Best Credit Cards for Traveling to Europe 2024: Avoid Fees + Rack up Points

One of my favorite benefits of earning credit card points, airline miles, and hotel points is being able to book trips that I otherwise couldn't afford. Using travel rewards, I’ve been able to travel to Europe multiple times.

But when traveling internationally, you need to think about which credit cards will make the journey with you. Avoiding foreign transaction fees should be a top priority, as should earning bonus points on travel spending. If you can redeem those points for future European travel, even better. More frequent travelers will enjoy the peace of mind and convenience of premium perks like Global Entry reimbursement, travel insurance, and airport lounge access. The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, and Citi Strata Premier℠ Card are just a few of the cards I’d recommend for a trip to Europe based on my research and personal experience.

Whether you travel often or this is your first trip abroad, here are the best travel credit cards to use when traveling in Europe.

Credit cards to take to Europe

• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• The Platinum Card^® from American Express

Overview of the best credit cards to use when traveling to Europe

Card	Excellent for	Annual fee
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Avoiding annual fees	$0
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Earning high-value, flexible points	$95
Chase Sapphire Reserve® 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Frequent travel to Europe	$550
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Transferring points to international airlines	$95
The Platinum Card® from American Express 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Luxury travel to Europe	$695

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Even though I have several mid-tier travel credit cards, I often put travel purchases on my Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card if I'm not booking directly with an airline or hotel. The unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans is higher than many cards that charge an annual fee, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card. And this card's definition of travel is one of the broadest I've seen, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and cruises.

It's worth noting that Wells Fargo points are generally worth less than Chase or American Express points. But they offer one big advantage: You can transfer your Wells Fargo points at a 1:2 rate to the Choice Hotels loyalty program, an underrated gem for European travel. I've used all the major hotel loyalty programs, and Choice Privileges points are my favorite for Europe.

While you won't get premium travel perks with a no-annual-fee card, I think the travel benefits offered by the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card are more than sufficient for the casual traveler. It has no foreign transaction fees and comes with an auto rental collision damage waiver and travel and emergency assistance services.

Apply now or find out more in our full Wells Fargo Autograph review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been a mainstay in my wallet for years because the points it earns are some of the most valuable and flexible in the game. With this card, your points are worth 1.25 cents each when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where you can book a Europe trip with many major airlines, hotels, and rental car companies.

I get even more value from my Ultimate Rewards points by transferring them to Chase's travel partners, including a good mix of international and domestic airlines. Air France, Iberia, and British Airways are all worthwhile options for award flights to Europe. Chase's hotel partners aren't the best for European travel, on the other hand.

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi Strata Premier℠ Card come with a long list of travel protections like trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and baggage delay insurance. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred's rental car coverage is better because it's primary insurance, meaning you don't have to file a claim with your own insurance. I've used this coverage in Europe before and even had to file a claim once, which was a breeze.

Apply now or find out more in our full Chase Sapphire Preferred review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has been one of the most popular premium credit cards since its launch. The travel protections alone — which include common benefits like trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage delay, and lost luggage insurance as well as rare benefits like travel accident insurance and emergency medical and dental — make this card worthwhile for frequent international travelers.

I had this card when I traveled more often, and I always found it paid for itself after about two trips. You'll receive a $300 annual credit automatically applied toward qualifying travel purchases, and that category is broadly defined. Cardholders also get a Priority Pass Select membership to access airport lounges(enrollment required), with over 370 locations in Europe, plus a credit to cover up to $120 every four years TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees.

Points can be transferred to 11 airlines and three hotel loyalty programs, including several European airlines. When points are used to purchase travel through Chase Travel℠, they’re worth 1.5 cents each, making them the most valuable credit card points out there in my opinion. If you’re not sure you’d get enough bang for your buck with this card, start with the Sapphire Preferred — you can always request to upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve later.

Apply now or find out more in our Chase Sapphire Reserve review.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

I think the Citi Strata Premier has more earning potential than the Chase Sapphire Preferred for average spenders who want one everyday card, thanks to the 3X points on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations. You can also earn 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.

As someone who carries multiple cards for different purposes, I don't like how narrow the travel bonus spending category is to earn 10X. But if you're fine with using CitiTravel.com to book, you can earn one of the highest rates I've seen on travel spending. You'll also get $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more booked through CitiTravel.com, a perk that pays for the annual fee by itself.

If you redeem your points for travel through the rewards portal, you'll only get 1 cent per point compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred's 1.25 cents per point. However, Citi's transfer partners include Choice Hotels — which I recommend for award stays in Europe — and more international airlines than Chase's. For everyday use and international flights, Citi Strata Premier℠ Card(Rates and fees) benefits stand out.

