Planning an international trip is an exciting endeavor, but it often involves many important financial decisions. One crucial aspect to consider is how to manage your spending while abroad. Credit cards are a popular choice for travelers due to their convenience and security. However, not all credit cards are created equal when it comes to international travel. In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit card options for traveling overseas, focusing on Visa and Mastercard credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, which can save you around 3% on your purchases during your journey.

Why Choose Visa and Mastercard?

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted payment networks, making them a reliable choice for international travelers. These two giants dominate the global market, and you’ll find that they are accepted virtually everywhere you can pay with a card.

But it’s not just about acceptance. When choosing a credit card for your international adventures, it’s essential to opt for one with no foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up quickly, potentially costing you around 3% on all your purchases while abroad. Therefore, a Visa or Mastercard credit card without foreign transaction fees is an ideal choice for cost-conscious travelers.

Top Credit Cards for International Travel

Here are some of the best credit cards for international travel, according to various sources:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Considered one of the most valuable travel credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a compelling combination of benefits. It has no foreign transaction fees, a $95 annual fee, and an array of rewards. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases[^6^].
2. American Express Gold Card: CNBC Select ranks this card as the best for international travel. It boasts no foreign transaction fees, excellent bonus spending categories, and a range of travel insurance benefits. The annual fee for this card is $250[^4^].
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card is known for its exceptional travel insurance benefits. With a $550 annual fee, it offers 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides, 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding the $300 travel credit), 3 points per dollar on dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases[^5^].
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card is perfect for those seeking luxury travel perks. It comes with a $695 annual fee and rewards cardholders with 10 points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets (during the first 6 months of card membership), 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases[^5^].

Conclusion

When planning your next international adventure, be sure to consider the type of credit card you’ll use. Visa and Mastercard credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are your best bet for saving money and ensuring your payment method is widely accepted. Based on various sources, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, American Express Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and The Platinum Card® from American Express stand out as top choices for international travel. So, before you embark on your journey, make sure you have the right credit card in your wallet to make your trip smooth and budget-friendly.

• [^1^] Source: WalletHub – Link
• [^2^] Source: WalletHub – Link
• [^3^] Source: CNN Underscored – Link
• [^4^] Source: CNBC Select – Link
• [^5^] Source: Lonely Planet – Link
• [^6^] Source: Forbes Advisor – Link