Top 10 Credit Card for International Travel in 2025
- Admin
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
When traveling internationally, having the right travel credit card can make a huge difference in your overall experience. The best credit cards for international travel offer generous rewards, travel perks, and no foreign transaction fees, ensuring you get the most value out of your spending. Whether you're looking for a travel money card with premium benefits or a no-annual-fee option, we've compiled a list of the best credit cards for international travel in 2025 to help you make an informed decision.
How to Compare Travel Credit Cards
When selecting the best travel credit card, consider the following factors:
Rewards Structure – Choose a card that earns the most points or miles based on your spending habits.
Foreign Transaction Fees – Ensure the card has no extra charges for international purchases.
Annual Fees – Higher annual fees often come with premium perks. Decide if the benefits outweigh the cost.
Travel Perks – Look for airport lounge access, free checked bags, or travel credits.
Redemption Flexibility – Some cards offer more options for redeeming rewards, such as flights, hotels, or cash back.
Top 10 Best Credit Cards for International Travel in 2025
Credit Card | Key Features | Annual Fee |
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Low Purchase Interest Rate (9.90% p.a.) - Complimentary International Travel Insurance | $69 |
Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Annual Fee: $0 - Complimentary Travel Insurance - Additional Perks: Purchase security and extended warranty insurance | $0 |
Coles Rewards Mastercard | - No International Transaction Fees - Earn 2 Flybuys points per $1 spent - Rewards redeemable for travel and other benefits | $99 |
Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - No Annual Fee - Travel Perks: Free global Wi-Fi access, complimentary lounge passes for flight delays | $0 |
HSBC Low Rate Credit Card | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Low Purchase Interest Rate - Balanced fee structure | $99 |
ING Orange One Low Rate Credit Card | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Low Interest Rate - Travel-friendly benefits | $149 |
HSBC Premier World Mastercard | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Rewards Program with travel redemption - Complimentary Travel Insurance | $0 (HSBC Premier customers only) |
American Express Explorer Credit Card | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent - $400 Annual Travel Credit - Complimentary Travel Insurance | $395 |
Westpac Lite Card | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Low Interest Rate - Affordable monthly fee | $9/month ($108 annually) |
NAB Rewards Platinum Card | - No Foreign Transaction Fees - Earn NAB Rewards points, transferable to airline partners - Complimentary Travel Insurance | $195 |
How to Maximize Credit Card Points for Travel
To make the most of your travel card benefits:
Use Bonus Categories – Earn extra points by spending in categories like dining, travel, or groceries.
Take Advantage of Sign-up Bonuses – Meet the minimum spending requirement to get a big rewards boost.
Book Through Travel Portals – Some cards offer extra rewards when booking through their travel portals.
Pair Cards for More Rewards – Use multiple cards to maximize earnings on different spending categories.
Redeem Strategically – Transfer points to airline and hotel partners for better value.
Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards
Pros:
Earn rewards on everyday purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Access to exclusive travel perks like lounge access and free checked bags
Travel insurance and purchase protection
Cons:
Some have high annual fees
Rewards programs may have restrictions
Interest rates can be high if you carry a balance
Not all merchants accept all card types internationally
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel credit card can enhance your international trips by offering valuable rewards, perks, and cost savings. Whether you prefer earning travel points, enjoying VIP travel benefits, or avoiding extra fees, there's a travel money card that fits your needs. By understanding how to compare options and maximize rewards, you can make the most of your travel experience in 2025.
The key to finding the best card is aligning it with your personal travel habits. Frequent travelers may benefit from premium cards with lounge access and travel insurance, while occasional travelers might prefer a no-annual-fee card with simple rewards. Remember to use your travel credit card wisely by paying off balances in full to avoid interest charges and making the most of sign-up bonuses. With the right strategy, your travel money card can help you save on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, turning your next trip into a rewarding adventure.
Happy travels!
FAQS
What is the best travel credit card for international travel?
The best travel credit card depends on your spending habits. Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum offer excellent rewards and perks.
Do travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Many of the best credit cards for international travel have no foreign transaction fees, helping you save money abroad.
How do I maximize points with my travel money card?
Use your travel money card in bonus categories like travel and dining, meet sign-up bonus requirements, and redeem wisely through travel portals.
Which travel card offers the most points per dollar spent?
Cards like American Express Platinum (5x points on flights) and Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x points on travel) provide high rewards on travel expenses.
Are travel credit cards worth the annual fee?
If you use the travel perks, such as lounge access, free checked bags, and travel insurance, then a travel credit card with an annual fee can be worth it.
Can I use my travel card for non-travel purchases?
Yes, many travel cards offer rewards on everyday spending like dining, groceries, and gas.
What is the difference between a travel money card and a credit card?
A travel money card is usually a prepaid card, whereas a travel credit card offers rewards and perks with credit flexibility.
How do I redeem travel points for flights?
You can redeem travel points through airline loyalty programs, credit card travel portals, or by transferring to airline partners for maximum value.
Can I have multiple travel credit cards?
Yes, many travelers use multiple best credit cards for international travel to maximize rewards in different spending categories.
What should I do if my travel card gets lost abroad?
Contact your travel credit card issuer immediately for a replacement and use emergency services if available.
Comments