If you plan to travel internationally, look for a credit card without foreign transaction fees – these surcharges on purchases made abroad can quickly add up and could eat into your budget.
Additional factors to keep in mind include luxury perks and travel insurance built right in. Co-branded airline cards typically provide free checked bags and priority boarding; travel rewards cards provide elite status access and access to airport lounges.
Airline-specific credit cards
Travel credit cards are ideal for international travelers as they offer various perks that will enhance your trip, such as no foreign transaction fees and generous rewards. In addition, many cards provide travel and purchase protections. Some cards even enable faster airport security screening processes and help earn airline lounge memberships; the United Club Infinite card even provides free checked bags, priority boarding privileges and an airfare purchase bonus – which makes for a seamless travel experience!
Airlines-specific cards tend to offer less generous benefits than general travel cards, since their rewards tend to be tied more directly to an airline’s frequent flyer program and typically provide fewer everyday spending categories. They may also have stricter eligibility requirements like Chase’s “5/24” rule and minimum credit scores requirements; flexible points-earning travel cards may be better options as they allow access to elite-style perks and larger welcome bonuses.
Cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees
As you travel overseas or shop online, one thing that should come at the forefront of your mind is credit card foreign transaction fees. These charges add an extra charge when buying goods in foreign currencies – adding up quickly!
There are credit cards without foreign transaction fees that make an excellent option for travelers, making these cards ideal choices without incurring extra costs when abroad. While travel rewards cards may offer such cards without these costs, balance transfer, cash back and credit-building cards also exist with no such charges attached.
If you’re in search of a card without foreign transaction fees, take your spending habits and travel patterns into consideration when selecting one. Furthermore, compare all possible benefits against their annual fee; some cards come equipped with luxury perks such as access to airport lounges or dining and shopping credits; others may provide built-in travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, delay and lost luggage.
Cards that earn rewards
An international travel card that provides rewards, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers multiple travel protections may be ideal. Some cards even provide day-of-travel benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags and priority boarding; and may include elite status in hotel loyalty programs.
Airline-specific credit cards may be advantageous to frequent flyers who prefer one airline over others, as these often come with benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding. But for travelers whose flight patterns are more flexible and who are open to using transfer partners, general travel credit cards might be better options.
Most cards in this category require exceptional or very good credit; however, there are also options available for people with fair or no credit at all. While these cards tend to offer lower rewards rates and annual fees than traditional credit cards, they still provide access to international travel. Furthermore, many come equipped with bonus reward categories or additional perks which make them more desirable.
Cards with annual fees
Credit cards with annual fees can still be an invaluable travel tool – they can save money on fees and currency exchange rates while offering rewards and additional protections. But be mindful that if you don’t use your card often enough, the annual fee might not justify itself.
Some credit cards offer added perks, like lounge access, fee credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck applications, and premium travel insurance policies. Some even come equipped with dedicated concierge service for airline reservations and other travel-related needs. Such cards typically require good to excellent credit scores to qualify and redeem rewards more complexly.
When selecting a card for international travel, make sure it offers high acceptance worldwide (Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted), has no foreign transaction fee and offers generous bonus rewards in your most common spending categories. As an additional precautionary measure, consider carrying another card from American Express or Discover as backup in case the primary one doesn’t work abroad.
