Travel Smarter: Best Credit Cards for International Trips

Best For: The Luxury Traveler

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Why It Gets the Kudos Nod: American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees) is the epitome of luxury travel. With unmatched access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide - more than any other credit card company - through the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits when flying on eligible Delta flights, Priority Pass Select membership, and other select partner lounges, plus a suite of premium travel benefits, it's designed for those who demand the best in travel comfort and convenience when traveling. If comfort is at the top of your list, this card will not disappoint. Though it carries an $895 annual fee (see rates & fees), if you can maximize all of its annual statement credits, you're looking at over $2,000 in value, more than double the cost of the annual fee.

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Key Features:‍

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• 5x American Express Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotel bookings through American Travel including Trip hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection (minimum of two nights) booking, plus 5x on flights purchases directly with airlines through American Express Travel® on up to 500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar after that

• Access to the Global Lounge Collection

• Complimentary elite status, including Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status (enrollment required)

• Multiple statement credits including (but not limited to): up to a $200 annual airline incidental credit given in statement credits, up to a $240 annual credit for select streaming and digital entertainment services given in statement credits, up to $199 credit towards a CLEAR® Plus membership, up to an annual $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit given in statement credits, and up to an annual $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• 5x American Express Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel bookings through American Travel including Trip hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection (minimum of two nights) booking, plus 5x on flights purchases directly with airlines through American Express Travel® on up to 500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar after that

• No foreign transaction fees

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^{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Best For: Renters Who Jet-Set

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Why It Gets the Kudos Nod: The Bilt Mastercard® stands out with its unique advantages and flexible rewards program, distinguishing itself as the first credit card designed to earn Bilt Points through rent payments. Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn Bilt Points. You can transfer points to one of Bilt's 16 travel partners, redeem points for fitness classes, or even put them toward a future home down payment. All for no annual fee (See Rates & Fees).

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Key Features:

• No foreign transaction fees

• Earn up to 100,000 Bilt Points in a calendar year on your rent payments, turning one of your biggest monthly expenses into an opportunity to earn rewards that you can unlock for travel and other rewards

• Mastercard World Elite Benefits: As a World Elite Mastercard, the Bilt Mastercard comes with additional perks such as travel protection, price protection, and luxury travel benefits

• Extensive travel coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement, and auto rental collision damage waiver

• Cell phone protection of up to $800 in coverage with a $25 deductible (you must pay your cell phone bill with the card - Guide to Benefits)

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^{The information for the Bilt Mastercard® has been collected independently by Kudos. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.}

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Best For: Budget-Conscious Travelers

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Why It Gets the Kudos Nod: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those who want a simple, no-cost way to earn travel rewards on every purchase. With its combination of no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a versatile rewards program with Capital One Travel, it's a solid choice if you want a travel card without paying an annual fee.

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Key Features:

• No foreign transaction fees

• Earn 1.25 miles on every single purchase

• You can redeem your miles for travel purchases or transfer them to travel partners with no minimum amount required

• Valuable travel benefits such as travel accident insurance

• Extended warranty protection: eligible purchases can receive additional warranty protection

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Comparing the Best Credit Cards for International Trips

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The Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and Amex Platinum are all stellar travel cards. The Sapphire Preferred is best for earning on travel and dining, the Venture for flat-rate rewards and Capital One lounge access, and the Platinum for luxury perks like lounge access and hotel status. The right card for international travel depends on your travel style and priorities.

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Conclusion

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Ultimately, the best credit card for international travel is the one that suits your individual travel style and goals. By selecting a card with no foreign transaction fees and valuable travel benefits, you can make the most of your adventures while minimizing stress and maximizing rewards.

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Happy travels!

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