Traveling abroad is exciting, but it can get expensive fast. Flights, hotels, food, and shopping all add up. That’s where the best travel credit cards for international trips come in. These cards help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy perks that make your journey smoother.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, picking the right card can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the top travel credit cards for 2025, explain why they’re great for international trips, and help you choose one that fits your needs.
Why You Need a Travel Credit Card for International Trips
When you travel outside your home country, regular credit cards can cost you extra. Many charge a foreign transaction fee, usually around 3% on every purchase. Spend $1,000 abroad, and that’s $30 wasted!
The best travel credit cards skip these fees, saving you cash. Plus, they offer rewards like points or miles you can use for free flights or hotel stays. Some even come with travel insurance, lounge access, or credits to cover trip costs. For international trips, these perks are gold.
Let’s get into the top picks for 2025 and see what makes them stand out.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a favorite for international travelers, and for good reason. It’s affordable, with a $95 annual fee, and packed with value. Here’s why it’s one of the best travel credit cards for international trips:
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop, eat, and explore abroad without extra charges.
Big Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
Earn Rewards Fast: Get 5x points on travel booked through Chase, 3x points on dining (great for trying local food!), and 2x points on other travel purchases.
Travel Protections: Comes with trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay coverage, and more, perfect for peace of mind overseas.
This card is ideal if you want flexibility. You can redeem points through Chase or transfer them to airline and hotel partners like United or Marriott. For a budget-friendly option with premium perks, it’s hard to beat.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
If you’re ready to splurge a little, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® takes travel to the next level. Yes, the $550 annual fee is steep, but the benefits make it worth it for frequent international travelers. Here’s what you get:
No Foreign Fees: Spend freely abroad without worry.
$300 Annual Travel Credit: Covers flights, hotels, or even taxis, almost like getting $300 back every year.
Huge Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $900 in travel through Chase.
Top Rewards Rates: 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase, 5x on flights, and 3x on dining and other travel.
Lounge Access: Free entry to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select. Long layovers just got comfier.
This card shines for luxury travelers. The lounge access and travel credits alone can offset the fee if you travel often. Plus, the insurance covers trip delays, lost luggage, and more, key for international adventures.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card keeps things simple, making it one of the best travel credit cards for international trips. With a $95 annual fee, it’s great for travelers who want easy rewards. Here’s why it’s a winner:
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use it anywhere without extra costs.
Solid Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus a $250 travel credit in your first year, totaling $1,000 in travel value.
Easy Earning: Get 2x miles on every purchase, no complicated categories.
Flexible Redemption: Redeem miles for any travel expense (flights, hotels, etc.) or transfer them to over 15 travel partners.
This card is perfect if you don’t want to track bonus categories. Just swipe, earn, and redeem. The Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit (up to $120) also speeds you through airports, a bonus for international trips.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
For luxury lovers, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a dream. The $695 annual fee is high, but the perks are unmatched. Here’s why it’s a top pick for international trips:
No Foreign Fees: Shop globally with no penalty.
Massive Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months, great for booking flights or hotels.
Lounge Access: Entry to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, including Amex’s own Centurion Lounges.
Travel Credits: Up to $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, and more.
This card is best for those who value comfort. The lounge access is a lifesaver on long international flights, and the credits cut your out-of-pocket costs. Just note that Amex isn’t accepted everywhere abroad, so bring a Visa or Mastercard as backup.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
If you’re new to travel cards or hate annual fees, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice. With no annual fee, it’s one of the best travel credit cards for international trips on a budget. Here’s what it offers:
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save money overseas.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, worth $250 in travel.
Simple Rewards: Get 1.5x points on every purchase, no limits.
Extra Perks: Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn up to 75% more points.
This card is great for beginners or casual travelers. It’s easy to use, and the lack of fees keeps costs low. Pair it with a Bank of America account for even better rewards.
How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card for You
Not sure which card is right for your international trip? Here are some tips to choose:
Look at Your Spending: If you eat out a lot, pick a card with dining rewards (like Chase Sapphire). If you just want simple earning, go for Capital One Venture.
Check the Annual Fee: Make sure the perks outweigh the cost. A $0-fee card like Bank of America’s works if you travel light, while a premium card like Amex Platinum suits frequent flyers.
Think About Travel Habits: Love luxury? Get a card with lounge access. Just need basics? Stick to no-fee options.
Acceptance Abroad: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. Amex is great but less universal.
Match the card to your trip style, and you’ll get the most value.
Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Credit Cards for International Trips
The best travel credit cards for international trips save you money and add comfort to your journey. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is perfect for value, while the Reserve® offers luxury. Capital One Venture keeps it simple, Amex Platinum pampers you, and Bank of America’s card is budget-friendly.
