Best Credit Cards Overview
Traveling abroad? The right credit card can be your best buddy across continents. Here’s the lowdown on two types that could suit your jet-setting lifestyle: Premium Rewards Cards and Travel-Specific Rewards Cards.
Premium Rewards Cards
Premium Rewards Cards are the go-to for those who eat, sleep, and breathe travel. With ’em, you pay a bit more annually but score some swanky benefits.
| Card Name | Travel Rewards | Annual Fee | Bonus Points/Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card | Score 5x points on flights, 10x on hotels and car rentals via Chase TravelSM | $550 | Grab 60,000 bonus points after dropping $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| United ClubSM Infinite Card | Rack up 4x miles on United buys, 2x on dining and other travels | $525 | Snag 100,000 bonus miles post $5,000 spend in the first 3 months |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rentals through Capital One Travel, 5 Miles on flights | $395 | Pocket 75,000 bonus miles after a $4,000 splurge in the first 3 months |
Check out Chase and Bankrate for more numbers and details.
These cards usually throw in travel insurance, lounge access, and mileage multipliers. Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve© Credit Card, you’re looking at premium perks on selected buys.
Travel-Specific Rewards Cards
Travel-Specific Rewards Cards are for the savvy saver looking to amp up rewards without shelling out the big bucks annually.
| Card Name | Travel Rewards | Annual Fee | Bonus Points/Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways Visa Signature® Credit Card | Bag 3 Avios per $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia flights, 2 Avios on hotel stays | $95 | Get 100,000 Avios after a $5,000 spree in the first 3 months |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Collect 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rentals via Capital One Travel, 2 Miles on everything else | $95 | Bank 75,000 miles after $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card | Earn 3x points on Southwest stuff, 2x on meals, stays, and transit | $149 | Lock in 40,000 bonus points after $1,000 in the first 3 months |
For more gritty details, swing by Chase and Bankrate.
These cards let you build up travel miles or points like a pro. Take the British Airways Visa Signature® Credit Card, where earning Avios can set you up for flights with partner airlines.
Want a deep dive into getting the most out of these rewards? Peek at international travel tips and tips for traveling abroad. Getting to know the ins and outs of these cards can help you pick the perfect travel companion for your overseas adventures.
Top Credit Cards for International Travel
If you love jet-setting around the globe, the right credit card can make your trips a whole lot sweeter with bonuses, perks, and some handy rewards. Here’s a look at the top picks for international travelers: Chase Sapphire Reserve®, United ClubSM Infinite Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, and British Airways Visa Signature® Credit Card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is a superstar when it comes to rewards for travel fanatics.
- Check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
| Why You’ll Love It | Perks |
|---|---|
| Points Galore | Earn 5x on flights and 10x on hotels |
| Cash Back on Travels | $300 to spend on getting from A to B per year |
| Lounge Luxe | Free Priority Pass™ Select membership |
| Zero Fees Abroad | Ditch those foreign transaction fees |
Dive into travel insurance insights
United ClubSM Infinite Card
For the jetsetters who stan United Airlines, the United ClubSM Infinite Card is all about luxury and comfort.
- Peek at the United ClubSM Infinite Card
| What’s Hot | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Mile High Earnings | 4x miles on United buys |
| Travel Extras | United ClubSM membership, 2 free bags tagged ‘n go |
| Relaxation Spaces | Full access to United Club℠ |
| Bye-Bye Fees | Leave foreign transaction fees behind |
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Got lots of love for Southwest Airlines? Their Priority Credit Card might just be your new travel companion.
- See details on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
| Good Stuff | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Point Party | Grab 3x points on Southwest purchases |
| Bonus Bucks | $75 credit across Southwest® each year |
| Happy Birthday Bonus | 7,500 points every anniversary |
| Foreign Fees | None to worry about |
Get your travel packing sorted
British Airways Visa Signature® Credit Card
The British Airways Visa Signature® Credit Card is perfect for hopping across the pond or anywhere those airlines fly.
- Discover the British Airways Visa Signature® Credit Card
| Why Get It | Offers |
|---|---|
| Avios Accumulation | 3 Avios per $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia flights |
| Bed and Breakfasts | 2 Avios per $1 on hotel stays |
| Travel Treat | Score a Travel Together Ticket with $30,000 annual spend |
| Foreign Fees | None at all |
Finding your perfect travel credit card depends on where you’re headed and how you like to roam. Matching a card to your travel mojo means bigger rewards and better benefits. For some extra hacks on getting the most out of your card, check our guide on credit card smarts for travel.
