Best International Travel Credit Cards – Traveling is an incredible way to explore the world and create unforgettable memories. But, as we all know, it can also be quite expensive. Luckily, there’s a way to save money while traveling using travel credit cards that make your travel experience more enjoyable under your budget.
Here, we are going to tell you the top 10 best international travel credit cards that can help you earn points and miles, enjoy travel perks, and more.
What are travel credit cards?
Travel credit cards are credit cards that offer rewards and benefits specifically tailored to travelers. They often come with perks such as airline or hotel points, miles, and other travel-related rewards.
How do travel credit cards work?
Travel credit cards work by offering rewards and benefits to the cardholder for making purchases. For example, a card may offer points for every dollar spent on travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. These points can then be redeemed for rewards such as free flights or hotel stays.
Benefits of using travel credit cards
The benefits of using travel credit cards are many.
They can help you save money on travel expenses, earn rewards for purchases you’re already making, and offer additional perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance.
As we understand the basics of travel credit cards, now it’s time to dive into the criteria we used to select the top 10 best International travel credit cards.
Criteria for Selection
To select travel rewards credit cards, we looked at factors such as rewards, fees, benefits, and more. We also considered the reputation of the card issuer and the card’s overall value.
Factors to consider when choosing a travel credit card
When choosing a travel credit card, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Rewards: What rewards does the card offer, and how can they be redeemed?
- Fees: What fees does the card charge, such as annual fees or foreign transaction fees?
- Benefits: What travel-related benefits does the card offer, such as airport lounge access or travel insurance?
- Sign-up bonus: Does the card offer a sign-up bonus, and if so, what are the requirements to earn it?
- Reputation: What is the reputation of the card issuer, and how widely accepted is the card?
Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 best International travel credit cards.
Top 10 Best International Travel Credit Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great option for frequent travelers.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x point on all other purchases. You also get a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months.
- Annual fees: This card has an annual fee of $95.
- Benefits: It offers benefits like trip cancellation insurance and rental car insurance.
Capital One Venture Rewards:
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is another great option for travelers.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 2x miles on all purchases and a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles if you spend $3,000 in the first three months.
- Annual charges: This card has an annual fee of $95
- Benefits: It offers benefits like travel accident insurance and extended warranty protection.
American Express Platinum:
The American Express Platinum card is a premium travel credit card that offers a range of benefits.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and 1x point on all other purchases. You also get a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points if you spend $6,000 in the first six months.
- Annual charges: The card has an annual fee of $695
- Benefits: It offers benefits like airport lounge access and travel insurance.
Citi Premier:
The Citi Premier card is a great option for travelers who want to earn points on a variety of purchases.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 3x points on travel purchases, including gas stations, airfare, hotels, and more. You also earn 2x points on dining and entertainment purchases and 1x points on all other purchases.
- Annual charges: The card has an annual fee of $95.
- Benefits: It offers benefits like trip cancellation and interruption protection.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express:
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card is a great option for travelers who frequently fly with Delta Airlines.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases. You also get a sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles if you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
- Annual charges: The card has an annual fee of $99.
- Benefits: It offers benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags.
United Explorer Card:
The United Explorer Card is a great option for travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 2x miles on United purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases. You also get a sign-up bonus of 40,000 miles if you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
- Annual charges: The card has an annual fee of $95.
- Benefits: It offers benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless:
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is a great option for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 6x points on Marriott purchases and 2x points on all other purchases. You also get a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months.
- Annual charges: The card has an annual fee of $95.
- Benefits: It offers benefits like free night awards and elite status.
World of Hyatt Credit Card:
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great option for travelers who frequently stay at Hyatt hotels.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 4x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x points on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, and fitness club and gym memberships, and 1x points on all other purchases. You also get a sign-up bonus of 30,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months.
- Annual charges: The card has an annual fee of $95.
- Benefits: It offers benefits like free nights and elite status.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card:
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a great option for travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 2x points on Southwest purchases and 1x points on all other purchases. You also get a sign-up bonus of 40,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first three months.
- Annual charges: The card has an annual fee of $149.
- Benefits: It offers benefits like priority boarding and a $75 annual travel credit.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card:
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers who want a simple and easy-to-use card.
- Rewards: With this card, you can earn 1.5x points on all purchases without paying any annual charges. You also get a sign-up bonus of 25,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Annual charges: There’s no annual fee for this card.
