7 Best Credit Cards for International Travel

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 6, 2025

Traveling abroad can be expensive and complicated without the right credit card. The best credit cards for international travel waive foreign transaction fees, provide valuable rewards, and come with perks such as travel insurance and flexible redemption options. Choosing the right card can help you save money and enjoy smoother, more rewarding trips.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice for travelers who want a balance of rewards and benefits at a reasonable cost. It offers travel protections and flexible points that can be used in many ways, making it useful for both new and experienced travelers.

    This card has a moderate annual fee, but the rewards and travel benefits offer good value. It is accepted worldwide and includes no foreign transaction fees, which helps when spending abroad.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel bought through Chase
    • 3x points on dining purchases
    • 2x points on other travel expenses

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $95 (subject to change)
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong travel and purchase protections
    • Points transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners
    • Trip cancellation and delay insurance
    • Car rental insurance

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed through Chase’s travel portal for extra value, transferred to partner programs, or used for cash back and gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    It typically requires a good to excellent credit score, generally 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card’s value is best for those who spend regularly on travel and dining. Rewards outside these categories earn fewer points. The $95 fee may not suit all budgets.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The card is easy to use and offers valuable travel benefits without complicated terms. It helps newcomers earn and redeem points smoothly while providing good travel protection.

  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

    The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is designed for travelers who want simple rewards without an annual fee. It offers a straightforward way to earn points on every purchase. The card appeals to those with good credit who prefer easy-to-use travel benefits.

    This card has no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for international travel. It also earns points that never expire, so travelers can use them when it suits their plans.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on every purchase.
    • No caps or category restrictions.

    Welcome Bonus:

    • New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.
    • This bonus is worth $250 when redeemed for travel.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, typically 17%–25%

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee
    • Unlimited 1.5x points on all purchases
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Points never expire

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for statement credits toward travel expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and dining. Redemption is simple with flexible travel use.

    Credit Requirements:

    The card is best for those with credit scores of 750 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    There are no bonus categories for higher points on specific travel or dining expenses. The APR is variable and can be high if balances are not paid in full.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The card’s ease of use and simple points system make it ideal for people new to travel rewards. It has no fees that can confuse new cardholders and allows them to earn rewards without complicated rules.

  • Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

    The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for travelers who want good rewards without an annual fee. It is well-suited for people who want to earn points on a variety of everyday spending categories, including travel and dining. The card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for international trips.

    This card offers a simple way to earn points on gas stations, transit, restaurants, and other purchases. It fits travelers who prefer easy rewards and flexible redemption options without complex rules.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3X points on travel, dining, gas stations, and transit
    • 1X points on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    • 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
    • Contactless payment enabled

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee helps keep costs low
    • Good rewards on common travel expenses
    • Points don’t expire for the life of the account
    • Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, cash back, and more. The card offers flexible point use without blackout dates.

    Credit Requirements:

    It’s typically recommended for good to excellent credit (around 700 or higher).

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not offer premium travel perks like lounge access or travel credits. It also has a lower earning rate outside of travel and dining categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    This card is easy to use and understand. It has no yearly fee or foreign transaction fees, which makes it a practical choice for new travelers learning to earn and use travel rewards points.

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a popular choice for international travelers. It offers a simple way to earn miles on every purchase, which can be used for flights, hotels, and other travel costs. The card has no blackout dates or seat restrictions, making travel redemption flexible.

    Users earn miles on everyday spending, with a strong push on travel-related rewards. Capital One provides multiple airline and hotel transfer partners to help maximize the value of miles earned.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases
    • No category restrictions or caps on miles earned

    Welcome Bonus:

    • 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $95
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (typically 700+)

    Key Benefits:

    • Flexible miles redemption without blackout dates
    • Transfer miles to over a dozen travel partners
    • No foreign transaction fees, ideal for international use
    • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit on some versions

    Redemption Options:

    Redemption options include booking travel directly, using miles to cover charges on the card, or transferring miles to partner airlines and hotels. This flexibility makes the card useful for different traveler preferences.

    Credit Requirements:

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card generally requires a good to excellent credit score, which is typically around 700 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Potential drawbacks include the $95 annual fee and the spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    However, the straightforward earning and redemption process suits beginners. It is easy to understand and rewards all spending, which helps new cardholders build points without tracking categories.

