The Best Credit Cards for International Travelers and Digital Nomads in 2024

As an international traveler or digital nomad, having the right credit card can make all the difference. The best cards offer benefits like no foreign transaction fees, travel rewards, and perks that can save you money and enhance your travel experience. Here’s a detailed guide to the best credit cards for international travelers and digital nomads in 2024 and all you need to know to have yours.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Key Benefits:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save on every purchase made abroad.
• Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Travel Rewards: Earn 2X points on travel and dining, and 1X point on all other purchases.
• Travel Protection: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and travel accident insurance.
• Flexible Points Redemption: Points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, gift cards, cash back, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Annual Fee: $95

2. American Express® Gold Card

Key Benefits:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international travel.
• Rewards Program: Earn 4X points at restaurants and on groceries (up to $25,000 per year), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1X point on other purchases.
• Travel Credits: $120 dining credit and up to $100 in airline fee credits per calendar year.
• Global Assistance: Access to 24/7 Global Assist Hotline for emergency assistance and support when traveling.

Annual Fee: $250

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Key Benefits:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make international purchases without extra charges.
• Rewards Program: Earn 2X miles on every purchase.
• Travel Perks: Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application fee.
• Flexible Miles Redemption: Use miles to book travel through Capital One or transfer them to over 15 travel loyalty programs.

Annual Fee: $95

4. Citi Premier® Card

Key Benefits:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid extra costs on international purchases.
• Rewards Program: Earn 3X points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, 2X points on entertainment, and 1X point on other purchases.
• Travel Protection: Trip cancellation and interruption protection, auto rental insurance, and travel accident insurance.
• Points Redemption: Points can be redeemed for travel through Citi ThankYou® Rewards or transferred to airline partners.

Annual Fee: $95

5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Key Benefits:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international use.
• Rewards Program: Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases.
• Introductory Offer: 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
• Flexible Points Redemption: Redeem points for statement credits towards travel purchases, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, or baggage fees.

Annual Fee: $0

6. Discover it® Miles

Key Benefits:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card abroad without incurring extra charges.
• Rewards Program: Earn unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent on all purchases.
• Introductory Offer: Discover matches all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Flexible Miles Redemption: Redeem miles for travel purchases or as cash back.

Annual Fee: $0

7. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard®

Key Benefits:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international travelers.
• Rewards Program: Earn 3X points on travel, 2X points on dining, and 1X point on other purchases.
• Travel Perks: Complimentary membership to LoungeKey airport lounges, up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®, and travel insurance benefits.
• Exclusive Offers: Access to exclusive travel offers and experiences.

Annual Fee: $395

Tips for Choosing the Right Credit Card

1. Assess Your Travel Habits: Consider how often you travel internationally and what kind of purchases you make most frequently.
2. Evaluate Fees and Rewards: Compare the annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and the rewards programs to find a card that offers the best value for your spending habits.
3. Look for Travel Perks: Some cards offer additional travel benefits like lounge access, travel credits, and travel insurance which can enhance your travel experience.
4. Consider Points Redemption Flexibility: Ensure that the card offers flexible and valuable redemption options for your points or miles.
5. Check for Introductory Offers: Many cards offer sign-up bonuses that can give you a substantial number of points or miles after meeting the initial spending requirement.

Having the right credit card can greatly enhance your travel experience and save you money in the long run. Whether you’re a frequent international traveler or a digital nomad, there’s a best credit card on this list that can meet your needs. Choose wisely, and enjoy the benefits and convenience of traveling with the right credit card in 2024. It’s up to you! Go for it!