When it comes to international travel, having the right credit card can make a significant difference. Cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offer travel rewards and benefits that can enhance your travel experience.
These international travel credit cards provide a range of benefits, including rewards on travel purchases, airport lounge access, and travel insurance. By choosing the right card, travelers can maximize their rewards and enjoy a more comfortable journey.
Key Takeaways
- Earn rewards on travel purchases with the right credit card
- Enjoy benefits like airport lounge access and travel insurance
- Maximize your rewards with cards like Capital One Venture Rewards and Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Choose a card that aligns with your travel habits and preferences
- Make the most of your international travel with the right credit card benefits
What Makes a Great Travel Credit Card for International Flights
For frequent international travelers, selecting the right travel credit card is crucial for maximizing rewards and minimizing costs. A great travel credit card for international flights should offer a combination of benefits that enhance your travel experience.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
One of the key features to look for in a travel credit card is the absence of foreign transaction fees. Cards like the Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred offer this benefit, saving you money on every international transaction.
Valuable Travel Rewards and Points
A good travel credit card should also offer valuable travel rewards and points. These rewards can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, for example, offers 2X points per dollar spent on travel and dining purchases.
Travel Insurance and Protections
Travel insurance and protections are also essential features of a great travel credit card. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage insurance.
| Credit Card | No Foreign Transaction Fees | Travel Rewards | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture | Yes | 2X miles per dollar spent on all purchases | Yes |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Yes | 2X points per dollar spent on travel and dining | Yes |
Best Travel Credit Cards for International Flights
The right travel credit card can enhance your international travel experience by offering valuable rewards, insurance, and protections. With numerous options available, it’s essential to compare the features and benefits of different cards to choose the one that best suits your travel needs.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Overview
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular choice among travelers due to its generous rewards program and valuable travel protections. It offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel and 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online groceries.
Pros
- Earn 60,000 bonus points with $4,000 in purchases within 3 months
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance and assistance
- Annual $50 travel credit
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Rotating categories for bonus points
Features
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a range of features that make it ideal for international travel, including trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, and travel delay reimbursement. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy a $50 annual travel credit and 25% points bonus when redeemed for travel through Chase.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Overview
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another excellent option for international travelers, offering 2x miles on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees. Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases with no blackout dates or restrictions.
Pros
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles with $4,000 in purchases within 3 months
- No foreign transaction fees
- Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases
- Travel insurance and assistance
Cons
- $95 annual fee (waived first year)
- Limited miles earning on certain purchases
Features
Cardholders enjoy travel accident insurance, car rental collision damage waiver, and 24-hour travel assistance. The card also offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Overview
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward rewards program, earning 1.5x points on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or statement credits.
Pros
- Earn 25,000 bonus points with $1,000 in purchases within 90 days
- No rotating categories or spending limits
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $0 annual fee, but limited benefits
- Lower rewards earning rate compared to other cards
Features
Cardholders can enjoy trip cancellation and interruption reimbursement, auto rental collision damage waiver, and travel assistance services. The card also offers a 0% intro APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.
Discover it Miles
Overview
The Discover it Miles card offers a unique rewards structure, earning 1.5x miles on all purchases with no rotating categories or spending limits. Miles can be redeemed for travel, with no blackout dates or restrictions.
Pros
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles with $1,000 in purchases within 3 months
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cashback match at the end of the first year
Cons
- $0 annual fee, but limited benefits
- Limited travel insurance and assistance
Features
Cardholders can enjoy trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and 24-hour travel assistance. Discover will also match all the cashback earned at the end of the first year, effectively doubling the rewards.
Premium Travel Cards with Luxury International Benefits
For travelers seeking luxury and exclusivity, premium travel cards offer a range of high-end benefits tailored to enhance international travel experiences. These cards are designed to provide a superior travel experience through various perks, including airport lounge access, travel credits, and exclusive rewards programs.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Overview
The Platinum Card from American Express is one of the most prestigious travel cards available, offering a wide array of luxury benefits. It is particularly noted for its extensive travel insurance coverage, airport lounge access, and generous rewards program.
