement credit for lifestyle conveniences, such as video streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and rideshare services
  • $100 in statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years
  • Bonus category rates are low for a premium card

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers simple rewards for a $0 annual fee.

With this card, you’ll enjoy a flat rate of 1.5X points on all purchases, everywhere. That means you can earn on everyday purchases, as well as on purchases made abroad. This card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, so racking up points on spending abroad is easy.

If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn between 25% and 75% more, translating to between 1.87X to 2.62X points.

  • 1.5X points on all purchases
  • Preferred Rewards members can earn between 25% to 75% more points.
  • Limited perks
  • No bonus spending categories

airport lounge access

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is best for access to Capital One, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Select lounges, as well as a range of transfer partners.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

For an annual fee of $395, the Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card offers significant value.

You get complimentary access for yourself, authorized users and up to two accompanying guests for Capital One, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Select lounges. This perk alone more than offsets the annual fee in monetary terms.

You’ll also enjoy an annual statement credit of up to $300 when you book travel through Capital One Travel.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Venture Miles

after you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Annual Fee: $395

Capital One miles can be transferred to up to 18 different hotel and airline transfer partners, at a ratio of 1:1 in most cases, giving you maximum redemption flexibility and making it one of the best credit cards for international travel points.

You’ll also be able to continue using the card abroad as it’s free of foreign transaction fees.

  • Complimentary access for you, your authorized users and up to two guests for Priority Pass Select, Capital One and Plaza Premium Group lounges (enrollment required)
  • Transfer your Capital One miles to 18 hotel and airline partner programs.
  • 10X miles on rental cars and hotels when booked through Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy cardholder benefits, including experience credits and room upgrades, when staying with the Premier or Lifestyle Collections.
  • Up to $300 annual statement credit when booking travel through Capital One Travel
  • Receive 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary.
  • 10X miles can only be earned when booking through the Capital One Travel portal.
  • The $300 annual travel statement credit applies only on travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal.

how to use tsa precheck

With Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you’ll receive a $300 annual travel statement credit, as well as a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership application fees.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve ® is one of the best travel credit cards for international travel.

As a cardholder, you’ll receive a $300 annual travel statement credit, as well as a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership application fees every four years. You’ll also receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. These perks make offsetting the annual fee of $550 a breeze.

Chase Ultimate Rewards can be transferred to a range of hotel and airline partner loyalty programs at 1:1 transfer ratio. You can also redeem your Ultimate Rewards for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal at 1.5 cents a point.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points

after you spend $4,000 in 3 months

Annual Fee: $550

The Chase Sapphire Reserve ®   card has zero foreign transaction fees, allowing you to spend abroad with total freedom.

  • $300 annual statement credit for travel purchases
  • 5X points on flights when purchased as travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards (applies after the first $300 is spent on annual travel purchases)
  • 10X points on car rentals and hotels booked through Chase Travel (applies after the first $300 is spent on annual travel purchases)
  • 3X points on eligible delivery service purchases, takeout and dining out
  • 3X points on travel purchases (applies after the first $300 is spent on annual travel purchases)
  • 10X points on Chase Dining purchases via Ultimate Rewards
  • Redeem points for 50% more value when used for travel purchases through Chase (1.5 cents per point).
  • Transfer points at 1:1 ratio to Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
  • $100 statement credit reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, every four years
  • Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
  • Hotel and car rental purchases must be made via Chase Travel to earn 10X points.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card offers competitive bonus category rates for a comparatively low annual fee of $95, making it one of the best travel rewards credit cards for beginners .

You can earn 3X points on everyday purchases such as dining at restaurants, takeout and eligible delivery services, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)and select streaming services. This allows you to rack up Ultimate Rewards on everyday spending, getting you to point-funded travel more quickly. These points can be transferred to Chase’s transfer partners at a ratio of 1:1, giving you excellent redemption flexibility. Alternatively, you can use your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards for a 25% boost in value (1.25 cents per point).

Chase Sapphire Preferred

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual Fee: $95

On top of that, you’ll earn 5X points for travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 annual hotel statement credit).

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card has zero foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel.

  • Receive up to $50 in statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, every account anniversary year.
  • Earn an annual account anniversary point bonus equivalent to 10% of your total yearly expenditure.
  • Redeem your points for 25% more value when purchasing travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards (1.25 cents per point).
  • 1:1 point transfers with Chase airline and hotel partners
  • 5X total points on travel purchases, when purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (points will not be earned on hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 annual hotel credit)
  • 3X points on online grocery purchases (excludes Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs)
  • 3X points on select streaming service purchases
  • 2X points on eligible travel purchases
  • 1X points on all other purchases
  • 5X points can only be earned on travel purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

If you’re a frequent guest on board American Airlines flights, the Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive World Elite Mastercard ® could be of excellent value to you.

Its most outstanding benefit is that you’ll get a complimentary Admirals Club ® membership, worth up to $850.

If that’s not enough, you’ll also enjoy a host of other benefits when flying with American Airlines. For example, the first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation on domestic itineraries will fly for free. Likewise, you’ll enjoy priority check-in, screening and boarding, as well as 25% off inflight food and beverage purchases when you pay with your card.

Citi AAdvantage Executive Card Art

AAdvantage® bonus miles

after spending $7,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual Fee: $595

The card is free of foreign transaction fees and also comes with a $100 statement credit toward fee reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.

If you are a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you’ll more than offset the annual fee of $595.

  • Complimentary Admirals Club ® membership
  • $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years
  • First checked bag flies free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation.
  • Priority check-in, screening and boarding when flying with American Airlines
  • 1X Loyalty Point per eligible AAdvantage ® mile earned from purchases
  • 4X miles on American Airlines Purchases (after spending $150,000 within a calendar year, you’ll earn 5X miles thereafter)
  • 10X miles on hotels booked through aa.com/hotels
  • 10X miles on rental cars booked through aa.com/cars
  • Perks and bonus spending categories are restricted to American Airlines-centered benefits.

Breakfast at airport lounge

Citi Premier® Card is best for earning on everyday spending and wide range of airline and hotel transfer partners

Citi Premier® Card

For an annual fee of $95, the Citi Premier ® Card offers strong bonus spending category rates as well as zero foreign transaction fees.

This card earns 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to a range of airline and hotel partners, giving you flexibility when redeeming your points.

international travel best credit card

Citi ThankYou Points

after making $4,000 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.

As a Premier Card holder, you’ll also enjoy an annual $100 discount off a hotel stay worth $500 or more when you book through thankyou.com (excluding taxes and fees).

  • 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels
  • $100 off a hotel stay worth $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, through thankyou.com, every calendar year

Delta boarding area

Delta Skymiles® Gold American Express Card is best for frequent flyers with Delta.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card offers frequent flyers with Delta excellent value for a reasonable annual fee of $150 after the first year (see rates and fees ).

You’ll enjoy perks such as a” first checked bag flies free” policy.

international travel best credit card

Bonus Miles

after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for your first year, then $150. Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

This card earns 2X miles on a wide range of purchases, from direct purchases with Delta to U.S. takeout and delivery services, meaning you can earn points on everyday expenses.

It’s also free of foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travel.

  • 2X miles on direct purchases with Delta
  • 2X miles on dining including restaurants, takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
  • 1X mile on all other purchases
  • First checked bag flies free policy
  • Save 15% on award travel bookings through delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
  • Enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority boarding on Delta flights.
  • As with all co-branded airline cards, your redemption options are restricted to the airline.

best hotel credit cards for international travel

If you travel frequently and you are a regular guest at a particular hotel chain, opting for a co-branded hotel card could be of great benefit to you.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

If you’re a frequent guest at Hilton properties, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card will offer you a range of outstanding perks for an annual fee of $550.

