Top Credit Cards for International Travel in 2024

This series exploring credit cards, travel rewards, and budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

Advertiser Disclosure: This article includes links to products from our advertisers. We may earn compensation if you click on these links. Terms apply to the offers mentioned here. This relationship might influence how links are displayed on this site. Not all financial companies or offers are included. All details regarding the Wells Fargo Autograph Card were independently sourced by Dinogo Planet and it is not available through our platform. Terms also apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment might be necessary for certain American Express benefits. Visit americanexpress.com for further information.

When you travel internationally, choosing the right credit card can be as important as having your passport. The ideal card can help you earn more rewards while offering essential protections and benefits. It can save you from foreign transaction fees and safeguard your purchases against fraud and theft.

Certain credit cards enhance your travel experience with perks such as lounge access, elite status advantages, and travel insurance.

When traveling internationally, it's essential to choose a credit card that eliminates foreign transaction fees, offers bonus points on travel purchases, and includes travel insurance. We’ve simplified your search by compiling the top credit cards for international travel:

Getting Started with Travel Points and Airline Miles

The Top Credit Cards for International Travel in 2024:

• Top Choice: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Best for Premium Travel Benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best for Travel Protection: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best for Activities and Tours: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Best for Global Dining: American Express® Gold Card

• Best with No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Top Credit Cards for Earning Airline Miles

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The Best Overall for International Travel in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for international travel as it offers all the essential benefits for globe-trotters. It provides critical travel protections and allows you to earn significant rewards for a reasonable annual fee of $95. Cardholders accumulate 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked via the Chase Travel℠ portal and 2 points on all other travel expenditures. Additionally, it includes essential travel insurance, a must-have for international trips.

Cardholders enjoy the benefit of no foreign transaction fees, which typically range around 3% for overseas purchases with standard credit cards. This fee waiver can lead to considerable savings, whether you're settling your hotel bill or indulging in some shopping.

Sapphire Preferred cardholders benefit from up to $10,000 per person in trip cancellation/interruption coverage, primary rental car insurance (both domestically and internationally), up to $100 daily for baggage delay insurance (for a maximum of five days), and trip delay reimbursement up to $500 per ticket. These protections are invaluable during travel delays or emergencies. While supplemental travel insurance may be worthwhile for some trips, these credit card benefits offer solid baseline coverage.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account. That equates to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel booked via Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases eligible for the $50 Annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit); 3X points on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout; 3X points on online grocery shopping; 3X points on select streaming services; 2X points on all other travel; and 1X on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Annual $50 credit for Chase Travel℠ hotel bookings, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. Refer to rates and fees for details.

Pros

• Generous bonuses for various categories.

• Outstanding rewards program with a wide range of airline and hotel transfer options.

• $50 annual travel credit.

• Comprehensive travel protections, including primary rental car insurance internationally.

Cons

• This card adheres to Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning approval is denied if you’ve opened five credit cards from any bank in the past 24 months.

• The $50 annual hotel credit applies only to bookings through Chase Travel℠ and does not earn bonus points.

Ways to leverage points and miles for travel savings

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Ideal for travel benefits

No other credit card matches The Platinum Card® from American Express when it comes to travel benefits. This card provides over $1,500 in annual statement credits for airline charges, hotel reservations, and trusted-traveler services like CLEAR® Plus and Global Entry. Global Entry is especially beneficial for international travelers, as it speeds up the passport control experience.

Cardholders can achieve Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status without ever visiting a hotel. These elevated status levels offer perks such as room upgrades and complimentary breakfasts, enhancing your stay.

The Platinum Card offers travel protections that provide reassurance with trip delay coverage and cancellation/interruption insurance.*

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotel bookings via Amex Travel; 1X point on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Receive an annual airline fee credit of up to $200; an annual hotel booking credit of up to $200 (minimum two-night stay required for Hotel Collection); annual Uber Cash up to $200; $20 monthly digital entertainment credit for select streaming services; $155 Walmart+ Credit; $300 annual Equinox statement credit; $50 Saks credit issued biannually; $199 CLEAR Plus credit; Hilton and Marriott Gold elite status; elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National rental cars; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Required credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. Check rates and fees.

