Traveling can be thrilling and exhilarating all at the same time – yet can sometimes become somewhat stressful. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are designed to ease those concerns while helping keep spending in check.
The top credit cards for travel abroad typically waive foreign transaction fees and provide generous rewards on travel as well as valuable travel protections – not to mention being widely accepted around the globe.
1. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
This credit card offers an attractive cash back rate and no foreign transaction fees – ideal for frequent travelers. Furthermore, cardholders have access to 24/7 travel assistance services such as finding an English-speaking doctor and locating ATMs.
This card boasts a low introductory APR and no annual fee – making it an attractive option for people with average or below-average credit who may require higher rewards rates elsewhere.
Capital One Travel offers 1.5% cash back daily on purchases made with its card, and an impressive 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Although there is a cash advance fee and late payment fee attached to it, its 0% introductory APR makes this card ideal for frequent international purchases or travel abroad. Furthermore, Capital One Travel also provides emergency card replacement and airport lounge access in addition to having an easily understandable rewards program that offers ease of use.
2. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Cardholders will enjoy earning 1.5X points on all purchases – making this a good option for those seeking to maximize travel spending without needing to contend with award restrictions, blackout dates or other complications associated with some other reward cards.
This card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for travelers planning on spending abroad. Cardholders can redeem earned points as statement credits against travel and dining expenses – though redemptions do expire annually up to 2,500 points redeemed per calendar year.
New cardmembers can earn a signup bonus of 25,000 online bonus points when making $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of card membership, which could translate to up to $250 worth of travel statement credits. There’s no annual fee; cardholders can manage their card in Bank of America mobile apps, online accounts or at their bank branch.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an ideal entry-level travel rewards credit card, offering a generous sign-up bonus (typically 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in three months), which could save a great deal when booking travel through Chase’s travel portal.
As part of their rewards program, customers earn extra points when they make dining and travel purchases abroad, making a substantial impactful impact. Furthermore, travel-related perks such as trip interruption and delay insurance provide added peace of mind when out and about.
It may not come equipped with premium benefits like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits offered by cards with higher annual fees, but the card remains an excellent way to acquire some of the most valuable points on offer. Just make sure that you meet Chase 5/24 rule prior to applying as otherwise it could result in being denied.
4. American Express Platinum Card
The Platinum Card is an excellent travel credit card for luxury-minded travelers. Its benefits can save money or provide extra perks, including an airline fee credit of $200 and airport lounge access, but this card does come with a steep annual fee of $695 that may be hard to offset by all its rewards and credits.
Amex will soon make a significant adjustment to The Platinum Card that could cause great dismay among current holders who rely on its benefits, with Amex making changes to annual statement credits such as Uber and Saks credits.
If you are an avid traveler who spends frequently, the American Express Platinum Card could be invaluable for its many features and perks. Not only can this card earn Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed in various ways; but it can also give you elite status at hotels as well as additional perks.
