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How to Choose a Credit Card for Europe Travel

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Table of Contents

For booking your Europe trip

When traveling within europe, other questions to ask, if you want to pack a new credit card for your next trip to europe.

So you’ve finally started planning a trip to Europe. You’ve figured out which countries you’d like to visit, you’re itching to try on that new beret you just purchased, and you’re wondering — what is the best credit card for Europe travel?

The U.S. credit card market is overflowing with cards competing for your attention, which may make it seem confusing when it comes time to actually, well, buy anything. We break it all down to find out the best travel credit cards for Europe, both before and during your trip.

The best time to figure out your travel credit card strategy is before you actually begin to buy anything for your trip. Why? Because travel rewards credit cards offer some of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses .

With a large trip to Europe on the horizon, you’ll ideally want to give yourself enough time to earn the bonus and wait for the points or miles to be deposited into your account (so that you can redeem them for hotels, flights and more).

» Learn more: Why you should get your new travel card 6 months ahead of your trip

Travel credit cards

If want to purchase airfare, hotel rooms, train tickets, a rental car or gas, you’ll want a credit card that maximizes returns on all of these. In this case, your best bet is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually, the card earns 5x points on flights, 10x points on hotels and car rentals, and 10x points on Chase Dining purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards® .

With a broad definition of what counts as “travel,” the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also earns 3x points on other travel worldwide, including dining at restaurants, via delivery services or takeout. Since the card earns 1x points on all other purchases, it can give Europe-bound travelers some serious value.

In addition to great bonus categories, this card also features premium benefits to ease your travel experience, including Priority Pass airport lounge access and a Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck fee credit.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a hefty annual fee of $550 , which may be off-putting to some. In that case, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers the same broad definition of travel and 2x bonus points per dollar while charging only a $95 annual fee.

» Learn more: How to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Once you get to Europe, you might actually spend more on dining and activities than travel. Take a look at the best credit cards to use during your trip.

No foreign transaction fee credit cards

First and foremost, you’re going to want to find a credit card that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees . These fees can add up to 3% onto your bill simply for using your card outside the U.S. Thankfully, many credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

If you already have a credit card, you can check if it charges foreign transaction fees online. Otherwise, there are plenty of cards that’ll waive these fees, including our top pick for bonus travel rewards , the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Entertainment rewards credit cards

Odds are that once you’re abroad, you’re not going to sit around in your accommodations all day. Whether you’re heading out to the Mona Lisa or spending the day at Disneyland Paris, you’ll want a credit card that’ll maximize every dollar you spend. If you’re willing to pay the $95 annual fee, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card will give you a generous 4% cash back on entertainment — and it counts plenty of things as entertainment. These include tourist attractions, movie theaters, amusement parks, theatrical promoters, aquariums, zoos, bowling alleys and even dance halls.

If you’d rather skip the annual fee entirely, you can still earn rewards with a card like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card , which offers a respectable 3% cash back on entertainment without costing you a dime.

» Learn more: A guide to travel credit cards for beginners

Restaurant rewards credit cards

Depending on how you travel, you may spend a lot of money dining out.

If you already used one of the Chase Sapphire cards to book the trip, you’re covered on eating out as well. This is because the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer 3x bonus points per dollar on dining. Basically, if you want to spend on only one card before and during your Europe trip, pick a Chase Sapphire card.

If you’re simply looking for the maximum amount of earnings on your restaurant spend, the American Express® Gold Card with a $250 annual fee may look appealing to you. This card earns 4x points on dining worldwide, but American Express cards may not be accepted as widely as Mastercards and Visas in Europe. It’s better to have one of the Chase cards (Visa) or the Capital One Savor cards (Mastercard) just in case a restaurant you dine in doesn’t accept AmEx. Terms apply.

» Learn more: What are travel points worth and why do they matter?

Before you make your selection, ask yourself these questions.

What benefits do you already have?

It may not make sense to immediately jump to the conclusion that you need a new credit card. Instead, look at your current points strategy. Do you already have a card with no foreign transaction fees? Do you have enough points to book the flight or hotel?

