Maximizing Points and Miles as an Expat: Essential Insights

If you've relocated overseas (or are planning to), you may have realized that no other nation matches the U.S. in credit card point accumulation.

However, you don’t have to stash your travel rewards cards away and settle for cash payments for your journeys. By adopting a few targeted strategies, you can continue earning points and miles no matter where you reside.

Here’s what you need to understand to keep earning, no matter your location.

Essential Tips for Applying for a Credit Card as an Expat

Utilize Contactless Payments

When overseas, you may frequently encounter situations that require a chip and pin for credit card transactions. To sidestep this, opt for contactless payment methods such as tap to pay or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Using contactless payment can also assist you in meeting a spending requirement to secure the welcome bonus on a new card, even before receiving the physical card. You can arrange for the card to be sent to a family member, who can then share photos of both sides with you. After that, you can activate the card and add it to your mobile wallet for in-store purchases.

Provide a U.S. Address

Most U.S. credit cards necessitate a U.S. address for application and delivery. You might use a family member's address or a digital mail service that forwards your mail.

In any case, make sure you have access to your U.S. address, as some banks will verify it during the application. A simple way to confirm this is by receiving a bill addressed to you at that location.

Provide a U.S. Phone Number

Many card issuers send text messages for verification, so having a U.S. phone number is crucial. Consider using services like Google Fi or MagicApp to secure a U.S. number for receiving important security texts.

Opt for Paperless Statements

Ensure you’re signed up for paperless communications with your credit cards. This helps you quickly access approvals and statements while keeping your sensitive information secure from unauthorized recipients.

Employ a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to select your IP address, making it appear as if you are in a different location. For example, you can adjust your settings to show you are in the U.S., which lets you access U.S. banking websites.

This allows you to view a version of the site that feels more familiar and helps prevent your location from being flagged when applying for a new U.S. card from abroad.

Utilize a Transfer App

Employ a banking app such as Wise or PayPal to transfer funds to a U.S. account, helping you pay your credit card bills and reduce transfer fees.

Include Authorized Users

If you have friends or family willing to assist you while you’re overseas, you can add them as authorized users on your credit cards. They can use their cards to help you earn points and miles on your accounts while you’re away.

Top Credit Cards for Expats

If you're living outside the U.S., it's essential to choose a credit card that doesn't impose foreign transaction fees. A 3% fee on every purchase can quickly diminish your rewards. You’ll also want a card that allows you to transfer your rewards to international airlines and provides access to airport lounges for a more pleasant layover experience.

Here are our recommended options:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
• Access to the Global Lounge Collection
• Complimentary Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton*
• Transfer partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy

*Enrollment is necessary for select benefits; terms apply.

Alongside its impressive roster of transfer partners, you'll appreciate the airport lounge access that comes with the Amex Platinum, plus the 5 points per dollar earned on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

For additional information, see our comprehensive review of the Amex Platinum.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Priority Pass lounges as well as Chase's expanding network of lounges
• Transfer partners, such as Emirates, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt, and IHG

In addition to its transfer partners and lounge access, you'll earn 3 points for every dollar spent on purchases categorized under Chase's extensive dining and travel categories.

For further information, see our comprehensive review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
• Access to lounges with Capital One and Priority Pass
• Transfer partners such as Avianca LifeMiles, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, and Wyndham Rewards

While the Venture X has a somewhat smaller selection of transfer partners compared to the previous cards, it provides Priority Pass lounge access and a straightforward earning rate of 2 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases.

For more information, see our in-depth review of the Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• No foreign transaction fees
• A $50 hotel credit available each cardmember year via Chase Travel℠
• Transfer partners like Emirates, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt, and IHG

While this card doesn't offer airport lounge access, you can still benefit from Chase's transfer partners and earn 3 points for every dollar spent on dining and 2 points on travel, all at a much lower annual fee compared to the Sapphire Reserve.

For further information, see our comprehensive review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred®.

American Express® Green Card

• No foreign transaction fees
• Transfer partners such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy
• A $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit

The Amex Green offers access to the same Membership Rewards transfer partners at a significantly lower annual fee compared to the Amex Platinum. Additionally, you can earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, travel, and transit purchases.

For further details, see our comprehensive review of the American Express Green Card®.

The information regarding the Amex Green Card has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Final thoughts

Repatriation doesn't mean you have to give up your credit cards. With the right cards in your (mobile) wallet and a solid plan, you can continue earning points and miles for your travels, both near and far. Just ensure you maintain a connection to the U.S. with a physical address and phone number.

Discover more: Top travel cards with no foreign transaction fees