Advantages

• Extensive travel credits that can help cover the annual fee (if utilized).

• Generates valuable Membership Rewards points.

• Outstanding travel protections.

Disadvantages

• Steep annual fee.

• Category bonuses are restricted to Amex Travel and direct bookings.

• The current welcome bonus is not the highest available, and the card adheres to the Amex once-per-lifetime rule.

Top travel credit cards for food enthusiasts

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Ideal for travel insurance

Having comprehensive travel insurance is crucial for international trips—unexpected issues can arise, and you don’t want to face extra costs on top of your travel expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers outstanding travel insurance coverage. Depending on your travel habits, you might not even need a separate policy. Simply use the card for your travel expenses, and you'll be protected against trip delays, lost luggage, and rental car incidents. The card includes emergency medical services and transportation coverage up to $100,000, plus trip cancellation/interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. If your trip is delayed by six hours or more, each passenger can be reimbursed up to $500 per ticket for meals and accommodations.

If your luggage is lost upon arrival, you’ll receive up to $3,000 per passenger to purchase essential items. This coverage also extends to damaged luggage, including carry-ons.

The Sapphire Reserve offers one of the best auto rental collision damage waivers available. This benefit applies to rentals made internationally and covers up to $75,000 for theft or collision damages.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. This equates to $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ after spending the first $300 on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Receive up to $300 in annual travel statement credits for expenses like airfare, hotels, and rental cars; enjoy 50% more value when redeeming for flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travel℠; gain Priority Pass Select membership; benefit from an application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS every four years; access travel protections such as cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation and transportation.

Credit score: Excellent.

Annual fee: $550 (plus $75 for each authorized user). See rates and fees.

Pros

• Extensive travel insurance is included when you book with the Sapphire Card.

• Receive application fee credits for Global Entry, TSA Precheck, and NEXUS.

• Priority Pass Select membership grants access to over 1,300 airline lounges worldwide.

• The $300 annual travel credit helps to offset the high annual fee.

Cons

• Substantial annual fee.

• Approval may be restricted by the Chase 5/24 rule (meaning you could be ineligible if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months).

• $75 fee for each authorized user.

10 incredible hotels worldwide you can book using points

Capital One Venture Card: Top choice for international tours and activities

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for tours and activities, offering unlimited 2 miles for every dollar spent, which allows for rapid reward accumulation. Additionally, these miles can be redeemed for any travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Cardholders also enjoy six months of free membership to The Cultivist, a subscription service worth $40 per month that grants free entry to over 60 museums, such as the New York Met, the Louvre in Paris, and The Art Institute of Chicago. You can bring up to three guests for free, making the Venture Card excellent for those interested in tours and activities.

Thanks to its straightforward reward system and easy redemption, the Capital One Venture Card is perfect for travelers seeking to save on their upcoming tours or activities.

Welcome bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hertz Five Star status, rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, and access to Capital One Dining; plus a complimentary six-month membership to The Cultivist.

Credit score: Ranges from Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95.

Pros

• $120 credit available for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees every four years.

• Impressive lounge access benefit for a card with a $95 annual fee.

• Straightforward rewards system with various international airline transfer options.

Cons

• Smaller lounge network compared to other credit cards.

Is it better to book travel with cash or points?

American Express Gold Card: Ideal for dining enthusiasts worldwide

When traveling internationally, dining can be a major expense. The American Express Gold Card shines as the top choice, offering 4 points for every dollar spent at restaurants. Additionally, you’ll earn 3X points on flights booked directly through airlines or Amex Travel, allowing you to get the most out of your vacation spending.

The Amex Gold Card also provides up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash (ensure you have the latest version of the Uber App and that your eligible American Express Gold Card is linked as a payment method. This benefit is valid only in the United States) and another $10 for use at Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. While Cheesecake Factory may not be common overseas, these perks can be handy during domestic trips. The card also participates in Amex Offers, featuring a rotating selection of discounts at popular stores, restaurants, and hotels, potentially saving you hundreds on dining through this program.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of your new Card membership. Additionally, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide within the first 6 months, up to $100 back. This is a limited-time offer ending on 11/6/24.

