When you consider getting a credit card, there are many factors to consider. Credit card offers come in the mail frequently for some people and, on the surface, it may appear that all offers are generally the same. Some cards will give cash back on purchases while others will give you frequent flyer miles. More so, others give access to special clubs or opportunities. With all the credit card rewards and programs available, the question remains: what is the best international credit card - or, more specifically, which credit card can best be used both domestically and internationally while also earning rewards?
One often-overlooked feature of credit cards is whether the card waives international transaction fees. Some cards do. Yet, some do not. If you have never considered international transactions fees and whether they affect you, take some time right now to explore the issue and find the best international credit card for your needs.
Product FAQ
1. What Is an International Credit Card?
2. How Does an International Credit Card Work?
3. Do Most Countries Accept Credit Cards from the United States?
4. Where Can You Get the Best International Credit Card?
5. How Much Are International Transaction Fees?
6. Do International Transaction Fees Only Show Up When Shopping Abroad?
7. How Can I Avoid International Transaction Fees?
How We Reviewed
We considered five of the best international cards compared to one another. We considered the pros and cons, outstanding features, and cost of each.
Overall Price Range of the Best International Credit Cards
In exchange for waiving all foreign transactions fees, card issuers or banks typically charge an annual fee. The important consideration is how much you intend to use the card abroad. If you shop on international websites frequently or travel often, you can easily recover the annual fee and continue to save by avoiding transaction fees. If you only travel infrequently or use a credit card only occasionally when doing so, you will likely be most interested in a card with no annual fee.
What We Reviewed:
LendingCiti ThankYou Premier Card Tree
Features
This card comes with a hefty bonus for signing up and is available for a relatively modest annual fee. Citi also makes it easy both to earn rewards avoid international transaction fees simultaneously. Spend at least $4,000 in the first three months and Citi will reward you with 600,000 points worth about $750 in airfare or $600 in gift card redemption.
- Cons
- Rate
- Where to Apply
- Points are not applicable to many domestic airlines
- Users need to spend around $800 per month to offset the fee
Pros
Cons
Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express
Features
This card comes with 25,000 bonus rewards points for those who spend $2,000 in the first three months. These points can be redeemed for as much as $250 in value. Earn triple points for flights with participating airlines and double points for purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets - even within the United States! The card also offers $100 per year in credits towards incidental travel fees like flight change fees, on-board refreshments, or baggage fees.
- Rate
- Where to Apply
The first year's fee is waived. However, consecutive years cost $195.
Pros
Cons
Discover it Miles
Features
The outstanding feature of this card is the lack of annual fees. In addition to waiving all foreign transaction fees, the card will also earn you three miles for every dollar you spend in the first year. After that, expect to earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent. As a bonus, Discover matches all the earned miles for the first year.
- Rate
- Where to Apply
Pros
Cons
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Features
With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, this card is definitely in the running to be one of the best international credit cards. If you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days, you receive a bonus of 25,000 points with this Bank of America card! For those with a Bank of America checking or savings account, there is an added 10% bonus for purchases. For Preferred Rewards members, that bonus can go as high as 25% to 75% depending on the tier. Although this card offers fewer rewards than the other best international credit cards, the system for redeeming the travel rewards is straightforward.
- Rate
- Where to Apply
This card has no annual fee.
Pros
Cons
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Features
This card makes it easy to earn rewards and redeem them. Miles can be redeemed without blackout dates or restrictions. Other important features include earning two miles per dollar spent on all purchases and 10 times the normal number of miles per dollar when booking stays with Hotels.com or Venture. The card also offers reimbursement for TSA Precheck application fees and Global Entry fees. The bonus on this card is 50,000 miles, or about $500 worth of travel points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. Rewards never expire with this card.
- Cons
- Rate
- Where to Apply
Pros
Cons
Comparison
Product | Pros | cons | check online |
|---|---|---|---|
Citi ThankYou Premier Card |
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Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express |
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Discover it Miles |
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Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card |
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card |
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The Verdict
All the cards we reviewed have great perks for those who travel but do not want to pay high foreign transaction fees. Since foreign transaction fees can be borderline punishing, those who travel outside the USA even once every year or two may benefit from applying for one of the best international credit cards. Thankfully, there is a wealth of choice among these credit cards and something for everyone with each of them.
For those who travel often, our recommendation is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. The rewards and earnings are robust, and the redemption structure is simple. Although redemption is only for travel rewards, this does not matter much for those doing a lot of traveling in the first place. While the annual fee is relatively high, the first year's fee is waived and consistent travel will quickly make up for fees. Earning special rewards for hotel travel with Hotels.com is another excellent perk, as is avoiding fees for Global Entry and TSA Precheck, which is a serious benefit to regular international travelers.
For those who travel less frequently but still wish to avoid annual fees, we recommend the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card. While the Discover it Miles card also has no annual fee, it cannot beat Bank of America's simple and effective rewards system. In addition, the Bank of America Card has especially good perks for anyone with an existing Bank of America savings or checking account. Anyone who travels regularly or is a low to medium-level international spender will benefit from using this card. The Bank of America Visa card is also honored in more locations than Discover.
Whichever card you choose, getting an international credit card is a great idea. Foreign transaction fees can be high and one of the safest and best ways of avoiding them is through using one the best international credit cards.
Regardless of the international rewards card you choose, we hope and trust this article has provided you with the information you need to make your decision when looking for the best international credit card for you!
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