When travelling internationally, selecting an ideal credit card is of utmost importance. An ideal card will waive foreign transaction fees while offering rewards and travel protection benefits.
The best cards offer traveller perks such as lounge access and elite status upgrades at hotels; here is our selection of credit cards that meet these criteria.
Widely Accepted
Traveling abroad means making payments in your own currency – using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is ideal, while some also include travel protection plans to make sure you can use them without issue.
Consider also how the rewards and perks offered by each card will add value. Some cards provide airport lounge access while others come equipped with travel credits that could save you money on international airfare, while some waive baggage fees or offer status boosts when staying at hotels.
Credit cards designed for international travel may have annual fees, but choosing the appropriate card could save money and enhance your trip experience. From college travel to post-graduation adventures, there’s sure to be something suitable. Just be sure to carefully consider all of your options prior to applying!
No Foreign Transaction Fees
An international credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees can help you save money when making international purchases. A foreign transaction fee is assessed as a percentage of your purchase when using foreign currencies for payments; many top travel rewards cards do not charge this fee, saving money when purchasing larger items like hotels or rental cars overseas.
Note that certain credit card issuers may charge an additional currency conversion fee when you swipe their card in another country, so check its terms and conditions to see whether this additional cost applies.
Find a credit card without foreign transaction fees that also offers other key features of an ideal travel credit card – like wide acceptance and robust travel protections – before planning your trip. Applying for one may take some time so it is wise to consider these options well in advance of departure.
No International ATM Fees
Credit cards offer an effective solution to foreign transaction fees and ATM withdrawal fees while saving time with ATM withdrawal fees. Prepaid cards may also work, though their limitations on ATM withdrawals could make them cumbersome and more prone to theft; not to mention they might not always work in your destination country!
Finding a credit card without any foreign-exchange fees or ATM usage fees is easier than ever. Some cards even waive or refund them altogether!
When searching for the ideal card, use CardMatch(tm), an Experian service which matches you up with cards which could potentially save money when travelling abroad. Or if using your debit card instead, look for one which reimburses ATM operator fees without charging foreign-exchange fees itself.
Chip-and-Pin
Travelers looking to explore new places will find credit cards a convenient and safe way to pay overseas. By selecting the appropriate card, travelers can avoid foreign transaction fees while earning additional benefits such as airport lounge access that make their journeys even more comfortable.
EMV chip technology offers enhanced protection from fraud during transactions by encrypting cardholder information rather than simply matching customers with unintelligible scrawl on screens at point-of-sale terminals. EMV cards also provide more reliable security at self-payment kiosks found at hotels, train stations and parking garages in Europe.
Discover it Secured is an excellent option for travelers with less-than-ideal credit as it requires only a $200 security deposit and provides consumers with a clear path toward upgrading to an unsecured line of credit within seven months (and receiving their deposit back). In addition, this card offers travel rewards such as up to $100 in Global Entry/TSA Precheck application fee credits every four years plus no foreign transaction fees.
