Find the right credit card for international travel can help you unlock valuable rewards, avoid additional fees and take advantage of perks during trips outside the U.S. CNN Underscored has reviewed and ranked some of the most popular cards based on features, rewards, benefits and costs for this purpose.
Foreign transaction fees can be costly, yet with the right card it is possible to avoid these additional charges while earning travel rewards and taking advantage of other helpful features such as primary car rental insurance.
1. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
If you want to maximize travel rewards when abroad, choosing a premium credit card with no foreign transaction fees could help. Since not all cards offer equal fees and benefits packages, it is wise to do your research prior to applying for one.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an ideal option for international travel as it does not charge foreign transaction fees that can total 3% of your spending. Furthermore, this card provides many travel-oriented perks including trip cancellation and interruption coverage as well as primary car rental insurance and an impressive sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 over three months.
However, it should be noted that this card carries an annual fee of $95, which is higher than most travel credit cards with comparable features but still reasonable when compared to rewards cards with high annual fees. Furthermore, this card doesn’t offer as many airline and hotel partner benefits than some other travel cards.
2. The Chase Sapphire Reserve
Credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees are essential when traveling overseas, as these charges can quickly add up and diminish any rewards earned.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel card designed to meet all of the needs of international travelers, offering elevated reward rates on hotel and car rental spending as well as comprehensive travel protection features and access to Chase Lounges as well as TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credits.
When selecting a credit card for international travel, look for one without foreign transaction fees and offering some form of travel protections – this will help to offset unexpected travel delays or cancellations, with some cards even offering trip interruption and baggage insurance as perks that should be considered when spending thousands on your vacation.
3. The American Express Global Traveler Card
Finding the ideal credit card for international travel involves looking beyond its acceptance overseas and its foreign transaction fees; rewards rates and added benefits also play a part.
Some credit cards offer fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to speed through security screening when returning home, while other cards offer collision/loss/damage insurance that helps offset rental car costs abroad.
Some premium travel cards also provide trip interruption/cancellation coverage that reimburses travelers if their plans are changed or cancelled, and 24/7 customer service and emergency assistance which may come in handy if your luggage goes missing or medical assistance is necessary while traveling.
4. The United MileagePlus Explorer Card
The United MileagePlus Explorer Card is an excellent credit card choice for frequent travelers looking for one that pays in miles while providing generous welcome bonuses and travel protections. No foreign transaction fees apply with this card; Mastercard ID theft protection provides 24-hour global assistance in case your card gets lost or stolen; primary rental car coverage as well as secondary airline and hotel coverage can all be found within its features.
One advantage of this card is being issued by Chase, which earned 607 out of 731 marks in J.D. Power’s 2023 customer service survey as the fifth best major card issuer. Furthermore, its benefits include up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credits as well as two annual one-time lounge passes – two additional bonuses!
Selecting the ideal credit card for international travel comes down to personal choice and your individual travel needs, although all great travel credit cards share several characteristics in common, including no foreign transaction fees, excellent customer service and the chance to earn rewards and perks.