Simply holding the card gives you Hilton Honors Diamond status. You’ll receive a $400 annual statement credit, issued in $200 semi-annual increments, for eligible purchases at Hilton resorts, as well as a $200 annual statement credit, issued in quarterly $50 increments, for qualifying airline charges made directly with the airline or through amextravel.com.

Additionally, you’ll receive an annual free night reward every year you hold the card. If you spend $30,000 within a calendar year, you’ll receive a second free night reward and you can receive a third free night after spending $60,000.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Bonus Points

after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months. All information about The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by 10xTravel. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire is no longer available through 10xTravel.

Annual Fee: $550 Terms Apply.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card has zero transaction fees and comes with a $189 statement credit for CLEAR ® Plus membership, making it ideal for travel.

  • 14X points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
  • 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com, as well as car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies
  • 7X points at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • 3X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Receive complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status.
  • Up to $400 annual statement credit, issued in $200 semi-annual increments, for eligible purchases at Hilton resorts
  • Receive an annual free night reward (receive a second free night after spending $30,000 within a calendar year and a third free night after spending $60,000).
  • $189 statement credit for CLEAR Plus membership
  • Receive a $100 on-property credit for qualifying charges at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, when you book a two-night stay.
  • Up to $200 annual statement credit, issued in quarterly $50 increments, for qualifying airline charges made directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
  • Points and perks categories are centered around Hilton.

airline incidental fee credits

Up to $200 airline incidental fee credits with The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The The Platinum Card® from American Express offers some of the most luxurious perks out of all the cards for international travel, making it one of the best credit cards for international travel.

The combined value of statement credits—from a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit to a CLEAR Plus application fee statement credit—is worth more than double the annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ).

The Platinum Card from American Express

after you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual Fee: $695 Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

As a Platinum cardholder, you’ll enjoy access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, giving you access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. You’ll also receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold elite status (enrollment required), as well as access to the Fine Hotels and Resort Collection for bookings made through American Express Travel.

There are zero foreign transaction fees, so this card will serve you well when you’re spending abroad.

  • 5X points on eligible flights booked with American Express Travel or directly with the airline, on up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year
  • 5X points on eligible prepaid hotel reservations when booked with American Express Travel
  • Up to $200 hotel credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (a minimum two-night stay is required) bookings through American Express Travel
  • Up to $240 digital entertainment credit, issued in $20 monthly statement credits for eligible purchases on Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM and the New York Times (enrollment required)
  • Up to $300 Equinox credit, given in the form of statement credits.
  • Up to $189 per year in statement credits toward a CLEAR Plus membership
  • Up to $200 airline incidental fee credits, given in the form of statement credits
  • Up to $200 Uber Cash, issued in increments of $15 per month with a bonus $20 in December
  • Receive either a $100 statement credit every four years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck application fee (when applying through a TSA official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum card.
  • Complimentary premium status for numerous car rental companies (enrollment required)
  • Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, with 1,400+ lounges across 140 countries (including Airspace Lounge, The Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounges, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Select)
  • Access to the American Express International Airline Program
  • Access to the Fine Hotels and Resort Collection for bookings made through American Express Travel
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold elite status (enrollment required)
  • No foreign transaction fees (See rates and fees )
  • Bonus spending categories are limited to purchases with American Express Travel.

Best credit card for luxury travel perks, including lounge access and partner benefits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is best credit card for luxury travel perks, including lounge access and partner benefits

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude ® Connect Visa Signature ® Card offers a host of rewards and perks for an annual fee of just $95, which is waived in the first year of card membership.

As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges per calendar year, as well as a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit every four years.

You’ll also earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards center, 4X points on travel at gas stations and EV charging stations and 2X points at grocery stores, on grocery delivery and on dining and streaming services.

The U.S. Bank Altitude ® Connect Visa Signature ® Card is free of foreign transaction fees, so you’ll be able to continue earning points abroad.

  • 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly through the Altitude Rewards Center
  • 4X points on travel at gas stations and EV charging stations
  • 2X points at grocery stores, on grocery delivery and on dining and streaming services
  • Four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges per calendar year
  • $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit every four years
  • Special access to Visa Signature benefits
  • $30 credit for purchases with Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify and more
  • Limited range of transfer partners

Best card for annual travel and dining statement credits

You’ll also receive an annual $325 statement credit for eligible travel, dining, takeout and restaurant delivery purchases with U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude ® Reserve Visa Infinite ® Card touts some heavyweight travel benefits for an annual fee of $400.

You get eight complimentary annual visits to Priority Pass Select lounges, as well as a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit. You’ll also receive an annual $325 statement credit for eligible travel, dining, takeout and restaurant delivery purchases.

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

after you spend $4,500 in the first 90 days

Annual Fee: $400

This card has no foreign transaction fees and offers access to the Visa Infinite ® Luxury Hotel Collection.

  • 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center
  • 3X points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending on Apple Pay ® , Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay
  • 1X points on all other eligible purchases
  • Up to $325 in annual credits for eligible travel, dining, takeout and restaurant delivery purchases
  • Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, giving you eight free annual visits
  • Access to the benefits of the Visa Infinite ® Luxury Hotel Collection
  • $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years
  • Bonus spending categories are limited.

ear points at gas stations using credit card

You can earn 4X points on travel at gas stations and EV charging stations with U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

For a $0 annual fee card, the Wells Fargo Autograph SM Card offers strong bonus spending category rates.

You’ll earn 3X points on travel, transit, restaurants, gas stations, popular streaming services and cell phone plans. This wide variety of triple-point bonus categories is rare for a $0 annual fee card, making it a valuable option for your wallet.

If that wasn’t good enough, it’s also free of foreign transaction fees, so you can continue to earn 3X points on purchases made abroad.

  • 3X points on travel, transit, restaurants, gas stations, popular streaming services and cell phone plans
  • Cell phone protection included
  • Visa Signature benefits such as 24/7 concierge service and access to the Luxury Hotel Collection

hotel credit card for international travel

World of Hyatt Credit Card is best for frequent guests of Hyatt hotels and resorts.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase offers frequent Hyatt guests a range of rewards and perks for only $95 per year.

You’ll earn 9X points on Hyatt hotel purchases, as well as 2X points on restaurants, local transit and commuting, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, and fitness club and gym memberships.

You’ll enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status, as well as receive a free night reward for any Category 1 to 4 Hyatt resort or hotel every account anniversary year. You can earn an extra free night when you charge $15,000 to your card within a calendar year.

international travel best credit card

Last Chance: Up to 65,000

Total Bonus Points

Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. Offer ends 3/6/2024

This card charges no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for your next vacation abroad.

  • 9X points on Hyatt hotel purchases
  • 2X points at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, on local transit and commuting, and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Receive an annual free night reward at any Category 1 to 4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year. You can earn an additional free night after spending $15,000 on your card within a calendar year.
  • Receive five qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every year. Earn an additional two qualifying night credits every time you spend $5,000 with your card.
  • Receive complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status.
  • Hyatt has fewer properties compared to other hotel chains such as Hilton.

How to Choose the Right Credit Card for International Travel

Choosing the best travel credit card begins with analyzing your spending habits and travel goals.