Pros
- Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Lounge Network
- $200 airline fee credit and up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- 5x points on air travel booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
Cons
- $550 annual fee, one of the highest among travel cards
- Complex rewards structure may be confusing for some users
Features
The Platinum Card from American Express includes a range of features that enhance the international travel experience, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and generous rewards. The card also offers various credits that can offset travel-related expenses.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Overview
Chase Sapphire Reserve is another highly-regarded premium travel card, known for its comprehensive travel insurance, airport lounge access, and $300 travel credit. It is a popular choice among travelers who value flexibility in their rewards program.
Pros
- $300 travel credit to offset travel expenses
- 3x points on travel and dining purchases
- Access to Chase Lounge locations
Cons
- $550 annual fee, although potentially offset by credits and rewards
- Limited airline and hotel transfer partners compared to some other cards
Features
Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a robust set of features, including travel insurance, lounge access, and a generous rewards program. The $300 travel credit is particularly valuable for frequent travelers.
Citi Prestige Card
Overview
The Citi Prestige Card offers a unique set of benefits, including a fourth-night-free hotel stay benefit and extensive travel insurance. It is a strong contender for travelers who prioritize hotel stays.
Pros
- Fourth-night-free hotel stay benefit when booking through Citi
- 24/7 concierge service for travel assistance
- Access to a variety of airport lounges
Cons
- $495 annual fee
- Limited rewards earning structure
Features
The Citi Prestige Card is notable for its fourth-night-free hotel stay benefit and comprehensive travel insurance. The card also offers lounge access and a 24/7 concierge service.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
Overview
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card is a premium travel card that offers a range of benefits, including travel credits, rewards on dining and travel, and cell phone protection.
Pros
- $325 annual fee, relatively lower compared to some competitors
- 10% cash back on hotel and rental car bookings made directly with providers
- Cell phone protection
Cons
- Limited rewards earning categories
- No airport lounge access
Features
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Card offers a variety of features, including travel credits, rewards on dining and travel, and cell phone protection. The card is a good option for those seeking a more affordable premium travel card.
Airline-Specific Credit Cards for International Travel
When it comes to international travel, choosing the right airline-specific credit card can make a significant difference in your flying experience. These cards offer benefits tailored to the airline, enhancing your travel with rewards and perks.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Overview
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is designed for Delta loyalists, offering benefits that enhance their travel experience.
Pros
- Earn 2X miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free checked bags for you and your companions
Cons
- Annual fee applies
- Limited rewards redemption options outside of Delta
Features
Key Features: 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in 3 months, $0 annual fee for the first year.
United Explorer Card
Overview
The United Explorer Card is ideal for United Airlines frequent flyers, offering a range of travel benefits.
Pros
- Earn miles on United Airlines and Star Alliance partners
- Priority boarding and free checked bags
- Annual United Club pass for lounge access
Cons
- Annual fee
- Rewards redemption can be restrictive
Features
Key Features: 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in 3 months, $0 foreign transaction fees.
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
Overview
The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card offers straightforward rewards earning for American Airlines loyal customers.
Pros
- Earn 2X miles on American Airlines purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Bonus miles for new cardmembers
Cons
- Annual fee applies after the first year
- Limited redemption options outside American Airlines
Features
Key Features: 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in 3 months, 24/7 customer service.
British Airways Visa Signature Card
Overview
The British Airways Visa Signature Card is perfect for British Airways frequent flyers, offering Avios rewards.
Pros
- Earn Avios on British Airways and partner airlines
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual companion voucher
Cons
- Annual fee
- Rewards redemption can be complex
Features
Key Features: 85,000 bonus Avios after spending $5,000 in 90 days, travel insurance.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fees | Rewards Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | $0 first year, then $150 | No | 2X miles on Delta purchases |
| United Explorer Card | $0 first year, then $95 | No | Earn miles on United and Star Alliance |
| American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card | $0 first year, then $99 | No | 2X miles on American Airlines |
| British Airways Visa Signature Card | $95 | No | Earn Avios on British Airways |
Conclusion
Selecting the best travel credit cards for international flights can significantly enhance your travel experience. With various options available, it’s essential to consider your travel habits and preferences when choosing a credit card.
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture offer valuable rewards and benefits, while premium cards like The Platinum Card from American Express provide luxury international benefits. Airline-specific credit cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, also offer exclusive advantages.
By choosing the right best travel credit card for your international flights, you can enjoy rewards, benefits, and protections that make your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
