Upcoming Trip? Top 5 Credit Cards For International Travel

In 2018, 93 million Americans traveled internationally. This is a record-breaking number compared to other years.

Before you travel internationally, you have to sort out the plane tickets, hotels, and activities. Also, not many people like to carry cash to avoid incidents. 

If you’re going to travel internationally, you should have a travel credit card you can trust.

Read on to learn which is the best credit card for international travel.

Mid-Level Annual Fees

When it comes to travel credit cards, these cards offer a mid-range annual fee and plenty of perks. 

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

If you want a card that has zero foreign transaction fees and will also reward you for your purchases while abroad, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

What are the rewards? With the Chase Sapphire, you can expect to earn two points for every dollar you spend on dining out and travel. You can continue earning points at home as well – earn one point for every dollar you spend on every other purchase.

If you redeem your rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards site, your rewards will be worth up to 25% more, which you can redeem on travel.

Bonus Points: This card also offers a bonus offer when you sign up. You will receive 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 within the first 90 days after opening it.

Keep in mind, however, you need good to excellent credit to qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred. You will also have to pay an annual fee of $95.

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture credit card is unique among travel credit cards because it offers TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry fee reimbursement. This is the card that keeps on giving since it also has no foreign transaction fees. It has no blackout dates and you can fly any airline, stay at any hotels, and earn miles with all of your purchases.

What are the rewards? With the Venture card, you will earn two miles for every $1 you spend on purchases.

Due to their partnership with Hotels.com, you can earn 10 miles for every dollar you spend booking your hotels through them.

Bonus Miles: The Venture Card Offers 50,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 for the first three months. This amount equals to $500 worth in travel.

You can enjoy a $0 annual fee the first year. After that, you will have to pay an annual fee of $95. You need good or excellent credit to apply.

Zero Annual Fees

Don’t want to spend money on annual fees? These travel cards have excellent rewards and you don’t have to worry about paying annual fees. 

3. Wells Fargo Propel American Express

If you are planning on taking the trip of a lifetime, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card is an excellent choice. This card offers an introductory $0 APR on purchases for the first year. You have an entire year to pay off your trip without paying a cent in interest.

If you don’t want to use a credit card to pay for your entire trip, is worth learning more about SSI Loans.

What are the rewards?  With the propel card, you can expect to earn three points for every $1 you spend on travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. You will also earn 3 points for every $1 you spend on rideshares, transit, gas, and dining out.

You will also earn one point for every dollar you spend on your other purchases such as groceries and entertainment.

Bonus Points: The Propel card offers you 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days. Good or Excellent credit is required.

4. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

This no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee travel rewards credit card also makes our list.

What are the rewards? For a card with no annual fee, it also offers excellent rewards. With this card, you can expect to earn 1.5 points for every $1 you spend. This means you can earn points on everyday purchases such as groceries and gas.

Bonus Points: If you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months after opening your card, you can earn 25,000 bonus points. This equals to $250 in statement credit.

High Annual Fees

If you want to travel in luxury and can afford higher than usual annual fees, these are the best of the best. 

5. The Platinum Card from American Express

If you like to travel in style and want the most perks from a card, then The Platinum Card from American Express is the one you need. This is one of the ultimate luxury cards when it comes to travel. It even offers their members $200 in statement credit for things such as baggage fees, incidental airline fees, and more.

What are the rewards? The Platinum Card offers many rewards such as five points for every $1 you spend on American Express Travel such as flights and hotels. You can also earn 5 points per $1 if you book directly with other airlines. You can also earn one point per $1 on other purchases.

Aside from earning many points, with this card you have plenty of perks.

Enjoy access to airport lounges and travel concierge service. You can also enjoy elite status on Marriott and Hilton Hotels

Bonus Points: If you spend $5,000 in the first three months after opening your card, you will earn 60,000 bonus points.

Keep in mind becoming a Platinum Card Member Won’t come cheap. This card has a steep annual fee of $500, which is worth it to the frequent traveler.

Best Credit Card For International Travel: The Bottom Line

What is the best credit card for international travel? It all depends on the types of rewards you’re looking for.

While some cards have high annual fees, they can get you into airport lounges or allow you to earn the most points. 

If you don’t travel frequently, you can find a travel card with a small or $0 annual fee that will allow you to earn points with everyday purchases. 

Are you planning on taking a trip soon? If you want the ultimate tips to ensure your trip is perfect, check out our travel and leisure section.