You want to select a card that will reward you the most for your current and future spending habits. For example, if grocery purchases make up a significant amount of your monthly expenditure, selecting a card with grocery purchases as a bonus category will give you the greatest return on your spending. This will make it easier to earn welcome bonuses, as well as easier to earn points on everyday spending, without feeling pressured to overspend.

Once you’ve identified a selection of cards that suit your spending habits, you’ll want to go for the one that best supports your travel goals. For example, if airport lounge access , rental car insurance or a TSA PreCheck statement credit are high priorities for you, go for the card that offers these travel-related perks. Likewise, if you travel frequently with a specific airline or are a regular guest at a particular hotel chain, opting for a co-branded airline or hotel card could be of great benefit to you.

On the flip side, if airport lounge access or rental car insurance are low priorities, don’t let yourself be led astray by such perks. You need to choose a card that best aligns with your travel goals. So if most of your travel goals revolve around domestic road trips, for example, go for a card that earns big on gas station purchases, such as the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card. It’s key to focus on cards that match your goals, as you’ll gain a much higher return value.

If you’ll be using your card when traveling internationally, you also need to ensure it’s free of foreign transaction fees. You can do this by checking your card user agreement. Foreign transaction fees should be avoided at all costs as they will negate the points earned on your spending abroad, defeating the purpose of using a travel rewards credit card for international travel.

You should also consider which countries you’re likely to travel to in the future as certain card issuers are more widely accepted abroad than others. For instance, Visa and Mastercard have higher international acceptance rates compared to American Express and Discover. Your best bet is to conduct some research on accepted payment methods in your next holiday destination.

Lastly, you need to consider annual fees. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need to avoid annual fees outright. Instead, calculate the monetary value of the perks and benefits of a card, as well as its bonus category rates, to see the degree to which you can offset the annual fee. Keep in mind that as long as you’re earning a greater return than you’re paying in annual fees, you’ll still benefit from holding the card.

Remember that the best credit card is not necessarily the one with the lowest annual fee, but rather the one that gives you the greatest return value.

priority passengers

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights as well as a $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 within a calendar year.

Different Types of Travel Credit Cards

Let’s take a look at the different types of travel credit cards.

Airline Credit Cards

Airline credit cards are a type of co-branded card best suited to people who fly frequently with a specific airline. For example, the United SM Explorer Card suits frequent flyers with United Airlines while the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card suits frequent flyers with Southwest Airlines.

These cards’ perks and bonus categories tend to be centered around the specific airline. For instance, the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card offers Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights and you’ll earn 2X miles on direct purchases with Delta.

United Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card

Last call 60,000

after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Offer ends by EOB on 3/13/2024

Annual Fee: $0 for your first year, then $95.

international travel best credit card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Offer Ending Soon! Limited-time offer: earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000

after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee: $149

Generally, you can expect at least some of the following perks from an airline credit card:

  • Priority boarding
  • Companion fares
  • In-flight discounts or statement credits
  • Annual point boosts toward elite status

Miles earned on airline cards tend to be redeemable with the airline only, meaning you can’t transfer them to a wide range of partners. In some cases, you might be able to transfer them to certain hotel loyalty schemes, although often at a poor transfer ratio.

These cards are best suited to those who fly at least semi-frequently with a specific airline. The more you fly with the airline, the easier it will be to offset the annual fee of the card. That said, in some cases, a single perk of the card, such as a complimentary companion fare, could be valuable enough to offset the annual fee.

Hotel Credit Cards

Much like airline cards, hotel credit cards are a type of co-branded card designed to allow you to earn points with a specific hotel loyalty scheme.

Hotel cards offer hotel-related perks, from free night rewards to elite status, and they earn the most points on purchases with the specific hotel chain. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card earns 17X total points on purchases with Marriott and offers a free night reward every account anniversary year.

Like airline credit cards, you can usually redeem points only with the specific hotel chain, limiting your redemption flexibility.

international travel best credit card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Limited time offer! Earn 5 Free Night Awards

(each night valued up to 50,000 points)

after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening

General Travel Rewards Cards

General travel rewards credit cards earn you points you can redeem for a wide variety of purchases. You can redeem these points as cash back to offset the upfront cost of purchases, as points used to reduce the cost of travel purchases or they can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for discounted rates.

The advantage of general travel rewards cards is that you have maximum flexibility when it comes to point redemption, instead of being locked into one airline or hotel loyalty program.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve ® and The Platinum Card ® from American Express are two examples of top-tier premium general travel rewards credit cards. For example, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you get a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership and a range of bonus category spending categories.

Chase currently has 14 transfer partners, to which you can transfer Ultimate Rewards at a ratio of 1:1.

While general travel rewards cards can’t offer benefits such as priority boarding or free night rewards, they still come with some outstanding perks, such as airport lounge access, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement and annual statement credits toward travel and other purchase categories.

Pros and Cons of Using Travel Credit Cards

Deciding whether or not to break into the world of travel credit cards can be difficult. However, with the right strategy and responsible card usage, travel credit cards come with a lot of advantages.

One of the top advantages of a travel credit card is that it can help you avoid foreign transaction fees abroad. Instead of using a standard debit card for all purchases abroad, you can use a travel credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees.

In addition to avoiding foreign transaction fees, using a travel rewards credit card enables you to continue earning points and miles on purchases you make abroad.

This benefit depends on the specific bonus category spending rates of your card, but it could enable you to continue to rack up hundreds of miles and points while on vacation, offsetting the upfront cost of your spending. Instead of simply saying goodbye to your money, you can earn points on your spending abroad to offset the cost of your next travel adventure.

Another advantage of a travel rewards credit card is the welcome bonus. Generally speaking, the higher the annual fee a card charges, the greater the welcome bonus will be. If you can earn a card’s welcome bonus through organic spending, it can easily offset the travel cost of your next vacation. For example, the welcome bonus of the Chase Sapphire Reserve typically has a value of around $900 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Travel rewards credit cards often also come with a host of insurances and consumer protections. Auto rental damage collision waivers, trip delay/cancellation insurance, a 24/7 global hotline and extended warranty for purchases are some of the common insurances and consumer protections offered by travel rewards credit cards.

In some cases, these insurances might be sufficient for your upcoming trip, saving you from having to take out a separate insurance policy. In this way, a travel credit card can actually save you money.

Despite the clear advantages of using a travel rewards credit card for international travel, there are some factors and disadvantages to consider.

One of the main factors to consider when selecting a travel rewards credit card is its annual fee. While annual fees aren’t automatically a disadvantage, you need to consider if you can offset this extra cost through perks and rewards offered by the card. Likewise, if you’re outright against paying an annual fee regardless of the card’s return value, you’re going to struggle to find a card that’s heavy on perks, as these tend to come with annual fee-only cards.

A related factor to consider is how often you travel. Offsetting the annual fee in the first year tends to be straightforward, as many cards waive the annual fee in the first year. Similarly, earning the welcome bonus in the first year tends to offset the annual fee outright.

However, as you continue to hold the card in subsequent years, you’ll need to ensure you can continue to offset the card’s annual fee through perk usage and redeeming points for travel. If you’re an infrequent traveler or if you’ve selected a card that doesn’t match your spending habits, it’ll become much more difficult to continue offsetting the annual fee. If you are an infrequent traveler, a simple cashback rewards credit card or a $0 annual fee card may suit you better.

Lastly, an important factor to consider is the spending requirement for a card’s welcome bonus. Spending requirements can run high on premium travel rewards credit cards. If you can’t meet the required spending without overextending your budget, you’ll lose out on hundreds of dollars of value. If you overspend just to earn the welcome bonus, you’ll run into a host of other problems, including the inability to pay your balance off on time.