- Benefits: This card is a great choice for those who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee.
| Card Name | Rewards | Annual Fee | Benefits |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases | $95 | Trip cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | 2x miles on all purchases | $95 | Travel accident insurance, extended warranty protection, a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. |
| American Express Platinum | 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, 1x point on all other purchases | $695 | Airport lounge access, travel insurance, the sign-up bonus of 100,000 points if you spend $6,000 in the first six months. |
| Citi Premier | 3x points on travel purchases, 2x points on dining and entertainment purchases, 1x point on all other purchases | $95 | Trip cancellation and interruption protection. |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express | 2x miles on Delta purchases, 1x mile on all other purchases | $99 | Priority boarding, free checked bags, and a sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles if you spend $2,000 in the first three months. |
| United Explorer Card | 2x miles on United purchases, 1x mile on all other purchases | $95 | Priority boarding, free checked bags, and a sign-up bonus of 40,000 miles if you spend $2,000 in the first three months. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless | 6x points on Marriott purchases, 2x points on all other purchases | $95 | Free night awards, elite status, a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | 4x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x points on dining, airline tickets, fitness club, and gym memberships, 1x point on all other purchases | $95 | Free nights, elite status, a sign-up bonus of 30,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card | 2x points on Southwest purchases, 1x point on all other purchases | $149 | Priority boarding, $75 annual travel credit, the sign-up bonus of 40,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first three months. |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card | 1.5x points on all purchases | No annual fee | No annual fee, the sign-up bonus of 25,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. |
Perks and Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards have become increasingly popular among avid travelers and jet-setters. These credit cards offer an array of perks and benefits described below that cater to the travel lifestyle.
Travel Benefits
Airport lounge access:
With lounge access, travelers can enjoy a comfortable and quiet space while waiting for their flight.
Priority boarding:
It allows cardholders to skip the long lines and board their flight before others.
Travel insurance:
It provides peace of mind by protecting against unexpected travel mishaps.
Non-Travel Benefits
Cashback:
Cashback rewards can help travelers save money on everyday purchases.
Discounts:
Discounts on hotels, rental cars, and activities can help stretch your travel budget further.
Tips to Maximize Travel Credit Card Rewards
Have a look at crucial things that need to remember for earning and redeeming travel rewards-
Choose the Right Travel Credit Card:
Before applying for a travel credit card, research the available options to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors such as annual fees, reward rates, sign-up bonuses, and redemption options.
Use Your Card for Everyday Spending:
To earn maximum rewards, use your travel credit card for everyday purchases such as gas, groceries, and dining out. Some cards offer bonus rewards for specific categories of spending, so take advantage of these.
Sign-up Bonuses:
Most travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can be a great way to earn extra rewards. Be sure to meet the requirements for the bonus, such as making a specific amount of purchases within a certain time frame.
Pay Off Your Balance:
To avoid interest charges, pay off your balance in full each month. This will also help you maintain a good credit score.
Redeem Your Rewards Wisely:
Redeem your rewards for maximum value by using them for travel-related expenses such as flights and hotels. Avoid using them for merchandise or cash-back options, as these usually offer lower redemption rates.
See Related: Tips on Find Cheap Flights
How to avoid common mistakes when using travel credit cards
Overspending:
Avoid overspending to earn rewards. Stick to your budget and only use your credit card for purchases you can afford to pay off in full each month.
Late Payments:
Late payments can result in fees and damage your credit score. Set up automatic payments to avoid this.
Ignoring Annual Fees:
Make sure you understand the annual fees associated with your travel credit card and consider whether the rewards you earn are worth the cost.
Before applying for a travel credit card, you are recommended to do proper research and choose one that meets your requirements and travel goals.
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FAQ
Q: What are travel credit cards?
A: Travel credit cards are credit cards that offer rewards and perks specifically geared towards travel, such as points, miles, or cash back for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses.
Q: How do I choose the best travel credit card?
A: Look for cards with high reward rates, generous sign-up bonuses, and perks like free checked bags or airport lounge access. Also, consider annual fees and foreign transaction fees.
Q: What are some of the top travel credit cards?
A: Some popular options include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and American Express Platinum. Each offers different rewards and perks, so consider your travel habits when choosing.
Q: Can I use travel rewards for things other than travel?
A: Some travel credit cards allow you to redeem rewards for other things, such as statement credits, merchandise, or gift cards. However, you typically get the most value by using rewards for travel.
Q: Are travel credit cards worth it?
A: It depends on your travel habits and spending. If you travel frequently and can take advantage of the rewards and perks, a travel credit card can be very valuable. However, if you rarely travel, a different type of credit card may be a better fit.
