pre paid travel credit card

International prepaid cards

Compare fees, accessibility and more before choosing a prepaid travel card..

Compare international prepaid cards

We compare the following brands

In this guide

3 factors to consider when comparing international prepaid cards

Is an international prepaid card right for me, what is an international prepaid card, prepaid travel money cards pros and cons, get an international prepaid card online, 5 international prepaid card fees and how to avoid them.

• What if my prepaid card doesn't support the local currency?
• What's the default currency order?

Alternatives to international prepaid cards

Prepaid guides

There are plenty of ways to take your cash overseas, but the right option will depend on your finances, travel plans and spending habits. Weigh the features, fees and benefits of a prepaid travel money to help you find the best travel money option for your next overseas trip.

To get the best international prepaid card for you, compare the following info:

• Fees. Most prepaid cards come with high fees, so you’ll want to choose one with the lowest monthly fee and one that has low fees for things like ATM withdrawals and foreign transactions.
• Accessibility. Make sure it services the currencies you’ll be using. And make sure it’s widely accepted wherever you’re going.
• Exchange rates. You want the most competitive exchange rates — which is why using an international prepaid card is much more beneficial than exchanging cash at an airport kiosk.

We love Wise for being super transparent about all of the above, so it’s worth looking into if you’re on a tight timeline and want a no-BS experience.

An international prepaid card might be a good option if you want to:

• Visit a country whose currency is available on the prepaid money card.
• Avoid fees, including the currency conversion fee and the foreign transaction fee.
• Lock in your exchange rate before traveling.
• Preload a debit card that is separate from your personal banking accounts.
• Have an acceptable form of non-cash payment.

An international prepaid card — also known as a prepaid travel money card — is a debit card that allows you to add money and converts it into several types of currency that you can spend when traveling. This ultimately allows you to spend overseas without paying a currency conversion fee. Before traveling to your destination, make sure your card supports the local currency to ensure you’ll benefit from its features.

Prepaid travel cards also let you lock-in exchange rates before you travel. By knowing exactly what exchange rate you’re getting and how much money you have on the card, you’ll be able to budget more efficiently.

Here are a few advantages and concerns with using a travel money card on your next trip abroad.

• Spend like a local. Prepaid travel cards allow you to preload multiple foreign currencies while avoiding the currency conversion fee.
• Backup card. Prepaid travel cards come with a backup in case the first card is lost or stolen.
• Manage your travel budget. Reload the card when you need funds with a locked-in exchange rate. This protects you from exchange rate fluctuations and also allows you effectively budget.
• Travel card fees. Each card will come with different fees such as initial load fees, reload fees, ATM fees and inactivity fees. Look at the Travel Money Card , as it waives most of these charges.
• Reloading time. It can take anywhere from two to three business days for the transaction to process — don’t forget about extra time for holidays or weekends.
• Weaker exchange rate. Although travel money cards protect you from unpredictable fluctuations in exchange rates, your exchange rate is generally lower than the market rate.

The best place to get international prepaid cards is online, since you can compare the different fees and terms without squinting at the fine print. If you want to pick up an international prepaid card from a physical location, contact your bank to see if you can open one at a branch.

While some grocery stores and chain retailers like Walmart and Costco do sell prepaid cards and gift cards, many of these cannot be used internationally — or they’ll charge hefty fees when used internationally — so we strongly recommend going to your bank or getting one online.

Take a look at some fees associated with travel money cards and a few hacks to reduce or avoid them entirely.

What if my prepaid card doesn’t support the local currency?

Most prepaid travel cards — like the Travelex Money Card — support about six currencies that have their own currency wallet. When you load funds onto your card, you’ll have to choose which currency you’d like to top up so you can use those funds in that country without having to pay a currency conversion fee.

If you don’t have the funds loaded in that particular currency wallet, or if your card doesn’t support that local currency, you’ll get hit with a currency conversion fee whenever you use your travel card in that country.

Your card provider withdraws funds from your account according to the default currency order at their existing exchange rate, and charges you an additional fee for converting currencies.

What’s the default currency order?

Currency order matters when you withdraw or spend money in a currency that your card doesn’t preload and can’t support. When this happens, your purchase amount is taken from the available currency highest on the default currency order list. Your card provider typically determines the default currency order.

For instance, a typical currency could be:

• United States dollars (USD)
• Great British pounds (GBP)
• Euros (EUR)
• Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Australian dollars (AUD)
• Japanese yen (JPY)
• Mexican pesos (MXY)

If you have preloaded USD, EUR and AUD on your card, and you are spending Thai baht in Bangkok, the card will convert whatever USD you have into baht for your purchase.

If you have insufficient USD preloaded on your card, it will convert the remaining USD you have into baht, and then withdraw the difference from your EUR wallet. A currency conversion fee will generally apply in these instances.

If an international prepaid card isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider these alternatives:

• Borderless accounts. A virtual bank account designed to streamline the process of withdrawing cash and paying in different currencies, with low fees and transparent exchange rates. We like Wise because it offers free ATM withdrawals all around the world.
• Cash management accounts. These are tech-savvy accounts offered by nonbank financial service providers, Aspiration and Betterment. They’re considering because they have a reputation for low fees and offer more flexibility when it comes to managing your money. For example, Betterment reimburses you for all ATM and foreign transaction fees.
• International debit cards. Debit cards that won’t ding you for withdrawing money from a foreign ATM or stocking up on souvenirs in a foreign country.
• Travel credit cards. These typically come with zero foreign transaction fees and rewards you for buying travel items like plane tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals and more.
• Compare travel money

Kyle Morgan

Kyle Morgan is SEO manager at Forbes Advisor and a former editor and content strategist at Finder. He has written for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He holds a BA in journalism and media from Rutgers University. See full profile

More guides on Finder

Kraken T&Cs

Chime is better known for traditional banking products, while Cash App is widely known for its peer-to-peer (P2P) money transfer services.

Symple Lending isn’t transparent about its products and services.

Which cash advance apps work with Credit Karma?

Bluevine and Novo are both strong business bank accounts, but Bluevine wins for its bigger perks and more account offerings.

Both fintechs have no-fee business checking, but Mercury offers a few more perks.

Chime is better for bigger bonuses and extra features, but Varo offers cash-back rewards. Our team thinks Chime is the winner by a hair.

A review of FastLoanAdvance shows a lack of transparency about lenders and loan details.

Copper Banking has closed all of its accounts. Here are top banking apps and cards for kids and teens to try instead of Copper.

Some of the best family chore apps include Greenlight, GoHenry, FamZoo, Current, BusyKid, Chores & Allowance Bot and Things 3.

Ask a Question

Click here to cancel reply.

How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?

Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.

Advertiser Disclosure

finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

Are Prepaid Travel Cards a Good Idea?

They can help with budgeting but compare them with other debit and credit card options before you go.

Getty Images

A prepaid travel card can offer fraud protection, with your liability limited to $50 if you report it within two business days of learning of the theft.

Whether you're planning a trip to Bali or Boston, staying on a budget and keeping your money safe is essential. A prepaid debit card can help.

Prepaid travel cards function similarly to general-purpose prepaid debit cards but offer extra perks that can make your life a little easier when you're abroad. However, they also come with limitations and other drawbacks that may give the casual traveler pause.

What Are Prepaid Travel Cards?

Prepaid travel cards, also sometimes called international prepaid cards, can make spending easier when you're outside the country.

There are two primary types of prepaid travel cards:

Multicurrency prepaid travel cards. These cards allow you to load cash in specific currencies onto your card before you go on your trip, letting you lock in your exchange rate instead of paying the current rate at the ATM or point of sale.

You can then use the card wherever its payment network, such as Visa or Mastercard, is accepted.

You can't load cash with just any currency, though. Even major prepaid cards may be limited to only a handful of currencies. For example, some have only six currencies available: the euro, British pound, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen and Mexican peso.

General travel prepaid cards. These cards don't differ much from traditional prepaid debit cards. However, they're more likely to offer certain features that can come in handy when you're overseas.

Examples include chip and PIN capability, emergency cash and card replacement, and international ATM use.

Not all prepaid cards have a chip though, and that can be a problem, says Quentin Telep, director of financial services for AAA National. "In many countries, especially in Europe, they've had the chip functionality for many years."

You may have difficulty using a chipless card at unmanned kiosks and other automated payment points.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Prepaid Travel Card?

If you're planning a trip within the U.S., you likely won't need a travel prepaid debit card. But if you're traveling internationally, you may gain some benefits from doing so.

It can help with budgeting. Sticking to your vacation budget can be tough. Traveling is a time to let loose and live a little, and it can be easy to spend more than you originally planned.

"It's a little easier perhaps to overrun the credit card when you're on vacation and you're not really thinking about how much you're spending," says Mike Clark, co-founder of PrepaidCards123, an online tool for comparing prepaid debit cards. "You may want to set aside a specific amount for your spending money while you're on your trip, and people use prepaid cards for that purpose."

You'll be protected from fraud. Prepaid debit cards are required to give cardholders the same level of fraud protection as traditional debit cards.

This means that if someone uses your card without your permission, your liability is limited to $50 if you report it within two business days of learning of the theft.

Some prepaid cards may go above and beyond this standard, providing a zero-liability policy that protects you from losing any money, even if you don't report the theft before charges show up on your account.

Prepaid cards offer a buffer for your accounts. If you're wary about using your debit or credit card on your trip, a prepaid card can help. While all three types of cards offer some level of fraud protection, it might take time to recover.

A thief who gets access to your debit card could do serious damage to your bank account right when you need funds the most. For example, you may not be able to get reimbursed right away, or it may take some time to receive a replacement credit card . If any kind of theft happens with your prepaid card, the stakes are much lower.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Prepaid Travel Card?

While prepaid travel cards can have their perks, watch out for some potential pitfalls, too.

They can cost more. General prepaid debit cards typically charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made in a foreign currency. And though many travel credit cards waive that fee, prepaid travel cards don't. That means you may be paying 3% on top of every purchase you make on your trip.

Even if you exchange your currency before you go with a multicurrency card, you can expect to pay a premium. For example, you may pay a fee of 5.5% to exchange U.S. dollars to an available currency.

Prepaid travel cards could be a more expensive option than other methods of obtaining foreign currency, such as withdrawing cash from an ATM at your destination. "The exchange rate is not nearly as favorable as you would even have if you prepurchase currency at a bank," says Clark.

And if you don't use all the money on the card, you may be subject to a fee to get a refund of your remaining balance.

Prepaid travel cards can also come with other costs, such as fees to load money onto the account, inactivity fees, ATM fees and even a fee to set up your account.

They don't provide rewards or perks. If you're a disciplined spender and can stick to your budget while traveling, a travel rewards credit card may give you a lot more value than a prepaid travel card. Not only do most travel credit cards charge no foreign transaction fees, but you could get access to rewards and other perks such as statement credits for select travel-related expenses, travel insurance protections , complimentary airport lounge access and more.

Most benefits aren't unique. There are some clear benefits of using a prepaid travel card when you're out of the country, but other products could offer the same benefits.

For example, both traditional debit and credit cards offer fraud protection, and you can also avoid debt by using your regular debit card. And while prepaid travel cards come with a built-in limit as to how much you can spend, it's possible to do the same thing with your checking account – you'll just need to make sure your overdraft protection is disabled to avoid nonsufficient funds charges.

You may run into limitations. If you're hoping to get a multicurrency card, you'll only be able to use it if you're visiting a country that uses an eligible currency.

"It's kind of limited in terms of the geography where it's viable," says Telep, "and it also is really only suitable for frequent international travelers or people who are on very extended international trips."

Should You Consider Using a Prepaid Travel Card?

Prepaid travel cards may sound appealing because they're geared toward travel use. But they don't always provide more than what you get from using your regular debit card and a travel rewards credit card.

And while a multicurrency prepaid travel card sounds like it can make your life easier, you'll pay a premium to preload the currency of your choice. Credit and debit cards may assess fees, but many of them are easier to avoid than on prepaid card fees.

Some prepaid cards charge high monthly fees, for example, which may feel unnecessary if you're only using it when you travel. If you're thinking about using a prepaid debit card when traveling overseas for the forced budgeting feature, avoid limiting your search to cards that brand themselves as prepaid travel cards. Instead, also consider general-purpose prepaid cards that allow for international ATM withdrawals and don't charge a lot of fees.

"Look for a card that has a fee structure that's not going to penalize you if you only use the card two or three times a year when you’re going on various vacation trips," says Telep.

You'll also want to make sure you don't run into limitations on how and when you can use your card while you're traveling.

"If I'm traveling abroad, I have to make sure that my prepaid card is going to work for both cash access and for purchases abroad," says Clark. "And you're always going to want to go with a Visa or Mastercard network because of the acceptance abroad."

Consider Using a Mix of Payment Methods

Instead of focusing your vacation spending on just one form of payment, consider using more than one. For example, a travel rewards credit card may be best for most purchases because you can avoid the foreign transaction fee and earn valuable rewards on each transaction. Then use a traditional or prepaid debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, since credit card issuers will charge a cash advance fee on these transactions.

By having multiple payment options, you can judge which one is the best every time you need to make a purchase. It can also help if one of them gets stolen. While some credit cards and prepaid debit cards offer emergency cash and card replacement services, having a backup ready to go can be a major stress reliever.

Whatever you do, take some time to compare your options to make sure you're getting the most value out of your trip.

Tags: credit cards

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Most links in our content provide compensation to Slickdeals. Applying for and maintaining consumer credit accounts is an important financial decision, with lasting consequences, and requires thought, planning and comparison shopping for the offer that best suits your personal situation. That's why we offer useful tools to evaluate these offers to meet your personal objectives. Be sure to verify all terms and conditions of any credit card before applying.

Search Slickdeals Money

Featured articles.

Southwest Credit Card Offers: Earn 120,000 Bonus Points

Earn an Amazon Gift Card When You Open a Prime Visa Credit Card

Amazon’s Prime Visa Credit Card Review: Generous Rewards for Amazon Power Shoppers

Axos Business Checking: Up to $400 Bonus

Tips and guides to help you navigate the world of personal finance

How Do Prepaid Travel Credit Cards Work?

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Email

Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain.

Sticking to your travel budget isn't always easy. Using a prepaid travel card is one way to help keep your money safe, and can make sense for those who want to avoid overspending while on vacation. 

Prepaid travel cards are an alternative payment option to consider, especially when traveling outside of the U.S. They work like other prepaid debit cards but often come with valuable extra benefits that are perfect when traveling abroad, like loading other currencies onto them. 

Keep reading to learn more about prepaid travel cards, how they work and whether they are right for you. 

What Are Prepaid Travel Cards and How Do They Work?

Prepaid travel cards are prepaid debit cards that make spending easier when traveling outside of the U.S. Sometimes referred to as international prepaid cards, these cards allow you to load funds using specific currencies before you travel, making them a good tool if you're trying to stick to a specific trip budget. Cardholders can even reload additional funds as needed. 

Several payment networks like Mastercard and Visa offer prepaid travel cards. These cards are accepted almost anywhere worldwide and allow you to lock in exchange rates before traveling internationally. They also provide an extra level of security with zero liability protection from unauthorized purchases if your card is lost or stolen. 

Types of Prepaid Travel Cards

Most prepaid travel cards fall into two categories. 

1. Multicurrency Prepaid Travel Cards

Multicurrency prepaid travel cards allow you to lock in a specific exchange rate in several currencies before you travel. You avoid paying current exchange rates at an international ATM or merchant by loading funds ahead of time. 

These cards can be used wherever they are accepted. Since many of these cards are tied to payment networks like Visa or Mastercard, consumers have few limits when using prepaid travel cards. 

Not all multicurrency prepaid travel cards offer the same currency options. Some cards only offer a handful of the more popular currencies — the Australian dollar, British pound, Canadian dollar, the euro, Japanese yen and Mexican peso. Other cards offer over 50 different currencies. 

2. General Travel Prepaid Cards

General travel prepaid cards work like other prepaid debit cards where you can preload funds into the card, but with a few extra features handy for travelers. 

Some features of general travel prepaid cards can include:

• International ATM Use 
• Modern Features Like Chip and PIN Capability
• Emergency Cash Assistance
• Quick Card Replacement  

How Are Prepaid Travel Cards Different from Credit Cards? 

Many consumers are familiar with  travel rewards credit cards that can be used to rack up points for travel expenses, but not many know about prepaid travel cards. Prepaid travel cards are different from regular credit cards in a variety of ways, but they work similarly to secured credit cards with self-loaded funds acting as your credit line. Money is deducted from the prepaid card balance with every transaction until the funds are exhausted. However, consumers can add more funds to their prepaid cards using an outside funding source. 

Here are the major differences between prepaid travel cards and credit cards. 

• Prepaid cards are preloaded with your own money.  You can control your spending with a prepaid travel card based on how much money you load onto the card.
• Prepaid cards don't charge interest . That's because you can only use funds loaded onto the card, not borrow from a credit line like a credit card. You could end up paying foreign exchange fees with a prepaid travel card or a credit card, although many of the top travel rewards credit cards don't charge this fee. 
• Prepaid travel cards don't have any bearing on your credit score or history .  They can't help boost your credit  or hurt it because they're not reported to the credit bureaus since you use your own money to fund the card.

Pros & Cons of Using a Prepaid Travel Card

Just like any payment option, there are benefits and drawbacks to using prepaid travel cards. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider before getting a prepaid travel card. 

Pros of Prepaid Travel Credit Card  

• Helps you stay within your travel budget.
• Lock in the currency exchange rate in advance.
• Safer than a debit card or carrying cash.
• Load multiple currencies onto one card.
• Chip and PIN technology.
• Use at ATMs and shopping online.

Cons of Prepaid Travel Credit Card 

• Foreign transaction fees and ATM fees, among other fees.
• Doesn't help you build credit.
• No overdraft option.
• May not be able to use at hotels that only take credit cards.
• Few (if any) travel protections.
• No travel rewards.

Are There Fees With Prepaid Travel Cards?

While there are several benefits to using prepaid travel cards, there is one negative attached to most cards — extra fees. You could face several fees if you choose to use a prepaid travel card, including: 

• Foreign transaction fees : Many cards charge a fee when you use a prepaid card while traveling abroad. You could see charges of up to 4% or higher on some prepaid cards. 
• Monthly fees : You could also pay a monthly fee for using a prepaid card. Some cards have fee structures that include a monthly fee, while others opt to charge cardholders per transaction instead. Some cards charge fees upwards of $9.95 per month. Some cards waive the monthly fee by meeting balance or deposit requirements. 
• ATM fees : Using a prepaid card at an ATM typically involves paying a fee, whether used at a domestic or international ATM.