Therefore, selecting a card with a welcome bonus you can earn realistically is key.

holiday shopping season

Making the most of your international travel credit card begins with opening it at a time that coincides with periods of naturally high expenditure.

How to Make the Most of Your International Travel Credit Card

Making the most of your international travel credit card begins with opening it at a time that coincides with periods of naturally high expenditure. Black Friday and the Christmas holiday shopping season are two great examples of periods of high spending.

By opening your card when you’re planning to spend a large amount of money, you make earning its welcome bonus—one of the most lucrative aspects of a travel rewards credit card—far easier.

After earning the card’s welcome bonus, you’ll want to keep your card at the front of your wallet, using it for everyday purchases, especially in its bonus categories. This will enable you to earn points for your next vacation more quickly.

Just be sure to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%. Your credit utilization ratio is simply a measure of how much of your total available credit you’re using. Keeping it below 30% protects your credit score, as going over 30% can be seen as a sign of financial distress by credit bureaus.

So while you should definitely use your card for the majority of your purchases, keep your credit utilization ratio in mind. This will protect your credit score in the long run, making it easier to get approved for premium cards with premium perks.

You should redeem your points and miles for travel-related purchases for the best value. You can do this either through your card issuer’s portal or by transferring points to transfer partners, such as hotels and airlines. You should also keep an eye out for limited-time offers from your card issuer, which you can utilize to double-dip on point-earning.

If you follow this strategy and ensure that you never carry too large a balance, you’ll be guaranteed success in the world of points and miles.

Here are some common FAQs about the best cards for international travel:

Is Visa, Mastercard or Amex Better for International Travel?

Visa and Mastercard have the highest acceptance rates globally, so it’s a safer bet to use one of them over American Express. That being said, Amex is still accepted internationally in a wide range of places. You should find out which cards are and aren’t accepted in the countries you’re hoping to travel to before applying for a card designed specifically for international travel.

Is It Better to Use a Credit Card or Travel Money Card Overseas?

A travel money card allows you to load foreign currency onto a card at a fixed exchange rate before you go on vacation. It’s a separate account from your standard everyday bank accounts, which reduces risk if it’s lost or stolen.

However, with a credit card, you’ll have access to consumer and purchase protections , as well as a credit limit. You’ll also be able to continue earning points on your purchases while abroad. On top of that, you’ll have access to the current exchange rate at the time of purchase, which could be of benefit to you compared to having all your funds converted at once using a fixed exchange rate.

Which Credit Card Has the Lowest International Transaction Fee?

All the cards reviewed in this article are free of foreign transaction fees. There are also many other cards left out of this article that are free of foreign transaction fees. You should consult a card’s terms and conditions to find out what fees it charges.

What Exactly Are Foreign Transaction Fees, and How Can They Affect Me?

Foreign transaction fees are assessed by your card issuer each time a foreign (i.e. non-U.S.) bank processes your card. The typical foreign transaction fee is 3%. Card issuers can choose to absorb this fee or pass it on to you. This means that if your card passes foreign transaction fees on to you, you’ll incur an extra fee every time you use your card abroad or to fund a purchase on a non-US website.

So if you pay $100, that’ll cost you an extra $3 in foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up and cancel out the benefits of point-earning while abroad.

Should I Get a Credit Card for International Travel?

A travel rewards credit card is a great option for international travel. You can benefit from cardholder perks such as lounge access and travel insurance, while earning points on purchases made abroad. It also has more built-in consumer and purchase protections than a debit card.

Just be aware that if given the option to pay in your home currency or foreign currency when abroad, you should always pick your home currency to avoid paying hidden markup fees associated with dynamic currency conversion.

Likewise, you won’t want to use your credit card for ATM withdrawals, as it will count as a cash advance, costing you a significant amount in interest payments. For that, you’ll need a debit card .

Wrapping it Up: Making the World Your Oyster with the Right Travel Card

Overall, a travel credit card can be of massive value to the traveler.

If you select a card that suits your spending habits and travel goals, and you ensure to open it during a period of naturally high expenditure (and commit to never carrying a balance over 30%), you’ll be on your way to having your next vacation funded by points and miles.

However, if you’re an infrequent traveler, you may be better suited to a $0 annual fee card or a straightforward cashback rewards card.

Once you’ve selected the best international credit card for you, keep up with the latest posts from 10xTravel for insider tips on maximizing your credit card points and strategy.

New to the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best card to start with.

With a bonus of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. , 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!

international travel best credit card

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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Table of  contents

Man in sunglasses wearing backpack walks down European street

Choosing the Best Credit Card for International Travel for You

Table of contents, key points about: international travel credit cards.

A travel credit card may help you earn rewards on travel purchases or use your rewards to cover travel expenses.

Ideally, a travel credit card won’t charge a fee for transactions outside the United States.

Some credit cards offer travel perks like airport lounge access, Global Entry or TSA Precheck discounts, and travel insurance. However, credit cards with these perks may charge a high annual fee.

International travel empowers you to explore exciting new places, cultures, and foods. Travel credit cards could enhance your international trips. You may be able to earn rewards on your card as you book your trip or use statement credits to cover flights, hotel rooms, and more. The best credit card for your international travel needs depends on your spending habits, travel goals, and budget. Understanding popular travel rewards and features could help you find the best fit.

What to look for in an international travel credit card

As you shop for an international travel credit card , you may want to keep a few factors in mind. You might want to research the credit card networks that your favorite destinations accept. Each travel credit card also has unique rewards, fees, and perks that should guide your decision.

Travel rewards

To get the most from your credit card, try to find the best travel rewards program for your needs. While travel credit cards may offer many different types of rewards, they typically fall under one of two categories.

Some credit cards offer bonus rewards for travel-related purchases, like flights, rental cars, and hotels. Frequent travelers could quickly earn rewards with this type of card. Other travel credit cards instead offer rewards across all types of eligible purchases. You could redeem them to cover travel costs like flights or hotels. This type of card can make international travel more affordable, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

If you want to earn flexible travel rewards on your regular purchases, consider the Discover it® Miles Card. With the Discover it® Miles Card, you could earn 1.5x Miles automatically on travel purchases and all your everyday purchases. You may also have several options for redeeming your rewards. Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more. 1 The right travel rewards card could help you pay for many travel costs, leaving you free to enjoy a stress-free international journey. Learn More

Some travel credit cards may offer introductory bonuses that could boost their value. The Discover it® Miles Card offers an unlimited Mile-for-Mile match of all the Miles you earn at the end of your first year, automatically. There is no limit to how much we’ll match. 2 By taking advantage of introductory bonuses, you could maximize your travel rewards.

Credit card fees

Certain fees may affect your credit card’s value. As you choose a card for traveling abroad, be mindful of foreign transaction fees. These fees are additional costs for purchases made outside the United States. Ideally, a travel credit card wouldn’t charge foreign transaction fees. But if the card you want does, make sure the fee isn’t high enough to cancel out the rewards you earn.

Foreign transaction fees aren’t the only additional charges to consider. Some credit cards also have annual fees and fees for other types of transactions. You could calculate your expected rewards to determine whether a travel credit card is the right fit. If your fees are more than the value of your rewards, you might want to consider a different card.

Did you know?

Generous benefits and rewards on a credit card don’t have to come with an annual fee. At Discover, every credit card has no annual fee. You can check to see if you’re pre-approved with no harm to your credit.

