Top Picks for Traveling Overseas with Credit Cards
Top Debit and Credit Cards for International Travel
In the ever-evolving world of finance, finding the right debit and credit cards for international travel can significantly reduce holiday expenses and offer a seamless experience. Here are some of the best options currently available.
Debit Cards for International Travel
For those seeking competitive exchange rates and low ATM fees, consider the Wise International Debit Card, Charles Schwab Investor Checking, and Betterment Checking. Wise offers very competitive conversion rates and low fees on the first $100 withdrawn monthly. Charles Schwab and Betterment stand out by charging no foreign transaction fees and reimbursing unlimited ATM fees worldwide, making them excellent for frequent travellers. Fidelity Cash Management is another option, offering daily ATM fee reimbursements, albeit with a small foreign conversion fee.
Credit Cards for International Travel
Capital One cards and Discover cards are top choices when it comes to credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card is another good option. Many popular airline and travel rewards cards also waive foreign transaction fees but often charge annual fees and offer travel perks in return. Capital One cards, for example, have 0% foreign transaction fees and no annual fee, though they lack airline loyalty partnerships. Discover cards also have zero fees but are less widely accepted internationally, especially in Europe.
Canadian Option
For Canadians, the Home Trust No Fee Preferred Visa card is a notable choice, offering no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, with some cashback on spending.
Specific Card Features
- Chase Bank offers no fees on spending or cash withdrawals at home or abroad, and account management is available only in-app.
- Monzo offers fee-free spending at home or abroad, but charges 3% on cash withdrawals over £200 every 30 days if Monzo is not your main bank account.
- Starling Bank offers no fees on spending, a maximum £300 ATM limit, and six withdrawals per day while abroad. It also offers 3.25% in-credit interest on a maximum of £5,000.
- First Direct offers fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad, up to £500 per day, and a £175 bank switching bonus for moving your current account to First Direct.
- Halifax Clarity credit card offers no fees on spending and fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad. Purchases over £100 with this card are covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
- Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card offers Instant Hilton Honors Gold Status, up to 4.5 Hilton Honors points for every £1 spent on eligible purchases, no foreign exchange fees, and fee-free ATM withdrawals up to £500 per month (or 2.5% fee). It also provides complimentary daily continental breakfast or food and beverage credit, and 30,000 bonus Hilton Honors points when you spend £2,500 in foreign currency within six months (if opened by 14 August 2025). However, it comes with an annual fee of £150.
- Using a competitive travel card can help save on holiday expenses.
In conclusion, the choice of card depends on your travel destinations, ATM access needs, and whether you want travel rewards or mainly fee savings. Capital One cards are among the most widely recommended for overseas trips due to no foreign fees and no annual fee combined with decent acceptance internationally. For debit usage, Charles Schwab and Wise are often top picks due to reimbursements and competitive rates.
- For individuals looking to save on travel costs, using a competitive travel card like Capital One can be beneficial.
- When it comes to personal-finance, choosing debit cards like Charles Schwab, Wise, or Betterment for international travel can offer low ATM fees, competitive exchange rates, and no foreign transaction fees.
- To finance a lifestyle with personal-savings, owning gold and managing property can be beneficial, but for travel, it's essential to have a credit card like Discover Card, which has no foreign transaction fees and is generally accepted globally.