Other common prepaid card fees include: 

• Initial load fee
• Inactivity fee
• Transaction fee
• Cash reload fee
• Balance inquiry fee
• Replacement card fee

Fees attached to your card may depend on the specific card, payment network or how you use the card.

Is My Money Safe On A Travel Card?

One big benefit of prepaid travel cards is the security they provide, such as: 

• Funds are not linked to your bank : Unlike a debit card, a prepaid card isn't attached to your bank account. If your card is lost or stolen, you're less likely at risk of someone emptying your checking account. Your exposure is limited only to the funds on the card itself. 
• Chip and PIN authentication : Many prepaid cards also feature chip and PIN technology, giving you another safeguard if your card is stolen. You can contact your card provider to freeze the card account if necessary.  
• Zero-liability fraud protection : Several popular travel prepaid cards come with zero-liability fraud protection. Regardless of the card, prepaid cards must carry the same level of fraud protection as debit cards. 

Can I Get A Prepaid Travel Card If I Have Bad Credit?

Because prepaid cards are secured with cash, there’s typically no credit check involved. That's what makes prepaid cards an attractive good option for individuals with bad credit who may have a hard time qualifying for a travel credit card. If you have cash, generally, you can get a prepaid card. 

Unfortunately, prepaid travel cards don't help you build credit either. There are no monthly payments to report to credit bureaus. Prepaid cards also don't impact your credit utilization ratio, credit mix or length of credit history, all factors that could improve your credit. A prepaid card could be a good option short term when traveling but shouldn't be a substitute for other payment options that can help improve your credit. 

Are Prepaid Travel Cards Worth It?

A prepaid travel card could be worth it for individuals who are seeking a safe payment option when traveling internationally and want to keep their spending abroad in check. It can also help to lock in a lower exchange rate instead of leaving it to chance with fluctuating rates. 

But prepaid cards have their limitations too. They usually do not come with travel rewards or allow the cardholder to build credit by using the card. Don't forget that most prepaid cards also charge foreign transaction fees and other fees like monthly fees or inactivity fees. 

Shop around if you're thinking about getting a prepaid card for your next international trip. Compare card fees, features and benefits to find one that fits your needs and is accepted in places you travel. Another option is to use multiple payment options when you travel. Using a prepaid card in combination with a credit card and debit card allows you to use each card in situations where it's advantageous. This also protects you if you run into any issues with your prepaid card. 

Kevin Payne

Kevin Payne is a personal finance, credit card, and travel writer. He is the family travel and budget expert behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com. Kevin lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife and four kids. His work has appeared on several websites, including FinanceBuzz, Credit Karma, Millennial Money, Club Thrifty, Student Loan Planner and Slickdeals.

Follow the Money

Get all the latest finance topics and tips delivered straight to your inbox weekly.

Slickdeals Money Guide Tips and guides to help you navigate the world of personal finance Learn More

How to Rent a Car if You Don’t Have a Credit Card

3 Best Credit Cards for International Travel

4 Ways to Send Money Internationally

Venmo Debit Card Review: Is It Worth It?

6 Best Banks for Global Travelers

How Do Gas Credit Cards Work?

A Simple Guide to Credit Card Travel Protections

9 Most Common Bank Account Fees (and How to Avoid Them)

AT&T Points Plus Credit Card from Citi Review: Up to $240 in Annual Statement Credits

Citigold® Checking: Earn Up to $2,000 for Opening a New Account

How to Dispute a Charge on a Debit Card

Where to Store Your Crypto: Online, Hardware or Paper Wallets?

Terms & conditions on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for more details.

*Card registration required. Certain exceptions apply. Click here for terms and conditions.

†Requirements may vary. See card packaging or ask in-store for details.

Travel Technology: Should I Use a Prepaid Travel Credit Card Like Wise?

by Carolyn Ray | Apr 9, 2024

• Toggle High Contrast
• Toggle Font size

Last updated on April 19th, 2024

How to save money and convert multiple currencies while travelling

by Carolyn Ray

Welcome to our Travel Technology column, where I attempt to answer your questions about the mystifying, ever-changing and evolving world of technology. Having spent years working in the technology industry with IBM and other notable firms, I have always been an early adopter and feel qualified to share my personal experiences or find those who know more than me, which often includes our readers. I always encourage you to review other sources and consult with experts.

Topic of the week: Prepaid travel credit cards

One of the most frequent questions on our private Solo Travel Wisdom group is about prepaid travel credit cards.

Question: “Does anyone have experience with a Wise card? How are the exchange rates going from Canadian dollars to other currencies? Thank you for any guidance you can give me.” — Cheryl T.

My take : I much prefer having a digital card like Wise on my phone versus pulling my credit card out of my wallet when I want to pay for public transit or make payments at stores and restaurants. In most European countries, you can tap on and off public transportation, such as the metro, subway, or bus with your phone using your Wallet (on iPhone) which uses facial recognition for additional protection.The other feature I enjoy is currency exchange, which can be done at the touch of a button for a small fee. For example, if I am travelling to Switzerland and don’t have Swiss Francs, I can convert my Euros into this currency at the touch of a button, and then convert unused funds into a currency I need. As a business owner, I use Wise to make payments in different currencies and have found the fees significantly lower than Paypal. Wise also has a plastic credit card as well but I just use the digital one.

Editorial note: JourneyWoman may earn revenue from this article from the company mentioned if you choose to purchase their product, but there is no cost to you for this. Our perspective is informed by our readers and our personal experiences, not influenced by advertisers. We wouldn’t recommend a product we haven’t used ourselves and will state if an article of this type is paid for or sponsored by a company, which it is not in this case. Read our disclaimer here . 

What is a prepaid travel card?

A travel money card, also called a currency card, is a type of card which allows you to keep multiple currencies and use the card while travelling the world with no hidden fees to worry about.

Read More: How to Save Money on Travel: Tips From Experienced Solo Travellers

Benefits of a prepaid travel card.

Prepaid cards like Wise offer several benefits over physical credit cards, including no foreign transaction fees and lower rates than traditional credit cards.

Exchange rates : Both Revolut and Wise use the mid-market exchange rate, which is much better than the rate we might get at a bank, which also charges hidden fees. One difference with Revolut is that there is an extra 1.0% fee if you’d like to move RUB, THB or UAH. Revolut also charges a fee outside exchange hours, which can range between 0.5% – 2.0%.

Sending money : Fees vary slightly when sending money depending on the source of the funding. For example, if you’re funding your Wise account from your bank account, there is an Interac fee. I use Wise for business so the fees may be slightly higher than on personal accounts.

Receiving money : There is no charge to receive non-wire money on Wise . There is a fixed fee depending on the amount for SWIFT or wire transactions, between $4 and $10.

Read More: Travel Technology: What is an eSIM or Electronic Sim Card for Mobile Phones?

What women say about Wise and prepaid travel credit cards

“ Wise is an amazing resource. If you get the debit card, you can transfer money into a local currency account and use the debit card to withdraw it when in the country. You save a LOT on fees and currency conversion charges. — Mariellen W.

“Reminder to check which credit cards don’t have international fees. I forgot all about it this last trip & boy did those fees add up.” — MaKoa N.

“I have (a Wise card). I can’t really speak to your question about exchange rates but I have found it to be a great way to carry money internationally. It’s easy to load money onto it. It’s not connected to my own bank account so the risk of losing it is less damaging. It’s widely accepted so less need to carry anything else. I have nothing but positive experiences with it.” — Nancy T.

“I have Wise and I totally love it. You can go on their website and see that day’s exchange rate I believe. What you are not paying with this card is the 2 to 3% above that rate that bank cards charge to do a foreign transaction!!” — Cathi W.

“I used Wise to transfer money to an overseas vendor to pay for a trip in their currency. The exchange rate and service fees were less than using my credit card. It was easy once I read through the steps and provided confirmation of the transaction and delivery of the funds. I continue to weigh the savings vs credit card use (not accumulating points and insurance).” — Helen C.

“I also use Wise as a way to receive money from retreat participants in the currency of their choice and so that I can easily and seamlessly move through countries and access that same currency, having never paid exchange rates. I will caution anyone who holds large amounts (50K+) in any digital service, however. They are not a bank, and while highly regulated are not under the same protection as an institution.” — Tania C.

Please note: We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. While we may highlight certain positives of a finanical product, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product. To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by JourneyWoman.  Read more in our Terms of Use of this site. 

Learn More About Travel Technology

Travel Technology: What is a VPN or Virtual Private Network?

by Carolyn Ray | May 18, 2024

Our Travel Technology series answers the question: ‘what is a VPN’, to help you protect your privacy on public networks.

Travel Technology: What is an eSIM or Electronic Sim Card for Mobile Phones?

by Carolyn Ray | Mar 31, 2024

Our Travel Technology series starts with a look at eSIMs, a new, cost-effective way for women to save money and stay connected on mobile phones.

Hold The Phone, Grandma: Safe Etiquette for Grandkid Holiday Snaps and Social Media

by Kathy Buckworth | Dec 22, 2023

Suggestions for grandparents when posting holiday photos on social media, particularly when traveling with grandchildren.

Carolyn Ray

As the CEO and Editor of JourneyWoman, Carolyn is a passionate advocate for women's travel and living the life of your dreams. She leads JourneyWoman's team of writers and chairs the JourneyWoman Women's Advisory Council and Women's Speaker's Bureau. She has been featured in the New York Times, Toronto Star and Zoomer as a solo travel expert, and speaks at women's travel conferences around the world. In March 2023, she was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse and was the recipient of a SATW travel writing award in September 2023. She is the chair of the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), a member Women's Travel Leaders and a Herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC). Sometimes she sleeps. A bit.

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Availability of insurance benefits on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for complete insurance benefit coverage terms, conditions and exclusions.

MASTERCARD BENEFIT INQUIRIES Within the U.S.: 1-800-Mastercard (1-800-627-8372) | Outside the U.S.: Mastercard Global Service Phone Numbers

1. Card registration required. Certain restrictions apply. Contact the issuer of your card immediately to report your lost or stolen card. You can use the customer service toll-free number listed on the back of the card. Be sure to keep a record of the Mastercard card number. Your issuer may need this information to cancel the card and issue a replacement. You can also contact Emergency Services for additional assistance. In the event your card is lost or stolen, your card issuer will not hold you responsible for unauthorized purchases made on your card. Terms and Conditions .   ↩

2. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Cardholders need to register for this service. This service is provided by Iris® Powered by Generali. Please see your guide to benefits for details or call 1-800-MASTERCARD.   ↩

3. These are summary descriptions only. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. To learn more about Zero Liability, visit mastercard.com/zeroliability . Contact your issuing financial institution for complete coverage terms and conditions or call 1.800.Mastercard (1.800.627.8372) for assistance. Applicable to U.S. cardholders only.   ↩

4. HealthLock is an end‑to‑end analytics‑driven platform that helps protect cardholders’ medical identities and data and monitors their medical claims for errors, fraud and overbilling. HealthLock provides three plan levels:

• Medical Claim Monitor: Helps guard against medical fraud and privacy intrusions by monitoring medical data breaches, providing alerts and helping remediate medical fraud issues.
• Medical Claim Auditor: Organizes, tracks and audits all healthcare bills (24‑month retroactive audit and ongoing auditing) in one place, verifying that all bills are accurate and identifying potential overcharges and insurance errors. This level includes everything from the previous plan.
• Medical Claim Saver: Provides access to medical bill negotiation with providers and insurance companies to potentially help reduce bills and reverse claim rejections. This level includes everything from the previous plan.

Enrolled users receive, at no cost, Medical Claim Monitor, plus a premium upgrade to Medical Claim Saver for the first 90 days. After 90 days, users will continue to receive Medical Claim Monitor at no monthly cost and have the option to continue with Medical Claim Auditor for $4.99 per month or Medical Claim Saver for $19.99 per month. See full terms here .   ↩

MASTERCARD BENEFIT INQUIRIES

Your benefits may vary by card type and by issuing financial institution. Refer to your issuing financial institution for complete benefit coverage terms and conditions or call Mastercard (0800-96-4767) for assistance. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

Availability of insurance benefits on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for complete insurance benefit coverage terms, conditions and exclusions.

*Card registration required. Certain exceptions apply. Click here for terms and conditions .

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

16 Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards || Best hotel credit cards

The best travel credit card is one that brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Purchases earn points or miles you can use to pay for travel. If you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider one of that company's branded travel credit cards. Otherwise, check out our picks for general-purpose travel cards that give you flexible travel rewards without the restrictions and blackout dates of branded cards.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Max flexibility + big bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Travel portal benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Big rewards on everyday spending

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury travel perks

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travelers

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best for Triple points on multiple categories

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Bonus rewards + high-end perks

World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Best hotel card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card : Best for Travel rewards for rent payments

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for Best airline card

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card : Best for Credit union benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for Booking directly with airlines/hotels

Best Travel Credit Cards

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Max flexibility + big bonus

Flat-rate rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, luxury travel perks, business travelers, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, bonus rewards + high-end perks, best hotel card, travel rewards for rent payments, best airline card, credit union benefits, booking directly with airlines/hotels, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Max flexibility + big bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Our pick for: Booking directly with airlines/hotels

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card stands out among general-purpose travel cards because it pays its highest rewards rates on travel bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, rather than requiring you to go through the issuer's travel agency, where prices might not be competitive. The points are flexible, you get a good bonus offer, and the card comes with a few other nice perks. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Our pick for: Triple points on everyday categories

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns bonus points on select travel, supermarkets, dining, gas stations and EV stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee:  $0 intro for the first year, then $95 .  Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: B est airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Best hotel card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Business travelers

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

Are you in Canada?

See NerdWallet's best travel cards for Canada.

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, and we've rounded up more here . Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never leave the U.S., then this isn't much of a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them.

Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $450 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks.

Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on June 28 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

Business travel can earn credit card rewards just like leisure travel. Credit cards that earn rewards for travel purchases don't distinguish between one or the other — meaning, if a card pays 3X points on airfare, for example, it's going to pay it no matter why you're buying the ticket. There are also travel credit cards specifically designed for business operators, with benefits and perks better aligned with their needs.

Where things get complicated is when you're not arranging the travel yourself. With credit card points, the rewards go to the cardholder. So if you arrange travel through your employer and the cost goes on the "company card," then the company card gets the points. Put it on your own card and get reimbursed later, and you get the points. (And if you have a company card with your name on it? That may come down to company policy.)

When redeeming travel rewards, you want to get as much value as possible. If you can get more value by using your rewards than by using cash, then it's smart to do so. (And of course, the reverse also applies.) NerdWallet has calculated the baseline values of most major credit card points, airline miles and hotel points. When you get a value that exceeds these baselines, go ahead and use your rewards. If not, consider using cash.

For example, say you could book a trip by paying $400 cash for a ticket or by redeeming 50,000 points or miles. In that case, your points would be getting you a value of 0.8 cents apiece (50,000 x 0.8 cents = $400). If the baseline value of each point is 1 cent, then you're better off paying cash and saving the points for when you can redeem them for 1 cent or better.

That said, you don't want to be overthinking it and hoarding points indefinitely in search of the deal to end all deals. Like any other currency, travel rewards lose value over time. That flight that costs 50,000 points today might cost 55,000 next year. Do you have enough points to get you where you want to go, when you want to go, in the way you want to get there? If so, don't let fractions of a penny stop you from booking your trip. It's your money, and you get to decide how to spend it.

A number of travel credit cards come with "travel credits," which reimburse you for specific expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, has a $300 annual travel credit; several cards offer credits toward things like airline fees or hotel bookings; and a bunch of cards have a credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry .

The less restrictive a credit is, the easier it is to redeem. The easiest travel credit to redeem is one that:

Applies to a broad range of expenses. Some credits are very fickle. You may get $200 a year in "airline credit," but it applies only to incidental fees (not airfare) on a single airline that you have to choose ahead of time. A card may offer hundreds of dollars in credit toward travel, but you have to go through the issuer's booking portal, where rates may be more expensive and options more limited. Other credits, however, are broad and open-ended: $300 on any travel expense, $100 toward any airline booking, and so on.

Shows up automatically on your statement. Your issuer's system should be able to recognize qualifying expenses and then apply the credit to them without you having to do anything. If the only way to receive the credit is by calling a phone number or submitting receipts or other documentation, that makes it harder to redeem, which in turn makes it less likely that you'll redeem (and that may be the point).

About the author

Sara Rathner

• Best Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer
• No Annual Fee

On this page

• Our top picks
• Prepaid card details
• What is a prepaid card
• Pros and cons

How to choose a prepaid card

Should i get a prepaid card.

• What to watch for
• Our methodology
• Frequently asked questions

Best Prepaid Cards

December 29, 2023

How we Choose

Prepaid cards are a type of debit card that function much like gift cards. You buy one, load a desired amount of funds onto the card and use the card to make purchases. Prepaid cards can be helpful if you can’t qualify for a traditional debit or credit card, are trying to maintain a strict budget (given you set your balance up front) or want to teach kids how to manage their money. However, it’s important to note prepaid cards are not credit cards. You’re not getting a loan and your payments aren’t reported to the three credit bureaus, so it’s not how you should start building credit . The best prepaid cards tout minimal fees, are widely accepted and allow you to reload funds in a variety of ways, including direct deposit, transfers from a checking or savings account and cash loads at participating retailers. Below you’ll find some top prepaid cards from our partners, followed by a full list of editor picks.

Prepaid cards are a type of debit card that function much like gift cards. You buy one, load a desired amount of funds onto the card and use the card to make purchases. Prepaid cards can be helpful if you can’t qualify for a traditional debit or credit card, are trying to maintain a strict budget (given you set your balance up front) or want to teach kids how to manage their money. However, it’s important to note prepaid cards are not credit cards. You’re not getting a loan and your payments aren’t reported to the three credit bureaus, so it’s not how you should start building credit . The best prepaid cards tout minimal fees, are widely accepted and allow you to reload funds in a variety of ways, including direct deposit, transfers from a checking or savings account, and cash loads at participating retailers. Below you’ll find some top prepaid cards from our partners, followed by a full list of editor picks.

