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Last updated on May 7th, 2025 at 02:35 pm
Traveling is an adventure, whether you’re taking the kids to Disney World or jetting off on a romantic getaway for two.
Perhaps, most exciting is traveling abroad to explore a new country and immerse yourself in another culture.
Wherever your travels take you, you’ll want to make sure that you’re properly prepared—including choosing a credit card that makes spending while you’re far from home easy.
There are a few things to consider, from whether a card charges foreign transaction fees to the kinds of benefits it offers, so let’s discuss what to look for when choosing a credit card for travel.
What to Look for When Choosing a Credit Card for Travel
No Fees for International Transactions
First, let’s define an international, or foreign, transaction fee. This is a fee that is charged by the credit card company and appears on your bill each time you make a purchase that either passes through a foreign bank or is in a currency other than the U.S. dollar (USD).
A foreign transaction fee is usually between 1% and 3%. Transaction fees may seem harmless, but these extra charges can add up very quickly, especially for those who travel often.
This is why you’ll want to look for a credit card that doesn’t charge a fee for international transactions, and ideally, offers an exchange rate close to the mid-market rate with no extra charges for “currency conversion.”
Flexible Rewards Programs
Most credit cards have a rewards program, but the benefits vary widely.
Look for a card that offers a flexible rewards programs to earn travel points or cash back on purchases.
For instance, many travel cards give you extra points or cash back on travel-related purchases such as airfare and hotel stays.
Some are more flexible, offering travel rewards for spending at restaurants and other businesses.
The best travel rewards programs should be easy to use, allowing you to accumulate points in a variety of ways and redeem your points for flights or other rewards quickly.
If you find a great cashback credit card, of course, you can use the cash you “earn” on travel as well, so consider all of your options.
Emergency Assistance
When traveling abroad, it’s crucial to have access to emergency assistance in case of medical or legal issues. Many credit cards offer additional protection and support services to help you if you are in an unexpected situation.
Your credit card should be able to provide access to emergency cash and even medical evacuation services if necessary.
Look for a card backed by a reputable travel insurance provider and that offers additional benefits like a trip interruption or delay coverage.
Easy Application Process
Some credit card companies make the application and approval process more difficult than it needs to be, so make sure you read through all the fine print and documentation before signing up.
Look for a card with a straightforward application process and quick approval, so that you’ll have your new card in hand before your next trip.
Nowadays, of course, you can get a credit card online, applying from anywhere. And, the less complicated the process, the better. Luckily, you can usually fill out your application in one sitting without needing to search for additional information.
Security
Security is of the utmost importance when traveling abroad, so ensure that your credit card company offers the latest security features.
Look for cards with zero liability protection and EMV chip technology so that you can shop in stores or online without worrying about fraud or unauthorized charges.
You may also want to consider a card that offers secure payment features like tokenization and fraud monitoring, which can help protect your personal information and credit score.
Customer Service
If a problem crops up while traveling, the last thing you want to deal with is poor customer service.
Make sure the credit card you choose gets high marks in this area. You should be able to quickly and easily contact a customer service representative if you run into any issues or need help understanding your benefits.
Especially since you may be using your card when you’re out of the country, make sure the credit card company offers 24/7 support. You may need assistance outside of U.S. business hours.
Choosing a credit card for your travel needs just takes a little research, so make sure you compare all of your options and read through the fine print.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the best credit card for your next trip.
Also read:
Disney World on a Budget? 4 Ways to Save
Discover Turkish Cuisine (Foodies, Put Turkey on Your Itinerary)
10 Unique & Memorable Souvenir Ideas for Your Next Vacation
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