Planning an international trip can quickly become expensive, but choosing the right credit card can help you save significantly. A common pitfall when traveling abroad is using a credit card that imposes foreign transaction fees, which can add up to 3% on every purchase made overseas.
This article explores several recommended credit cards tailored for international travel. These selections can help you earn rewards while sidestepping unnecessary fees.
Highlighted Credit Card Picks
- Best Dining Rewards: American Express® Gold Card
- Best Travel Protections: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No Annual Fee Option: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Best for Building Credit: Discover it® Secured Cash Back
- Top Luxury Travel Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best for Entertainment Spending: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best Overall Rewards: Citi Strata Premier® Card
Dining Benefits
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is an excellent option for food enthusiasts, providing generous rewards for dining both domestically and internationally. You could potentially earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points if you meet the spending requirements during the first half-year of membership.
Key Features:
- Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for use abroad.
- Access to up to $120 in annual dining credits.
- A significant annual fee of $325.
Overall, if you enjoy dining out while traveling, this card can offer fantastic value.
Travel Protection & Flexibility
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
This card is known for its comprehensive travel protection features and is perfect for those looking to cover all bases while abroad. With an annual fee of $95, the rewards and protections it offers can far outweigh the cost.
Key Features:
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- 3X points on dining, and multiple other categories.
- Includes travel insurance, trip cancellation protection, and emergency assistance.
- Points can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners.
This card stands out for international travelers needing robust perks and flexible redemption options.
No Annual Fee Advantage
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
If avoiding annual fees is a priority, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a fantastic choice. It offers a range of bonus categories without the overhead of an annual cost.
Key Features:
- Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
- 3X points on popular categories, including traveling expenses.
- Zero annual fee, making it budget-friendly.
This card is ideal for those who want to accumulate rewards without worrying about membership fees.
Ideal for Rebuilding Credit
Discover it® Secured Cash Back
The Discover it® Secured Card is particularly useful for individuals looking to establish or rebuild their credit history. Its cash back system, including rotating categories, offers excellent potential returns on everyday purchases.
Key Features:
- Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, plus 1% on other purchases.
- Upon review of account history, you may qualify for an unsecured card.
This secured card is a smart option for those new to credit or recovering from setbacks.
Luxury Travel Perks
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Tag: Credit Cards