Best prepaid cards for 2024

• Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard® : Best prepaid option from Mastercard®
• Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card : Best Visa® card for everyday use
• Western Union® Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard® : Best for Western Union® members
• Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard® : Best Mastercard® for everyday use
• Control™ Prepaid Mastercard® : Best for select rewards
• Self – Credit Builder Account : Best for building credit
• PayPal Prepaid MasterCard® : Best for PayPal users
• Netspend® All-Access® Account : Best for interest savings
• Greenlight Debit Card : Best for parents
• Pink Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card : Best for online account management

Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card

Rewards rate

At a glance.

• With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
• No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
• Use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
• Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
• Card issued by Pathward N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
• See additional NetSpend® Prepaid Visa® details.

Rates & Fees

Self — credit builder account.

Why we like this card

The Self – Credit Builder Account offers the unique opportunity to grow your credit score by reporting spending habits to all three credit bureaus, which is quite useful as this account does not require any credit history. This account is a great tool for those looking to build credit and practice healthy financial habits and provides a low barrier for entry as you won’t be subject to a hard pull on your credit.

While you will not actually receive a card to swipe, the Self – Credit Builder Account functions more like a savings account, but with the ability to build credit. In fact, Self will set you up with a small loan with a regular APR of 12.03% to 15.98% (variable) that’ll be saved in a CD for 24 months ($25 minimum payment each month), and, at the end of the account term, your CD savings will unlock.

• This account reports to all three credit bureaus and includes credit monitoring, no hard credit pull and no credit history required.
• At the end of account term, you've built up your credit history and your CD savings will unlock.
• This is a credit-building account as opposed to a credit card, so you will not have access to a credit limit.
• There is a one-time account fee of $9.

Bottom Line

While you won’t be able to accumulate rewards or learn from the experience of swiping a card, this account offers an easy approval process and tools for improving your credit.

• Savings plans start at $25/month and includes credit monitoring
• Reports to all 3 credit bureaus. No hard credit pull and no credit history required
• Self helps you get a small loan that you save in a CD for 12 or 24 months (FDIC- insured certificate of deposit bank account)
• At the end of account term you've built credit history and your CD savings unlocks

PayPal Prepaid Mastercard®

For people looking to make the most of their PayPal account, the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® is a reliable option that offers a mobile app and direct deposit capabilities, allowing you to efficiently manage your money on the go. You can also add cash at more than 130,000 reload locations in the U.S. and earn rewards through PayPal Payback Rewards, which allows for earning on qualifying purchases from select merchants.

• The PayPal Payback Rewards system allows you to earn Payback Rewards on qualifying purchases from select merchants.
• This card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.
• This card comes with a variable monthly fee.
• This card does not have any credit-building features.

The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® offers those looking to delve further into the PayPal ecosystem a flexible option for sending and receiving payments and the ability to earn Payback Rewards on eligible purchases is a helpful benefit as well.

• Move money from your PayPal account to fund your prepaid card account.
• Earn cash back and personalized offers, just for using your card.
• Card issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.
• Click PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® for additional features & program details, and to request a Card.

Greenlight Debit Card

The Greenlight Debit Card is designed to help teens get familiar with healthy financial habits and comes with some unique perks to accomplish this. Parents can set automated allowances that pay out on any day of your choosing (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly) and add recurring chores, spending limits and savings goals. Parents can also set store-level controls to limit spending and receive real-time payment notifications to keep track of their children’s habits.

• Parents can create savings goals for your child that encourages them to set aside money for a specific purpose and track progress towards reaching that goal.
• Both parents and kids can deactivate this card if it goes missing with a single touch within the Greenlight app.
• This card has a monthly fee of $4.99.

The Greenlight Debit Card comes with unique functionality to help parents educate their children on the fundamentals of spending and saving, but those looking to build credit from an early age may want to try a different card.

• Set automated allowances that pay out on any day of your choosing, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Create one-time or weekly chores with flexible payment options. Pay once chores are completed, or tie weekly chores to allowance payments. Teens can set up direct deposit and learn the importance of saving and giving.
• Set store-level and controls to make sure your kids only spend at certain stores, restaurants or websites. Real-time notifications tell you where, when, and how much your child just spent. And reporting lets you and your child review spending choices together.
• Create savings goals for your child that encourages them to set aside money for a specific purpose and track progress towards reaching that goal. Set your own parent-paid interest rate and show your kids how their money grows each month when they make good decisions to save. Giving account may only be used to donate to 501(c)(3) organizations, sparking conversations around the importance of giving to those in need.
• Instant Transfers. Real-time notifications. Complete account activity history.
• Both parents and kids can turn the Greenlight card off it goes missing with a single touch within the Greenlight app. Your Greenlight card comes equipped with an EMV chip which provides you an extra layer of protection and is required for many places around the world. Set your child’s secure PIN, and change it at any time within the app.

The Pink Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card looks like an ordinary credit card, but works like an ATM card because you load your own money onto the card. You can use their online account features and tools to manage your account and pay bills in easy, convenient ways. You will not be subject to any late fees or interest charges and because this is a Visa card, you’ll have a reliable payment option in most circumstances.

• This is a Visa card, so you won’t run into trouble when it comes to having a viable payment option.
• You can use the Netspend Mobile App to manage and monitor your account while on the move.
• This card lacks utility for those looking to build credit or accumulate rewards.
• This card requires a variable monthly fee.

The Pink Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card is a helpful, widely accepted prepaid card for those who want the convenience of paying with plastic but don’t want or don’t qualify for a regular credit card.

Comparing the best prepaid credit cards

Editor’s picks: prepaid credit card details, brink’s prepaid mastercard®: best prepaid option from mastercard.

Why we picked it: This card can be used anywhere that takes Mastercard – one of the dominant worldwide payment networks – making it a trustworthy choice that can be used almost anywhere.

Pros: You won’t face late fees or interest charges with this kind of card, plus you’ll have access to the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App to manage your account. Also, Brink’s has been securing cash and valuables since 1859, making it a card you can count on.

Cons: This card has no rewards and can’t grow your credit score, limiting its utility. It also requires a variable monthly fee.

Who should apply? The Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard is a good choice for those who want an easy way to pay prior to opening a credit card or secured card account.

Read more on the Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard.

Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card: Best Visa card for everyday use

Why we picked it: Being a Visa card , this option gives a convenient way to pay at merchants all over the globe. You won’t run into trouble when it comes to having a viable payment option.

Pros: There’s no minimum balance required, no activation fee and no credit check when you open a Netspend Visa card account. You can also use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your account and thanks to the nature of this type of card, there’s no interest charges or late fees.

Cons: There’s no chance at growing your credit or earning rewards with this type of card, limiting its long-term impact. It also has a variable monthly fee.

Who should apply? If you’re looking for a convenient way to spend prior to signing up for a credit card, this is a solid, widely accepted choice.

Read more on the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card.

Western Union® Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard®: Best for Western Union members

Why we picked it: After opening a card account, you can send and receive a Western Union® Money Transfer, or use their website to shop or pay bills.

Pros: Moving your money is easy with direct deposit and much like the other options, this card doesn’t feature late fees or interest charges.

Cons: This card has a monthly fee of up to $9.95. Also, like all prepaid cards, you won’t earn rewards or improve your credit score .

Who should apply? Western Union members will appreciate the new capabilities created by this card. It’s a convenient, simple way to spend for a monthly fee.

Read more on the Western Union Netspend Prepaid Mastercard.

Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard®: Best Mastercard for everyday use

Why we picked it: Payments can be received quickly via direct deposit, sometimes processed up to two days faster than many banks. Cardholders can earn Payback Rewards on eligible purchases which are then applied to your account.

Pros: Deposits and other account services can be managed using the Netspend® Mobile App on your phone.

Cons: There is up to a $9.95 monthly fee in addition to $2.95 for ATM withdrawals, up to $3.95 for cash reloads, the greater of 2% or $5 a month in payroll fees and a potential $5.95 monthly fee if your account is inactive.

Who should apply? In lieu of a bank account, this can be a convenient option for making and receiving payments as well as withdrawing cash.

Read more on the Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard® .

Control™ Prepaid Mastercard®: Best for select rewards

Why we picked it: This Mastercard option gives cash back rewards on select qualifying purchases. There’s also no credit check and no cost to order the card.

Pros: You can manage your money through the Control Prepaid Mastercard’s mobile app and won’t be subject to overdraft fees on card purchases.

Cons: You can’t grow your credit with this card and it requires a variable fee each month.

Who should apply? This is a good choice for those who want to avoid extra fees and even earn some cash back as they spend. However, there are cash back cards for poor credit that would do you better in the long run.

Read more on the Control Prepaid Mastercard.

Self – Credit Builder Account: Best for building credit

Why we picked it: You don’t need a credit history for this account, which gives you the unique opportunity to grow your credit score by reporting spending habits to all three credit bureaus .

Pros: You can graduate from this account to the Self – Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card , allowing you to work on your credit prior to getting used to carrying a card. Self will help you get a small loan to be saved in a CD, which will unlock once you’ve built a credit history and the account term ends. There’s also a one-time $9 to $15 account fee, which is low when compared to the cards here.

Cons: This account has no rewards and a regular APR of 12.03% to 15.98% (variable), so be sure to pay off any balance.

Who should apply? Credit newcomers looking to build a history without immediately opening a card account should consider this option. It may be unconventional, but it’s a great way to get started on the journey to a good credit score.

Read more on the Self – Credit Builder Account +.

PayPal Prepaid Mastercard®: Best for PayPal users

Why we picked it: You can earn rewards through PayPal Payback Rewards, which allows for earning on qualifying purchases from select merchants. And for easy money management, you can move cash directly from your PayPal account.

Pros: You can manage your money easily with this card’s mobile app and direct deposit capabilities. Also, you can add cash at more than 130,000 reload locations in the U.S.

Cons: This card comes with a variable monthly fee and no credit-building features.

Who should apply? PayPal regulars might appreciate the benefits offered by this card thanks to its available rewards and convenience.

Read more on the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard.

Netspend® All-Access® Account: Best for interest savings

Why we picked it: This option from Visa allows for up to 6% Annual Percentage Yield on your account, so you can watch your balance grow. There’s also no credit check, activation fee or minimum balance required.

Pros: You get access to online banking and the account’s mobile app after opening, so tracking your transactions should be easy. You can also earn cash back on qualifying purchases through Payback Rewards.

Cons: The Netspend All-Access Account by Pathward requires a $5 standard monthly service fee (new cardholders pay $0 in monthly service fees for a limited time) and doesn’t have any credit-building features.

Who should apply? Those who plan on depositing a large balance can benefit from the APY of this card. However, if you have no credit history and this looks like an enticing option, you may be better off using a credit card to establish a score.

Read more on the Netspend All-Access Account.

Greenlight Debit Card: Best for parents

Why we picked it: This option is designed to help teens get familiar with card habits, so it has some unique perks. Parents can set automated allowances that can be paid out whenever they’d like, plus you can add things like recurring chores, savings goals and spending limits to help instill healthy habits.

Pros: Parents can limit the stores, websites and restaurants their kids spend at with this card. There’s also real-time notification of where payments happened and how much was spent, and you can deactivate the card in the mobile app if it were to ever go missing.

Cons: There’s no way to build credit with this card. Also, it has a monthly fee of $4.99.

Who should apply? Parents trying to familiarize their teens with good financial habits should consider this card thanks to its unique functionality.

Read more on the Greenlight Debit Card review .

Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard® – Proud Partner of MLB®: Best for baseball fans

Why we picked it: For fans of Major League Baseball, this card offers all the benefits of other Netspend Prepaid cards but can be branded with the logo of your favorite team. Receive payments quickly via direct deposit and can earn Payback Rewards on eligible purchases.

Cons: There is a $9.95 monthly fee in addition to $2.95 for ATM withdrawals, $3.95 for cash reloads, the greater of $5 or 2% a month in payroll fees and a potential $5.95 monthly fee if your account is inactive.

Who should apply? This can be a convenient option for baseball fans in need of sending and receiving payments as well as withdrawing cash.

Read more on the Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard – Proud Partner of MLB® .

What is a prepaid credit card?

Prepaid cards are among the fastest growing financial products on the market. General-purpose, reloadable prepaid cards have grown from a $1 billion purchase volume in 2003 to over $300 billion by 2023.

Yet, as popular as they are, there is a ton of misunderstanding about them. For example, although it gets mentioned, there is no such thing as a prepaid credit card – it’s just a prepaid card and they’re almost opposites. Here, we take a look at some common features of prepaid cards and how they compare to other card types.

How does a prepaid card work?

Using prepaid cards is very simple. You just need to load the amount of money you want to have available for purchases onto the card; then, as you use the card, keep an eye on your balance to be sure it will cover the purchases you want to make.

For example, if you load a prepaid card with $100 and buy something for $20, you’ll have a balance of $80 left to spend. If the balance reaches $0, or if you want to make a purchase that exceeds the card’s current balance, you must add more money or cover the difference with another form of payment, as you would with a gift card.

What is the difference between prepaid cards and other types of cards?

A prepaid card, also called a pay-as-you-go card, is a product that only lets you spend money you’ve loaded onto it in advance. Instead of borrowing money from a bank that you must pay back later (as with a credit card), you are spending your own preloaded money. One of the conveniences of prepaid cards is that they are available almost anywhere, from grocery stores to gas stations, and you can use them anywhere their payment network (such as Visa or Mastercard) is accepted.

Here are some of the most common types of prepaid cards:

• General-purpose reloadable cards
• Retail cards
• Transit cards
• Health savings account cards
• Payroll cards
• Government benefit cards

A prepaid card is a great tool for someone who needs a little help budgeting, doesn’t have the best credit score or finds paying with cash inconvenient. But unlike credit cards, prepaid cards won’t let you carry a balance with interest or help you build your credit score.

Here are the three main types of cards you’ll encounter when looking for a financial card other than a prepaid card, along with how they work and what makes them unique.

Prepaid cards vs. debit cards

A debit card is issued by a bank and linked to a checking or savings account. Each time you use a debit card, you are transferring money electronically from your bank account to pay for your purchase, reducing your bank account balance. You can also use a debit card to withdraw cash from your account via an ATM. Debit cards are a big industry. Wells Fargo dominates the industry, with more than 50 other issuers competing in the market, according to the Nilson report.

A debit card may not have the protections of credit or charge cards, although some financial institutions place protections on their debit cards, and debit cards can have federal deposit insurance through the bank.

If you overcharge, your card may be declined or your bank may charge you overdraft fees to cover the purchase. Debit cards also usually have daily spending limits, so you may not be able to make especially large purchases with a debit card.

Prepaid cards vs. credit cards

A credit card is a lending product that allows you to borrow money from a bank to cover your purchases. Unlike with debit and prepaid cards, when you use a credit card to buy something you are using the bank’s money, not your own. You then pay back the money you’ve borrowed by the due date or pay a minimum with the understanding that you’ll pay interest on the balance in exchange for carrying the debt from month to month.

If you budget and spend appropriately, the benefit of borrowing from a bank for a credit card can be huge. Credit cards give access to worthwhile rewards on your spending and their credit-building features will do you well in the long run. Practicing the right habits will boost your credit score over time and be a savior when your credit report is needed down the line.

There are several types of credit cards, and many let you earn rewards on your spending and help you improve financially :

• Travel cards
• Cashback cards
• Business cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Luxury cards
• Secured cards and other credit-builder cards

Prepaid cards vs. charge cards

A charge card is very similar to a credit card, with a few key differences . As with a credit card, a charge card allows you to borrow money from an issuing bank to cover the purchases you make. The main difference is that a charge card requires you to pay your balance in full each month to avoid a penalty. Unlike credit cards, charge cards have no preset spending limit or APR. These cards tend to have excellent rewards and benefits.

Are prepaid cards safe?

Prepaid cards are not credit cards, but they still have protections. Prepaid cards in a payment network such as Mastercard or Visa might enjoy zero liability protections , as in the case of the Gloss Prepaid Visa RushCard.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enacted a rule in April 2019 that makes the fees and other details of your card more clear with formatting that’s similar to the credit card Schumer Box. The new rule also allows you to access your account online, like a bank account or credit card. It also provides greater protection from loss, theft or incorrect charges, according to CFPB .

However, prepaid cards may lack some of the protections that come with credit or debit cards, such as chargebacks, fraud protection and the Fair Credit Billing Act, which allows credit card users to dispute unauthorized purchases or purchases of goods that are damaged or lost during shipping. So while prepaid cards may be suitable for convenience, you do run some risks in case something were to go wrong.

Is a prepaid card a bank account?

No. A prepaid card is a standalone financial product that you load with money, then it eventually runs out of money unless you reload more. A bank account’s card is called a debit card – it operates in a similar way, but it is tied to the account’s funds. Neither is a credit card, which basically provides short-term loans to the cardholder.

A prepaid card can have similar features to a bank account, however. For example, you can use it to deposit your paycheck or auto-debit bills. This is because routing and account numbers can be assigned to the card.

Neither a prepaid card nor a debit card can be used to build credit, while you can build credit with a credit card. If your credit isn’t at its best, try taking out a secured credit card for credit-building. Just make sure the card issuer will notify the 3 major credit bureaus of your credit habits.

Pros and cons of prepaid cards

While prepaid cards are great for keeping track of your money and avoiding bank accounts or interest charges, they don’t help with building credit and they can have sizable fees. Here are the pluses and minuses of prepaid cards:

• You don’t need a banking account . Unlike a debit card, which is tied to a checking or savings account, your prepaid card stands alone with its own cash.
• Can be used for all manner of spending . If an open-loop card, which means it’s linked to a network such as Visa or Mastercard, then the card can be used at retailers that accept that network.
• Direct deposit your paycheck . If the card has its own account number and routing number, you can direct deposit and auto debit through your prepaid card without a bank account.
• It’s protected . If it is linked to a network, you’ll enjoy zero liability protections. And if you report the loss or theft of a registered card to the issuer, most will restore your original balance and issue a new card.
• No interest . Unlike a credit card, you won’t be charged an interest fee because you are using your own money.
• No credit check . A bank is not checking your credit, which means no impact on your score.
• Can’t overdraw . There are no overdraft fees.
• Personal information is safe . Your personal information isn’t tied to a prepaid card.
• Fees . Some prepaid cards charge fees. “Fees typically include a monthly fee, cash load fees, and sometimes ATM fees,” says Clark. “For a credit card user that always pays her full monthly balance, a prepaid card will always be the more expensive choice. The same is true of checking account debit cards if the consumer qualifies for a free checking account and doesn’t overdraw his or her account.”
• Can’t build credit . Unlike secured credit cards or other credit-building cards , prepaid cards don’t help you build credit, says Jeff White, senior financial analyst for FitSmallBusiness.com. However, “you can build credit through a credit card, and if you pay it off each month, then you’re not being charged any interest.”
• Balance depletion . If you don’t pay attention to how much money you have on your card, you can wind up unable to pay at the counter.
• Fewer protections . “Prepaid cards do not offer as many legal protections to consumers as traditional debit or credit cards,” says Monica Eaton-Cardone, co-founder and COO of Chargebacks911. “For example, let’s assume the cardholder needs to dispute a fraudulent or mistaken charge on her prepaid card. While many card issuers will still allow customers to dispute charges, the  consumer doesn’t have a guaranteed legal right  like she would with a conventional credit or debit card. Thus, the consumer takes on a greater share of fraud liability when using a prepaid card.”

