Are you planning a trip to Europe? As you organize your itinerary and bookings, don’t forget to review your credit cards as well. Choosing the right card can help manage expenses and provide benefits while traveling. A suitable card ensures smoother purchases and added financial security abroad.
You’ll want to check which card best fits your needs for traveling internationally. Consider factors like foreign transaction fees, currency conversion rates, and travel perks. The right card can save you money and offer useful benefits during your trip. Ensuring your card works across different currencies is essential for convenience.
If you’re still unsure which card to pick, we have compiled our top recommendations. Read through the options to see which card aligns best with your travel plans. Comparing features and benefits helps you make an informed choice. Choosing wisely can enhance your overall travel experience.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
This card is the best when it comes to booking flights. It works together with several other airlines that are Europe based, which makes it easy for you to transfer your points. Chase understands how hectic it is to book a flight to Europe, and this is where they come in.
You can transfer your points to several airline partners, including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Air France, and Virgin Atlantic. This flexibility allows you to maximize your rewards for travel. Additionally, the card offers four hotel transfer partners, expanding your options for redeeming points. These features make it easier to use your rewards for both flights and accommodations.
As if that is not enough, this card offers 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within your first three months after opening your account. You also get $1 on travel and dining purchases and another $1 on all other purchases. This credit card comes with 0 foreign transaction fees, gives you primary rental car insurance, interruption and trip cancellation, and baggage delay insurance. However, you will have to pay $95 in annual fees.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®
This is the best card if you are looking for primary travel rewards, and it also comes with chip-PIN capability. With this card, you will earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $50,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account. When you make a qualifying travel purchase of $100 and more, you will be able to use these miles within 120 days.
Qualifying travel includes motels, hotels, airlines, limousines, taxies, campgrounds, cruise lines, travel agencies, buses, trains, and discount travel sites. Furthermore, you will also get 5% miles back whenever you redeem, which will be your starting point for your next trip’s redemption. This card comes with a $0 annual fee intro and $80 after the first year.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Visa® Credit Card
If you are tired of credit cards with annual fees, then this is the best card for you. Most of the credit cards have a yearly fee, and even those without usually come with hefty sign-up fees. Different from the rest, Bank of America offers $0 in annual fees, plus 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within your first 90 days of account opening.
You will also earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on purchases, adding value to your everyday spending. These points can be redeemed for rewards, travel, or other perks depending on the card program. If this card seems like a good fit for you, it’s best to visit their official website for complete details. Checking the site ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information before applying.
Journey® Student Rewards Credit Card from Capital One®
Yes, college students, too, have not been forgotten. If you are a student planning to study in Europe, get a hold of this card. Most students find challenges getting approved for credit cards; however, with the Journey® Student Rewards Card from Capital One®, you will quickly be approved even with a poor credit history.
As if that is not enough, you will get 1% cashback on all purchases you make, plus 0.25% if you pay your bill on time. You don’t incur any foreign transaction fees or annual fees.
Conclusion
As people plan to travel, their preferences as far as credit cards are concerned are different. Whereas one might want a card with no foreign transaction fees, another one might be looking for one that comes with cashback and bonuses. Whatever the case, we found a good mix of cards. Read through and pick which one works best for you.
Disclaimer: All credit products carry risk. Be aware of these risks by reading the associated terms and conditions.