Other benefits of an international travel credit card

Some credit cards offer perks that make international travel more convenient. Potential features include:

  • Airport lounge access
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • Complimentary travel insurance

Extra features may improve your international travel experience. However, travel credit cards with these types of perks may also charge a higher annual fee. Before choosing a card, you may want to consider whether the added benefits make the cost worthwhile.

Whether you plan to relax on tropical beaches or explore historic castles, a credit card could make your international travel adventures easier. Each travel credit card has unique advantages and disadvantages. The best international travel credit card for you should offer travel rewards that match your spending habits.

Discover credit cards

See if you’re Pre-approved before you apply

Learn about Discover’s travel card

See rates, rewards and other info

Learn about Discover It® Miles Credit Cards

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Your Path to Building a Credit History with a Secured Credit Card

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Redeem Miles: Starting at 1 Mile, you can redeem your Miles as a credit to your account to pay for all or part of your bill, for cash as an electronic deposit to your bank account, or for a credit for Travel Purchases made on your statement within the last 180 days. Travel Purchases include airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, travel agents, online travel sites, commuter transportation, restaurants and gas stations. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Even if a travel purchase on your statement appears to fit in a Travel Purchase category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in a Travel Purchase category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not be eligible for credit redemption if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. See Terms and Conditions  for more information.

Miles Match®: We’ll match all the Miles rewards you’ve earned on your credit card from the day your new account is approved through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, and add it to your rewards account within two billing periods. You’ve earned Miles rewards only when they’re processed, which may be after the transaction date. We will not match: rewards that are processed after your match period ends; statement credits; rewards transfers from Discover checking or other deposit accounts; or rewards for accounts that are closed. This promotional offer may not be available in the future and is exclusively for new cardmembers. No purchase minimums.

Legal Disclaimer:  This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.

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Bankrate

Best cash back credit cards for travel

Key takeaways.

  • I f you travel two or more times per year, or if you plan to travel more in the future, you might find a lot of value in a travel credit card
  • If you don't travel frequently, you might find more value in strategically using a cash back credit card to cover travel-related purchases
  • Many cash back cards offer travel-related perks like bonus rewards on travel purchases, no foreign transaction fees, access to the issuer's travel portal and limited-time offers on select travel purchases

Once you’ve got the travel itch, you know it’s time to plan your next getaway. But if you only travel occasionally, a travel credit card might not be the right fit for you. Sure, travel cards often come with incredible welcome bonuses, higher rewards rates, annual statement credits, airport lounge access and other major perks, but they also tend to come with high annual fees, which can be hard to recoup if you don’t use enough card benefits each year.

In that case, it might make more sense to use a cash back credit card to help fund your next vacation. Many cash back cards offer rewards on both everyday spending and travel spending, and you can redeem your rewards for statement credits to cover travel-related expenses. Plus, some cash back cards also come with access to an issuer’s travel portal, no foreign transaction fees and other travel benefits.

Below, we’ll go over some of the best cash back credit cards for travel, along with some tips and considerations.

Chase Freedom Flex: Best for rotating bonus categories

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ * offers 5 percent cash back on activated, rotating bonus category purchases each quarter (on up to $1,500, then 1 percent back). These bonus categories change each quarter, but the annual calendar often includes gas stations or other travel-related categories.

This card also earns 5 percent cash back on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases; 5 percent cash back on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3 percent cash back on dining and drugstore purchases; and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. This card also comes with no annual fee, trip cancellation and interruption insurance , travel and emergency assistance services and the ability to redeem rewards for travel through Chase.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: Best for higher rewards on everyday spending

With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , you’ll earn 6 percent cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1 percent back); 6 percent cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3 percent cash back on transit and at U.S. gas station; and 1 percent cash back on everything else. Also, note that you’ll get a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, after which an annual fee of $95 applies.

With this card, you can save up your cash back earnings and redeem them for a statement credit to cover travel purchases like hotels or flights. Plus, this card also comes with access to Amex Offers , allowing you to earn more rewards on qualifying purchases with select brands (including travel brands like hotels), along with access to the American Express Travel portal .

Citi Double Cash Card: Best for flat cash back

If you’d prefer a simpler rewards strategy, the Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best flat-rate cards on the market. This card comes with no annual fee, and you’ll earn up to 2 percent cash back on all purchases — 1 percent back as you make purchases and 1 percent back as you pay for purchases. That’s $20 in rewards for every $1,000 you spend on your card. Over time, you can earn enough rewards to cover a flight or hotel (in the form of a statement credit to your account).

This card also allows you to redeem your rewards for travel through the Citi travel portal , though it’s important to note that you won’t be able to transfer your rewards to Citi travel partners since this card only earns basic Citi ThankYou points .

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for entertainment and international travel

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is, by far, one of the best cash back credit cards for international travel. It comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, along with impressive rewards rates on entertainment and select travel purchases. You’ll earn 10 percent cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases (through Nov. 14, 2024); 8 percent cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5 percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 3 percent cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming subscriptions and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target); and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases.

This card also comes with travel-related benefits like travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services and complimentary concierge services, which can help you with any travel, dining and entertainment plans. Plus, cash back rewards can be redeemed for Capital One Travel reservations (not including taxes and fees).

How to use cash back credit cards for travel

Look for cards that offer cash back on everyday expenses and travel.

Numerous cash back cards offer rewards on both everyday expenses and travel purchases, so look for a card with bonus categories that fit well with your everyday and travel spending. And don’t forget: If you have a cash back card that offers rewards on dining and gas, for example, you’ll still earn rewards on dining and gas purchases when you travel. However, with some cards, you’ll only earn rewards on U.S. category purchases, so be sure to check the fine print of your credit card agreement for any terms or limitations.

Redeem cash back as a statement credit to cover travel expenses

With a cash back credit card, you can redeem your cash back to cover a wide variety of travel-related expenses. For instance, you could save up your rewards until you reach $100 to $200 in cash back. Then, you could redeem your rewards for a statement credit to cover hotel bookings, flights, rideshares, dining out or any other travel-related expenses you have.

Check your issuer’s limited-time offers program for travel deals

Most credit cards come with access to an issuer’s limited-time offers program, which allows you to earn more rewards when you make eligible purchases with participating merchants. For example, you might find offers on hotel bookings with a specific chain (such as 10 percent back on a booking or $100 off a booking when you spend $300 or more) or offers for purchases made with travel-booking sites or rideshare companies.

See if you have access to your issuer’s travel portal

In order to stay competitive, many cash back credit cards now offer access to issuer travel portals . These portals may offer exclusive deals on travel or other benefits. For example, some cash back cards offer boosted rewards rates for select purchases made through a travel portal, while others allow you to redeem your rewards for travel purchases through the travel portal.

If you travel abroad, look for a card with no foreign transaction fees

Many cash back credit cards include a foreign transaction fee (usually 3 percent) on any purchases you make outside of the United States. If you travel abroad frequently, it would be worth getting a card with no foreign transaction fee so you don’t cancel out the rewards you’ll earn with your card. For instance, all Discover and Capital One credit cards come with no foreign transaction fees.

Is a cash back card for travel right for you?

While you can use the rewards you earn from a cash back credit card to help fund your vacation, make sure that you’re truly better off with a cash back card rather than a points or miles credit card .

For instance, if you travel two or more times per year, or if you plan to travel more frequently in the near future, it would be worth looking at some of the top travel credit cards available. Travel credit cards frequently come with perks like high welcome bonuses, travel protections, annual statement credits for travel-related purchases or airport lounge access. Just make sure that you’re able to recoup the cost of membership through card spending or benefits if you pick a card with an annual fee.

