When traveling abroad, using credit cards designed specifically for international travel can save money and give you perks like rewards, no foreign transaction fees, lounge access and trip protections.
Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted globally, providing plenty of choices. Just be sure to notify your card issuer that you’re traveling abroad so your transactions don’t get declined!
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Credit cards designed specifically to assist travelers abroad typically feature rewards, security features and travel perks that help reduce expenses when abroad. You should also opt for cards without foreign transaction fees added by their issuer when making purchases in non-US currencies.
These fees can quickly add up on larger purchases like hotels and rental cars. They appear as line items on your statement and typically range from 1-3% of the purchase amount.
Some credit cards use dynamic currency conversion as a convenient method for charging transactions made overseas, however this should be seen as more of a convenience as card issuers still incur foreign transaction fees that won’t count toward your rewards balance and could limit how much earnings are derived from each purchase.
Chip-and-Pin Credit Cards
Traveling internationally? Having multiple cards can be invaluable – just in case the first card doesn’t accept in certain locations or the machine doesn’t function correctly.
Most credit cards with EMV chips offer both PIN and signature authentication during point of sale transactions, though card issuers may default to signature authentication by default. You can always request one with PIN priority by calling customer service.
Some banks provide chip-and-PIN debit cards without foreign transaction fees, like Charles Schwab Bank Visa Debit Card which features chip and PIN technology as well as no ATM fees and foreign transaction fees. Other issuers offering such cards without these expenses include Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard, Blue Cash Everyday Card from Chase and Citi Premier Card which also offer top travel perks and offer sign-up bonuses.
Debit Cards That Charge No International ATM Fees
When traveling overseas with your debit card, make sure it does not charge foreign transaction fees. These extra costs could add up to 3% and wipe away any rewards earned on the card. To discover whether or not your card charges them call your card issuer or check online accounts; look for those without ATM fees as well as those accepted across Visa/MasterCard networks such as those used widely when looking for cards with no foreign transaction fees and widely accepted networks like those provided by Visa/MasterCard networks.
Unexpected costs can add up on international trips, from souvenir purchases and clothing shopping to hotel bills and ATM withdrawal fees. By choosing the appropriate card with no-fee debit capabilities you may save fees while reaping other advantages like purchase protection and extra security features – for many travelers this could be ideal!
Travel Perks
No matter why or for how long, having the appropriate credit card can help save money while also earning rewards. Depending on which card is chosen, benefits could include sign-up bonuses, luxury perks and premium travel perks as well as protections such as trip interruption/interruption coverage or airport lounge privileges.
Travel credit cards come in all styles and price points, from luxury traveler cards such as American Express’ Platinum Card with its generous credits and benefits such as Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status and Delta Sky Club access, to more cost-conscious cards such as Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card that offer worldwide acceptance, no foreign transaction fees and numerous travel benefits.