Prepaid cards are easy to use, and you can usually use them wherever you want without having to worry about overdraft fees or interest rates.

But choosing a prepaid card can be tricky. There are a lot of options out there, and it’s important to know what kind of card you need before you start looking for one. When choosing a prepaid card, you need to ask yourself four questions:

Is the card a Visa or Mastercard?

A prepaid Visa or Mastercard will be accepted by nearly all merchants, ensuring that the card will be a viable payment option wherever you shop — even if you travel abroad. You’ll also likely receive more reliable customer service support if you have any problems setting up or using the card.

Can you access your account online?

Calling the phone number printed on the back of your prepaid card to check your remaining balance can be tedious, so look for a card that offers easy online access. This should make it easier to manage your account while on the move.

Does the card offer any unique perks?

Most prepaid cards only offer basic features, but there are a few that earn rewards on eligible purchases, such as select Netspend cards with Payback Rewards. There is also the Self Credit Builder Card, which provides credit monitoring and reports your account activity to all three credit bureaus — a terrific option if you want a chance to build your credit score.

Are there fees associated with the card?

Some prepaid cards have a monthly or annual fee, so be sure you pay attention to whether or not your card is subject to either charge. Also keep an eye out for ATM withdrawal fees, cash reload fees or payroll fees. In addition, if your account remains inactive, certain cards may charge a monthly fee as well.

Who should get a prepaid card?

• Budget-minded spenders . If you’re trying to keep spending in check, a prepaid card can be a useful budgeting tool. You can load the card with enough money for, say, a weekend getaway or shopping trip, and know exactly how much you’re spending. You may also avoid overdraft fees.
• Gift-givers. Prepaid cards make gifting money much safer than giving cash. Prepaid cards also allow the recipient to easily shop online.
• Travelers worried about fraud . Unlike a stolen debit card linked to your bank account, using a prepaid card while traveling overseas minimizes damages in the event your wallet is stolen or lost.

Who should skip a prepaid card?

• Fee-averse spenders . Prepaid cards often come with a variety of small fees that can add up quickly. In addition to transaction fees and monthly fees, you may be charged a fee for checking your card balance, adding funds to the card, making foreign transactions and more. You may even face a fee for inactivity.
• Rewards-chasers . While some prepaid cards offer rewards, you’ll almost certainly earn more with a traditional rewards card
• Credit-builders . Prepaid card payments are not typically reported to credit bureaus and will do nothing to boost your credit score.

What to look out for with prepaid cards

With all the advantages of prepaid cards, there are a few things to watch out for, including how it works and its features. For example, they actually have some protections and they can be used widely, yet they don’t work like a credit card. Since we’ve covered the basics, here are 7 things to remember:

• It’s not a credit card. A prepaid card is more like a debit card – once you’ve spent the money on the card, you’re done, unless you reload the card with more funds. With a credit card, you are borrowing money that you will pay back later.
• It’s not tied to a bank account. Unlike a debit card, a prepaid card isn’t tied to a checking or savings account. However, it can have routing and account numbers that you can use to auto-debit or deposit funds.
• A prepaid card has protections. Although it’s not a credit card, as part of a payment network, it has some protections similar to a credit card.
• You can buy it at a variety of places. From grocery stores to minute markets, there are a variety of locations where you can buy a prepaid card. Simply load it with the amount of cash you want, and you’re ready to go!
• It can be used for budgeting. You can load it for a specific type or purchase, such as groceries. Then, when your card runs out of money, you simply stop spending on that item.
• Watch out for fees. There are sometimes surprise fees in a prepaid card, so beware.
• You can’t build credit with a prepaid card. For that, you’ll need a credit card. Start with a secured credit card or an unsecured card for someone with bad or no credit.

Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards

If you’re looking for a low- or no-fee alternative to traditional prepaid cards, there are a few options out there. Here are our top three picks:

• Chime : Chime is a low-cost, mobile-first checking account that has no monthly fee, no costs for activation or inactivity and no credit check. It also is accessible through free ATMs at most locations. If you have a Chime Checking Account, you can also open a savings account that makes it easier to automatically set aside money. Chime has two automatic savings programs: one in which a percentage of each paycheck goes into the savings account and the other in which you are rounded up to the nearest dollar and the change goes to savings.
• Bluebird by American Express : The Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account is another great low-fee alternative to prepaid cards. These cards have no monthly fees and come packed with features like early direct deposit, free cash deposits at the Walmart checkout register or Money Center as well as free in-network ATM withdrawal access at over 37,000 MoneyPass® locations.
• Walmart MoneyCard : The reloadable Walmart MoneyCard Mastercard only has a $1 purchase price and has no monthly fee with a qualifying deposit. You also have access to overdraft protection (up to $200 with opt-in and eligible deposit), early direct deposit and a 2% interest rate on savings. You also can earn 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% cash back at Walmart fuel stations and 1% cash back at Walmart stores (up to $75 each year).

How we picked the best prepaid credit cards

Research Methodology: We analyzed dozens of prepaid cards and debit cards to identify the top options on the market. The major factors we considered were:

• Affordability: Prepaid cards require some sort of monthly fee, but we made sure to find options that aren’t packed with added costs and hidden fees.
• Extra perks: Due to the nature of prepaid and debit cards, there aren’t many opportunities for earning rewards, credit-building or access to exclusive perks. If an option provides ways to earn cash back or grow your credit score, we included it here.
• Acceptance: We looked for options that are likely to be accepted no matter where you spend in 2024. Large card networks and trustworthy banks make this possible.
• Unique functionality: Some of the prepaid and debit cards here provide unique ways to utilize an account. Cards for niche consumers were included in our search.

More information on prepaid cards

For more information on all things prepaid cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• 6 questions about prepaid cards
• What is Netspend?
• Green Dot prepaid cards: What they are, how they work
• What to know about prepaid travel credit cards

Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards

What banks offer prepaid debit cards + –.

While not considered banks, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and Netspend offer prepaid debit cards available to sign up for.

Banks such as Regions Bank, Fifth Third Bank, U.S. Bank and others offer prepaid debit cards as well.

How do you reload a prepaid card? + –

Reloading a prepaid card is similar to how one would receive money in a checking account that is linked to a debit card. Depending on your issuer, there are several options:

• Online transfer from a checking or savings account
• In person at the financial institution that issued the card
• In person at participating retail locations
• Mobile deposit, if available
• Direct deposit, if available

Can you build credit with a prepaid card? + –

No, there’s usually no way to build credit with prepaid cards. Credit history is established through positive borrowing history. Since you provide the money upfront when you purchase a prepaid card, you’re not borrowing or repaying any money.

Building credit is important if you want to get a credit card or loan, so while prepaid cards may make sense for some situations, they may not be the best choice if you’re working on your credit score. Having no credit or bad credit can be a roadblock in achieving your goals, such as buying a house, getting that next great job or lowering your insurance premiums. If you want to dip your toe into credit building, explore secured credit cards , which usually provide a low credit limit in exchange for a security deposit.

About the Author

Joey Robinson

Joey Robinson is a credit cards writer for CreditCards.com and has worked at a “Big Four” (Ernst & Young) accounting firm before exploring the world of credit cards. After learning proper professional and financial practices through federal audits, he moved on to his second job, where he was introduced to CreditCards.com/Bankrate as a data analyst. As time passed, his interests drifted away from data analysis and into the communication of credit card essentials. Over the past two years, he’s shared his expertise and has brought understanding to complex topics as a writer and editor for sites like CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and NextAdvisor. His advice on avoiding common credit card fees, top balance transfer tactics and more financial tips have been featured on MSN Money and other various news publications.

About the Editor

Nouri Zarrugh

Nouri Zarrugh is a staff editor at CreditCards.com and Bankrate, focusing on credit card reviews, product news and recommendations. Also a fiction writer, he won the Keene Prize for Literature and holds an MFA in creative writing from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin.

About the Reviewer

Jason Steele

Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets. He’s frequently interviewed and quoted by mainstream outlets on the subjects of credit cards and travel. Jason is passionate about travel rewards credit cards, which he uses to earn rewards that he can redeem for him and his family to travel around the world. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, a conference for credit and credit card journalists that’s held annually.

Remove a card to add another to compare

Add at least 2 cards to compare

CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Since 2004, CreditCards.com has worked to break down the barriers that stand between you and your perfect credit card. Our team is made up of diverse individuals with a wide range of expertise and complementary backgrounds. From industry experts to data analysts and, of course, credit card users, we’re well-positioned to give you the best advice and up-to-date information about the credit card universe.

Let’s face it — there’s a lot of jargon and high-level talk in the credit card industry. Our experts have learned the ins and outs of credit card applications and policies so you don’t have to. With tools like CardMatch™ and in-depth advice from our editors, we present you with digestible information so you can make informed financial decisions.

Our top goal is simple: We want to help you narrow down your search so you don’t have to stress about finding your next credit card. Every day, we strive to bring you peace-of-mind as you work toward your financial goals.

A dedicated team of CreditCards.com editors oversees the automated content production process — from ideation to publication. These editors thoroughly edit and fact-check the content, ensuring that the information is accurate, authoritative and helpful to our audience.

Editorial integrity is central to every article we publish. Accuracy, independence and authority remain as key principles of our editorial guidelines. For further information about automated content on CreditCards.com , email Lance Davis, VP of Content, at [email protected] .

Know your odds before you apply

• Enter your information
• We’ll run a soft credit pull, which won’t impact your credit score
• You’ll see your estimated approval odds near cards to help you narrow down your options

Your personal information and data are protected with 256-bit encryption.

Tell us your name to get started

We’ll use this information to to verify your credit profile.

What’s your mailing address?

What's your employment status?

Your answer should account for all personal income, including salary, part-time pay, retirement, investments and rental properties. You do not need to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want to have it considered as a basis for repaying a loan. Increase non-taxable income or benefits included by 25%.

Put $0 if you currently don't have a rent or mortgage payment.

Last four digits of your Social Security number

We’ll use the last four digits of your Social Security number to get your approval odds. This won’t impact your credit score.

What’s your email address?

Your email address unlocks your approval odds. Don’t worry, we won’t spam your inbox.

By clicking "See my odds" you agree to our Terms of Use (including our Prequalification Terms ) and Privacy Policy . These terms allow CreditCards.com to use your consumer report information, including credit score, for internal business purposes, such as improving the website experience and to market other products and services to you. I understand that this is not an application for credit and that, if I wish to apply for a credit card with any participating credit card issuer, I will need to click through to complete and submit an application directly with that issuer.

Calculating your approval odds

Oops something went wrong..

We’re sorry, but something went wrong and we couldn’t find your approval odds. Instead, you'll see recommended credit ranges from the issuers listed next to cards on our site.

• Best Travel Insurance 2024
• Cheapest Travel Insurance
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Cancel for Any Reason Insurance
• Seniors' Travel Insurance
• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance
• Travel Medical Insurance
• Medical Evacuation Insurance
• Pregnancy Travel Insurance
• Pre-existing Conditions Insurance
• Mexico Travel Insurance
• Italy Travel Insurance
• France Travel Insurance
• Spain Travel Insurance
• Canada Travel Insurance
• UK Travel Insurance
• Germany Travel Insurance
• Bahamas Travel Insurance
• Costa Rica Travel Insurance
• Disney Travel Insurance
• Schengen Travel Insurance
• Is travel insurance worth it?
• Average cost of travel insurance
• Is airline flight insurance worth it?
• Places to travel without a passport
• All travel insurance guides
• Best Pet Insurance 2024
• Cheap Pet Insurance
• Cat Insurance
• Pet Dental Insurance
• Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly
• Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions
• Pet Insurance with No Waiting Period
• Paw Protect Review
• Spot Pet Insurance Review
• Embrace Pet Insurance Review
• Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review
• Pets Best Insurance Review
• Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
• Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review
• Fetch Pet Insurance Review
• Figo Pet Insurance Review
• CarePlus by Chewy Review
• MetLife Pet Insurance Review
• Average cost of pet insurance
• What does pet insurance cover?
• Is pet insurance worth it?
• How much do cat vaccinations cost?
• How much do dog vaccinations cost?
• All pet insurance guides
• Best Business Insurance 2024
• Business Owner Policy (BOP)
• General Liability Insurance
• E&O Professional Liability Insurance
• Workers' Compensation Insurance
• Commercial Property Insurance
• Cyber Liability Insurance
• Inland Marine Insurance
• Commercial Auto Insurance
• Product Liability Insurance
• Commercial Umbrella Insurance
• Fidelity Bond Insurance
• Business Personal Property Insurance
• Medical Malpractice insurance
• California Workers' Compensation Insurance
• Contractor's Insurance
• Home-Based Business Insurance
• Sole Proprietor's Insurance
• Handyman's Insurance
• Photographer's Insurance
• Esthetician's Insurance
• Salon Insurance
• Personal Trainer's Insurance
• Electrician's Insurance
• E-commerce Business Insurance
• Landscaper's Insurance

Best Credit Cards of 2024

• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
• Best Instant Approval Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best College Student Credit Cards
• Best 0% APR Credit Cards
• Best First Credit Cards
• Best No Annual Fee Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Hotel Credit Cards
• Best American Express Cards
• Best Amex Delta SkyMiles Cards
• Best American Express Business Cards
• Best Capital One Cards
• Best Capital One Business Cards
• Best Chase Cards
• Best Chase Business Cards
• Best Citi Credit Cards
• Best U.S. Bank Cards
• Best Discover Cards
• Amex Platinum Card Review
• Amex Gold Card Review
• Amex Blue Cash Preferred Review
• Amex Blue Cash Everyday Review
• Capital One Venture Card Review
• Capital One Venture X Card Review
• Capital One SavorOne Card Review
• Capital One Quicksilver Card Review
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Review
• United Explorer Review
• United Club Infinite Review
• Amex Gold vs. Platinum
• Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Capital One Venture vs. Venture X
• Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Capital One SavorOne vs. Quicksilver
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve
• How to Get Amex Pre-Approval
• Amex Travel Insurance Explained
• Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Guide
• Chase Pay Yourself Back
• CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck
• Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck
• Costco Payment Methods
• All Credit Card Guides
• Raisin (SaveBetter) Interest Rates
• Citibank Savings Account Interest Rate
• Capital One Savings Account Interest Rate
• American Express Savings Account Interest Rate
• Western Alliance Savings Account Interest Rate
• Barclays Savings Account Interest Rate
• Discover Savings Account Interest Rate
• Chase Savings Account Interest Rate
• U.S. Bank Savings Account Interest Rate
• Marcus Savings Account Interest Rate
• Synchrony Bank Savings Account Interest Rate
• Ally Savings Account Interest Rate
• Bank of America Savings Account Interest Rate
• Wells Fargo Savings Account Interest Rates
• SoFi Savings Account Interest Rate
• UFB Direct Savings Account Interest Rate
• Best Savings Accounts & Interest Rates
• Best High Yield Savings Accounts
• Best 7% Interest Savings Accounts
• Best 5% Interest Savings Accounts
• Savings Interest Calculator
• Emergency Fund Calculator
• Pros and Cons of High-Yield Savings Accounts
• Types of Savings Accounts
• Is Savings Account Interest Taxable?
• Checking vs Savings Accounts
• Average Savings by Age
• How Much Should I Have in Savings?
• How to Save Money
• Compare Best Checking Accounts
• Compare Online Checking Accounts
• Best Business Checking Accounts
• Compare Best Teen Checking Accounts
• Best Student Checking Accounts
• Best Joint Checking Accounts
• Best Second Chance Checking Accounts
• Chase Checking Account Review
• Bluevine Business Checking Review
• Amex Rewards Checking Account Review
• Best Money Market Accounts
• U.S. Bank Money Market Account
• Money Market vs. Savings Account
• Best CD Rates
• Best 1-Year CD Rates
• Best 6-Month CD Rates
• Best 3-Month CD Rates
• 6% CD Rates
• Synchrony Bank CD Rates
• Capital One CD Rates
• Barclays CD Rates
• Credit Cards
• Travel Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

On This Page

• Key takeaways

Our top picks for the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards

Comparing the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, more info on our top picks for no-annual-fee travel credit cards: editorial reviews, what is a travel credit card with no annual fee, who should get a no-annual-fee travel credit card, pros and cons of travel credit cards with no annual fee, how to choose the best travel credit card with no annual fee, how to apply for a travel credit card with no annual fee  , are no-annual-fee travel credit cards worth it, faqs: best travel credit cards with no annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee for 2024

• Travel credit cards make it easy to earn points, miles or cash back on your most common travel expenses.
• Several travel credit cards have no annual fees, making them even more valuable.
• Our top picks for the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards include the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card , Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , Hilton Honors American Express Card , and Chase Freedom Unlimited® among others.
• A travel credit card with no annual fee may not be a great fit for your needs if you only travel once or twice a year.
• Cards with no annual fees may have foreign transaction fees, so check the terms of each card carefully if you plan to travel internationally.

Travel credit cards help you earn free hotel stays, airline discounts and other valuable benefits. Add in no annual fee on top of this and you can maximize the value of your travel credit card and enjoy even more benefits on your next vacation. 

Before you apply for a travel card with no annual fee, it’s important to compare your options. To make the process easier, we reviewed seven no-annual-fee travel credit cards to determine which ones pack the biggest punch in terms of interest rates, fees and other considerations.