Factors to Consider
Choosing the right credit card for traveling abroad isn’t just about finding a shiny piece of plastic with perks. You gotta look at the nuts and bolts that’ll actually keep cash in your pocket and make your journeys smoother than a jazz tune. Pay close attention to annual fees, bonus points, and the goodies that come with your card. These things can really beef up the card’s worth when zipping across the globe.
Annual Fees
Annual fees aren’t just numbers on paper—they’re deal makers or breakers. Do the perks justify the yearly bill? Some cards might charge a pretty penny, but if they come with airport lounge access or free checked bags, they might save you more cash than they cost.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | 60,000 bonus points, premium travel insurance |
| United ClubSM Infinite Card | $525 | United Club membership, 2 free checked bags |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority | $149 | $75 annual Southwest travel credit |
| British Airways Visa Signature® | $95 | 3 Avios per $1 spent on British Airways flights |
Figures sourced from Chase
Bonus Points and Miles
Let’s talk points and miles—the fun parts. They stack up faster than you think and can score you some deep discounts on airfare, cozy hotel stays, or even a luxury cruise you never thought you’d afford. Knowing how to rake these points in and where to trade them keeps you cruising in style.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card: Snatch 60,000 bonus points after blowing through $4,000 in the first 3 months, all usable through that Chase Ultimate Rewards® magic.
- British Airways Visa Signature® Credit Card: Grab 3 Avios per every buck spent with British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia flights.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card: Up to 9x total points for each dollar spent at Hyatt spots.
Need help trading points for perks? Jump into our maximizing travel rewards section for all the juicy details.
Travel Benefits
Those who roam often know travel benefits can really improve a trip. The right card might grant you access to the swanky airport lounges, credit for flights, or even extra insurance to ease the travel stress.
- United ClubSM Infinite Card: Score airport lounge access and pack those 2 free bags like a pro.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Flash your card for an annual $75 travel credit—perfect if Southwest is your airline of choice.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card: No sweat with trip insurances like trip cancellation, interruption cover, or emergency evacuation options.
Check out travel insurance for international travel for more ways to protect your travel budget.
With all this in your pocket, you’ll snag the best card to match your jet-setting style, making every swipe as rewarding as the journey itself. For more ways to streamline your adventures, peek at our traveling abroad checklist and international travel essentials. Travel well!
Maximizing Travel Rewards
Effective Credit Card Management
Looking to milk every last perk from your travel credit cards? It’s all about playing it smart and staying on top of things. Keeping track of your spending and knowing the benefits of each card can turn you into a rewards guru. Paying off that balance in full every month is a no-brainer—those interest charges are a killer! Go ahead, set up automatic payments. It’ll help dodge missed bills and keep that credit score smiling. And don’t forget to dig into your card’s features like travel insurance or purchase protection—they can add some serious comfort to your journeys. Check out more insights on international travel essentials and how to manage your money overseas in our other guides.
Picking the Right Card for You
Think of your credit card like a travel buddy—choose one that fits your travel style, and you can reel in the rewards. Cards are like snowflakes: no two are the same. They offer different benefits, from mega points on travel expenses to VIP lounge access.
Take, for instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card. It’s a hot pick for those who live out of a suitcase, offering juicy points for dining and travel, like 5x on flights and 10x on hotels and car rentals via Chase Travel℠ (Chase). Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card caters to those who love to eat and explore, giving 3x points on dining and 2x on travel (Chase).
Cashing in on Sign-Up Bonuses
Sign-up bonuses are like hitting the jackpot right when you walk in the door. Many cards throw in hefty starter deals. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card gives 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months (Bankrate). Not to be outdone, the Platinum Card® from American Express welcomes you with 80,000 points after meeting certain spending thresholds (Money with Katie).
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s on the table with some big-name cards:
| Credit Card | Sign-Up Bonus | Spending Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card | 60,000 points | $4,000 in 3 months | Bankrate |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card | 50,000 points | $4,000 in 3 months | Chase |
| Platinum Card® from American Express | 80,000 points | $6,000 in 6 months | Money with Katie |
By playing your cards right, these bonuses can seriously upgrade your travel experiences. For more no-nonsense advice on wrangling your travel rewards and getting ready to hit the road, check out our international travel tips and tips for traveling abroad.
