Credit cards can be valuable tools when you use them close to home, but they should also be an essential part of your packing list any time you travel overseas. Not only do you normally need a credit card to put down a security deposit to rent a hotel room, but you’ll likely need a credit card to rent a car, too. And if you run out of cash while on a trip, a credit card lets you charge whatever you need and pay the balance when you return home.
The best credit cards for international trips also let you avoid added fees on international transactions and earn rewards for each dollar you spend. Some even offer robust travel protections that can shield you financially if your flight is delayed or your bags are lost or stolen.
If you’re planning a trip overseas this year, here are some of the best cards to consider.
The Platinum Card From American Express: Best for International Travel Overall
Why we picked it: The Platinum Card® from American Express makes it easy to earn American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be used for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel purchased through the American Express Travel portal or transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners. A $695 annual fee applies, but the first-year and ongoing benefits can more than make up for it.
As a welcome offer, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 within six months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel; 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel; and 1X points on all other purchases.
You won’t pay foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad, and this card comes with the broadest airport lounge access of all travel cards. It also includes up to a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to a $189 credit for CLEAR membership each year. Other credits that add more value to this card include a $200 airline incidental credit each year, $200 in Uber cash (doled out in monthly increments), a $200 hotel credit on eligible Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings made through Amex and more. You’ll also get access to a Global Assist hotline, which can help with emergency planning if you run into legal or medical issues when you travel.
Pros:
— Can transfer points to Amex airline and hotel partners
— Access to the Global lounge collection (which includes Priority Pass and Centurion lounges)
— Automatic Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)
— Excellent travel insurance, including trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance
— Over $1,500 in credits
Cons:
— $695 annual fee
— Some of the card’s credits can be difficult to use
Who should apply: If you travel frequently and are able to use enough card benefits to make up for the cost of the annual fee, the Amex Platinum is a must-have.
Who should skip: If you don’t want to pay such a high annual fee, or if you think you won’t use the Amex Platinum’s many travel perks and benefits, it would be better to go with a different card.
