Essential Credit Cards for the Global Traveler

Oct 13, 2024 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.

Fully Back

What Is a Credit Rating?

Learn all about credit ratings, why they matter to lenders, and how understanding your creditworthiness can help you get the financial support you need.
Read More

The Complete Guide to Form 6251: Alternative Minimum Tax-Individuals

The Form 6251 is used to calculate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) liability. It includes a regular income tax calculation which consists of all taxable income received during the year from wages, salaries, tips, investments and business profits.
Read More

Top Benefits of Life Insurance

Learn about the key benefits of having life insurance. Get up to speed on how it works, why it's important, and understand why you should have the right kind of coverage in place for yourself and your family.
Read More

Why Is It Easier to Find a Job While Employed?

Discover why finding a job while already employed can be easier than when unemployed. Learn the strategies you need to employ to increase your chances for success.
Read More

Everything You Need to Know About Understanding Form 1099-MISC

Form 1099-MISC is an important form for reporting payments to non-employees. When filing this form, it is essential to double-check all information and adhere to the key dates in order to avoid penalties from the IRS.
Read More

Medical vs. Financial Power of Attorney: What You Need to

Medical and Financial Power of Attorney (POA) in place is essential to planning for the future. It will allow someone else to manage your health care and finances
Read More

What Is a Subprime Mortgage?

Thinking of taking out a subprime mortgage loan? Here's everything you need to know about what they are and how they can help or hurt your financial future. Get informed now so that you can make an informed decision!
Read More

Best LLC Filing Companies

LLCs offer entrepreneurs a variety of benefits such as limited liability, flexibility, and tax advantages. With the right filing services, setting up an LLC can be a simple and straightforward process – allowing you to get your business up and running in no tim
Read More

Europe Travel: Choosing the Right Credit Card

Make your Travel to Europe filled with thrill and excitement by choosing the best credit card to avoid any inconvenience regarding transactions. Let this blog help you make the best choice of credit card.
Read More

How to Start Trading Early

Looking for a guide on how to start trading early? Learn the basics and gain professional advice to confidently enter the trading world.
Read More