For travelers headed to Europe, several credit cards offer exclusive benefits and rewards that may help make the experience even better, including airport lounge access, travel protections and fee credits for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck applications.
Your card should also avoid foreign transaction fees, which typically add up to about three percent of what you spend abroad. Some co-branded travel cards and rewards cards that do not charge an annual fee may waive these charges altogether.
Chip-and-PIN
Credit cards offer a quick and convenient way to cover travel expenses, and often come equipped with valuable rewards, like cash back or airline miles. But it’s essential that you select the appropriate card for your journey: make sure it can be accepted overseas, check fees for foreign currency conversion and DCC charges that could add up quickly, etc.
Chip-and-PIN cards provide more secure transactions than their stripe counterparts by requiring users to enter a four-digit PIN in order to verify transactions. Traveling in Europe? Entering this PIN can help reduce fraud risk by verifying transactions more securely; using one will lower risk of stolen cards or numbers and reduce theft risk; even without this feature though it can still be used, though many terminals may require signature confirmation instead of PIN verification. Consider asking for one regularly when travelling abroad as the extra security is worth your while; many travel cards already include this feature as default or you can contact your card provider and request this feature by phone if needed – it would give peace of mind knowing you are covered if something were to happen to arises that would require PIN verification instead – many travel cards already come equipped with this feature; otherwise simply call them and request it from them!
No foreign transaction fees
Travel should be enjoyable and carefree; yet many travelers are shocked when their credit card statements include additional costs from foreign transaction fees. By using a card without such fees and only making purchases in local currency, it’s easy to avoid these unnecessary extra costs and focus on enjoying your trip instead of dealing with currency conversion rates or carrying cash around with you.
Before setting out on an international journey to Paris or Zanzibar, check with your credit card company about which card would best meet your travel habits and financial goals. Some cards provide no foreign transaction fees while also offering rewards programs, reasonable annual fees and features designed to save money when traveling overseas or shopping online from international merchants. Some cards even make these expenses easier to spot by breaking them out as separate line items on monthly statements.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance can be one of the most valuable perks on any credit card, yet coverage varies significantly; to maximize its utility and savings potential, carefully compare both free and paid policies before making your choice.
Some cards offer primary rental car coverage, lost luggage reimbursement and medical or emergency assistance; the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express’ Platinum Card(r) from American Express both feature credit card travel protections that rival what would be found with separate policies.
When traveling to Europe, choosing the right credit card can make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable with rewards, travel perks and travel insurance protection. When selecting your card, look for those that waive foreign transaction fees, offer airline partners travel rewards programs or come with welcome bonuses that could offset airfare costs. Other features to look out for are Global Entry application fee credits as well as transfer miles between cards; plus any points earned can help cover hotel stays, meals and other expenses on your journey.
Rewards
Credit cards are an increasingly popular payment method in the United States, yet not all credit cards offer equal benefits. Traveling with the appropriate card can help you earn rewards while minimizing fees, making your trip to Europe more cost-effective.
The best travel credit cards provide high earnings rates across major spending categories, such as dining and airfare. The American Express Gold Card, for instance, provides 4X points when eating out and 3X on flights booked directly through airlines or Amex Travel; additionally it comes with premium benefits like airport lounge access as well as credits towards Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS membership.
Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, which can add between 2% and 3% to each foreign purchase. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides 10 miles for every dollar spent when booked through Capital One Travel; in addition, 2X miles will be earned on other purchases made using this card.
