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Travel Smarter: Best Credit Cards for International Trips
July 1, 2025
Are you gearing up for your next international escapade? Taking a trip can be both an exhilarating and pricey experience. From flights and hotels to dining and entertainment, the costs add up quickly. However, with the right credit card in your wallet, you can significantly slash these expenses and level up your travel experience. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter who travels frequently or you're taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip, selecting the right credit card as your travel companion is crucial.
Here's a breakdown of the best credit cards for international travel.
Let's fly right in!
Best For: All-Around Travel
Why It Gets the Kudos Nod: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the go-to card for many international travelers.
You can get hundreds of dollars in value from the points, insurance coverage, and other benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred. That makes this card a winner for any frequent traveler looking for a ton of value without paying more than $100 for an annual fee.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "17", "bestForText": "All-Around Travel", "headerHint" : "EXPLORE THE WORLD"} ]]
Best For: Simplicity
Why It Gets the Kudos Nod: If you're an avid traveler with good to excellent credit, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a must-consider. It competes strongly with other travel cards and stands out as one of the best choices for those seeking straightforward travel rewards without the hassle of a complex redemption process.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Simplicity", "headerHint" : "VERSATILE TRAVEL" } ]]
Best For: The Luxury Traveler
Why It Gets the Kudos Nod: American Express Platinum Card® 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, 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.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "The Luxury Traveler", "headerHint" : "TRAVEL IN STYLE" } ]]
Best For: Renters Who Jet-Set
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.
The Bilt Mastercard® is no longer available for new applicants. Information collected independently by Kudos.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2990", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Renters Who Travel", "headerHint" : "REWARDS ON RENT" } ]]
Best For: Budget-Conscious Travelers
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.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "440", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "22", "bestForText": "Budget-Conscious Travelers", "headerHint" : "REWARDS WITH NO ANNUAL FEE" } ]]
Comparing the Best Credit Cards for International Trips
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.
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "438", "106"], "bestCategoryIds":["46", "47", "49"], "bestForTexts":["All-Around Travel", "Simplicity", "The Luxury Traveler"]} ]]
Conclusion
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.
Happy travels!
[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["509", "438", "106", "2990", "440"]} ]]
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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