Join us as we look at the best travel credit card with no annual fee based on the following criteria:

• Earning rates on popular travel categories
• Status matching with hotel and airline loyalty programs
• Reward redemption methods

Our top picks for the best travel credit cards with no annual fee

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple rewards
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Best for Delta SkyMiles® loyalists
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for loyal Hilton customers
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Best for loyal IHG customers
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for extra benefits
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for road trips in the U.S.
• United Gateway℠ Card: Best for United Airlines loyalists

Best for simple rewards

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Card Details

More card info

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR.
• Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• No annual fee
• Intro APR offer
• Low spending requirement for welcome offer
• Good or excellent credit recommended
• Few travel perks

Best for Delta SkyMiles® loyalists

Delta skymiles® blue american express card.

Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, 2X miles at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.

• Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Terms Apply.
• 20% in-flight savings
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• Low earning rate
• No free checked bags
• No priority boarding

Best for loyal Hilton customers

Hilton honors american express card.

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Points on eligible Hilton purchases, 5X points on eligible U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket, and U.S. gas station purchases, and 3X on all other eligible purchases.

• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Automatic Hilton Silver status
• 20% bonus points on eligible stays
• Low point redemption value
• Need good or excellent credit to qualify
• Fewer perks than some travel cards

Best for loyal IHG customers

Ihg one rewards traveler credit card.

Earn up to 17x total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 3x points on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 2x points on all other purchases.

Best for extra benefits

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Best for road trips in the U.S.

Blue cash everyday® card from american express.

Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year on online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% back on all other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after account opening, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
• 0% APR on eligible purchases for 15 months
• Generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & online shopping
• Rewards cap on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee
• Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories

Best for United Airlines loyalists

United gateway℠ card.

Earn 2X miles on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has everything you need to start any journey off on the right foot. New cardholders can get 20,000 bonus miles simply for spending $500 within three months of opening an account, a great deal for a no-annual-fee card. VentureOne Rewards also gives you 1.25x miles for every dollar spent and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.

Although VentureOne Rewards has a generous welcome offer, it has a low reward rate on non-travel purchases, so there’s no opportunity to earn extra based on your other spending habits. It’s also reserved for consumers with excellent credit, so it can be difficult to get approved.

▶︎ Read more: Capital One VentureOne review

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is the best no-annual-fee travel credit card for loyal Delta Air Lines customers, as you get to rack up SkyMiles every time you make a purchase. You can use those miles to get free or discounted airfare, cover your checked bag fees, book with Delta Vacations or make in-flight purchases. We also love that the SkyMiles® Blue card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great fit for international travelers.

If you don’t fly frequently, or you prefer to book the cheapest tickets instead of staying loyal to one airline, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card probably isn’t the best fit. Most of the redemption options are Delta-focused, so you won’t be able to use many of your perks if you don’t take at least a few Delta flights per year.

▶︎ Read more: Delta SkyMiles Blue review

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is one of the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards because it helps you earn free nights and other perks at participating Hilton properties. This makes it a great fit for anyone loyal to Hilton over other hotel chains. You earn 7 points per dollar spent on all purchases made with participating Hilton hotels and resorts, 5 miles per dollar spent on dining and 5 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Hilton Honors American Express Card is that many of the benefits relate to Hilton stays. If you take a lot of day trips rather than overnight ones, you may not be able to use your Hilton Honors Points often enough to justify having the card.

▶︎ Read more: Hilton Honors Amex review

IHG owns more than a dozen hotel brands, so the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase may be a good fit if you love to stay at IHG properties when you travel. This card gives you 80,000 bonus points if you spend at least $2,000 on purchases within three months of opening an account. You also earn up to 17 points for every dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts.

Although this card has plenty of perks, it may not be the best fit for your needs if you don’t travel often, or if you prefer to book with non-IHG hotel brands. You also have to spend at least $20,000 on the card each year to qualify for Gold Status with IHG’s loyalty program.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the best travel cards with no annual fee because it gives you 5% back on all travel booked through the Chase Travel portal and 3% on purchases made at restaurants and drugstores. We love that this card comes with tons of extra benefits, such as a three-month DashPass subscription, 5% cash back on Lyft rides and a three-month Instacart+ membership.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card may not be the best fit if you prefer to book directly with travel vendors rather than using a dedicated travel portal. You also need good or excellent credit to qualify to get approved for this card.

▶︎ Read more: Chase Freedom Unlimited review

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express comes with access to the Global Assist® Hotline and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance. Global Assist® connects you with trained professionals who can help you make travel plans. You also earn 3% back on your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. gas stations each year (then 1%), making this card ideal for users who prefer to drive to their destinations instead of flying or taking public transportation.

Blue Cash Everyday makes it easy to earn cash back, but it has a limited number of travel benefits, so it may not be the right fit if you want to maximize your earnings on flights, hotel stays and other travel expenses. It also has a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not ideal for overseas travel.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Blue Cash Everyday review

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/​benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

The United Gateway℠ Card from Chase gives you 2 miles per dollar spent on all United Airlines purchases, making it ideal for users who always fly with United rather than using multiple airlines. Cardholders also get 2X miles on gas station purchases and local transit/commuting expenses.

Many card benefits, such as 25% cash back on in-flight food and drinks, only apply to United purchases. If you don’t book with United very often, you may benefit more from getting a different travel credit card with no annual fee.

No annual fee means you don’t pay a fee each year just to keep your account open. You may have to meet other account requirements, but there’s no cost to maintain your card. 

Travel credit cards give you points, miles and other rewards on common travel expenses, including airfare, hotel stays and train tickets. A no-annual-fee travel credit card gives you the best of both worlds. You can earn rewards based on your travel habits without paying money to keep your account active.

How do travel credit cards with no annual fee work?

When you have a credit card with an annual fee, you have to pay the same amount of money every year no matter how much you use the card. If you have a no-annual-fee credit card , you don’t have to pay a fee to keep your account open.

This is a major benefit for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn rewards without forking over cold, hard cash. If there’s no annual fee, there’s also no need to worry about using the card often enough to break even.

The best travel credit cards with no annual fee are ideal for casual travelers, as there’s no charge to keep your account active. If you don’t travel for a year or two, you don’t have to worry about getting charged for a dormant account.

These cards may also be a good fit for students studying abroad or users who don’t have a ton of experience managing credit. If you plan to study abroad, look for a student credit card with no annual fee that also doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.

• Opportunities to earn points, miles or cash back on your travel expenses
• Access to partner benefits, such as status upgrades within hotel and rental car loyalty programs
• Ability to transfer rewards to partner companies
• May have limited benefits due to the lack of an annual fee
• General-purpose credit cards usually offer more redemption options
• Some companies require you to book through a branded portal to take advantage of your travel benefits

Keep these factors in mind as you search for the best credit card for travel with no annual fee.

Rewards credit cards for travel typically offer points, miles or cash back on each eligible purchase. You can use these rewards to pay for hotel stays, airfare, transit expenses and other travel costs.

Flexible travel options

Some cards have no blackout dates or other restrictions when using your rewards to make travel plans. Others require you to book through a third-party website or a dedicated portal, so you may not be able to cancel your plans without forfeiting your rewards.

The higher the APR on your credit card, the more interest you’ll pay if you don’t pay your balance by the end of your billing cycle. You can get cards with 0% APR , which allows you to make purchases and/or balance transfers at a rate that’s lower than the regular APR.

When comparing travel credit cards, watch out for steep fees such as balance transfer fees, cash advance fees or fees for late payments. Opt for cards with no foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad.

It’s common for travel credit cards to come with additional benefits, such as travel insurance, rental car coverage, shopping protections and extended warranty coverage. You may even qualify for complimentary memberships or statement credits.

Compare no-annual-fee cards with annual-fee cards

If you travel frequently, you may benefit more from having a credit card with an annual fee instead of a card with no annual fee. Annual fees typically offer higher earning rates and more benefits, like a fee credit for global entry or a card with airport lounge access .

Many travel credit cards require good or excellent credit scores . When you’re ready to apply, be prepared to provide your name, address, telephone number, annual income and monthly mortgage or rent payment. You’ll also need to enter your Social Security number on the application.

To apply for a card, visit the issuer’s website and follow the instructions on the form.

How to improve your chances of getting approved for a travel credit card with no annual fee

To improve your chances of approval, apply for a card that matches your credit profile. If your score is in the good range, you’re likely to be denied if you apply for a card that requires excellent scores. 

You can also try prequalifying or applying with a cosigner. If you prequalify for a card, the issuer has already reviewed some of the information on your credit reports and determined that you may fit their approval criteria. Note that prequalification doesn’t guarantee approval; it just makes it more likely.

A cosigner promises to pay back what you borrow if you can’t afford to make your payments. If you decide to apply with a cosigner, make sure the person you choose has a strong credit profile and a steady source of income. Applying with a cosigner with poor credit won’t help you and may even hurt your credit.

No-annual-fee travel credit cards are worth it if you want to earn rewards without worrying about how much you’re earning compared to how much you’re spending to keep the card active. 

You may benefit more from a travel credit card with an annual fee if you travel frequently and want access to even more benefits. If you only travel once or twice per year, consider getting a traditional credit card. You may benefit from earning cash back or points at restaurants, grocery stores and other everyday purchases.

▶︎  Read more: Best credit cards for grocery shopping & best credit cards for restaurants

Are there travel cards with no annual fee?

Yes. Our list of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee has seven entries, so you have plenty of options when it comes to earning travel rewards without having to pay a fee every year.

Which airline credit card does not have an annual fee?

The airline credit cards with no annual fee include the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, American Airlines Aadvantage® MileUp® and JetBlue Card.

Is a travel card with annual fee worth it?

A travel card with no annual fee may be worth it if you want to earn travel rewards but don’t want to worry about how much you are spending to match the rewards to the price of an annual fee.

What is the best credit card to use while traveling?

If you always stay at the same hotel chain, the best card for your needs may be a co-branded card such as a Delta credit card , that helps you earn free nights and other hotel-related perks. 

If you’re loyal to one airline, look for a travel credit card that gives you miles or points to use on airfare and in-flight purchases.

What is the most accepted credit card for international travel?

Many overseas merchants accept Visa and Mastercard. It’s less common for merchants to accept Discover or American Express cards when you’re traveling in a foreign country. When choosing a credit card for international travel, remember to look for a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Which is the best no annual fee travel credit card?

The best travel credit card with no annual fee depends on your travel preferences and overall shopping habits. If you like to buy from the same brands, look for a card that maximizes your earnings on purchases from those brands. Otherwise, look for a card with low fees and plenty of perks.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.

As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.

He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.

Explore related articles by topic

• Travel Cards & Benefits
• Card Rewards & Perks
• All Credit Card Articles
• Credit Card Reviews
• Compare Cards
• American Express
• Capital One
• Types of Credit Cards
• Learn The Basics: Credit Cards 101
• Tips For Building & Rebuilding Credit
• Credit Scores & Reports Explained

Best Credit Cards for College Students in June 2024

Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024 | Compared & Reviewed

Best 0% Interest Credit Cards of June 2024 | 0% APR until 2025

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards with 0% APR of 2024

Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in June 2024

Best Airline Credit Cards of 2024

Best Business Credit Cards of 2024

Best Starter Credit Cards If You Have No Credit History

Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2024

Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2024

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit 2024 | Cards for Credit Scores Below 690

Best Gas Credit Cards of June 2024

Best Hotel Rewards Credit Cards of 2024 | Earn Hotel Loyalty Points

Best AmEx Credit Cards of 2024

Best Discover Credit Cards 2024

Best Chase Credit Cards of 2024

Compare the Best Citi Credit Cards of 2024

What is a Good APR for a Credit Card?

What is a Bad Credit Score?

Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?

How Do Credit Cards Work? Understanding the Basics of Credit Cards

Difference Between Credit Cards and Charge Cards

How to Withdraw Money from a Credit Card - Cash Advances Explained

How to Build Credit: Steps to Build & Improve Your Credit Score

How Does Credit Card Interest Work? Understanding APR

What Is a Charge-off & How Can I Remove One from My Credit?

How to Increase Your Credit Card Limit Without Hurting Your Credit Score

What is the Credit Utilization Ratio? Calculate Your Ratio

How to Get Pre-Approved for an Amex Credit Card

Best Secured Credit Card of June 2024

How to Raise Your Credit Score Fast

What is a Good Credit Score? [And Why You Should Care]

How to Check Your Credit Score

How to Safely Get a Free Credit Report

How to Pay A Credit Card Bill - Payment Options & Tips

Differences Between a Soft Credit Check and a Hard Inquiry

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Should You Get?

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have? (Can You Have Too Many?)

What Are Credit Card Numbers & What Do They Mean?

Can I Pay My Mortgage with a Credit Card?

Can You Transfer Money From a Credit Card to a Bank Account?

Payment Methods You Can Use At Costco

Chase's Pay Yourself Back Feature: Is it Worth it?

Renting a Car With A Debit Card: Everything You Need to Know

CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck: What You Need to Know

Best U.S. Bank Credit Cards 2024

Guide to Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Benefits 2024

2024 Complete Guide to American Express Travel Insurance

American Express® Gold Card vs. The Platinum Card®: Platinum Wins for Travel Benefits

American Express® Gold Card Review: Superior Dining Benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Level-Up Your Travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Travel Card Duel

Best American Express Business Cards of 2024

Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards of June 2024

Best Capital One Credit Cards 2024

How to Use CardMatch to Get the Best Credit Card Offers

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Review: Premium Travel Benefits

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Review: Mid-Tier Travel Rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X: Victory for Venture X

Capital One Quicksilver Card: Earn Simple Cash Rewards

Capital One SavorOne vs. Capital One Quicksilver: A Win for SavorOne

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Rewards for Fun-loving Foodies

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: A Must-Have for Groceries

Fortiva Credit Card Review: Is It Any Good?

Milestone Mastercard® Review: Acceptable for Credit Building

Destiny Mastercard® Review: Good for Building Credit?

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: Build Credit and Earn Rewards

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Maximize Your Daily Spending

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Worth It? Maybe.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Worth it for Sky Club?

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Travel Perks Aplenty

Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Sapphire Succeeds

Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Unsecured Credit Building

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Low Security Deposit

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: Superior Travel Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review 2024: Premium Travel Perks

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Sapphire Reserve®: 2024 Comparison

First Progress Secured Credit Cards: What You Need To Know

Best Marriott Credit Cards of June 2024

Aspire® Cashback Reward Card Review: Up to 3% Rewards

Capital One Spark Business Cards: Which Is the Best?

Best Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards of June 2024

Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa® Credit Card: A New Way to Build Credit

FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® Review: Is It Worth It?

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Review: Benefit-Rich but Pricey

Hilton Honors American Express Card Review: Decent Perks for No Annual Fee

United℠ Explorer Card Review: Good Value, Great Benefits

United Club℠ Infinite Card Review: Lounge Access and Luxury Perks

Best United Airlines Credit Cards 2024: Which Should I Get?

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards: Sapphire Prevails

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa®: Safer Credit Building

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. American Express® Gold Card: Gold Takes the Gold

Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® Review: 5% Back Online

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Decent Travel Perks for No Annual Fee

Best Credit Card Welcome Offers for New Cardholders

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Impressive Rewards for No Annual Fee

Best Credit Cards for Building Credit June 2024

American Express® Business Gold Card: Easy to Earn 4X Points

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Luxury Benefits at a Cost

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Solid Rewards for No Fee

The Plum Card® from American Express: Rewards for Paying Early

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Superb Rewards for Students

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Uncomplicated Cash Back

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Good Rewards for Fair Credit

Capital One Spark Miles for Business Card: Simple Travel Rewards

Capital One Platinum vs. Capital One Quicksilver: Quicksilver Triumphs

Easiest Credit Cards to Get in June 2024

Best Beginner Credit Cards of 2024

Best Credit Cards for International Travel of 2024

Best Rewards Credit Cards With No Annual Fee June 2024

Best Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee of June 2024

7 Best Credit Cards for Groceries of 2024

Best Metal Credit Cards of June 2024

Best Credit Cards for Young Adults June 2024

Best Cash-Back Business Credit Cards 2024

Best Credit Cards for Restaurants and Dining June 2024

Best Credit Cards for Teens of June 2024

Best Gas Cards for Businesses of June 2024

Best Business Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

Best Visa Credit Cards in June 2024

Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access June 2024

Best Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit of 2024

Best Credit Cards With No Credit Check June 2024

Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry in 2024

Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping for 2024

Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Blue Cash Everyday® vs. Blue Cash Preferred®: Clash of the Cash-Back Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Sapphire Wins for Travel

Chase Ultimate Rewards: All You Need to Know

Chase Business Credit Cards: Your Complete Guide

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® Review: Fees, Fees, More Fees

Instant Use Credit Cards You Can Use Immediately After Approval

Mastercard Black Card Review June 2024

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Hefty Fee, Heftier Perks

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve vs. The Platinum Card® from Amex: Platinum Comes Out Ahead

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Cash Rewards for No Fee

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Worth it for Loyal Business Travelers

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Good for Marriott Regulars

Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Review: High Price to Build Credit

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Top-Tier Perks for Loyalists

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Good for Occasional Delta Flyers

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Fewer Perks, Lower Fee

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®: Delivery Fanatics Rejoice

Instacart Mastercard® Review: Solid Rewards for Instacart Lovers

* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

Policy Details

LA Times Compare is committed to helping you compare products and services in a safe and helpful manner. Our goal is to help you make sound financial decisions and confidently choose your next credit card.

We work to ensure that the information and advice we offer on our website is objective, unbiased, verifiable, easy to understand for all audiences, and free of charge to our users. We don’t feature all products and services available on the market but provide a wide range of options from top providers offered through Bankrate. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

View Bankrate’s privacy policy .

We can offer our services thanks to partners that compensate us. This may affect which products we write about and where and how product offers appear on our website – such as the order in which they appear. This does not affect our ability to offer unbiased reviews and information about these products; all partner offers are clearly marked. Given our collaboration with top providers, it’s important to note that our partners are not involved in deciding the order in which brands and products appear. We leave this to our expert freelance writers who review and rate each product independently.

At LA Times Compare, our mission is to help our readers reach their financial goals by making smarter choices. As such, we follow stringent editorial guidelines to ensure we offer accurate, fact-checked and unbiased information that aligns with the needs of the Los Angeles Times audience. Learn how we are compensated by our partners.

• Credit Cards & Loans
• Saving & Banking

Household Bills

Spending abroad: should you use a debit, credit or prepaid card.