For example, if you already have a Chase Sapphire card, you might consider getting another card in the Chase trifecta . You could earn a chunk of points through a sign-up bonus on another card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards®, then transfer those points to your Sapphire so you can redeem them at the higher rate for travel.

» Learn more: Cash back vs. travel: How to choose credit card rewards

How many credit cards are you willing to get?

We’ve recommended several different credit cards that excel in certain categories. If you’re not averse to multiple credit cards, you can really maximize the points you’ll earn during your trip by applying for a few different cards to get before your trip.

If not, you’ll want to pick a single card whose bonus categories most closely overlap with your predicted travel expenses.

Keep in mind the unwritten Chase 5/24 rule , which may curb the number of credit cards you can be approved for in a 24-month period.

What kind of annual fee are you willing to pay?

The credit cards with the most perks come with the highest annual fees. If you want all the bells and whistles (high earning rates, lounge access, Global Entry membership, etc.), you’ll likely need to shell out for a card with a high annual fee.

» Learn more: How to pick a premium travel credit card

How long do you have until your trip?

If you’re nearly ready to travel, you likely won’t have time to get more than one credit card, let alone spend enough money to earn multiple welcome bonuses. Consider this before applying for any credit cards.

How confident are you in your booking?

If you're worried your plans may change or go awry, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your other travel expenses.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

Sometimes, though, not even trip insurance will guarantee a refund. Unless you’ve purchased a Cancel For Any Reason policy , which is usually more expensive, you’re only entitled to a refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

There are several ways to slice and dice the question of which credit card is best for a European vacation.

If your goal is to redeem travel rewards for your vacation, apply for a new credit card at least six months in advance .

If your goal is to earn rewards on your travel expenses, consider applying for a travel credit card ahead of booking your accommodations and flights.

Advanced travel credit card users might further optimize their wallets by including cards for specific in-country travel expenses, like entertainment or dining, and that are widely accepted overseas.

Above all, get a card that won’t ding you with foreign transaction fees.

The information related to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Best Credit Card for Traveling To Europe in 2024

• Credit Cards

Are you going to travel to Europe in 2024?

Having the right rewards credit card in your wallet can both earn you cash back and save you money on transaction fees. The net positive from a card that does both can be worth hundreds of dollars on your trip!

So how do you know which card is right for your trip?

In this article, we’ll help you find your answer by addressing some important questions like:

• Will the card I pick be accepted by European businesses?
• How do I get the most credit card rewards for purchasing my travel to Europe?
• Which card will earn me the most rewards on my spending while I’m in Europe?
• Why is prioritizing a card with no foreign transaction fees so important?
• Are there other junk fees attached to international credit card transactions?

We’ll also provide some recommendations for what we’ve deemed the “best” credit card options for traveling to Europe. You can read more about our full methodology here .

Best Credit Card for Traveling To Europe Right Now

5 things to consider when picking a credit card for european travel.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are several factors that can differentiate a good and bad choice for the credit card you use for traveling abroad.

Those factors are a little different for each consumer, but there are a few non-negotiables. And making the right decision could be worth hundreds of dollars!

Here are five things to consider before you apply:

• Card acceptance in Europe: Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit card processors in Europe. So, while American Express and Discover have great card options that are widely accepted in the United States, it’s going to be best to avoid counting on them as your primary spender in Europe.
• Foreign transaction fees are a big deal: You’re going to want a card that promises “no foreign transaction fees” for your trip to Europe. Many credit cards have a foreign transaction fee that is tacked onto every purchase you make outside of the United States. This can cost you 3% or more on each non-U.S. purchase. That can add up quickly!
• Rewards program structure: This will be a substantial part of the potential cash back you could earn from your trip to Europe. Look for a card that offers at least 2% back all purchases. But know that some cards may offer 5% back or more on certain spending categories. Dining and travel may be bonus categories worth paying special attention to for this trip.
• Maximize the rewards you can earn on your travel purchases: While you’re going to want to earn solid rewards on your spending while in Europe, it’s also important to ensure you’re getting good rewards on your airfare and hotel bookings. You may want to consider a travel credit card for these bookings. You may also be able to earn $500 or more by using a credit card with a strong welcome bonus .
• Make sure you’re avoiding conversion fees at the point of purchase: This isn’t necessarily impacted by the credit card that you choose, but it’s something money expert Clark Howard wants everyone to know about spending while you travel. Oftentimes point-of-sale terminals will default to converting your purchase to U.S. dollars rather than using local currencies. That could result in an additional 10% or more being tacked onto your purchase. Double-check when you swipe to ensure that the transaction will be processed in the local currency.