If you’re just starting to travel more frequently — or if you’re not sure if a travel card is right for you — there are a number of entry-level travel cards with low annual fees or no annual fees . That way, you can test out the travel card space to see if it’s right for you before committing to a card with a higher annual fee.

The bottom line

If you don’t travel that frequently, getting a travel credit card doesn’t make sense. Instead, you might find more value in strategically using a cash back credit card to cover travel-related purchases. With the right cash back card , you might even get some travel-related card perks such as bonus rewards on travel purchases, no foreign transaction fees, access to the issuer’s travel portal and limited-time offers on select travel purchases.

*The information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

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.

Best cash back credit cards for travel

Compare the Best Bank Accounts for International Travel

Best bank accounts for international travel reviews.

  • Why You Should Trust Us

Best Banks for International Travelers

Our experts answer readers' banking questions and write unbiased product reviews ( here's how we assess banking products ). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners ; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

If you're an avid traveler at heart, then your bank account should reflect that. 

We looked for the best savings accounts that may help you save for travel and checking accounts that allow you to access your money with ease when you're on the road and overseas.

Top Bank Account for International Travel Benefits

Ally Savings Account

Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account

Capital One 360 Checking

Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account

SoFi Checking and Savings

Revolut Account

Below, you'll see our top picks for international travel. All of the financial institutions on our list are protected by FDIC or NCUA insurance. Money is safe at a federally insured financial institution. When an institution is federally insured, up to $250,000 per depositor is secure in a bank account.

Compare Today's Savings Rates

Ally Ally Savings Account

Earn 4.35% Annual Percentage Yield with a $0 minimum account opening requirement

no monthly service fee

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High APY
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No minimum opening deposit
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No monthly service fees
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Savings buckets help you save for different goals
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Surprise savings transfers help you save extra money from your checking account
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No physical branch locations
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No way to deposit cash

The Ally High Yield Savings Account is a great option for anyone who wants savings tools to help save for specific financial goals, or prioritizes an account that doesn't charge standard bank fees. You may earn 4.35% APY, and the account doesn't have any requirements for earning interest. However, keep in mind that the best high-yield savings accounts pay up to 5.50% APY right now.

  • Create separate savings buckets in a savings account
  • Link to your Ally checking account and enroll in surprise savings transfers to have extra money transferred to savings three times per week
  • Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
  • FDIC insured

Bask Bank Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account

Earn up to 10,000 bonus AAdvantage® miles for new Bask Mileage Savings Account customers who open and fund their account within 15 business days from account opening and maintain a minimum daily balance of $50,000 for 90 consecutive days out of the first 120 days (open account by May 31, 2024)

up to 10,000 bonus AAdvantage® miles

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn American Airlines AAdvantages miles
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May not be easy to deposit cash

The Bask Bank Interest Savings Account and Bask Bank CD are excellent options if you'd like to earn a high interest rate. The Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account may be a great choice if you frequently use American Airlines for travel. Bask Bank doesn't offer a checking account, though.

  • Earn up to 10,000 Bonus AAdvantage® miles. To qualify for this offer, you must be a first time Bask Mileage Savings Account customer, open a Bask Mileage Savings Account between March 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024, fund your Bask Mileage Savings Account within 15 business days following the initial account opening and maintain a minimum daily account balance of $50,000 for 90 consecutive days out of the first 120 days following the initial account opening.
  • Earn 2.5 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every $1 saved annually on a Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account
  • Must provide your AAdvantage account number to receive AAdvantages miles
  • AAdvantage miles earned through the Bask Mileage Savings Account can't be used toward boosting your American Airlines elite status
  • Miles awarded monthly
  • Deposits FDIC insured through Texas Capital Bank

Capital One Capital One 360 Checking

No minimums, no fees, no worries.

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 0.10% APY on all account balances
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No opening deposit or minimum account balance
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No monthly service fee
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fee
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Range of overdraft protection options
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Processes direct deposits up to 2 days early
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM fees
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited access to customer service by phone

Capital One is a strong bank overall. You'll earn competitive interest rates on online savings accounts and CDs.

  • Over 70,000 free ATMs nationwide
  • Branches in NY, LA, TX, MD, VA, NJ, and Washington, DC

Charles Schwab Bank Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account

Earn 0.45% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). $0 minimum deposit. FDIC Insured.

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No opening deposit
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No minimum account balance
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Unlimited out-of-network ATM reimbursements
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fees
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Free overdraft protection

Charles Schwab Bank is one of the best banks for international travelers, because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. It also refunds all fees charged by ATMs worldwide. But if you want to earn high interest rates, you're better off looking elsewhere.

  • 24/7 live online chat
  • When you open a checking account, you automatically open a Charles Schwab brokerage account, too
  • No ATM network, but unlimited ATM fee reimbursements

SoFi SoFi Checking and Savings

Earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits for eligible customers through 6/30/24. Earn up to 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) with direct deposit

up to 4.60%

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. FDIC insured for $2 million
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High interest rate
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn a higher interest rate with qualifying activities
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No overdraft fees
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposit (terms apply)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn up to 15% cash back at local retailers if you use a SoFi debit card
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No-fee overdraft coverage if you overdraw up to $50
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Savings tools
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Early direct deposit
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Joint account available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Declined purchase if you overdraw by more than $50
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM providers' fees
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May deposit cash at Green Dot locations but there's a $4.95 fee

SoFi Checking and Savings is a great account option if you don't mind keeping your savings and checking in one account.

  • FDIC insured for $2 million
  • Free access to 50,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide
  • Hybrid checking/savings account
  • Earn up to 15% cash back on local retailers when you use a SoFi debit card; Retailer information is available through online banking
  • Earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (Vaults included) and 0.50% APY on checking balances if you set up direct deposit or deposit minimum $5,000 per month
  • Earn 1.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings if you don't have qualifying activities
  • Earn up to $300 cash bonus available through June 30, 2024; receive a $50 bonus if you make a direct deposit between $1,000 and $4,999 in the first 30 days of opening an account; receive a $300 bonus if you make a direct deposit of $5,000 or more in the first 30 days of opening an account
  • Create up to 20 Money Vaults to save for individual savings goals like an emergency fund or vacation
  • $4.95 fee each time you deposit cash at a Green Dot location
  • To get no-fee overdraft coverage you must have at least $1,000 in direct deposits

Revolut Revolut Account

no monthly service fees on Standard plan

Standard plan: up to 3.25% APY, Premium plan: up to 4.25% APY, Metal plan: up to 4.25% APY

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No monthly service fees on Standard plan
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Prepaid debit card included (specific card depends on monthly plan)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Spend abroad in over 140 currencies
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Budgeting features
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Withdraw up to $1,200 from out-of-network ATMs on Metal plan with no fair usage fees
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Can't overdraw from account
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. 2% fee of ATM withdrawal on out-of-network ATM fees if you exceed the limit
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $0.30 to $6 international money transfer fee if you exceed limit
  • Access to 55,000 free ATMs through the Allpoint ATM network
  • Withdraw up to $1,200 from out-of-network ATMs on Metal plan
  • Spend in more than 140 currencies
  • Additional international wire transfer fees will depend on the transfer amount and whether there's a currency exchange
  • Banking services are provided by Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Member FDIC

Compare Today's Banking Offers

Best Bank Accounts for International Travel FAQs

Charles Schwab is our top pick for international ATM access. It offers unlimited refunds for ATM fees worldwide.