If you’re going abroad and you don’t want to carry cash, you have three options: a debit card, a credit card or a prepaid card. Each has its pros and cons.

A decade ago, holiday prep tended to involve a trip to the bank or Post Office to buy your foreign currency and Traveller’s Cheques. Today, all you really need for a trip abroad is a debit, credit or prepaid currency card.

All three cards have their pros and cons so it’s worth arming yourself with the facts before deciding which is right for you.

Debit cards

Debit cards are easy and convenient and are accepted in most places. But they can be expensive to use abroad.

Only four current accounts don’t charge any foreign transaction fees for using a debit card abroad, according to financial data firm Defaqto.

Metro Bank, Monzo and Starling are all free accounts, while Nationwide Flexplus comes with a £13 monthly charge. Monzo and Starling are both app-only banks so may not suit you if you’re not smartphone-savvy.

If you plan to withdraw cash from atm services abroad, watch out for fees. Only four current accounts let you withdraw cash for free – Metro Bank, Nationwide Flexplus, Starling and Monzo (although Monzo only lets you withdraw £200 a month for free and then it charges 3%).

Analysis of the whole market by Defaqto shows debit cards are the most expensive way for travellers in Europe to spend, particularly for small purchases. A daily €5 breakfast of coffee and a croissant over a fortnight could end up costing a whopping £21 in addition to the €70 spent on your breakfast.

Credit cards

Credit cards are also an easy way of spending and are accepted by most retailers.

They offer the added benefit of extra security under Section 75 on purchases costing between £100 and £30,000, meaning you should get your money back if something goes wrong.

According to Defaqto, one in six credit cards don’t charge a fee for spending in Europe, although five of these cards charge an annual fee including Natwest Reward Black, RBS Reward Black and Santander All in One.

A big downside of using a credit card abroad is withdrawing cash can be eye-wateringly expense. There is typically a hefty withdrawal fee, and interest accumulates from the day the money is withdrawn.

See table below for a list of credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in Europe.

Prepaid cards

With a prepaid card, you load on the foreign currency of your choice so you can only ever spend the balance on the card.

You can continue to top up your card when you’re travelling using a debit card, smartphone app or current account link. While they aren’t as convenient as a debit or credit card, they can be a useful budgeting tool as they help you keep a close eye on your spending.

Fee structures vary depending on which provider you go with.

Revolut, for example, is virtually free to use abroad (ATM withdrawals are free up to £200 a month then a 2% fee applies).

But some providers (TUI, Asda Money, ICE, for example) charge fees to load money onto the card from a debit card either as a percentage of the amount or a flat fee of between 50p and £3.

One point to note: you may not be able to use your prepaid card for car hire and some petrol stations may not accept them.

Credit Cards with no foreign transaction fees in Europe

Manage everything directly in the N26 app. Set payment limits, change your PIN number and lock and unlock your card. All in real-time, with N26 Card.  Click here to find out more .

Top Stories

Income growth over past five years at its worst since 1950s, energy price cap for q4 revised down but bills will still rise, first-time buyer, property sales rise to 91,000 in may, major mortgage lenders cut cost of borrowing, house prices overvalued by 8% as further growth expected by year end, scores of lloyds, halifax and bank of scotland branches to close, blog: age gap relationships and how to prepare for a multi-retirement family, more than a third of those with mortgages still paying sub-3% rates, nursing home care fees to hit £200,000 for new retirees, two-fifths of brits feel financially worse off than a year ago.

• Credit Cards

Our Pick Of The Best Prepaid Travel Cards For Australians

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Updated: Jun 25, 2024, 9:04pm

Reviewed By

With one-third of Australians saving and planning on going overseas in 2024, according to research by NAB Economists , it’s no surprise that a travel card is top of mind for many.

While using your debit or credit card abroad may be the most convenient option, you’ll be hit by hefty charges— from foreign transaction fees, withdrawal fees, and even fees just to check your balance at an ATM.

That’s why prepaid travel cards are a great alternative, especially if you’re savvy about the card you choose, as they offer a convenient way to hold multiple currencies, spend and withdraw money abroad, and perhaps even accrue a few travel perks along the way, such as access to airline lounges.

Let’s unpick Forbes Advisor Australia’s five favourite prepaid travel cards for Aussies travelling abroad in the near future.

Note: The below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research or independent financial advice.

Featured Partner

Wise Personal Card

CashPassport Platinum

Commbank money travel card, our methodology, what is a prepaid travel card, how to choose the right travel card for you, bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs).

• Best Credit Cards
• Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
• Best Qantas Points Credit Cards
• Best Virgin Velocity Credit Cards
• Best Business Credit Cards
• Best Debit Cards
• Best Credit Card Offers
• CommBank Neo Credit Card Review
• American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card Review
• Qantas Points Credit Cards Explained
• NAB StraightUp Credit Card Review

On Wise’s Secure Website

Card Issue Fee

Number Of Currencies

40+ currencies

Currency Conversion Fee

Depends on the currency and amount; starts at 0.42% of the transaction

10 currencies at a time on the card, with 22 currencies all up

Travelex's independent exchange rate applies at the time of conversion

The Travelex Money Card is a multi-year award winning prepaid travel card, and for good reason. The free card (with free replacements) operates with 22 currencies, allowing for 10 different currencies to be loaded onto the card at once.

It is free to load money onto the card online via the Travelex website or app, and unlike most prepaid travel cards, offers unlimited free ATM withdrawals (although some ATM operators may charge their own fees). You can also withdraw up to $3,000 AUD in cash (or the foreign equivalent) in a 24-hour period.

You can have up to $50,000 on the card, with the initial load needing to be $350 AUD or currency equivalent and any subsequent reloads at a minimum of $50 AUD (or currency equivalent). Over a 12-month period, the balance across all currencies cannot exceed $75,000.

Unfortunately, Travelex charges a $4 AUD monthly inactivity fee and a $10 account closure fee, meaning it may only be valuable to frequent travellers.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• No card fee or replacement fee
• Award winning card
• Monthly inactivity fee
• Card closure fee
• Limits on card balance

Despite the initial charge for a Wise card, in our opinion, the benefits and savings outweigh the small fee.

With 40 currencies and counting available, Wise can be used in more than 160 countries around the world. This makes it perfect for travellers on around-the-world trips or individuals who travel frequently.

Plus, you can receive local bank details in nine different currencies, meaning you can transfer and receive money straight into these currencies rather than having to receive into your AUD account and transfer to the appropriate currency.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few fees when it comes to the currency conversions and reloading money onto the Wise card, depending on how you choose to complete these reloads. However, they all start at 0.42% of the transaction, and the Wise app will tell you exactly how much you will be charged before you complete a reload, a currency conversion, or a transfer.

To add money to your Wise account, you can choose to pay via manual bank transfer, Apple or Google Pay, PayID, or debit and credit cards. Plus, you can withdraw up to $350 AUD (or the local equivalent) for free from an ATM every month.

Read More: Wise Review

• Local bank account details
• Numerous reload options
• Card issue fee
• Varying currency conversion fees
• Limited free ATM withdrawals per month

$0 (Free Plan)

Depends on the currency and amount

Revolut would be considered Wise’s biggest competitior , with both companies offering a card that allows travellers to add funds for more than 40 currencies and the ability to open local bank accounts.

With Revolut, you must sign-up to a subscription model: the Free Plan, or it’s paid ‘Metal’ and ‘Platinum’ accounts. The paid subscription models cost $99 and $225 respectively and include travel perks, such as airline lounge access. However, this review has focused solely on the Free Plan as that is the most popular choice among Australians.

To order a Revolut free plan card, there is no charge, while replacement cards cost $8.99 AUD; there is  a $0 reload fee from an Australian bank account or debit card. It’s conversion fees depend on the currency, the amount you are converting, and how you choose to reload your money onto your card. Despite not having a specific conversion fee rate across the board, Revolut’s app is user-friendly and you can view the fees up-front.

If withdrawing cash from an ATM, you’ll be charged a fee of 2% after you hit the $350 AUD withdrawal limit in a month.

Read More: Revolut Review

• Can open local bank account
• No fee to reload from Australian account
• ATM withdrawals slugged at 2% above $350 per month
• Varying currency conversion fee
• Subscription model can be costly

11 currencies

The CashPassport Platinum by Mastercard is a great option for Aussies wanting to go abroad, with 11 different currencies available, including Australian and US dollars; the British Pound and the Euro.

There is no fee for the card, and the initial load fee is also waived. However, the minimum reload amount (including the initial load onto the card) must be more than $100 AUD or the currency equivalent.

While abroad, users can reload money onto their card in three different ways: instantaneously via a debit card (with a fee of 0.5% of the amount), bank transfer (which will take one business day), or BPAY (which can take up to two business days).

There are also maximum reload limits:

• $15,000 AUD in any 24 hour period;
• $30,000 AUD in any 7 day period; and
• $50,000 AUD in any 30 day period.

In Australia, you will be charged 2.95% fee at ATMs. When abroad, the fee you will be charged by CashPassport depends entirely on the currency you are withdrawing. For example, withdrawing USD would incur a charge of $US2.50 ($3.75 AUD), while withdrawing Japanese Yen incurs a ¥260.00 ($2.35 AUD) fee.

• No card issue fee
• No initial load fee
• No fee for converting between currencies
• 2.95% fee at domestic ATMs
• ATM fees change depending on the currency
• Minimum and maximum reload limits

13 currencies

CommBank Retail Foreign Exchange Rate applies at the time of the conversion

Commonwealth Bank was the only Big Four bank to make our top list of prepaid travel cards. We like the fact that the CommBank Money Travel Card is free, is available to those aged 14 years and older, and has no initial load nor reload fees.

There are 13 currencies available on the card, with ‘lock-in rates’ also available so you can maintain that conversion rate regardless of how the Australian dollar moves.

However, it is essential that you make sure you have the right currency on your card when making a payment or a withdrawal from an ATM. If you don’t have the currency loaded, or when CommBank needs to automatically transfer funds between currencies on your card to enable the transaction, you will be charged the exchange rate at the time of the conversion plus an additional 3%.

This means if you’re travelling to destinations that don’t take the 13 currencies available, it could end up costing you quite a fair bit in fees. Plus, there are no free ATM withdrawals: you will be charged $3.50 AUD for every withdrawal or the foreign currency equivalent, and the conversion fee if necessary.

Read More: Wise Vs CommBank Travel Money Card Comparison

• No load or reload fees
• Available for 14 years and over
• Ability to lock in conversion rates
• High fees if you don’t have the correct currency on the card
• $3.50 AUD charge for each ATM withdrawal
• Fewer currencies compared to others

To establish the above list, Forbes Advisor Australia conducted independent research of the prepaid travel cards currently available on the market for new customers.

In order to establish our top picks, we considered the following data points:

• The number of currencies available;
• If the card has a card issuing fee or not;
• What the currency conversion fee charge is;
• If there is a charge for loading money onto the card initially, and for subsequent reloads;
• Whether the card will charge for ATM withdrawals, or if it has limits on how much you can withdraw;
• Any other applicable fees and charges to consider; and
• Consumer reviews online via ProductReview.

A prepaid travel card is known by many different names: a foreign currency card, a travel money card, a multi-currency card and more. But regardless of the name, there is a key similarity: these cards allow you to load funds onto a card to then use abroad in different currencies.

The term ‘prepaid’ comes from the fact that they work in a similar manner to a debit card : it’s funds you already have, rather than funds you are borrowing from a bank. You load these funds onto the card from another bank or account, and then you can transfer them between the currencies available on the card. This makes for a helpful budgeting tool , as you can put a set amount of AUD onto the card before you leave for your trip.

Can You Load More Money Onto a Prepaid Travel Card?

The term ‘prepaid’ may make you think that you can’t load extra money onto the card and that once the funds are cleared, that’s it—but this is not the case.

Travel cards allow you to load more funds as needed even while you’re abroad, with different cards offering different ways to facilitate this. Some cards may allow you to add more money via your credit card, while others may only allow reloads from your bank account.

There are also different charges that apply for loading more funds onto the card, depending on which card you choose. Some won’t charge you at all.

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to travel cards—or any type of debit or credit card, for that matter. Instead, you need to consider your financial habits while abroad to choose the best prepaid travel card to suit your holiday.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• Whether it has the currencies you need for the destinations you are visiting;
• If it doesn’t have the currencies, how much it will charge you for ATM withdrawals in a foreign currency, or to complete transactions in that currency;
• How much ATM withdrawals cost in the local currency, and if there are any limits;
• The amount it costs to order the card and whether there are any account keeping fees;
• Whether you are charged each time you load money onto the card or not;
• Any balance limits, such as if you can only add $10,000 AUD onto the card within a month;
• If you can shop online with the card, or anywhere that it may not be accepted; and
• The accessibility of the card and your balance—does it have a user-friendly app?

Benefits of a Travel Card

There are many benefits to having a prepaid travel card. With multiple currencies on offer, it allows you to save money on having to go to a currency exchange store to exchange AUD for the local currency.

This is particularly important in the post-pandemic world, where many places are no longer accepting cash as a form of payment. Thus, having a card that can pay in the local currency and skip foreign transaction fees that your regular debit or credit card would charge can definitely be a blessing.

As previously mentioned, it can also be a helpful way to stick to your budget while abroad by having all of your funds in one place—even if in numerous currencies. Most travel cards will have a smartphone app associated with them, allowing you to view your balances in real time and make sure you aren’t going overboard with your spending.

There are many other benefits to prepaid travel cards but, since all card offerings are different, it’s best to look at the product disclosure statement of the cards you’re considering to see if the benefits suit you. These could include:

• Locked currency conversion rates;
• Complimentary travel insurance;
• Fraud protection;
• Free reloads; and
• Other travel perks.

Should I Use My Bank’s Travel Card?

It can be tempting to simply choose the travel card that the financial institution you already use offers, as quite a few of them do—including the highly ranked CommBank Travel Money Card or the Westpac Worldwide Wallet.

Unfortunately due to the rise of independent bank travel cards, many of the bigger institutions are winding back their offers. The NAB Travel Card was discontinued in November 2020 for new customers, while the ANZ Travel Card closed in October 2022.

If your bank still offers a prepaid travel card option, then the convenience of using a card offered by the bank you are familiar with can be enticing—and may also come with pitfalls. You may be met with high currency conversion fees, limited currencies to load onto the card, ATM withdrawal charges and more.

A key benefit of using your standard bank for your travel card is often that it allows for simultaneous transfers, therefore helping you out if you need to reload your prepaid travel card in a hurry.

With many other cards on the market offering instantaneous transfers, too—without all the hidden charges—it’s definitely worth shopping around and considering a card outside your usual banking habits.

Ultimately, prepaid travel cards are a great investment if you’re going abroad. Yet with so many on the market, it is essential to carry out your own research to decide which would be the best fit for you: whether this is due to the ATM withdrawal charges and fees, the number of currencies available, or the methods of reloading.

Should I have a prepaid travel card or a credit card for travelling?

Taking a prepaid travel card overseas with you is a wise financial move, as having your funds in one spot makes budgeting a breeze. You can also transfer between currencies with ease, and dodge the high interest charges associated with credit cards.

Plus, many credit cards have high currency conversion fees, which could mean you’re spending a lot more than you intend to. However, taking a credit card overseas with you is still also beneficial for many reasons, such as if there’s an emergency that requires more funds than you have on hand or if you have booked your trip using your credit card in order to receive complimentary travel insurance or frequent flyer points.

Of course, there’s no reason you can’t take both away with you: the prepaid travel card for spending, and the credit card in case of emergency.

Related: Our Pick Of The Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

Is Wise better than the CommBank Travel Money Card?

Both Wise and the CommBank Travel Money Card are highly ranked by Forbes Advisor Australia, each making our list of the top five prepaid travel cards

While Wise is ranked higher overall due to its many currencies and transparent fees via its app, CommBank Travel Money Card could be more beneficial to those who are travelling to a single-use currency area (such as the United States) due to the ease of transferring from an existing Commonwealth Bank account and the fact that it can be used by those under 18.

You can read more about our comparison between Wise and theCommBank Travel Money Card here.

Does ANZ have a travel card?

No, ANZ closed its dedicated travel card to new customers in 2020 before officially being taken off the market in October 2022.

ANZ said that the decision to close the card was a move to “meet the needs of our customers” following “customer feedback and research conducted” by the bank.

The closure happened during the Covid-19 pandemic when international travel was not taking place, and the rise of neobank offerings became more popular when the borders re-opened and consumers searched for more affordable ways to travel.

Related: How To Save Money In Cost-Of-Living Crisis

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

Credit cards 101: The beginner's guide

Editor's Note

Here at TPG, we love credit cards . We've experienced the power of redeeming credit card rewards, and we want to help everyone else have that great experience.

But if you're new to the world of credit cards, reading a credit card application (or even a review ) can make you feel like you missed a course somewhere everyone else appears to have taken. If that's you, you're in the right place.

Below, we're taking the mystery out of credit cards. We cover everything from terms to types of credit cards and even breaking down a credit card bill. So settle in, maybe grab a notepad, and let's get into it.

Credit card debt

Before we go over anything else, it's important to note that while we're huge fans of credit cards at TPG, we never recommend carrying a balance on a credit card. Carrying a balance means you'll be charged interest, which costs you far more than the value you'll get from any rewards you earn.

If you're considering getting a credit card, first make sure you have a plan to stick to your budget and pay off your card balance each month. Never charge a purchase to a credit card unless you're 110% sure you can pay it off when your bill is due.

Related: Credit card debt hits new record of over $1 trillion — here's how to consolidate and pay off your debt

Credit scores

A credit score is a number — usually between 300 and 850 — that potential lenders use to determine their risk in lending you money.

Your credit score is made up of numerous factors, including payment history, the amount you owe and new credit opened. You must borrow and pay it back on time to build and keep a good credit score. Using your credit card and paying your balance in full each month is a great way to improve your credit score .

When you apply for any type of credit, including a credit card, the potential lender will check your credit score to help them decide whether or not to approve your application. Typically, the best rewards cards require good to excellent credit scores for approval.

However, if your score is less than stellar, don't worry. We can show you how to improve your credit score and how to earn rewards while you're improving your credit .

Related: How to check your credit score for free

Debit vs. credit cards

When you use a debit card, money is pulled directly from your bank account to cover your purchase. That's why your $1,000 purchase will be declined if you only have $500 in your bank account.