Clark’s Favorite for Travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Card

Why this card could work for traveling to europe.

This card is one of Clark’s favorites for travel .

You’ll earn at least 2% back in miles on all purchases and as much as 10% back in miles on travel that is booked through Capital One’s portal.

It will also net you lounge access in 2024, help you avoid foreign transaction fees and will cover the cost of your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

You may be concerned by the $395 annual fee, but there is an easy-to-redeem annual $300 travel credit available that effectively makes it a $95 per year card.

This card is in Clark Howard’s wallet , and it is his favorite travel credit card for a reason.

“I think it’s absolutely great,” Clark says. “How could I say that you should spend $395 per year on a card? They give you $300 of it back as travel credits for travel you purchase through their travel portal. So the net annual fee is $95. And on top of some travel benefits, you get free airport lounge access … Plus, you get 2x miles on all of your purchases, just like a 2% cash back card.”

Best for High-Volume Travel and Lounge Access: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

If you’re the type of person who is constantly on the go, you may benefit from having one of the “Cadillac” travel credit cards.

This card has a steep annual fee, but it provides some premium travel benefits that frequent flyers may consider worth the cost. And you get a chance to effectively slash that fee by earning a $300 travel credit each year.

You’ll get a membership to Priority Pass , which includes access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. In total, Chase boasts that it has more than $1,200 worth of partner benefits included with this card.

You can maximize the value of your travel purchases by booking through Chase Travel?.

Best for Welcome Bonus Offer: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you’re looking to earn a bonus for booking your travel to Europe, this card has an offer that could really add up. Chase makes the welcome bonus worth even more if you’re willing to redeem it for more travel within their Chase Travel ecosystem.

This card also offers point multipliers for spending on travel and dining, which are likely to be two key categories for your trip.

This card isn’t in Clark’s wallet, but it is another of his favorite travel card selections .

Best for Bonus Spending Categories: Citi Premier® Card

This is another travel card that offers a nice welcome bonus offer without a massive annual fee.

And you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on spending categories like gas, dining, hotels and air travel that could mesh well with your spending on the European trip.

Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

If you’re looking for a rewards credit card that has no annual fee, this could be the right choice for your upcoming trip.

Not only will you avoid an annual fee, but you’ll also avoid foreign transaction fees and have a chance to earn some nice rewards along the way.

You’ll have a welcome bonus opportunity, and you’ll get 3x points on purchases like dining, airfare, hotels, car rentals, public transit, gas and more. Those are likely to be some of your most-used spending categories during a trip to Europe.

Best for Everyday Cash Back Rewards: Alliant Visa Signature Card

This card could serve both as your go-to credit card for the European trip and as an everyday spender when you get back home.

You’ll have to sign up for a membership to this credit union to apply for the card and satisfy the account requirements to be considered a Tier 1 rewards member, but doing so will earn you 2.5% cash back on every purchase you make up to $10,000 per billing cycle.

Combining the 2.5% back with no foreign transaction fee and no annual fee could make this a really smart add to your wallet for spending while traveling abroad.

Methodology for Credit Card Analysis

For the purposes of determining which credit cards are “best,” we got input from Clark Howard and sought to find cards that fit his credit card strategy best.