Apply now or find out more in our full Citi Strata Premier Card review.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The lofty price tag on the Platinum Card from American Express comes with lofty luxury benefits. You'll get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes 370+ Priority Pass lounges in Europe, Lufthansa lounges when flying with European carrier Lufthansa, and premium Centurion Lounges in cities like London and Stockholm.

You’ll also get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status, plus valuable benefits with The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts. The card comes with hundreds of dollars in monthly and annual credits that can cancel out the annual fee, although they're harder to use than the Chase Sapphire Reserve's credits and often require enrollment. The Amex Platinum also offers a statement credit of up to $120 on Global Entry every four years.

While Membership Rewards points are only worth 1 cent per point when redeemed for travel through the Amex portal, I think American Express has the best list of transfer partners for European travel. Some of my best redemptions have been flights to Europe with Air France-KLM and Iberia and sweet-spot bookings with Choice Hotels.

Select benefits require enrollment.

Learn how to apply or find out more in our full The Platinum Card from American Express review.

How to choose a credit card for a trip to Europe

Not all credit cards are created equal, and your favorite credit cards to use within the U.S. may not have the same allure when traveling to a foreign country. Here are the features to consider when selecting the best credit card to use when traveling in Europe.

Avoid foreign transaction fees

Many popular credit cards today don’t charge foreign transaction fees, but you may have some in your wallet that do. You want to avoid using those when traveling to Europe. Foreign transaction fees are a tax on your purchases when traveling internationally. Usually, these fees add a 3% surcharge to your purchase amount.

Pay attention to travel credits and perks

Some cards offer perks like travel and hotel credits, fee credits, and airport lounge access. These credits typically apply to travel purchases made abroad as well as at home, and airport lounge benefits include hundreds of lounges in Europe. However, cards with these perks can have higher annual fees, so consider your priorities before applying.

Consider Global Entry reimbursement

If you typically travel within the U.S., you’re likely familiar with the TSA PreCheck program that lets you skip the lines at airport security. Global Entry is a sister program that allows you to expedite your wait at U.S. Customs when returning from an international flight, making travel to Europe much faster and easier.

Many travel credit cards offer free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry through reimbursements. Before your trip, consider using one of them to apply for the security program that works best for you.

Some cards also offer statement credits for CLEAR, an identity verification service. CLEAR offers two programs: CLEAR Plus and Reserve.

Make sure bonus rewards apply to international transactions

We love earning bonus miles and points when paying for travel, dining, gas, and other categories. However, if you look at the fine print, many credit cards limit these bonus points and miles to U.S.-based transactions.

If you’re looking to maximize your rewards to get closer to your next free vacation, make sure you have a credit card that offers benefits worldwide. All of the cards we’ve included on this list do.

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver when things go wrong. Some cards come with policies such as trip cancellation or interruption insurance, lost luggage insurance, and car rental insurance. When traveling to Europe or anywhere international, it can also be smart to have travel accident and emergency evacuation insurance, which a couple of cards on this list offer.

Be sure to read the fine print of this insurance before you travel. For example, car rental insurance doesn't apply in every country.

Look for PIN technology

In the U.S., we’re used to chip-and-signature technology on our credit cards. We insert the card and then sign our receipt. Europe has taken the technology a step further to reduce fraudulent transactions. Instead of signing the receipt, you’re asked to enter your PIN instead to verify that it’s you.

Many U.S. credit cards offer chip-and-PIN technology, and I recommend bringing at least one that does with you on your European vacation. You may need to contact your card issuer to request a PIN.

Consider these chip-and-PIN credit cards.

Do this before you leave for vacation

Before you depart for your European vacation, follow these tips to minimize any problems when using your credit cards in a new country.

1. Share travel plans with your bank

Banks are always on the lookout for fraudulent transactions. If your credit card is suddenly being used in a new country, the bank may block your account until it can verify the transactions are from you.

To avoid this scenario, let your bank know where you’ll be traveling. Be sure to include any countries you may have a layover in as well. Many banks now allow you to notify them via their app or website to expedite the process.

2. Set up automatic payments

In a perfect world, we all pay our credit cards in full each month to avoid interest. However, that’s not always the case. This is especially true when you're focused on the fun while traveling in a foreign country.

This is why I suggest that everyone sign up for automatic payment of the minimum amount due. Doing so will keep your account in good standing, avoid late payment fees, and ensure you don’t have a late payment reported to the credit bureaus.

3. Track your purchases

I like to track my money regularly, but you need to be even more vigilant with your accounts while traveling. One of the easiest ways to keep up to date with your accounts is to download your bank’s app to your mobile device. With the app, you can typically track transactions, make payments, or even notify the bank if you’ve lost your credit card.