However, when you use a credit card, you borrow money from the credit card company to make your purchase. When you pay off your balance, you're paying them back for your loan. If you fail to pay within the given time frame (typically around a month), you'll be charged fees and interest, and your credit score will drop.

The main benefit of using a debit card is that it keeps you from overspending. If you use a credit card responsibly, however, you'll earn rewards, get additional benefits and improve your credit score.

Related: Why a credit card is a smarter choice than a debit card

How to read your credit card bill

The terms, dates and different numbers on a credit card bill can make reading one feel like a decoding activity. But the good news is that the code is easily broken by understanding some key terms.

First, let's clarify the terms "bill" and "statement." Before we had access to online banking, cardholders would receive a paper statement (aka bill — the terms are used interchangeably) in the mail each month. That statement would outline the cardholder's charges for the billing period (the time since the last bill), statement balance (amount the cardholder charged during the billing period), minimum payment amount and payment due date.

Now, we have the luxury of checking our accounts online at any time. We still have statements that reflect our billing periods, but we can also see the transactions we've made since our last statement. This extra information is nice, but it can make things a bit confusing.

Here's a breakdown of what you might see when you log in to your online account:

The statement balance is the amount charged during your most recent billing period. You must pay this amount by the due date to avoid being charged interest or late payment fees.

The due date for your billing cycle will depend on your respective card (you can find this information in your terms and conditions).

So, in the example above, the cardholder needs to pay their statement balance of $89.86 by the due date of Nov. 22 to avoid being charged any fees.

The minimum payment is the lowest amount you can pay by the due date to avoid being charged a late payment fee. However, if you only pay the minimum payment (or anything lower than the full statement balance), you'll carry a balance over to the next billing period and be charged interest on that amount.

The "total balance" refers to the entire amount that you owe on your card: the statement balance from the previous month, along with any charges that have been made since that billing cycle closed. In this example, the cardholder has charged $11.44 since the closing date, so the total balance is the statement balance of $89.85 plus the recent charges of $11.44. The cardholder can pay the total balance, but they can also just pay the statement balance and still avoid paying any fees. If they do this, the $11.44 will show up on the next bill, which they'll have to pay the next month.

Another number you'll likely see is "available credit," which is the amount left in your credit limit. This number will fluctuate as you pay off your balance or charge more to your balance. For example, if this user's credit limit were $4,000, their available credit would be $3,898.70 (the total balance of $101.30 subtracted from the credit limit of $4,000). Try not to max out your credit limit, as your card will be denied or be charged an over-the-limit fee if you charge more than your credit limit affords.

Related: After 15 years, why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should still be your first rewards card

Rates and fees

Now that you understand how to pay your credit card bill, let's review all the essential fees a credit card company might charge.

• Annual percentage rate (APR): The interest rate charged for the entire year. There are various types of APRs, including balance transfer, cash advance, penalty and purchase APRs. The most common APR type is your purchase APR, which is the monthly interest rate charged to your credit card balance if you fail to pay off your statement balance in time.
• Introductory APR offer: A reduced APR for a defined period can help you avoid additional interest charges on purchases and balance transfers.
• Annual fee: The cost of owning your card, charged once per year. Some cards have no annual fees, while others can charge $550 (or more) per year.

• Foreign transaction fee: The amount charged to your account when paying with a foreign currency. Some credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, while others can charge fees — usually up to 3% of each transaction.
• Late payment fee: The amount charged to your account when you fail to pay the minimum payment by your payment date. In addition to the penalty APR charged to your balance, you'll also be charged a late payment fee.
• Over-the-credit limit fee: The amount charged to your account when you exceed the credit limit defined on your card.
• Return payment fee: The amount charged to your account when the payment method you provided for your credit card statement fails or bounces for reasons such as insufficient funds, account freezes or closures.

Related: How to choose a credit card with 0% APR

Types of credit cards

If you're new to credit cards, the sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming. It helps to narrow your search by first determining which type of credit card you want.

Here are the most common credit card types.

General travel

These credit cards earn travel rewards and come with travel perks that aren't tied to any airline or hotel brand. They typically earn transferable rewards, which are our favorite type due to their high value and flexibility.

These cards also usually come with general travel benefits, such as travel insurance , TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits and airport lounge access .

For our top picks, check out our full list of the best travel credit cards .

Related: Why transferable points are worth more than other rewards

Airline credit cards are cards tied to one specific airline. You'll earn rewards in the form of that airline's points or miles and get perks tied to the airline, such as free checked bags, automatic elite status and airport lounge access.

For our favorites, check out our full list of the best airline credit cards .

Hotel credit cards are tied to a specific hotel brand. You'll earn rewards in the form of points that you can use for any hotel within that brand, and you'll get perks like free nights and automatic elite status.

For some great hotel cards, check out our full list of the best hotel credit cards .

Cash-back cards are usually the simplest in terms of earning and redeeming. With a cash-back card, you'll earn a percentage of your purchase back in rewards. Then, you can redeem your rewards for cash — either as a statement credit, a check in the mail or a direct deposit into an eligible checking or savings account, depending on the issuer.

To see some of our favorite cash-back cards, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards .

Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card

A secured credit card is a good option if you have limited credit history or a low credit score. With a secured card, you'll pay a security deposit when you open the card, which functions as insurance for the credit card company.

Generally, these don't earn rewards, but they're a good way to build your credit and increase your chances of being approved for a rewards credit card later on.

For some great options, check out our full list of the best secured credit cards .

Related: My 1st-year journey into the world of cards and points

A student credit card is for — you guessed it— college students. They're designed to help students build credit, good financial habits and a relationship with a bank so they'll be ready for a more advanced credit card when they graduate.

These tend to earn minimal rewards, but they're a great option for students to ease into the world of credit cards.

For some student-focused options, check out our full list of the best credit cards for college students .

Related: Why the Citi Rewards+ is great for college students

Authorized user

An authorized user is someone who has been added to an existing credit card account by the primary account holder. An authorized user has full spending abilities on their credit card but usually has limited benefits .

If you're having trouble getting approved for a credit card, being added to someone else's account as an authorized user can help your credit score.

Related: Have good credit? Share it with an authorized user

Earning rewards

Each rewards card earns a type of rewards "currency." The American Express® Gold Card earns transferable American Express Membership Rewards points , for example, while the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® earns American Airlines AAdvantage miles and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns Hilton Honors points . These currencies have different values, so check out our TPG valuations chart to get an idea of what each rewards type is worth.

Your card's earning rate and spending habits determine the amount of rewards you'll earn. Some cards earn at a fixed rate , meaning they earn the same amount on all purchases. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which earns 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent, and the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ), which earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), are both examples of cards that earn at a fixed rate.

Other cards have bonus-earning categories. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , for example, earns 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining , popular streaming services and grocery delivery purchases, as well as 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchases. On all other purchases, it earns 1 point per dollar spent.

Additionally, many rewards cards come with a welcome bonus that can be really valuable (we're talking hundreds or thousands of dollars in value). To earn the welcome bonus, you'll need to spend a certain amount of money in a given period of time.

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best credit cards for each bonus category

Credit card best practices

You may have heard that credit cards should be avoided because they can get you into serious trouble. Although you won't hear us tell you to avoid credit cards, we only condone responsible credit card use.

Here are some of the best credit card practices that we live by.

Always pay your balance on time and in full. It may seem like we're heavily emphasizing this point, but for good reason. Not only will you negate any points and miles you earn if you start to accrue interest charges, but carrying a balance can get you into significant debt quickly.

Credit cards are not free money, so never charge more than you can afford. Similarly, remember that you'll owe the statement balance on your card each month. Budget and manage your credit wisely so your finances don't get out of hand.

Understand credit card application restrictions. You may be tempted to dive into the deep end of credit card rewards immediately, but it's best to take it slowly. In addition to giving yourself time to find a credit card budget system that works best for you, know that some issuers have their own set of restrictions . It pays to be thoughtful and have a longer-term plan before you apply for a credit card.

Wait at least three months (ideally, six months or longer) between card applications. Opening new lines of credit impacts your credit score, and it's a red flag you apply for new cards too quickly. Pace yourself by earning a card's sign-up bonus and taking some time to learn how well the card matches your lifestyle. Then, you can choose your next card based on what will complement that card (and any others in your wallet).

Think twice before canceling a credit card. As you add more cards to your portfolio, you might be tempted to cancel the ones you aren't reaching for as often. However, if a card has no annual fee, there's no harm in keeping the card in your wallet — potentially forever. Length of credit is a factor in your credit score, so keeping your earliest cards open helps increase your credit history and, therefore, your credit score.

Related: TPG's 10 commandments of credit card rewards

Building a points-and-miles strategy

Now that you have a baseline understanding of credit cards, it's time to choose your card.

Don't feel like you need to have a strategy in place right now. If you're overwhelmed by the types of rewards, you can start small with a cash-back card to solidify your good credit habits and enjoy simple rewards redemptions.

But if you do have a dream trip in mind, you can set your sights on a travel rewards card that will help make that dream a reality.

When you're ready to think about a points-and-miles strategy, check out our TPG guide to getting started with points and miles to travel .

Bottom line

Congratulations! You're armed with the terms and knowledge you need to research, apply for and responsibly use a credit card.

Now, take a look at our recommendations of the best first credit cards and use the knowledge you've gained here to help you choose the one that fits your spending habits and rewards goals. We'll be here for you as you go through every step of your credit card journey.

Card Accounts

Business Accounts

Other Accounts and Payments

Tools and Support

Personal Cards

Business Credit Cards

Corporate Programs

Prepaid Cards

Personal Savings

Personal Checking and Loans

Business Banking

Book And Manage Travel

Travel Inspiration

Business Travel

Services and Support

Benefits and Offers

Manage Membership

Business Services

Checking & Payment Products

Funding Products

Merchant Services

The Business Platinum Card ®

Annual Fee: $695 ¤

Scroll Down to Learn More

How You Earn

5x points on flights & prepaid hotels on flights & prepaid hotels, 1.5x points on eligible purchases on eligible purchases, 1x points on other eligible purchases ‡ on other eligible purchases ‡, 5x points on flights & prepaid hotels 5x points on flights & prepaid hotels, 1.5x points on eligible purchases 1.5x points on eligible purchases, 1x points on other eligible purchases ‡ 1x points on other eligible purchases ‡, unlock over $1,000 in business & travel value annually.

Enroll in each of the below and get statement credits of up to:

$200 back semi-annually for U.S. purchases with

See Details

Shop Dell Technologies

Upgrade your tech, enhance your business. Enroll and get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually on U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card through 12/31/24. That's up to $400 back. ‡

$90 back per quarter for purchases with

Build Your Team with Indeed

Build your team, grow your business. Enroll and get up to $360 in statement credits(up to $90 back per quarter) for purchases with Indeed on the Card through 12/31/24. ‡

$150 back per year for select business subscription purchases with

Adobe Creative Solutions

Get the creative solutions your business needs. Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits for eligible annual prepaid business plan purchases of Adobe Creative Cloud for teams or Adobe Acrobat Pro for teams on the Business Platinum Card through 12/31/24. 1 ‡

1 Annual prepaid business plans automatically renew each year on your annual subscription date until cancelled.

$10 back monthly for select purchases with U.S. wireless phone service providers

Wireless Credit

Enroll and get up to $120 in statement credits per year for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $10 back per month. ‡

$200 back per year for baggage fees and other incidentals with one qualifying airline

$200 Airline Fee Credit

Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Business Platinum Card Account. 1‡

1 American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.

$189 back per year for your CLEAR ® Plus Membership

$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit

CLEAR ® uses unique attributes, such as eyes or fingerprints, to digitally verify identity to help its members move faster through security at select airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership 1 with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with your Business Platinum Card. ‡

1 Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.

$400 Statement Credit

Up to $400 back (up to $200 semi-annually) on U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies through 12/31/24. Enrollment required. ‡

$360 Statement Credit

Get up to $360 back (up to $90 quarterly) for purchases with Indeed on the Card through 12/31/24. Enrollment required. ‡

$150 Statement Credit

Enroll and get up to $150 back for select auto-renewing annual business subscription purchases with Adobe on the Business Platinum ® Card through 12/31/24. ‡

$120 Statement Credit

Get up to $120 back per year for purchases with U.S. wireless telephone service providers on the Business Platinum Card. Enrollment required. ‡

$200 Statement Credit

Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in credits per year for baggage fees and more. ‡

$189 Statement Credit

Breeze through security with CLEAR ® Plus. CLEAR lanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use the Business Platinum Card. Learn More. ‡

Featured Benefits

The Global Lounge Collection ®

The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market ‡ 1 . 1 As of 3/2023

American Express Global Lounge Collection ®

Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion ® Lounge, Escape Lounges - The Centurion ® Studio Partner, Delta Sky Club ® when flying Delta, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass ™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges. Lounges may have their own rules, like age restrictions and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express ® App ‡ or visit americanexpress.com/findalounge . ‡

Marriott Bonvoy ® Gold Elite Status

As a Business Platinum Card Member, you can upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy ™ Gold Elite status without meeting any stay requirements. Terms and limitations apply. ‡

Business Platinum Card Members and Additional Business Platinum Card Members may enroll (or upgrade an existing membership) directly into Marriott Bonvoy ® Gold Elite Status, bypassing the usual annual minimum night/stay requirements. Once enrollment is completed, the Card Member may take advantage of the Gold Elite benefits at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and booked with a Qualifying Rate. ‡ With Gold Elite status, members enjoy: 1. 25% bonus points on eligible hotel purchases 2. A Welcome Gift of Points and Complimentary In-room Wi-Fi Access 3. Enhanced Room Upgrades at select properties (when available) 4. 2pm Late Checkout (when available)

Fine Hotels + Resorts ® Program

For every type of traveler and every type of trip, find your stay with American Express Travel. For hotels that are destinations unto themselves, there’s Fine Hotels + Resorts ® . ‡

Fine Hotels + Resorts Program

When you're ready to relax and need an escape, enjoy an unforgettable experience with Fine Hotels + Resorts ® . When you book through American Express Travel, you'll receive an average total value of $600 1 in perks, like daily breakfast for two, 4pm check-out, and more. Plus, book on AmexTravel.com and you can earn 5X Membership Rewards ® points ® , or use Pay with Points ® , on prepaid stays with a minimum 2-night stay required to be eligible for the benefit. 1 Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2022 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

All Benefits & Features

5x membership rewards ® points, the global lounge collection ®, $189 clear plus credit, fine hotels + resorts ® program ‡, fee credit for global entry or tsa precheck ®, no foreign transaction fees ¤, marriott bonvoy ® gold elite status, hilton honors ™ gold status, premium car rental privileges, business platinum travel service, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• Cash Flow Flexibility
• Expense Management
• Additional Services

Business Platinum Card ®

Annual fee: $695 ¤, get a decision in as little as 30 seconds.

• ♦︎ ‡†Offer & Benefit Terms
• ¤Rates & Fees

Personal Finance

Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for june 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Paying foreign transaction fees when you’re traveling adds up quickly. However, with a little research you can find a card that doesn’t charge them. Then, when you pay for piña coladas at a swim-up bar in Costa Rica, you don’t have to worry about all the fees you’re racking up.

Here’s a list of cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Learn how to use money abroad to save yourself some money.

Our recommendations

Best for grocery and dining: card_name, american express® gold card, product details:.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

The card_name is a great everyday earner that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. You can earn 4x points on dining and groceries, 3x points on travel booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, and one point on every other purchase. You also get $120 Uber cash and $120 in dining credit with select restaurants.

It comes with a bonus_miles_full It does have a annual_fees annual fee, so it’s not right for every consumer. American Express also has a limited international footprint, so if this becomes your go-to card, you need to check to see that it’s accepted at your chosen destination.

For more details, read our comprehensive review .

Best for business expenses, big sign-up bonus: card_name

Ink business preferred® credit card.

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

If you want to earn travel rewards from your business expenses, the card_name may be a good fit. It annual_fees . The annual fee is annual_fees .

The bonus categories offer 3x points on travel, 3x points on social media and search engine advertising costs, 3x points on shipping expenses, 3x points on cable and phone expenses, and one point on every other purchase.

This card also has access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program , which can amplify the value of the rewards you earn. There’s also a way to link your personal accounts to your business account and combine rewards points for personal redemptions.

Best for beginner travel rewards program: card_name

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM), 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.

The card_name is one of the best cards for beginning your journey with travel rewards . The benefits it offers—aside from not charging foreign transaction fees—are flexible and wide-ranging. When you’re a beginner, you don’t need perfect knowledge or plans to make travel redemptions work with the number of options available here.

Best for simple, flat-rate rewards: card_name

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

If you don’t want to keep track of earnings, redemptions, and transfer rates, you may want to consider the card_name . Its easy structure allows you to earn two bonus miles on every purchase you make. Redemptions aren’t restricted to any airline or hotel, but they are limited to $.01 per mile. You will bonus_miles_full , which is a great way to get started.

Best for fair credit borrowers: card_name

Capital one quicksilverone cash rewards credit card.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
• Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set

If you’re rebuilding your credit , you still have a few options for credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees, including the card_name . You’ll earn rewards at a rate of 1.5% cash back on every purchase. However, the annual percentage rate (APR) is very high ( reg_apr,reg_apr_type ), and there’s no new cardmember bonus.

Best for gas station rewards: Citi Premier

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

• Earn 60,000bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at as Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you an earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

The Citi Premier offers a variety of bonus earnings in everyday spending categories. You can earn 3x points for every dollar spent on dining, supermarket, gas station, hotel, and flight purchases. The welcome offer is bonus_miles_full . You also get a $100 credit for hotel purchases of $500 or more each calendar year.

Best for cash back rewards: card_name

Capital one quicksilver cash rewards credit card.

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

The card_name has annual_fees annual fee and earns 1.5% in cash back rewards on every purchase. It also comes with a bonus_miles_full . This card offers 1.5% flat cash back and charges foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction or annual fees. If you’re looking for an inexpensive card, this could be it.

Our methodology

Cards that offer no foreign transaction fees were evaluated in tandem with their comprehensive benefits and rewards program structure and compared with similar cards side by side. How to go about getting such a card was also detailed, and alternative methods of payment have been enumerated.

Foreign transaction fee: Pros and cons

Getting a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee means you’ll also likely get a card that has some fun travel perks. Premium cards may offer generous sign-up bonuses , access to airport lounges, dining or shopping credits, and increased earnings for certain categories. The main downside is that your new card may charge an annual fee, so be sure you’re getting enough benefit from the card to make it worth it.

