The Best Travel Credit and Debit Cards for International Travelers in 2025
Back to CategoryThe Best Travel Credit and Debit Cards for International Travelers in 2025
Foreign Transaction Fees Are Money You Are Donating to Banks
The average foreign transaction fee is 2.5-3% of every purchase made in a foreign currency. On a $5,000 trip, that is $125-150 in fees that go directly to your bank and provide you nothing in return. The good news: eliminating foreign transaction fees entirely is simple, free, and takes twenty minutes of research and application. Here is the current best-in-class lineup for 2025.
Best Travel Credit Cards (US Travelers)
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit | Foreign Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 2x points on travel and dining, 60K signup bonus | None |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 2x miles on everything, 75K signup bonus | None |
| Citi Premier Card | $95 | 3x on air, hotels, restaurants | None |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $550 | $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge, 3x travel | None |
| Amex Gold | $250 | 4x restaurants globally, 4x US supermarkets | None |
Best No-Fee Debit Cards for ATM Access
Credit cards handle most transactions. For cash (necessary in many markets, rural areas, and small businesses), these debit cards are essential:
- Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking: The gold standard of travel debit cards. No foreign transaction fees, no ATM fees worldwide, and Schwab reimburses all ATM fees charged by foreign banks at the end of each month. Available to US residents, completely free.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) debit card: Available globally including many non-US countries. Converts currency at the mid-market rate (the best rate available), with a small transparent fee. Excellent for travelers who manage multiple currencies.
- Revolut: Available in US, UK, and EU. Interbank exchange rate with a monthly limit on fee-free exchanges. Premium plans eliminate limits.
The Travel Money System I Use
The system that eliminates almost all financial friction while traveling:
- Primary spending: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve for all purchases that accept credit cards. Earns points, provides purchase protection and travel insurance.
- Cash access: Charles Schwab debit card for all ATM withdrawals. Withdraw in local currency, never in your home currency (dynamic currency conversion at ATMs is almost always a worse rate).
- Backup: A second no-fee debit card (Wise or Capital One 360) stored separately from the primary card. If your primary card is lost or stolen, the backup provides immediate access to funds.
- Emergency cash: $100-200 USD cash hidden in luggage as last-resort backup. USD is widely accepted for exchange in most countries.
The Never-Do List for Travel Money
- Never exchange currency at airport exchange desks — rates are typically 10-15% worse than ATM rates
- Never use your bank's debit card abroad without confirming fee structure first
- Never accept "dynamic currency conversion" at ATMs or card terminals (always choose local currency)
- Never carry your only payment method without a backup
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