Essential Credit Cards for the Global Traveler

Aug 12, 2023 By Kelly Walker

Find the best credit card for international travel on our website. Discover top-rated cards that offer low foreign transaction fees, generous travel rewards, and comprehensive travel insurance. You may confidently choose the credit card that meets your travel demands and maximizes your rewards with the help of our in-depth reviews and comparisons. Take advantage of hassle-free financial dealings and special privileges when abroad. Get started browsing our site right now to locate the most suitable credit card for your upcoming trip overseas.

There is a distinct market for credit cards that offer travel perks. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best card for International travel? We've done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the best travel credit cards currently available.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

This card is a favorite among travelers for its generous sign-up bonus and flexible rewards program. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you earn 2X points on travel and dining worldwide, plus 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The card also offers a whopping 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The card has a $95 annual fee.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

You earn 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. Plus, earn a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel. The card has a $95 annual fee.

American Express Gold Card

Are you a foodie? You earn 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months. The card has a $250 annual fee.

The Platinum Card from American Express

This card is for the luxury traveler who wants premium travel benefits. You get 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. The card offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The card has a $695 annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

This card is for the frequent traveler who wants premium travel benefits. You earn 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3X points on dining at restaurants, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. The card offers a sign-up bonus of 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The card has a $550 annual fee.

Citi Premier Card

Earn reward points with this one. You earn 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. With a 60k Sign-up bonus, you can earn many more rewards on only spending $4k. The card has a $95 annual fee.

FAQs

Are travel credit cards worth the annual fee?

Whether a credit card for travel is worth the annual fee depends on how you use it. If you travel frequently and take full advantage of the card's rewards and benefits, the card can easily pay for itself. For example, if a card has a $100 annual fee but offers $300 in travel credits, you're coming out ahead as long as you use those credits. However, if you rarely travel or don't spend enough to earn significant rewards, a card with no annual fee might be a better choice.

Can I use my travel rewards for things other than travel?

Yes, most credit card for travel allow you to redeem your rewards for things other than travel, such as gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits. However, keep in mind that you'll usually get the most value out of your rewards when you use them for travel. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card's points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

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