Best Credit Card for International Travel: Top Picks for 2025

1. Benefits of Using Travel Credit Cards

When you’re planning your next international adventure, using the best credit card for international travel can enhance your experience in more ways than one. Travel credit cards offer numerous benefits that make them a great choice for globetrotters. These cards often provide exclusive perks such as no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and rewards points that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or even cash back. Additionally, many travel credit cards come with airport lounge access, priority boarding, and concierge services, ensuring that your journey is as smooth as possible.

2. Top Credit Cards for International Travel

Choosing the right credit card for international travel can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. To help make your decision easier, here are some of the best credit cards for international travelers:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often regarded as one of the top picks for international travel. This card offers 2x points on travel and dining, and points can be transferred to over 12 travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains. Additionally, it comes with primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation protection, and no foreign transaction fees. The sign-up bonus is a great incentive, offering 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

American Express® Gold Card

For food lovers who travel, the American Express® Gold Card is an excellent choice. It offers 3x points at restaurants worldwide and 2x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. It also comes with no foreign transaction fees and provides excellent customer service, making it a solid choice for international travel.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking for a straightforward travel card that earns unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option. It offers a hefty sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and miles that can be redeemed for any travel-related purchase. Its simplicity and value make it one of the best credit cards for international travel.

3. How to Choose the Right Card for Your Travels

Choosing the right travel credit card largely depends on your travel habits and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Reward Structure

Different cards offer different types of rewards. Some cards offer more points for travel-related purchases, while others focus on dining, entertainment, or gas. Think about where you spend the most money and choose a card that aligns with your spending habits.

Travel Protections

International travel comes with its own set of challenges, so it’s important to choose a credit card that offers strong travel protections. Look for cards that provide travel insurance, trip interruption protection, and lost luggage reimbursement. These benefits can provide peace of mind while traveling abroad.

Fees and Interest Rates

While many travel credit cards come with annual fees, they can be worth it if you use the benefits regularly. Also, avoid cards with foreign transaction fees, as these fees can add up quickly when traveling internationally. Pay attention to interest rates as well if you plan on carrying a balance.

4. Real Travel Experiences with Travel Credit Cards

Real-life travel stories can help illustrate how using the best credit cards for international travel can make a significant difference. For example, Sarah, a frequent traveler, shared her experience using the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card during her trip to Europe. With the points she accumulated, she was able to redeem a free flight and enjoy a complimentary upgrade to first class on her return trip. She also mentioned how the card’s travel insurance helped her when her flight was delayed for several hours, covering her hotel stay and meals.

Another traveler, Tom, used his American Express® Gold Card to enjoy dining at world-renowned restaurants in Paris. Thanks to the 3x points for dining, he earned enough points to book a weekend getaway to Barcelona, where he used his rewards to stay in a luxury hotel. Tom praised the card’s excellent customer service and felt well-supported during his travels.