Team Clark spent many hours reviewing the rewards credit cards on the market, assessing them for several factors including:

• Annual fees
• Rewards programs
• Welcome offers
• Length of introductory APR periods
• Balance transfer introductory periods
• Additional fees (transaction or otherwise)
• Perks offered to cardholders
• Reputation of the financial institution issuing the card

We did not factor in non-introductory APR as a part of the evaluation, because interest rates are going to vary based on your financial circumstances. Clark recommends never carrying a balance on credit cards, so the non-introductory interest rate shouldn’t matter for your card anyway.

We also did not include offerings from local or regional banks or credit unions because they’re not available to everyone. Often, local institutions will have desirable cards, so we recommend that you compare your local bank or credit union’s cash back credit cards to the ones that made this list.

Are you going to travel to Europe soon? Have experience using a credit card in Europe? What credit card is your choice? We’d love to hear from you in the Clark.com community .

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Best credit cards for international travel in 2024

Dec 29, 2023 • 15 min read

Your next great adventure is never far away when you're maximizing points and benefits with the best cards; Mattertal, Switzerland © mbbirdy / Getty

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. This card is not available through Lonely Planet.

When traveling abroad, the right credit card can be as crucial as your passport. The best credit card can help you not only earn more rewards, but it can also provide valuable protections and benefits. A credit card can save you money on foreign transaction fees and protect your purchases from fraudulent activity and theft.

Some credit cards can make your travels more comfortable with valuable perks like lounge access, elite status benefits and travel insurance. 

For international travel, you’ll want a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and offers bonus points on travel along with travel insurance. We’ve taken the guesswork out of this task for you by rounding up the best credit cards for international travel:

How to get started with travel points and airline miles

The best credit cards for international travel in 2024:

• Best overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express *
• Best for travel insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for tours and activities: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for dining around the world: American Express® Gold Card *
• Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The best credit cards for airline miles

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best overall for international travel in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent card for international travel because it checks all the boxes regarding benefits you’ll need when traveling abroad. The card provides vital travel protections and earns valuable rewards at a reasonable $95 annual fee. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal and 2 on all other travel purchases. The card also comes with valuable travel insurance, which is vital when traveling abroad. 

Cardholders pay no foreign transaction fees, which hover around 3% for purchases abroad on standard credit cards. Whether paying your hotel bill or doing extra shopping, the waived fee can add substantial savings.

Sapphire Preferred cardholders get up to $10,000 per person in trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage (in the U.S. and abroad), up to $100 per day in baggage delay insurance (maximum of five days) and up to $500 in trip delay reimbursement per ticket. These protections can be beneficial in case of travel delays or emergencies. While you may consider buying supplemental travel insurance for certain trips, these credit card protections provide excellent baseline coverage.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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

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

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. See rates and fees .

• Generous category bonuses.
• Excellent rewards program with a great selection of airline and hotel transfer partners.
• $50 annual travel credit.
• Extensive travel protections, including primary rental car insurance abroad. 
• The card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule (meaning you won’t be approved if you’ve opened five credit cards at any bank in the last 24 months).
• The $50 annual hotel credit is limited to Chase Travel℠ bookings (and does not earn bonus points).

How to use points and miles to save money on travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for travel perks

No other credit card can compete with The Platinum Card® from American Express  regarding travel perks. The card offers over $1,500 in annual statement credits for airline fees, hotel bookings and trusted-traveler programs like CLEAR® Plus and Global Entry . Global Entry is particularly useful for international trips, as it expedites the passport control process.

Cardholders can upgrade to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status without ever stepping foot in a hotel lobby. These higher status levels can provide added perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast, enhancing your hotel experience. 

The Platinum Card 's travel protections can provide added peace of mind with trip delay coverage and cancellation/interruption insurance.*

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

Rewards: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel; 1X point on everything else.

Travel benefits: Annual airline fee credit up to $200; annual hotel booking credit up to $200 (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay); 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 semi-annually; $189 CLEAR Plus credit; Hilton and Marriott Gold elite status; elite status with Avis, Hertz and National rental car; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation & interruption insurance.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees .

• Wide range of travel credits that offset the annual fee (if you use them).
• Earns valuable Membership Rewards points.
• Exceptional travel protections.
• High annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited to Amex Travel and direct bookings.
• The current welcome bonus isn’t the highest to date, and the card is subject to the Amex once-per-lifetime rule.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential when traveling abroad – things always go wrong, and you don’t want to incur added expenses on top of your trip. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides exceptional travel insurance. Depending on your travel habits, you may not even need to buy a policy. Simply charge your travel expenses to the card, and you’ll be covered in case of trip delays, lost luggage and rental car accidents. The card provides emergency medical services and transportation up to $100,000 and trip cancellation/interruption coverage up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. In case of trip delays of six hours or longer, each passenger will be reimbursed up to $500 per ticket for meals and lodging. 

If you arrive at your destination and discover your luggage is missing, you’ll get up to $3,000 per passenger to buy essentials. This policy also applies to damaged luggage, including carry-ons.

The Sapphire Reserve ’s auto rental collision damage waiver is one of the best in class. It applies to rentals made abroad and covers up to $75,000 in case of theft or collision damage.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem 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℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, including airfare, hotels and rental cars; get 50% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠; Priority Pass Select membership; application fee credit towards Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years; travel protections including 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 per authorized user). See rates and fees .

• Comprehensive travel insurance when you use the Sapphire Card for booking.
• Application fee credits for Global Entry, TSA Precheck and NEXUS.
• Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1300 airline lounges worldwide.
• The $300 annual travel credit partially offsets the high annual fee. 
• Approval is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule (ie, you might not qualify for the card if you've signed up for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months).
• $75 authorized user fee.

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Capital One Venture Card: Best for international tours and activities 

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best card for tours and activities because it offers unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to earn rewards quickly. Plus, the miles can be redeemed for any travel-related expense, so you can use them to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. 

Additionally, cardholders get six months of complimentary membership to The Cultivist. This subscription platform typically costs $40 per month and provides free admission to over 60 museums, including the New York Met, Paris Louvre and The Art Institute of Chicago. You can bring up to three guests for free, making the Venture Card a terrific credit card for tours and activities.

With its simple reward structure and no-hassle redemption process, the Capital One Venture Card is an ideal choice for travelers looking to save money on their next tour or activity.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

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

Travel benefits: Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hertz Five Star status, rental car insurance and travel accident insurance, Capital One Dining access; complimentary six-month membership to The Cultivist.

Credit score:  Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. 

• $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees every four years.
• Generous lounge benefit for a $95 annual fee card.
• Simple rewards structure with multiple international airline transfer partners.
• Limited lounge network compared to other credit cards.

Should you book travel with cash or points?

American Express Gold Card: Best for dining around the world

Dining is one of the most significant expenses when you’re traveling abroad. The American Express Gold Card is the best card to pack in your wallet, earning 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants. The card also earns 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel so that you can maximize every dollar spent on vacation. 

The Amex Gold Card also offers up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash and another $10 towards Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Granted, you may not find many Cheesecake Factories abroad, but it’s a nice bonus that could come in handy during domestic travels. The card qualifies for Amex Offers, a rotating list of discounts at popular retailers, restaurants and hotels. You can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of dining deals through this portal.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 within the first six months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 4X points at restaurants; 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases and then 1x after); 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel; 1X points on all other purchases. 

Travel benefits: Receive up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash (valid for rides or Uber Eats orders); up to $10 in monthly dining credit at Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations; secondary rental car coverage*; baggage insurance plan; Global Assist hotline; access to experience credits and travel perks through The Hotel Collection.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $250. See rates and fees .

• High earnings on popular travel spending categories.
• Up to $240 in annual dining credits.
• Amex Offers provides additional savings on travel.
• Includes valuable travel protections.
• The current welcome bonus isn’t the highest to date. 
• The card is subject to American Express’s once-per-lifetime rule.