Rewards: Earn 4 points for every dollar spent on dining worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year; thereafter, 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually; then 1 point per dollar). Additionally, earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel, and 1 point for all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash (for rides or Uber Eats); receive up to $10 in monthly dining credits at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys; secondary rental car coverage*; baggage insurance; Global Assist hotline; and access to experience credits and perks via The Hotel Collection. Plus, get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants or eligible Resy purchases using the American Express® Gold Card, offering up to $50 in credits every six months. Enrollment is required.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $325. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Generous rewards on key travel spending categories.

• Amex Offers gives you extra discounts on travel expenses.

• Comes with essential travel protections.

Cons

• Annual fee is on the higher side.

• The current welcome bonus isn’t the most competitive.

• This card adheres to American Express’s once-per-lifetime rule.

Review of the American Express Gold Card: A premium choice with remarkable benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Ideal for no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent choice for international travel, offering substantial rewards and low fees. It has no foreign transaction fees, which is rare for a no-annual-fee card. Additionally, it provides generous rewards on popular travel categories like dining, gas, transit, airfare, hotels, rental cars, and cruises. With a 0% introductory APR for 12 months, it's a smart option for financing purchases temporarily.

Welcome bonus: Receive 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Rewards: Earn 3X points on travel, gas, dining, transit, and popular streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Offers secondary rental car insurance in the U.S., primary coverage for rentals abroad, travel and emergency assistance services, emergency cash access and card replacement, plus cell phone protection (up to $600 annually).

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0.

Pros

• Significant earning potential in major travel spending categories.

• One of the rare credit cards that provide cell phone protection.

• Primary rental car insurance abroad and secondary coverage in the U.S.

Cons

• Minimal welcome bonus.

• Points cannot be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

• Limited travel protections beyond rental car insurance.

How to travel to Bali using points and miles

Who should consider a credit card for international travel?

Anyone who travels internationally on a regular basis should think about obtaining a credit card tailored for such trips. These cards can help eliminate additional costs and hassles that come with traveling abroad, allowing you to earn bonus points in popular spending categories while overseas.

You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to gain advantages from these cards. They can offer peace of mind as a backup payment option if your cash or debit card is lost or stolen while traveling. The right credit card can also benefit you during your everyday life.

Here are some key features and benefits to consider when selecting a credit card for international travel:

Traveling to Europe using points and miles

How to select the ideal credit card for international travel

Choosing the right credit card for international travel is crucial. A suitable card can help you save on fees and travel costs while offering various benefits to enhance your trip. Here are some guidelines for selecting the best credit card for your international adventures:

No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards impose fees of up to 3% for overseas transactions. Seek out a card that waives these fees to keep more money in your pocket while shopping abroad.

Bonus points on travel-related purchases: Numerous cards reward you for spending in key categories such as travel, dining, groceries, and fuel. These points can be redeemed for complimentary flights, hotel accommodations, or other travel benefits. Some cards restrict bonus points for dining and grocery purchases to U.S. locations only. Aim for a card that offers bonus points both domestically and internationally, as these costs can accumulate while traveling.

Trusted traveler programs: Navigating airports can be a daunting task, whether in the U.S. or overseas. Trusted traveler programs like TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and NEXUS can simplify the process and reduce wait times. When choosing an international travel credit card, look for one that provides a credit for the application fees of these programs. Such credits can mitigate high annual fees and enhance your travel experience.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Choosing the right option for you

International credit cards: Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit cards are ideal for international travel?

The top international travel credit cards feature no foreign transaction fees, provide travel protections, and offer bonus rewards on travel-related expenses. Notable options include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Best credit cards for access to airport lounges

What benefits does using a credit card offer for international travel?

The primary benefit of using a credit card while traveling abroad is its ease and security. Credit cards allow for secure transactions without the need to carry large sums of cash. Additionally, many cards provide rewards on travel purchases, travel insurance, and waive foreign transaction fees.

Top credit cards with no international transaction fees

Which is better for international travel: American Express or Visa?

The answer depends on your destination and which cards are accepted there. Typically, Visa enjoys broader acceptance globally compared to American Express, making it a more suitable choice for international travel.

Top travel credit cards

* Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these organizations.