Traveling abroad can be exhilarating, fun, and sometimes a little stressful. Luckily, by having one of the best credit cards for international travel in your wallet, you can have some peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
When you’re looking for a credit card for international travel, there are benefits to look for that can save you money and provide peace of mind. Perks like travel insurance would typically cost you money, but many credit cards offer it free of charge.
here are the six benefits you should look for in a quality credit card to use abroad.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance
- Bonus points on travel expenses
- Travel perks: benefits like lounge access, free hotel nights and elite benefits.
- Welcome bonus offers
Best cards for international travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best card for hotels abroad
Highlights
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening
- Earn 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- Earn 10x points on dining purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Earn 5x points on flight purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- Earn 3x points on travel worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- Earn 3x points on other dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- Receive up to $300 annually in statement credits as reimbursement for travel purchases
- $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years
- Priority Pass Select membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best value for the annual fee
Highlights:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening
- $50 annual statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, excluding purchases that qualify for the $50 anniversary hotel credit
- Earn 2x points on other travel purchases
- Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- Earn 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
The Platinum Card from American Express: Best card for travel insurance and for lounge access while traveling abroad
Highlights:
- Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership
- Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
- Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
- Gold elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors (enrollment required)
- $200 annual hotel credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel
- Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year on incidental airline fees
- $100 Global Entry/$85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 or 5 years
- Fine Hotels + Resorts program access
- Global Lounge Collection access
- No foreign transaction fees
American Express Gold Card: Best card for dining abroad
Highlights:
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 within the first six months of card membership
- Earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year
- Earn 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel
- $100 travel credit on stays booked through The Hotel Collection with Amex Travel (minimum two-night stay required)
- No foreign transaction fees
Capital One VentureOne: Best no-annual-fee card
Highlights:
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 within the first three months of account opening
- Earn 5 miles per $1 spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Travel accident insurance
- $0 annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
The best credit card for international travel depends on your travel goals and habits. If you want a card packed with luxury benefits, a great loyalty program and you don’t mind paying a $695 annual fee, the Amex Platinum card is the best choice.