American Express Gold Card review: a 'gold' standard with impressive benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a great option for international travel if you want a card that earns generous rewards and minimal fees. The card waives foreign transaction fees, which is unusual for a card with no annual fee. It also offers generous bonuses on popular travel spending categories like dining, gas, transit, airfare, hotels, rental cars and cruises. With a 0% intro APR for 12 months, this is an excellent choice if you need to finance some purchases in the short term.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.

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

Travel benefits: Secondary rental car insurance in the US., primary rental car coverage abroad, travel and emergency services assistance, emergency cash disbursement and card replacement, cell phone protection (up to $600 per year). 

Annual fee: $0. 

• High earning potential in board travel spending categories.
• One of the few credit cards offering cell phone protection.
• Primary rental car coverage abroad and secondary in the U.S.
• Low welcome bonus.
• Points are not transferable to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
• No travel protections outside of rental car insurance. 

How to travel to Bali with points and miles

Who should get a credit card for international travel?

Anyone who frequently travels internationally should consider getting a credit card for international travel. There are added costs and hassles associated with traveling abroad that these credit cards can eliminate. With the right credit card, you’ll earn bonus points in popular spending categories restricted abroad. 

You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to benefit from these cards either. They can provide peace of mind by serving as a backup form of payment if your debit or cash is lost or stolen while abroad. In fact, the right credit card can serve you well even when you’re just going about your daily routine.

Below are some of the features and benefits you should look for when choosing a credit card for international travel:

Traveling to Europe using points and miles

How to choose the best credit card for international travel

When it comes to international travel, selecting the right credit card is essential. The right credit card can save you money on fees and travel expenses and provide you with a range of benefits to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some tips for choosing the best credit card for international travel: 

No foreign transaction fees:  Many credit cards charge a fee of up to 3% when you use them abroad. Look for a card that doesn’t charge these fees so you can save money when making purchases in other countries. 

Bonus points on travel:  Many cards offer rewards in popular spending categories like travel, dining, groceries and gas. These points can then be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays or other travel perks. Some credit cards limit bonus points on dining and grocery spending to U.S. supermarkets and restaurants only. You’ll want a card in your wallet that offers bonus points in the U.S. and abroad since these expenses add up during travels. 

Trusted traveler programs:  Navigating airports can be a stressful experience both in the U.S. and abroad. Trusted traveler programs like TSA Precheck , Global Entry and NEXUS can eliminate the hassle (and long lines). When choosing a credit card for international travel, consider one that offers an application fee credit for trusted traveler programs. These credits can offset high annual fees and make your next trip abroad much more pleasant.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: A guide to picking the best one for you

International credit cards FAQ

Which cards are best for international travel.

The best international travel cards are those with no foreign transaction fees, offer travel protections and earn bonus rewards on travel purchases. Some of the top cards for international travel include the Chase Sapphire Preferred , Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

The best credit cards for airport lounge access

What’s the advantage of using a credit card when traveling internationally?

The main advantage of using a credit card when traveling abroad is its convenience and security. Credit cards offer a secure way to make purchases without carrying large amounts of cash. Some credit cards also earn rewards on travel purchases, offer travel insurance and waive foreign exchange fees.

The best credit cards with no international fees

Is American Express or Visa better for international travel?

It depends on the country you are traveling to and which cards are accepted in that country. Generally, Visa is accepted more widely than American Express, so it may be the better option for international travel.

The best travel credit cards

* 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.

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.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

This article was first published August 2023 and updated December 2023

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How to choose a card for European travel

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Key takeaways

• Make sure your credit card will be widely accepted at your destination, with capabilities for chip-and-PIN transactions.
• Save money by going with cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees and offer travel insurance protection.
• Some cards also offer welcome bonuses that could offset your costs and credits for the Global Entry program that can expedite your entry into the U.S. when you return from your trip.

Europe continues to be a top travel destination for 2024, but even though inflation in the U.S. is slowing , it’s still a factor when it comes to European travel expenses . That’s why it’s all the more important to remember that your dollars (and points) can often go a lot further abroad.

