Traveling abroad is one of life’s greatest joys, but those sneaky fees? Not so much. If you’ve looked at your bank statements after an international trip only to see mysterious charges, you’re not alone. These extra costs, like foreign transaction fees or ATM fees, can quickly add up and take a toll on your travel budget. The good news is that there are debit and credit cards designed specifically to save you money when spending internationally. Think fee-free transactions, ATM fee reimbursements, and even added travel perks like rewards and insurance. With the right card in hand, you can focus on the adventure and worry less about hidden expenses. Whether you're sipping coffee in Paris or trekking through Peru, these cards can keep your finances on track.

Why Choosing the Right Card Matters Abroad

Not all cards are created equal for international travel. Many debit and credit cards slap on foreign transaction fees, usually 1-3% with each purchase you make in another currency. Banks might also charge ATM fees when you withdraw cash. These costs add up fast and can eat into your travel budget.

The best travel cards save you money in two major ways:

  1. Eliminating unnecessary fees: Cards with no foreign transaction fees or ATM fee reimbursements help you save significantly.
  2. Offering travel rewards and perks: Many cards provide benefits like travel insurance, rewards points, and emergency support.

Here’s a breakdown of the most travel-friendly options and what makes them perfect for adventurers.

Best Credit Cards for Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top pick for travelers who love earning rewards while avoiding fees. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Generous Rewards:
    • Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel.
    • Get 3X points on dining, including delivery services and takeout.
    • Earn 2X points on other travel purchases outside of Chase Travel.
    • All other purchases earn 1X points.
  • Sign-Up Bonus:
    • New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel or potentially more when transferred to travel partners.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees:
    • You won’t pay extra for swiping your card abroad.
  • Travel Perks:
    • Includes trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, and rental car coverage.

While it has a $95 annual fee, the rewards and perks often outweigh the cost if you travel frequently.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card

For simplicity and solid value, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card is an excellent choice:

  • Rewards Simplicity:
    • Earn 2X miles on every purchase, no exceptions.
  • Flexible Redemption:
    • Use miles to “erase” travel purchases or book through the Capital One Travel portal.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees:
    • Spend freely abroad without tacking on extra charges.

Another perk worth mentioning is the $250 Capital One Travel credit for eligible Venture cardholders. With a $95 annual fee, its straightforward rewards system is geared toward frequent travelers who want flexibility without complexity.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Go Visa Signature® Card

Prefer a no-annual-fee travel credit card? The U.S. Bank Altitude Go delivers value without a yearly cost:

  • Dining Rewards:
    • Earn 4X points on dining, which is perfect for exploring local cuisines.
  • Travel Benefits:
    • Like the others, this card charges no foreign transaction fees.
  • Extra Perk:
    • Get credits for some streaming services, handy for downtime while traveling.

Best Debit Cards for Travel

If you need quick access to cash or you’re traveling somewhere reliant on it, a good travel debit card is a must. These top options save you from the hassle (and costs) of ATM fees.

Charles Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account

This debit card is a traveler’s best friend:

  • ATM Fee Reimbursements:
    • Schwab refunds all ATM fees worldwide. Use any ATM globally and get your fees reimbursed at the end of each month.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees:
    • Spend in local currencies without extra charges.
  • Linked Brokerage Account:
    • A Schwab One brokerage account is automatically included but requires no minimum balance.

The no-fee structure and flexibility make this card hard to beat. Just remember, you’ll need to open a checking account and set up the brokerage account.

Fidelity Cash Management Account Debit Card

Similar to Schwab, Fidelity’s card offers powerful travel-friendly features:

  • Fee Reimbursements:
    • Covers global ATM charges.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:
    • None at all, so you can use it internationally stress-free.
  • Simple Account Management:
    • No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.

Capital One 360 Checking Account

If you already use the Capital One Venture credit card, their checking account is a natural pairing:

  • International-Friendly:
    • Charges zero foreign transaction fees.
  • ATM Access:
    • Offers 70,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide for free withdrawals.
  • No Maintenance Fees:
    • There’s no monthly service fee, keeping it lightweight for travelers.

Key Features to Look for in a Travel Card

Before picking your ideal card, here are some key criteria to evaluate:

  1. Low or Eliminated Fees:
    • Foreign transaction fees and ATM fees can ruin a budget. Choose cards without them.
  2. Rewards Programs:
    • If you’re using a credit card, find one that helps you earn points or miles, ideally on travel and dining.
  3. Annual Fees:
    • Many great cards have no annual fees. It's important to note, though, that if a card offers significant perks and rewards, a $95 annual fee can quickly pay for itself.
  4. Comprehensive Travel Insurance:
    • Card-provided coverage for trip cancellations, delays, or lost luggage can save you money and hassle.
  5. Fraud Protection:
    • Cards with strong fraud protection and responsive customer service are invaluable if you run into issues abroad.

Pro Tips for Using Travel Cards Abroad

  • Inform Your Bank:
    • Notify your bank or credit card provider about your travel dates to avoid fraud alerts that block transactions.
  • Opt for Local Currency:
    • When given a choice, always pay in the local currency. Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) often comes with hidden markups.
  • Carry a Backup:
    • Always pack an extra debit or credit card in case of theft or blocked transactions.
  • Check ATM Fees:
    • Even with reimbursements, avoid sketchy ATMs that might charge excessive fees upfront.

Equipping yourself with the right debit and credit cards can save you from unexpected costs and upgrade your travel experience. Whether earning points for every meal on the Chase Sapphire Preferred or sidestepping ATM fees with Charles Schwab, these cards are designed with travelers in mind. Do a little pre-trip planning, compare perks, and pick the card (or cards!) that align with your travel style. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll be free to enjoy your adventure without budget stress.