To minimize fees when using a bank card abroad, you want to limit making ATM withdrawals unless you find an ATM that's in your network. Some debit cards also have foreign transaction fees, so it's best to use cash or one of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees .

Yes. Many banks and credit unions pay good rates to exchange foreign currency. Most financial institutions will require you to have a bank account with them in order to exchange currency, though.

Yes. Some banks offer travel insurance if you get a credit card with features like travel accident insurance and trip delay reimbursements.

Yes. You should call your bank before traveling so you're well prepared. If you forget to contact your bank, your debit card may be denied when you make purchases to protect you from potential fraudulent activity.

Yes. You may open a bank account in another country. However, make sure that you report your bank account information to the IRS annually .

international travel best credit card

Best Savings Accounts for International Travel

The Ally High Yield Savings Account provides easy tools to set savings goals for your next trip, and you'll earn interest without having to take on any risk. 

You can also set up a checking account through Ally . When you need access to your savings, just transfer money from the savings account to the checking account through the online portal, and you'll be able to spend the money almost instantly.

Ally also offers an easy-to-use mobile app and 24/7 customer support, making it simple to access your account while you're on the road.

You won't be able to deposit cash directly into your bank account. Instead, you'll have to transfer money from another bank account. 

Ally Savings Account Review

You might find the Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account appealing if you are a frequent American Airlines flyer. This savings account lets you earn earn 2.5 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every $1 saved annually on a Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account. You can redeem miles for booking flights or hotels, upgrading flights, renting transportation, or planning vacation activities.

Bask Bank is also offering a savings account bonus for new customers: earn up to 10,000 bonus AAdvantage® miles for new Bask Mileage Savings Account customers who open and fund their account within 15 business days from account opening and maintain a minimum daily balance of $50,000 for 90 consecutive days out of the first 120 days (open account by May 31, 2024)

AAdvantage miles earned through the Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account will not go toward boosting your AAdvantage status.

Bask Bank also doesn't have a checking account, ATM cards, or debit cards, so you'll have limited access to your account. You'll need to link an external bank account and initiate a bank transfer to deposit or withdraw money.

Bask Bank Review

Best Checking Accounts for International Travel

Capital One 360 Checking might be a solid choice if you're most comfortable with a well-known retail bank and want no-fee cash withdrawals at home and in select countries abroad. 

You can withdraw up to $1,000 a day at any ATM worldwide using your MasterCard and Capital One won't charge a fee, though the ATM operator may. The bank ranks No. 1 on J.D. Power's US National Banking Satisfaction Study , and it made Business Insider's list of the best checking accounts.

Capital One also offers a solid high-yield savings account, which is a good choice if you want to keep your savings at the same bank as your checking. 

If you travel to Europe, Asia, or any other place where Capital One and AllPoint don't have ATMs, you may have to pay third-party ATM operator fees to take cash out (Capital One will never charge you an additional fee). 

As for branch access, the bank only operates about 280 branches in seven US states, though Capital One Cafés are in some big cities around the US.

Capital One 360 Review

Charles Schwab is an investment platform, but it also has banking products. The Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account is a great choice if you'd like a fee-free international spending bank account. It notably offers unlimited refunds for ATM fees worldwide, and it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. 

You must open a brokerage account with Charles Schwab before opening a checking account, though.

Charles Schwab Bank Review

Best All-in-One Accounts for International Travel

SoFi Checking and Savings offers the best of both worlds. It's a hybrid savings/checking account with a competitive interest rate and a MasterCard debit card for easy access to your cash. 

SoFi is part of the Allpoint ATM network, so you have free access to 50,000 ATMs worldwide, and SoFi doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee when you make a purchase with your debit card abroad.

Again, SoFi is completely online — you'll need to call customer service when you want help with your account rather than walking into a physical location.

While SoFi doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees when you withdraw cash at an international bank or ATM, MasterCard will charge 0.20%, and SoFi won't reimburse you.

SoFi Checking and Savings Review

You might like the Revolut Account if you're looking for an alternative to traditional banking.

Revolut is a British fintech company with an international finance and investing app. You can open accounts from anywhere in the US. 

The Revolut Account is a prepaid debit card linked to a bank account. You can easily spend money internationally in over 150 types of currency. The account also allows you to make one fee-free international or domestic wire transfer per month with the Standard plan, three with the Premium plan, and five with the Metal plan.

The account also has budgeting features that let you round up prepaid debit card purchases or set up individual savings goals through Vaults. The Revolut Account and Savings Vault are  FDIC-insured by Metropolitan Commercial Bank and Sutton Bank. 

Revolut has three plans: Standard (Free), Premium ($9.99 per month), or Metal ($16.99 per month). Access to certain app features will depend on your monthly plan.

Revolut Review

Bank Account Alternatives for Travelers

  • Chase Total Checking® : This account appeared on our best checking accounts list, but it charges $5 per withdrawal and $3.00 for any transfers or inquiries at ATMs outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Fees from the ATM owner still apply.
  • Discover® Cashback Debit Account: Discover's checking account has no monthly service fees and allows you to earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases every month, but its use is limited to the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
  • Citi Regular Checking : A fine checking account with options to waive the $15 monthly service fee and branch locations abroad, but customer satisfaction is below average, according to J.D. Power's US National Banking Satisfaction Study .
  • HSBC Premier Checking : HSBC (Member FDIC) offers a good variety of checking accounts, although only those with high minimum balance or deposit requirements get ATM fees reimbursed.
  • Wealthfront Cash Account : Although this account operates similarly to a high-yield savings account, it's technically a cash management account. You might like this option if you already invest with Wealthfront and want to earn a high interest rate on your savings. However, keep in mind Wealthfront doesn't offer other types of accounts like CDs or checking accounts.
  • Betterment Checking Account : Betterment reimburses all foreign transaction fees and ATM fees worldwide, and the app is easy to use. However, our top picks for checking accounts may also offer more banking options, such as CDs or brokered CDs.
  • Marcus High Yield Online Savings Account : Marcus has a good high-yield savings account; Marcus savings rates current pays 4.50% APY. However, the high-yield savings account doesn't have as many goal-setting features as Ally, if that's important to you. 
  • American Express® High Yield Savings Account (Member FDIC): With a solid savings rate, this high-yield savings account is a good option if you don't mind not having mobile access.

Introduction to Banking for International Travel

When you're traveling abroad, bear in mind many financial institutions have fees for using a debit card internationally.

For example, if you use an ATM provider to withdraw money that isn't in your network, you may have to pay out-of-network ATM fees from the provider and your financial institution. 

Many banks also have foreign transaction fees. A foreign transaction fee is a debit or credit card charge that can happen when you buy something internationally and it needs to be processed through a foreign financial institution. 

There are many financial institutions that can help you avoid common international bank fees, though. 

Key Features of Ideal Banks for International Travel

The right bank can make saving for travel goals easier. It can also help you avoid common bank fees, like out-of-network ATM and foreign transaction fees. Below, we've highlighted key features among the top banks for multi-country travel.

Competitive Savings Rates

One key feature to look for in a bank is a competitive savings rate. High-yield savings accounts, in particular, can be strong banking options because they offer better rates than traditional savings accounts. These bank accounts might also be a good choice if you want to set savings goals for specific travel trips. Money in a high-yield savings account can deposited at any time, so you can contribute to a travel goal in stages. If you open a high-yield savings account at an online bank, you also usually won't have to worry about dealing with monthly service fees.