Whether traveling during the high season or snagging off-peak discounts, you can enjoy all the best that Europe offers without breaking the bank. But why just lean on a strong dollar when you can tack on additional savings with your credit card? From covering airfare and hotels to protecting your biggest travel expenses, the right credit card can make your trip cheaper and more convenient.

But with so many card options, it’s easier said than done. Luckily, we have you covered with questions you should ask and the features you should look for as you choose a card for traveling to Europe.

How to choose the best credit card for European travel

The right travel credit card will save you money while making it easy to accumulate and redeem rewards. The following steps can help you narrow down your choices and find the best travel card to add to your wallet before you head to Europe:

1. Compare cards that are widely accepted

First, make sure any credit card you take to Europe is widely accepted. The Visa and Mastercard networks, for example, offer wider acceptance abroad than Discover and American Express.

While you can certainly bring your Amex and Discover cards, it’s best to pack a backup. That way, you won’t get stuck in a stressful situation where you can’t pay for something because your card isn’t accepted.

Does your card have chip-and-PIN capability?

If you use your credit card in Europe, you might be surprised when the cashier asks for a PIN. Chip-and-PIN credit cards are more common in Europe and considered more secure than the chip-and-signature cards we have in the U.S. But not to worry — lots of popular U.S. credit cards are equipped with this technology. They include the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , Citi Premier® Card and Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card .

To find out if your credit card is chip-and-PIN enabled, call your issuer and ask if you can set up a PIN. Many rewards credit cards allow you to set a PIN on activation. The last thing you want during your trip to Europe is for your card to be rejected because you don’t have PIN capability. Find out ahead of your trip and set it up, if possible.

2. Prioritize cards with substantial welcome bonuses

If you’re headed to Europe, consider picking up a new credit card offering a lucrative welcome bonus. Whether you want to cover some of your travel expenses or use your travel spending to meet credit card spending requirements , the timing could work out to your advantage.

A hotel credit card in particular can help you cover a few hotel nights. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * is an excellent pick, because it comes with an intro offer of up to 250,000 bonus points for five free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each night) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening. The card’s $95 annual fee is reasonable, especially if you’re saving hundreds of dollars on hotel bookings.

An airline credit card welcome bonus can save you even more money by covering the cost of airfare to Europe. For example, the United℠ Explorer Card * offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. This bonus could cover one or more round-trip tickets to Europe depending on fare class and travel dates.

Transferable rewards earned with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Citi Premier can provide even more flexibility, allowing you to transfer your points to frequent flyer programs with the issuer’s partners. According to Bankrate’s latest valuations , transferring points to high-value partners is one of the most lucrative ways to get the most out of your points.

The Citi Premier bonus is among the highest for transferable points, offering 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. You can use those points for flights to Europe through transfer partners like:

• Avianca for LifeMiles
• Air France/ KLM for Flying Blue miles
• Turkish Airlines for Miles&Smiles
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for Virgin Points

Virgin Atlantic has one of the cheapest award tickets to Europe, starting at just 10,000 miles each way in economy class.

3. Make sure the card’s rewards structure offers bonus points on travel and dining

Like most people who travel abroad for vacation, you might be tempted to splurge a little during your trip to Europe. You’ll want a credit card that will reward you generously for these purchases. Your biggest expenses will likely be travel and dining, which is why a card like the American Express® Gold Card would be ideal to bring along. The card earns 4X points on dining worldwide and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the Amex Travel portal.

If you’re looking for even higher rewards potential, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers 10X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel. You’ll also earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases. So whether you’re planning to shop till you drop or splurge on hotels, you’ll earn generous rewards with this card.

4. Avoid cards with foreign transaction fees

Earning lots of points during your Europe adventure should be a priority, but not if you have to pay 3 percent or more in foreign transaction fees . You can avoid these pesky fees by opting for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees .

Most travel rewards cards, like the popular Sapphire Preferred Card and the Venture Rewards Credit Card, waive these fees, allowing you to earn points and protect your purchases without an added cost.