FAQ

Which international travel credit card is right for you?

There are many international credit cards to choose from, but which one is right for you? Analyze the cards listed above and determine which of the benefits are most important to you. They’re all good choices, but their fees and perks may work best for different types of travelers. For more options, check out our list of the best travel credit cards. 

Advice from our experts

Is there a Europe trip in the cards for you? Read up on our panel of experts’ insights before you apply for your next travel card to finance your trip.

Are there any red flags to look out for when browsing for starter travel cards to apply for?

Jeremy C. Clement, MBA, PMP

Senior Instructor, Internship Coordinator, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management | College of Charleston

First, are there any annual fees, hidden expenses, or interest rate modifications to the offer? Typically, you can expect some introductory rate. Knowing how long that rate is good for is important in determining the value proposition. And you should make sure you understand any booking or affiliation restrictions that might exist. The benefits aren’t worth much if you have to go to a greater expense to use them.

Also, be aware of any spending or usage expectations tied to mileage or other rewards incentives. It’s important to select a card that will allow you to spend within your existing requirements or needs while still earning any bonus or incentive the card offers … that’s the whole point of the travel card, right?

Last thing, consider if the card partner is a provider you have or can use. Airlines are frequent partners on travel cards — are the points you’ll earn with that airline valuable to you and where you’d like to travel to? I have often selected a card based on upcoming travel plans, knowing which carriers service that location and where I’d likely purchase tickets. Making sure you earn and then use that initial bonus is a key component to getting all the value out of a travel card. Some cards allow you to earn points that can be attributed to a variety of service providers … that might be a better choice if you live in a location with greater accessibility!

Steven G. Shapiro

Director, Hospitality & Tourism Law Program and Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators | American University, Washington College of Law

When considering a card, the fundamental concerns and questions are fairly straightforward. Maybe it is obvious, but a credit card should be viewed with cold financial information and try to remove any emotions. Credit cards are sometimes marketed with university football teams that strike at school pride, and cards are sometimes marketed as an emotional status milestone that signals the applicant has become an adult and come with enticing early benefits (like low interest rates and waived annual fees).

It is better to look at the numbers and start with the personal budget to consider a monthly limit on spending with a credit card. It is important to know that the interest rate that can be charged and to disregard any of the initial rates. Credit card companies will tout a low rate that dramatically increases quickly and escalates if there are late payments. The applicant should understand the yearly fees, especially for the second year and beyond, if there is some sort of promotion.

Of course, look for the benefits of the card, like travel points, percentage rebates, and other benefits that carry a true financial benefit.

Are frequent travelers the only ones who benefit from having a travel credit card?

Jeremy C. Clement, MBA, PMP

Senior Instructor, Internship Coordinator, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management | College of Charleston

Absolutely not. If you know you have travel coming up and you know which providers you might be using, that information can be really valuable in finding the right card. Which can then, in turn, save you a bundle on your travel expenses. And even if you don’t have any plans, the benefits and bonuses from these cards can be the perfect excuse to get away for a bit! Either way, people value experiences over things in general … so why not let your purchase of things support your pursuit of new experiences!? Sounds like a win, win to me.

Maggie Daniels, PhD

School of Sport, Recreation and Tourism Management and College of Education and Human Development | George Mason University

Frequent travelers with deep pockets are definitively the only individuals who should carry a travel credit card. With U.S. credit card debt currently surpassing $1 trillion and consumers relying on credit cards to address basic needs such as groceries and housing, travel perks should be low on the list when searching for benefits. Instead, you should be laser focused on finding the lowest sustained APR and no annual fee.  

Dipra Jha

Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion, Scholarly Associate Professor and Fulbright Specialist | Carson College of Business at Washington State University

Anyone who wants to travel, either for business or leisure, could benefit from having a travel credit card. They do not have to be frequent travelers. Points accrued on card spend can be redeemed for airfare, hotels, cruises, and more, making a travel credit card a great way to pay for vacations. I do not recommend a hotel or airline co-branded travel card for someone who only travels a couple of times a year unless they are sure they want to fly that airline alliance or stay with a specific hotel brand.

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

Apply Now

Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Generous welcome offer valued at $750 when redeemed via Chase Travel
• High rewards on dining and bookings via Chase Travel
• 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• Up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel
• Receive valuable travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and primary rental car insurance

Drawbacks

• Has a $95 annual fee
• Doesn’t offer airport lounge access or premium travel perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Doesn't offer bonus points on gas or in-person groceries purchases

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 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, 2027.
• Member FDIC