Updated April 2026
Best Credit Cards for International Travel
No foreign transaction fees, card network acceptance by region, and travel insurance compared. Everything you need to know before travelling internationally with a credit card.
International Travel Card Comparison
Sorted by travel insurance strength. All cards shown have no foreign transaction fee.
| Card | Network | Trip Cancellation | Trip Delay | Rental Car | Earning Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Visa | $10k/person | 6+ hrs, $500 | Primary | 3x all travel+dining |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Visa | $10k/person | 12+ hrs, $500 | Primary | 2x travel, 3x dining |
| Capital One Venture X | Visa | $2k/person | 6+ hrs, $500 | Primary | 2x everywhere |
| Amex Platinum | Amex | $10k/person | 6+ hrs, $500 | Secondary | 5x flights (Amex Travel) |
| Citi Strata Premier | Mastercard | $5k/person | No | Secondary | 3x travel+dining |
| Capital One Venture | Visa | $2k/person | 6+ hrs, $500 | Primary | 2x everywhere |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards | Visa | No | No | Secondary | 1.5x everywhere |
| Discover it Miles | Discover | No | No | No | 1.5x everywhere |
Card Network Acceptance by Region
Always carry a Visa or Mastercard as your primary international card.
| Region | Visa | Mastercard | Amex | Discover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Europe | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Limited |
| UK and Ireland | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| Japan | Good | Good | Limited (cash preferred) | Not accepted |
| Southeast Asia | Excellent | Excellent | Limited at smaller merchants | Not accepted |
| China | Good (major cities) | Good (major cities) | Limited | Some acceptance via UnionPay |
| India | Excellent | Excellent | Good in cities | Poor |
| Australia and NZ | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Latin America | Excellent | Excellent | Good in major cities | Poor |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Good | Good | Limited | Not accepted |
| Middle East | Good | Good | Good in UAE/Qatar hotels | Poor |
Foreign Transaction Fee Cost by Trip Spend
The real cost of using a card with a foreign transaction fee vs a no-fee travel card.
| International Card Spend | 2% FX Fee Cost | 3% FX Fee Cost | No-Fee Card Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $20 | $30 | $0 |
| $2,500 | $50 | $75 | $0 |
| $5,000 | $100 | $150 | $0 |
| $8,000 | $160 | $240 | $0 |
| $12,000 | $240 | $360 | $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for international travel?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best all-round international travel card: no foreign transaction fee, 3x on all travel and dining worldwide, the strongest trip cancellation and delay insurance of any card, and primary rental car coverage. For those who want a lower fee, Chase Sapphire Preferred provides the same insurance and no FX fee at $95/year. Capital One Venture X is excellent for international travel with 2x everywhere, no FX fee, and strong transfer partners including Air France and Turkish Airlines.
Should I use Visa, Mastercard, or Amex internationally?
Always carry a Visa or Mastercard for international travel - they are accepted virtually everywhere worldwide. American Express has excellent acceptance in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and major European cities but can be unreliable in rural Southeast Asia, rural Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Amex acceptance at small merchants, markets, and budget restaurants outside major cities is spotty. Discover is not widely accepted internationally outside the US. Strategy: use your best earning Amex for large purchases at hotels and restaurants, carry a Visa or Mastercard as backup.
How much do foreign transaction fees cost?
Foreign transaction fees are typically 2.7% to 3.0% per transaction. On a 14-day international trip with $5,000 in total card spending, a 3% foreign transaction fee costs $150 - more than a full annual fee on many travel cards. Over a $10,000 trip, that is $300 wasted. All premium travel cards waive foreign transaction fees. Always use a travel card with no FX fee when travelling internationally.
Does my credit card cover international travel insurance?
Yes, many travel credit cards include international travel insurance, but coverage limits and triggers vary significantly. Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred have the best trip cancellation coverage ($10,000/person, $20,000/trip) and activate when you charge at least part of the trip to the card. They also include primary rental car insurance internationally (covers collision without going through personal insurance) and trip delay reimbursement starting at just 6 hours (Reserve) or 12 hours (Preferred) of delay.