But you don’t need to commit to a travel rewards card with a high annual fee to get this perk. Some of the best no-annual-fee cards — like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card — also offer no foreign transaction fees when you use your card abroad.

Most importantly, you’ll want to be aware of popular credit cards that don’t waive this fee, like the Citi Double Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® *. Avoid the penalty for using your credit card abroad by skipping these cards in favor of ones that waive the fees.

5. Get a card that improves your travel experience

Your credit card should be helpful not just when you’re shopping in Europe, but also while you’re dealing with the hassles and headaches that come from navigating airports, public transportation and more. The following questions can help you prioritize a card that makes traveling less stressful :

What kind of travel protections does this card offer?

Many people who travel internationally, including to Europe, buy travel insurance to protect their trip. And it’s a good idea: If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to illness or other covered reasons, insurance will reimburse any non-refundable travel expenses. This layer of protection can save you thousands of dollars in an emergency.

But you don’t have to pay for this safety net if you have the right credit card in your wallet. Quite a few credit cards include travel protection such as trip interruption or cancellation coverage, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and primary rental coverage.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available if you charge your travel expenses to the card, including:

• Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage of up to $100,000 per trip
• Primary auto rental collision damage waiver of up to $75,000 for theft or collision damage
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip
• Lost luggage reimbursement of up to $3,000 per person
• Trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket

By choosing a card with robust, built-in travel protections, you can at least have peace of mind that you’ll be covered if not everything goes smoothly during your trip.

Will you get a Global Entry fee credit from this card?

Having Global Entry can make your return home from Europe much more pleasant. This trusted traveler program gets you expedited entry into the U.S. While everyone else stands in a long line at passport control, you can skip to the Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport and get waved through in a matter of minutes. If you have Global Entry, you’ll also be enrolled in TSA PreCheck, which gets you into an expedited line for security screening in the U.S. where you keep your shoes and light jacket on.

The Global Entry application fee is a downright bargain at just $100 for five years. However, you can get this fee reimbursed with certain credit cards . They include the Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Reserve and United Explorer Card. The Global Entry application fee credit alone offsets the first year’s annual fee on a couple of these cards. While it’s not the only benefit you should consider when choosing a travel credit card for European sightseeing, enough credit cards offer it that it’s worth being mindful of.

Will this card make airport travel easier?

Navigating new airports is often one of the most stressful parts of vacationing abroad, especially if you’re visiting large hubs like those in Paris, Madrid, Istanbul and London. Many premium travel credit cards offer airport lounge access that can make it easier to relax at an airport while you’re waiting on your next flight. These airport lounges can include everything from free food and kids rooms to shower amenities and full-service bars.

The best cards for airport lounge access when it comes to European travel will typically include airline-specific lounge access or access to a broader program like Priority Pass . With Priority Pass Select, you’ll have access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide as opposed to those just tied to one airline.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is widely considered a top choice for luxury travel benefits, and its robust international airport lounge access is one of the main reasons why. With this card, you’ll get access to:

• The Centurion Network, which includes Amex Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges
• Delta Sky Club lounges, when flying Delta
• Lufthansa lounges, when flying Lufthansa
• Priority Pass Select, which is the credit card-specific version of Priority Pass

Keep in mind that while the Amex Platinum beats out plenty of other cards when it comes to airport lounge access, it also comes with a hefty annual fee of $695. This fee likely won’t be worth it unless you plan on traveling frequently and have the annual spending to offset the fee.

The bottom line

Europe is becoming increasingly cashless, and traveling with a credit card is practically mandatory these days. While you can get by with any credit card, choosing the right one will make traveling much easier for you. You won’t have to worry about your card not being accepted, you’ll earn points as you spend and you won’t incur additional fees in the process. If you take it a step further, you can even improve your travel experience and offset the cost entirely. Best of all, you’ll have peace of mind and can focus on enjoying your trip.

Issuer-required disclosure statement *Information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

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