  • The Platinum Card® From American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel credit card offering luxury perks for frequent flyers. It includes access to over 1,400 airport lounges, complimentary elite hotel status, and up to $200 in airline fee credits annually. Travelers also benefit from concierge services and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.

    While the annual fee is high, the value can outweigh the cost for those who travel often. It’s best suited for users with excellent credit who can maximize its extensive benefits.

    Earn Structure:

    • 5× Membership Rewards® points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
    • 1× point per $1 on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    • You may be eligible for up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of account opening

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $695
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • Credit Score Requirement: Excellent (typically 740+)

    Key Benefits:

    • Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
    • Complimentary elite status with select hotels
    • Up to $200 airline fee credit annually
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
    • Concierge service for travel and lifestyle needs

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners. This flexibility makes it useful for travelers who want control over how they use rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    The card requires excellent credit and a strong income.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may deter occasional travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It works well for beginners willing to invest in travel perks and who travel frequently enough to use the benefits.

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent travelers and big spenders. It offers strong rewards on travel and dining, along with valuable travel perks. The card has a high annual fee but delivers benefits that can offset this cost if used wisely.

    Cardholders earn points on every purchase, with extra points on travel and dining. It includes travel insurance, lounge access, and other premium features that add value during trips.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 points per dollar on travel and dining
    • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ credit after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $795 (increased as of June 2025)
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority Pass lounge access
    • Up to $300 annual travel credit
    • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase’s portal at a higher value or transferred to several airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need a credit score of 750 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee makes it less suitable for casual travelers. Rewards are most beneficial for frequent travel and dining expenses.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Though premium, the card’s travel credits and perks help new users offset the fee. It is useful for those who plan to travel internationally and want flexible point use.

  • Citi Strata Premier® Card

    The Citi Strata Premier® Card is designed for travelers who want solid rewards across several everyday and travel categories. It offers strong point-earning rates on dining, gas, groceries, and travel, making it a good choice for those who want to simplify earning rewards.

    This card charges a moderate annual fee and offers travel protections that add value beyond rewards. It is competitive with other premium travel cards but stands out due to its mix of categories and flexible points system.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on dining, gas, groceries, and travel
    • 1x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    • 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $95
    • Points Type: ThankYou® Points
    • Transfer Partners: Air France–KLM Flying Blue, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and others

    Key Benefits:

    • High rewards rate on common spending categories
    • Flexible transfer options to various airline and hotel partners
    • Travel and purchase protection benefits
    • $100 annual hotel benefit included

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be used for travel through Citi’s portal, transferred to loyalty programs, or redeemed for statement credits and gift cards. This flexibility suits many traveler preferences.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit is usually needed to qualify for this card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The travel category is narrower than some competitors, which may limit points earned on certain travel expenses. The annual fee and minimum spending for the bonus could be restrictive for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward earning categories and valuable travel benefits without overly complex rules. The ability to transfer points and redeem them flexibly helps new users maximize value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit cards offer the best rewards for international travel?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns strong travel rewards—up to 5x points—and has flexible redemption options. It includes valuable perks like no foreign transaction fees, trip protections, and primary rental insurance. The $95 fee is justified for frequent travelers and easy enough for beginners to manage.

What options are available for a credit card with no international transaction fees?

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card charges no foreign transaction fees and earns 2x miles on every purchase. It’s easy to use abroad and includes flexible redemption with airline transfer partners. The $95 annual fee is offset by the card’s simplicity and versatility.

Are there travel credit cards suitable for students studying abroad?

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option for students with established credit who want to avoid fees while studying abroad. It has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and earns 1.5x points on all purchases. Its simplicity and no-expiration rewards make it ideal for budget-conscious students traveling internationally.

How do travel credit cards with no annual fee compare?

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card earns 1.5x points on all purchases, has no annual fee, and charges no foreign transaction fees. It’s a simple option for travelers who want steady rewards without complicated rules. Best for users with good credit who prefer low-maintenance benefits.

Which travel credit card provides the best access to airport lounges?

The Platinum Card® from American Express includes access to 1,400+ airport lounges, elite hotel status, and up to $200 in airline fee credits. Though it has a $695 annual fee, frequent travelers can unlock significant value. It’s most useful for those who prioritize premium perks and comfort.