Who should get a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card?

If you travel at all, you’ll likely benefit from a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Using such a card is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to pay for expenses when you’re traveling abroad. You don't have to exchange currency at an unfavorable rate at the airport, nor do you need to carry a large amount of cash while you’re traveling.

How to select the right no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for you?

A card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees usually has other benefits, which are usually the primary driver in making your decision on a credit card. Some questions you may want to ask yourself include:

• Do you want travel rewards? A wide variety of these cards feature robust travel rewards programs.
• Do you want a card with no annual fee? A few no-annual-fee cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees.
• Do you want a simple earnings structure on the card? If you want a card where you don’t have to keep track of the bonus categories, many cards offer flat-rate rewards .
• Do you want cash-back rewards? Cash-back rewards are often easier to use than many travel rewards programs. There’s a big choice of cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees while earning cash-back rewards .
• Do you want to earn points at your favorite hotel or airline? Many airline- or hotel-branded credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees and offer benefits to cardmembers who use their loyalty program.
• Do you want to use a business card? You can earn a lot of points for personal use by running business expenses through a business credit card .
• Where do you spend the most money? If you spend a lot of money on gas, find a card that earns bonus points for doing that . Ditto If you spend a lot on dining and groceries . Choose your card in accordance with your spending habits.

Tips for using credit cards internationally

When it comes time to use your card internationally, many places operate much like your home country. But there are some differences to keep in mind as you use your card in a foreign country.

Carry a Visa or Mastercard

Imagine enjoying lunch in a seaside cafe in Vietnam and not being able to pay at the end of the meal because they don’t take your card. Even if you’re an Amex fan, you’ll want to carry a Visa or Mastercard when you travel abroad, because they are more widely accepted.

Bring a card that has travel protections

A card with travel protections can be helpful in a jam. Some have travel insurance, which can offer reimbursement in case of trip cancellation or delay, lost baggage, travel emergency assistance, or even car rental insurance.

Notify your card issuer of your travel plans

If you don’t want your card declined at your destination, set a travel notification. Your credit issuer is always looking to prevent fraud, and expenses made in another country could be flagged if you don’t notify your card issuer of your travel plans.

Pay in the local currency

When you’re paying with your credit card, you’ll be asked if you want to be charged in the local currency or your home currency. If you pay in the local currency, you won’t be subject to exorbitant exchange rates and fees.

Carry some backup cash

Not every merchant is going to accept credit cards, so it’s wise to have some cash available in the local currency to spend in your destination of choice.

Alternatives to no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards

If you don’t want to get a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, you do have other ways to pay for things when you’re traveling in another country.

• Carry cash . Pull cash out of an ATM at your destination using your bank card.
• Use an existing credit card . You can use the card you already have and pay foreign transaction fees.
• Exchange money at the airport . Though this is an expensive way to go, travelers often exchange their money at the airport. This ensures they have some local currency immediately.
• Pay with traveler’s checks . Traveler’s checks still exist and are issued in set amounts, like $20 or $100. They have unique serial numbers so they can be canceled if they are lost or stolen.

Benefits of no-foreign-transaction-fee cards (vs. alternatives)

Here’s what it looks like when you use a card with no foreign transaction fee compared with the alternatives.

No foreign transaction fee vs. cash

Carrying a large amount of cash around isn’t practical—and in some places it’s not even safe. Using a card eliminates this issue. You avoid ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and currency conversion fees, all of which can be charged on a single withdrawal for cash.

No foreign transaction fee vs. card charges

If you decide to use a card that charges foreign transaction fees, you’ll see charge after charge on your card. It’ll add up more quickly than you realize.

No foreign transaction fee vs. money exchange

When you exchange money at a bank at home before you leave, you’ll likely need to create an order for foreign currency ahead of time. Wait till you get there and you’ll need to take time waiting in line at a bank to exchange money. Worse, you may not receive a favorable exchange rate. You also don’t need to guess how much money you need when you pay with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card.

No foreign transaction fee vs. traveler’s checks

You need to plan ahead of time to arrange for traveler’s checks, and many banks no longer offer them. In addition, not all merchants will take traveler’s checks. It’s an outdated payment method, and there are better alternatives.

How to get a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card

The process for getting a card with no foreign transaction fees is as easy as applying for any other card. The main difference is that you may pay an annual fee. Here’s what you should do.

• Check your credit . Most travel credit cards require at least “good” credit. If you need to make some adjustments to boost your credit score, give yourself some time to plan.
• Choose a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees . To get the most from your card, choose one that also offers benefits and bonus points you’ll actually use.
• Apply for the card . When you apply for a card, you can expect to submit your employment status, income, housing costs, and any other personal information the credit issuer needs to make a decision about approving you for the card.
• Receive the card, activate it, and begin using it . You don’t have to do anything special on a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. You simply use it when you need it. The exchange is automatic.

TIME Stamp: A card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees is essential for travelers

If you travel internationally you don’t want to be paying foreign transaction fees, and there are many cards that don’t charge them. With a little research you can find a credit card that also has attractive additional benefits.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which credit card doesn't have foreign transaction fees?

Many travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. If that’s important to you, be sure to check before you apply. Check out the list included above.

Do any credit cards have no international fees?

International fees are synonymous with foreign transaction fees, so the answer is yes.

What are the best credit cards to use internationally?

Visa and Mastercard cards are the most widely accepted throughout the world. Be sure to use those that don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Is a no-foreign-transaction-fee card worth it?

Cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees usually come with other benefits. It’s a matter of deciding if the benefits you can get from the card outweigh the costs. You may already have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Research your own cards before you start looking.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

Transferring Credit Card Rewards to a Travel Partner? Do This First

E arning rewards when swiping your credit card is an excellent strategy. With a travel credit card, you can redeem your rewards for travel purchases, making an upcoming vacation cheaper.

If you have a travel rewards credit card that allows you to transfer your rewards to travel partners, there are two steps you should take before transferring them. Here's what you should know.

Featured offer: save money while you pay off debt with one of these top-rated balance transfer credit cards

Some cards allow you to transfer your rewards to travel partners

Some travel credit cards give cardholders multiple ways to redeem the rewards they earn. One redemption option may be to transfer your points or miles to select airline or hotel partners.

Transferring your rewards could be an excellent way to get more value. You can transfer your rewards and book flights or hotel stays. This redemption choice may provide better value, allowing you to stretch your rewards further and save more on travel costs.

But before you rush to transfer your rewards to an eligible travel partner, ensure availability for your award flight or hotel stay booking. You should also research all costs to know what to expect before you finalize your redemption. Here are the steps I suggest you take.

Step one: Search for availability

Whether you're hoping to use your rewards for a flight or hotel stay, you'll want to research availability first. Search for your desired flight or hotel with your preferred dates to see if bookings are available. You can log in to the travel partner's website to do this.

Why is this an important step to take? Once you transfer your rewards to a travel partner, you can't transfer them back to your credit card's issuer's rewards program. The last thing you want to do is find out there is no availability and be forced to use your rewards with one partner.

As a heads up, many travelers book award flights six to 12 months before their trip. If you're looking for last-minute availability, you may need to adjust your trip plans.

Step two: Review all prices

The next step is to review all costs associated with your intended booking. Most credit card reward hotel bookings don't charge additional taxes and fees. However, if you're making a redemption with points and cash, you may be charged additional taxes and fees.

If you use your rewards to book an award flight, expect to pay taxes and fees. Costs start at $5.60 per one-way flight for flights flying out of the United States. But these expenses can vary significantly depending on the carrier and the airport you're flying in and out of for your flights.

These fees can easily cost hundreds of dollars in addition to the points or miles required to book your award flight. Researching the total cost before you transfer your rewards is wise. This way, you don't end up with a big surprise when you get to the checkout screen.

Strategize before using your credit card rewards

It pays to strategize the best way to use your credit card rewards. As you earn rewards, review your available redemption choices to see if there's an option that offers more value. You worked hard to earn your rewards, so finding a way to stretch them is beneficial. If you're looking for a credit card that earns travel rewards, check out our list of the best travel credit cards .

Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

This credit card  is not just good – it's so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It  features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee! 

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

Travel Money Strategies: Carrying Cash Abroad

• Last updated Jun 27, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Carrying money abroad requires balancing safety and accessibility. While making money difficult to access can deter thieves, it's also important to be able to reach it without hassle when needed. Here are some tips to help you carry money safely and efficiently while travelling:

- Divide your cash and cards across multiple safe spots. Avoid keeping all your money in one place, as it increases the risk of losing everything in a single incident.

- Store some money on your person, using under-clothing accessories like bra stashes, long johns, or underwear with built-in pockets.

- Keep small bills and coins easily accessible for minor purchases like souvenirs or attraction fees, while storing larger bills securely.

- Use an anti-theft bag with features like cut-proof straps, slash-proof fabric, and locking zippers to deter opportunistic thieves.

- Adapt to the local money culture. In cash-based economies, carry a variety of bills and coins, while in places with prevalent chip-and-PIN technology, ensure you have a compatible credit card.

What You'll Learn

Credit cards, traveller's cheques, prepaid cards, money transfers.

Choose a widely accepted credit card

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide. If a merchant accepts credit cards, your Visa or Mastercard will likely work. American Express and Discover have a smaller international presence, so it's a good idea to bring a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.

Notify your credit card issuer

Let your credit card issuer know about your travel plans in advance to avoid any confusion or fraud alerts. You can usually do this online, through the card issuer's app, or by calling the number on the back of your card.

Bring more than one card

It's a good idea to bring multiple credit cards in case one is declined or lost. Consider bringing cards that offer extra rewards for travel-related expenses, such as restaurants, hotels, and transportation.

Avoid foreign transaction fees

Some credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside your home country, typically ranging from 1% to 3% of each purchase. Look for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to save money.

Understand currency conversion

Avoid dynamic currency conversion, which allows you to make purchases in your home currency instead of the local currency. The exchange rates for dynamic currency conversion are usually less favourable than the rates your credit card issuer will use. Always opt to pay in the local currency.

Be aware of other fees and charges

Using a foreign ATM can be expensive. In addition to foreign transaction fees, you may be charged a cash withdrawal fee, which can range from 2% to 5% or a minimum charge per transaction. Credit card companies may also apply unfair exchange rates or high-interest charges if you don't pay your bill in full.

Keep your card secure

Memorise your PIN and keep your passport with you, as some merchants may require ID confirmation. In the event that your card is lost or stolen, report it to your bank immediately to prevent unauthorised purchases.

Entering Your Known Traveler Number on United Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide

You may want to see also

Carrying cash while travelling abroad has its pros and cons. While it is a good idea to carry some cash, it is not advisable to rely on it as your only source of money. Here are some tips to help you manage cash while travelling:

Contact your bank:

Let your bank know about your travel plans. Banks can flag international card usage as fraudulent and freeze your account. It is also a good idea to switch to a 4-digit PIN, as many international ATMs do not accept longer PINs.

Carry a small amount of cash:

It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash (around $100) in the local currency to cover small expenses like transportation, snacks, and phone calls for the first few days. Having some cash in the local currency is especially useful if you encounter issues with your debit or credit card.

Understand the local currency and exchange rates:

Take time to familiarise yourself with the local currency and its exchange rate against your home currency. This will help you understand the cost of living in your destination country and make it easier to distinguish between different denominations of the local currency.

Keep cash in multiple places:

Instead of keeping all your cash in one wallet or purse, distribute it across multiple secure locations, such as a money belt, front pant pockets, inside jacket pockets, or a suitcase. This reduces the risk of losing all your cash if you are robbed or pickpocketed.

Carry large bills:

Travelling with larger denomination bills takes up less space and allows you to carry more money discreetly. Paper bills are also more convenient than coins, which can set off metal detectors at airports.

Keep an emergency reserve of cash:

It is wise to set aside a small stash of local currency for emergencies. This will be useful if you encounter unexpected situations that require immediate funds.

Exchange money early:

Plan ahead and exchange your money in advance to get a better rate. Exchanging currency at airports or exchange counters can be expensive due to high transaction fees and unfavourable exchange rates.

Spend remaining cash before leaving:

It is generally more costly to convert foreign currency back into your home currency. Therefore, try to spend any leftover cash before you depart, or use it to purchase something at the airport.

While carrying cash has its advantages, it is important to be cautious and aware of the risks. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas where pickpocketing is common. Additionally, consider having a backup payment method, such as a credit card, in case you need to access additional funds.

How to Check Previous Travel Documents at an Embassy

When purchasing traveller's cheques, you will need to sign each cheque and take note of the serial number in case they need to be replaced. When spending or cashing in your traveller's cheques, you will be required to countersign each cheque in the presence of the person accepting it, so that your signatures can be compared and your identity verified.

One of the key advantages of traveller's cheques is security. They are safer to carry around than cash and, provided you have noted the serial number, they can be replaced if lost or stolen. Traveller's cheques also do not carry expiry dates, so you can keep any unused cheques for your next trip.

However, traveller's cheques are becoming less common and less convenient than other payment methods. They can be impractical to use, as you will need to carry around multiple cheques, and they may not be accepted everywhere. There may also be handling, commission, and cashing-in fees associated with traveller's cheques.

Does Cold Travel Up Metal Like Heat? Exploring the Conductivity of Cold Temperature in Metal

Some prepaid cards can save you money on exchange fees, but it's important to be aware of the various fees that may be associated with prepaid cards, such as top-up charges, exchange rate markups, ATM withdrawal fees, and inactivity fees.

• Discover® Cashback Debit: No account fee, early pay, no credit impact, fraud protection, fee-free overdraft protection, and no minimum balance required.
• Chime® Checking Account: No monthly or maintenance fees, and access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs.
• Brink’s Armored™ Account: Access to over 100,000 Brink’s Money ATMs and direct deposit.
• NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card: No late fees or interest charges, and the Netspend Mobile App allows you to manage your card on the go.
• Wise: Allows you to keep over 50 currencies and spend like a local in 174 countries.
• Revolut: Hold and exchange 28 currencies, and spend in over 140 currencies.

Tips for Traveling Like Sam Kolde: Discover the Secrets of a Nomadic Lifestyle

Bank-to-Bank Transfers

Some banks allow you to transfer money directly from your bank account to the recipient's bank account. These transactions can often be arranged online, over the phone, or in person, and may incur a fee depending on the institution. Bank-to-bank transfers usually require the account and routing numbers for both the sending and receiving bank accounts.

Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transactions

ACH transactions are electronic transfers similar to wire and bank-to-bank transfers, but they use a computer-based clearing house as an intermediary to process the exchange of transactions. There are no fees for ACH transactions, but they require both banks to be linked.

Cash-to-Cash Transfers

If you have a large sum of money in cash, you can use domestic, walk-in money transfer centres to send it to an international money transfer centre. The cash is deposited and converted to the destination country's currency, then picked up by the recipient at a participating money transfer centre or delivered to a residential or commercial location, depending on the country. Well-known companies that offer this service include Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria, as well as fintech companies such as Wise, Payoneer, PayPal, and WorldRemit.

Prepaid Debit Cards

Some services allow you to send funds via a prepaid debit card. The sender loads the card with cash funds, which the recipient can then withdraw or use for purchases. There is usually an activation or monthly fee associated with this method.

International Money Transfer Services

There are several licensed money transfer companies that offer lower costs and faster delivery times than traditional banks. Here are some popular options:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Offers excellent exchange rates and low fees, typically less than 1% of the transfer amount when funded by a bank account. Same-day delivery is possible for some countries, while transfers from a bank account can take up to two business days. Sending limits go up to $1 million per transfer, and recipients must have a bank account.
• OFX: Does not charge transfer fees and has exchange rate markups of around 0.5% to 1%. Transfers generally take one to three business days, depending on the destination. The sending minimum is $1,000, with no set maximum, and transfers can only be made between bank accounts.
• Xoom: Owned by PayPal, Xoom offers low upfront fees and relatively fast transfer times. Exchange rate markups can be over 1%. Cash pickup is available in some countries, and daily transfer limits are capped at $50,000. Transfers can be funded by a bank account, debit or credit card, or PayPal account.
• MoneyGram: Offers physical locations for in-person cash payments and has a large network for cash pickup. Exchange rate markups vary but can surpass 3%. Online transfer limits are $10,000 per transfer and per month, but this can be higher depending on the destination country.
• Western Union: One of the largest transfer providers worldwide, with a strong network for sending and receiving cash in person. Exchange rate markups vary widely, and fees for transfers up to $1,000 can be under $5 or higher, depending on the funding source and delivery method. Same-day delivery is possible for cash pickups when using a debit or credit card, but the cheapest transfers can take over a week. Transfer limits vary by destination country.

When choosing a money transfer service, it is important to compare costs, exchange rates, transfer speeds, and delivery options to find the best option for your specific needs.

Discover the Best Travel Site that Offers Cashback Rewards

Frequently asked questions.

Dividing your money into multiple safe spots is a good way to carry money while travelling abroad. You can keep some money in a bag you carry and some attached to your person, in accessories like a neck pouch or a money belt.

Currency conversion fees can be avoided by using credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees, such as some cards from Capital One.

Carrying cash can be useful for immediate expenses like buying a meal at the airport or taking a cab to your hotel. However, it is important to be aware of the local currency and exchange rates, as well as any fees or commissions associated with exchanging money. Additionally, carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for thieves.

Some alternatives to carrying cash or credit cards while travelling abroad include using a dummy wallet, which can be a cheap wallet with small bills and sample credit cards, or a travel-specific wallet that is smaller and easier to secure than your regular wallet.

• Merve Nussman Author Reviewer Traveller

• Elani Piper Author Editor Reviewer

It is awesome. Thank you for your feedback!

We are sorry. Plesae let us know what went wrong?

We will update our content. Thank you for your feedback!

Leave a comment

Travel photos, related posts.

A Step-by-Step Guide on Using JetBlue Travel Bank for Payments

• May 15, 2024

Preserving the Freshness of Bread When Traveling

• May 11, 2024

The Unique Ways Seeds Travel: A Lesson Plan for Teachers Pay Teachers

Can F1 Attend a Conference in France on a Travel Visa?

• Mar 15, 2024

Exploring the Benefits: How Internships Can Help Cover Travel Expenses

• May 14, 2024

Exploring South Korea: Visa-Free Travel for Jamaicans

• Mar 24, 2024