Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Travel Smarter: Best Credit Cards for International Trips
August 30, 2024
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, thanks to its generous Chase Travel™ program and flexibility in points redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- 3x points on travel and dining worldwide
- 3X on online grocery purchases
- 3X on streaming services
- 1X on all other purchases
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Extensive travel insurance coverage, including Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and travel emergency assistance. If you’re stuck at an airport overnight due to a canceled flight or delay, trip delay reimbursement coverage could recoup the cost of the hotel
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. Its flat-rate earning structure of 2X miles for every dollar spent, along with the ease of mile redemption through Capital One Travel or transferring to travel partners, make it a favorite among travelers. Like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, it charges a $95 annual fee (see rates & fees), making it a top contender in the sub $100 annual fee range.
Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- 2x miles on every purchase, every day
- Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Simplicity", "headerHint" : "VERSATILE TRAVEL" } ]]
Best For: The Luxury Traveler
Why It Gets the Kudos Nod: The Platinum Card® from American Express is the epitome of luxury travel. With unmatched access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and 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 a $695 annual fee (see rates & fees), if you can maximize all of its annual statement credits, you're looking at nearly $1,600 in value, more than double the cost of the annual fee.
Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees)
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
- 1x points on all other eligible purchases
- 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
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.
[[ 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 World Elite Mastercard® stands out with its unique advantages and flexible rewards program, distinguishing itself as the first credit card designed to earn points through rent payments. 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).
Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn points 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)
[[ 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 (see rates & fees). 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.
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
[[ 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"]} ]]
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
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.