Exchange Rates

If you want to have cash on hand during a trip, it may be beneficial to bank with a financial institution or platform that offers straightforward foreign exchange services. Banking institutions usually offer better exchange rates than airport exchange services or on-site travel spots.

Low Foreign Transaction Fees

If you plan on using a debit card or credit card frequently, make sure to look for a bank that has low foreign transaction fees. That way, you won't have to worry about fees piling up when you use your card to buy things abroad. 

Some financial institutions on our list, like SoFi, do not charge foreign transaction fees.

Wide Global ATM Network Accessibility

If you want to use an ATM abroad, the best option is to find a national bank with a global ATM network or one that provides reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees. Charles Schwab, for example, offers unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements.

Additional Services and Tips for International Banking

If you're planning on traveling abroad soon, it's best to be prepared beforehand so you can avoid unnecessary stress. Sometimes, credit or debit cards may not work if you don't give your bank notice that you're traveling. This is done as a measure to protect you against fraudulent activity. To avoid having your card declined internationally, make sure to call your financial institution before traveling so you can make sure it works during the time you're abroad.

It's also helpful to have cash on hand when traveling in case you need it for an emergency situation. Experts recommend getting foreign currency before you begin travel because airports and on-site currency exchange locations tend to involve more costly service fees and unsatisfactory exchange rates.

Bank Trustworthiness and BBB Ratings

The Better Business Bureau assesses companies based on responses to customer complaints, honesty in advertising, and transparency about business practices. Here are the BBB grades for our favorite travel accounts:

Revolut has an F rating from the BBB due to a high volume of customer complaints filed against the business, and Revolut hasn't responded to or resolved some of the complaints.

Bask Bank received a B grade from the BBB because of its volume of customer complaints. However, its parent company, Texas Capital Bank, has an A+ rating  from the BBB. 

A great BBB score doesn't guarantee your relationship with a company will be perfect. You'll also want to speak with current customers or read online customer reviews.

Capital One is the only bank on our list that has been involved in a recent public controversy. Capital One used to have an account called 360 Savings. In 2019, the bank launched the new 360 Performance Savings Account, which paid a much a higher interest rate. Many customers thought their old savings accounts would transition into this new one, but in reality, they had to manually open a new 360 Performance Savings Account to earn the higher rate. So some customers have been earning a significantly lower savings rate for years.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs' lawyers allege that Capital One didn't inform 360 Savings customers that these were two distinct accounts, or that 360 Performance Savings paid a higher rate. However,  Capital One wants this case dismissed  because it claims people had every opportunity to learn these facts on their own. This case is still ongoing.

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Expert Panel for the Best Banks for International Travel

We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on finding the best accounts for your needs.

Here's what they had to say about banking for travel. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)

How can someone determine whether a bank is the right fit for them?

Tania Brown, certified financial planner at  SaverLife :

"Obviously, you want to make sure it's FDIC insured. Also, your banking experience — do you like walking into a bank? Well, then you need someone local. Do you just not care if you ever see your bank? Then you're okay online. Do you write checks? Do you not write checks? So it's thinking through how your experience with it is going to be before you make that decision."

Sophia Acevedo, certified educator in personal finance, banking reporter, Business Insider :

"I would create a list of what I prioritize most in a bank account. For example, some banks have accounts that charge monthly service fees. I would look to see what the requirements are for waiving the monthly service fee and whether I think I could feasibly meet those requirements each month. If I'm searching for an interest-earning bank account I'll pay attention to interest rates. I would make sure the account pays a higher interest rate than the  average bank account ."

What should someone look for in an online bank?

Roger Ma, certified financial planner with  lifelaidout®  and author of  "Work Your Money, Not Your Life" :

"How onerous the transfer process is, transferring money in and transferring money out. Is it same day, next day? Is it pretty easy to sync a brick-and-mortar checking account to this particular high-yield savings account?"

Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor,  BoujieBudgets.com :

"When it comes to online banks, you want to be a little bit more strict about what type of interest rates they're providing. That's the biggest thing, because online banks are supposed to have the higher interest rate because they don't have the overhead of the brick-and-mortar. You want to make sure that it's well above the national average.

"What types of securities do they provide? Do they have two-factor identification? If it's an online bank, they should definitely have — at the bare minimum — two-factor authentication in how easy it is to change your passwords and things like that, because you want to be a little more hypersensitive about the cyber security for a strictly online bank."

What should someone look for in a bank account if they travel frequently?

Sophia Acevedo, CEPF:

"You'll want to be mindful of bank account limits and fees. You might be charged fees if you use an ATM from another bank. Banks and credit unions also have limits on how much you can withdraw from your ATM each day. When you're looking for a bank account, see if your bank provides refunds for out-of-network ATMs and what the ATM withdrawal limits are."

Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best Bank Accounts for International Travel?

At Business Insider, we strive to help smart people make the best decisions with their money. We spent hours comparing and contrasting the features and fine print of savings accounts and checking accounts so you don't have to. You can read more about how we review and rate product on our editorial standards page .

We understand that "best" is often subjective, however, so in addition to highlighting the clear benefits of an account — a high APY, for example — we outline the limitations, too. 

Generally, bank accounts are designated either savings or checking. When you're saving up for a big trip, a high-yield savings account is appropriate because you'll be able to earn some interest on your money, but still be able to access it when you need to.

A checking account may be more appropriate to use while traveling, as you'll be provided with a debit card to use at shops, restaurants, and ATMs. You may also consider using a credit card , which could provide rewards and other travel-related benefits.

That said, the best bank accounts to use for international travel expenses should be appropriate for your everyday life too, with low fees, good earning potential, and easy access. 

See our full ratings methodology for checking, business checking, savings, and money market accounts »

  • Are banks open today? Here's a list of US bank holidays for 2023
  • Best CD rates
  • Best High-yield savings accounts
  • Four reasons why your debit card might be denied even when you have money

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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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15 Best Travel Credit Cards of March 2024

Sara Rathner

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

A travel rewards credit card brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Each purchase earns points or miles that you can redeem for travel expenses. If you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider getting one of that company's branded credit cards. Otherwise, check out the general-purpose travel cards on this page, which give you flexible rewards that you can use without the restrictions and blackout dates of branded cards.

Some of our selections for the best travel credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.

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 Travel Credit Cards of March 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

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

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Travel portal benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Big rewards on everyday spending

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

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

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travelers — bonus rewards + big sign-up offer

Citi Premier® Card : Best for Triple points on multiple categories

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Bonus travel rewards + high-end perks

World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Hotel credit card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card : Best for Travel rewards for rent payments + no annual fee

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for Airline card

Best Travel Credit Cards From Our Partners

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

Flat-rate travel rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, luxury travel perks, business travelers — bonus rewards + big sign-up offer, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers, bonus travel rewards + high-end perks, hotel credit card, travel rewards for rent payments + no annual fee, airline card, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

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

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate 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.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers

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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus travel rewards + 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. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

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. 

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.

Citi Premier® Card

Our pick for: Triple points in multiple categories

The Citi Premier® Card earns bonus points on airfare, hotels, supermarkets, dining and gas stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well.  Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee:  $0 intro for the first year, then $95 .  Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

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.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: United Airlines + best domestic airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Hotel credit card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Small business — bonus categories + big sign-up offer

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

Are you in Canada?

See NerdWallet's best travel cards for Canada.

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, 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 on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, 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.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

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 earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

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 $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. 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 leave the U.S., then this isn't much of 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 $450 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 often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

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

Last updated on March 5 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards 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 and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

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