Traveling abroad with the right credit card can make traveling more affordable and comfortable, but be sure to inform your card issuer of your travel plans in order to be aware of fees or risks that could occur along the way.
Carry multiple backup cards just in case one gets lost, stolen, or declined. Furthermore, opt for a credit card offering lower foreign transaction fees and rewards on overseas purchases.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you plan to travel overseas, make sure your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. These costs typically add an extra 3% onto purchases like hotels, rental cars or meals and quickly add up if purchasing big-ticket items such as hotels.
There are credit card options that can help make international travel more convenient, including cards that waive fees and offer other perks that make traveling easier. The best credit cards for international travel may help save money, earn miles or points faster and even cover some or all of your trip’s expenses.
Make sure to notify your card issuer of your travel plans prior to leaving home, in order to prevent fraudulent charges on transactions you make overseas. Also consider carrying a backup payment method, like cash or prepaid travel cards, so you’re prepared for unexpected expenses and can more effectively manage spending when using credit cards to buy local currency – this may help avoid merchants overcharging tourists!
Chip and PIN Cards
Your international flights have been booked, your dream hotel has been reserved and your itinerary filled with adrenaline-inducing bucket list adventures – now all that remains is packing?
Unfortunately, traveling internationally with a credit card issued from the US could pose some unique difficulties. Europe and Canada are more advanced when it comes to adopting chip-and-PIN cards which make it more difficult for thieves to steal your personal data.
While most cards issued in the U.S. feature chips, many do not use PIN-priority verification methods required by some European countries such as Switzerland. You should still be able to use your card at manned terminals but may experience issues at automated kiosks like train ticket machines, gas pumps or highway toll kiosks. It is wise to contact credit card issuers prior to your trip in order to determine their policies on PIN priority verification of chip cards – otherwise your trip may end in disappointment!
Mobile Apps
Credit card companies now provide mobile apps that make it easy to check account balances, track rewards and manage payments. Travel apps can be particularly helpful in planning trips or relieving stress while on the road; reviews about how easy it is to redeem points/miles can also provide useful insight. Check with each credit card company on whether their mobile app allows access to FICO scores.
Some cards require you to notify their issuer of your travel plans so your charges won’t be flagged as fraudulent. You can usually do this via email, text or the card issuer’s website/mobile app.
Digital payment solutions like Apple Pay and Google Wallet reduce the risk of your personal information becoming exposed when traveling abroad by storing only virtual account numbers instead of your actual card numbers. They work with many merchants and can help reduce foreign transaction fees and currency exchange rates.
Be Prepared
Traveling overseas can be both thrilling and relaxing; however, it may present specific challenges. Credit cards offer valuable cardholder benefits that make the experience simpler.
Before embarking on your international trip, make sure that your credit cards are ready by reviewing their terms and conditions. Informing your card issuer of your plans may help avoid overspending while also prompting safety measures like flagging for fraud detection.
Carrying an emergency credit card is handy should your primary one become lost or demagnetized by volatile machines. Look for cards offering contactless payment and PIN security features – such as airport lounge access or Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application reimbursement reimbursement – before selecting your card.
