The anticipation leading up to a European sojourn, with its promises of fresh culture, cuisine, and breath-taking landscapes, is unarguably exhilarating. Yet, beneath the thrilling layer of planning destinations, accommodations, and transportation, lies the daunting question of selecting the most effective credit card for your journey.

Travel-friendly Credit Cards

If you're still in the precooking stage, it's the perfect moment to strategize. From airfare to rental cars and accommodations, every booking is an opportunity to accrue bonus points and miles. The right credit card can amplify these earnings and improve your travel experience with a slew of hidden benefits. Here are some significant factors to consider when evaluating credit cards for European travel:

Evading Foreign Transaction Fees

An overwhelming majority of your European expenditure will be in foreign currency. A credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees can prevent the slow, painful seepage of money that could otherwise accumulate to hundreds of dollars. Several top-tier travel credit cards do not charge these fees, making them an attractive choice.

Accumulating Bonus Rewards

Why not rack up even more benefits at the same time? Many rewards credit cards have a bonus category for dining, so you may rack up points while indulging in regional specialties.

For instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar on dining, with the Reserve card potentially offering up to 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases.

Furthermore, consider your likely expenses post-arrival – accommodations, taxis, parking, cruises – the list goes on. Several rewards cards extend bonus points on these travel expenses, with some offering up to 10 points per dollar when booked through their travel portals.

Enhancing Your Airport Experience

You can improve your travel experience and comfort with the help of the airport perks offered by several credit cards. Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world is yours with a Priority Pass membership, which is included with certain credit cards.

Apart from the Priority Pass, some card issuers also offer exclusive lounge access such as Capital One Lounges, American Express Centurion Lounges, and more. When returning to the U.S., expedited immigration services such as CLEAR® Plus and Global Entry can help avoid long lines and delays. Many cards offer credits to offset the application fees for these services.

Exploiting Statement Credits

Numerous cards offer statement credits to offset travel costs. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides a $200 credit for airline incidental expenses and an additional $200 for prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels and Resorts properties. Other cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Citi Premier® Card offer hotel credits that range from $50 to $100 annually.

Availing Valuable Protection

When plans go awry, the right credit card can offer much-needed relief. Several premium cards offer insurance policies such as baggage, travel interruption, and trip delay insurance, potentially saving you considerable costs in unexpected situations.

Top Credit Cards for European Travel

Among the multitude of credit card options available, four cards consistently emerge as popular choices for European travel: The Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Each of these cards offers unique benefits, ranging from generous welcome bonuses and travel credits to comprehensive travel insurance. They all waive foreign transaction fees, making them excellent companions for your European adventure. Your choice would depend on your specific preferences for rewards categories, fee offsets, and travel perks.

Tackling ATM vs Credit Card Conundrum

Although it may seem convenient to withdraw cash upon reaching Europe, the majority of places support tap-to-pay with credit cards, making cash needs minimal. ATMs could lead to foreign transaction fees and other charges, which accumulate if you need to withdraw cash repeatedly. Credit cards, on the other hand, can bypass these fees and accrue rewards, making them a more advantageous option.

FAQs

Are There Any Credit Card Fees?

Every foreign purchase made on your credit card is processed and converted into U.S. dollars, typically for a service fee known as the Foreign Transaction Fee. The cards discussed in this article do not charge this fee, saving you from incurring additional costs on your purchases.

How Can a Credit Card Help Me With Travelling To Europe?

The right travel credit card can be a powerful ally in your European adventure, shielding you from unnecessary costs, and awarding you with ample rewards. Selecting a card that aligns with your travel and expenditure patterns can elevate your travel experience, making your journey as seamless as it is memorable.