Let’s be honest for a sec: traveling is amazing—new places, new people, new food… but money stuff can get really annoying. Between foreign transaction fees, surprise charges, and currency conversion headaches, it’s easy to feel like your wallet’s bleeding before you even land.
If you’ve ever come back from a trip and seen your credit card statement and thought, “Wait, why did my $40 dinner in Rome turn into $52?”—yeah, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there. I’ve also made the mistake of using a debit card abroad (don’t do it), forgotten to tell my bank I was traveling (got locked out mid-trip), and yes, once I paid 3% extra on everything without even realizing it till I got home. So… yeah. Let me help you not do that.
This guide is for regular people—folks who want to travel smarter, not just rack up points they’ll never use. Whether you’re going to Mexico for a weekend, studying abroad in Spain, or backpacking through Southeast Asia, here’s what you need to know.
What Makes a Credit Card Great for Travel?
Alright, let’s keep it simple. A good travel card should:
- Have no foreign transaction fees (this one’s non-negotiable, honestly).
- Offer travel rewards—like points or miles that you can actually use.
- Provide travel protections—stuff like rental car insurance or trip delay coverage.
- Be accepted globally—Visa and Mastercard are usually safest bets.
Bonus points if the card has airport lounge access, no annual fee, or comes with a solid welcome bonus. But that’s not a dealbreaker for everyone.
Top Travel Credit Cards Worth Checking Out (2025 Edition)
Here are some cards that travelers in the U.S. are really loving right now. I’ve either used these myself or know someone who has.
💳 Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
This one’s basically the “starter pack” for travel rewards—and for good reason.
- Pros: No foreign transaction fees, 2x points on travel and dining, solid travel protections (like trip cancellation/interruption insurance), and points are super flexible.
- Welcome bonus: Around 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months (that’s roughly $750 toward travel).
- Annual fee: $95
👉 Te lo digo por experiencia, this card saved my butt once when my flight got canceled and I had to stay overnight in New York. They covered my hotel, no hassle.
💳 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Simple and straight to the point.
- Pros: Earns 2x miles on everything, no foreign transaction fees, and the miles are easy to redeem.
- Welcome bonus: Around 75,000 miles if you meet the spending requirement (equivalent to $750 in travel).
- Annual fee: $95
A friend of mine, Josh, used this card all over Japan and had zero issues. Plus, he paid for his flight back using the miles. Easy.
💳 American Express Gold Card
Okay, this one’s a little bougie—but if you’re a foodie or you travel often, it’s so worth it.
- Pros: 4x points at restaurants (including abroad), 3x on flights, and a bunch of dining credits (like Uber Eats).
- Welcome bonus: Often 60,000–75,000 points.
- Annual fee: $250 (yeah, it’s high—but if you use the perks, it pays for itself).
Just note: AmEx isn’t accepted everywhere internationally, so always bring a backup card.
💳 Discover it® Miles
If you’re new to credit or just want a no-annual-fee option, this is a solid pick.
- Pros: No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases.
- Unique perk: At the end of your first year, Discover matches all the miles you’ve earned. So if you earned 30,000 miles, they give you another 30,000.
⚠️ Heads up: Discover isn’t accepted in every country—especially in parts of Europe or Asia. Ojo con eso.
Other Tips That’ll Save You Money While Traveling
Let’s be real—it’s not just the card you carry, it’s how you use it. Here are some friendly reminders that took me years (and some expensive mistakes) to learn:
- Tell your bank you’re traveling. Most apps let you set a travel notice, but some banks don’t even require it anymore. Still, better safe than stuck in a hotel lobby at midnight with a declined card.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion. Some foreign shops offer to charge your purchase in USD instead of local currency. Don’t do it. It sounds helpful, but the rate they use is usually terrible.
- Use cards for big purchases, cash for small stuff. In markets or with taxis, cash is easier. But hotels, trains, and flights? Put that on your travel card to get points and protection.
- Download your card’s mobile app. If something weird happens, you can lock your card instantly or track transactions.
A Quick Story: How a Good Card Saved Me in Paris
I was in Paris last year, and my Airbnb host canceled last minute. No joke, I was dragging my suitcase through Montmartre at 10 p.m. trying to find a place. I booked a hotel on the spot, and my Chase Sapphire covered the difference because it counted as a “trip interruption.”
Honestly, if I’d been using a regular debit card, I would’ve been stuck or had to call my mom crying (again). That card paid for itself right there.
Resources You Can Actually Use
- The Points Guy – Great for comparing cards and reading reviews.
- NerdWallet – Easy breakdowns of credit card perks.
- Mint or YNAB – Use these apps to track spending while traveling.
- Credit Karma – Helps you monitor your score if you’re applying for a new card.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Not Just Cheap
Look, I’m not here to tell you to rack up a bunch of credit card debt or spend money you don’t have. The goal is to travel better, not just spend more. Having the right credit card helps you do that—earn rewards, avoid extra fees, and get peace of mind if things go sideways.
You don’t need to have 10 cards or memorize airline codes. Just pick one that fits your lifestyle, learn how to use it wisely, and take the trip you’ve been dreaming about.
Because let’s be real—memories are priceless. But foreign transaction fees? Totally avoidable.
You got this.