Best Credit Cards for International Travel

Some of the best credit cards for international travel are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, The Platinum Card®
Some of the best credit cards for international travel are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, The Platinum Card®

Traveling internationally can be an exciting adventure, but it comes with its own set of financial challenges. One of the most important tools for international travel is a reliable credit card that offers benefits like no foreign transaction fees, travel rewards, and robust security features. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best credit cards for international travel in 2024, ensuring you can make the most of your trips without worrying about extra costs or inconveniences.

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The Best Credit Cards For International Travel


  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Best Credit Cards

Key Features:

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Rewards: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Travel Perks: Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency assistance services.



Why It’s Great for International Travel:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a robust rewards program and valuable travel protections. With no foreign transaction fees and double points on travel and dining, it’s a great choice for frequent travelers.

  1. Capital One Venture Rewards Best Credit Cards

Key Features:

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase.
  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Travel Perks: Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services.

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Why It’s Great for International Travel:

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward rewards system and valuable travel benefits. The ability to earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase makes it an excellent option for travelers who want to earn rewards quickly and easily.

  1. American Express® Gold Card

Key Features:

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
  • Rewards: 4x points at restaurants, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1x point on all other purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $250
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Travel Perks: $120 dining credit, $100 airline fee credit, no foreign transaction fees, access to the Global Assist Hotline.




Why It’s Great for International Travel:

The American Express® Gold Card is perfect for food lovers and frequent flyers. With high rewards rates on dining and flights, plus valuable travel credits, this card offers substantial benefits for international travelers.

  1. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Best Credit Cards

Key Features:

  • Sign-Up Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
  • Rewards: Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Travel Perks: Travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency assistance services.

Why It’s Great for International Travel:

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a solid option for budget-conscious travelers. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, plus straightforward rewards on every purchase, it’s a cost-effective choice for international travel.

  1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Key Features:

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
  • Rewards: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, 1x point on other purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $695
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Travel Perks: Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, $200 airline fee credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, extensive travel protections.



Why It’s Great for International Travel:

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers unparalleled travel benefits, including access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, generous travel credits, and top-tier rewards on travel bookings. It’s ideal for luxury travelers seeking premium benefits.

  1. Discover it® Miles – Best Credit Cards

Key Features:

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
  • Rewards: 1.5x miles on every purchase.
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Travel Perks: No blackout dates on travel redemptions, redeem miles as a statement credit for travel purchases.

Why It’s Great for International Travel:

The Discover it® Miles card offers a straightforward rewards system with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The mile-for-mile match at the end of the first year makes it especially attractive for new cardholders.

Conclusion on Best Credit Cards for Travelers

Choosing the right credit card for international travel depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and the type of benefits you value most.

Whether you prefer high rewards rates, comprehensive travel protections, or no annual fees, there’s a card out there to fit your needs.

By selecting one of these top-rated travel credit cards, you can enhance your travel experience, save money, and enjoy peace of mind during your international adventures.