The Best Credit Card for Travel

Always carry the one best credit card (CC) with you as you travel. Find it below and only use it for such things as large purchases, airline tickets and lodging.

Every time you use your CC in a foreign country, the purchase price is converted back into your own currency at the interbank exchange rate. This appears on your monthly credit card statement.

Always carry your CC number and the phone number of your CC issuer with you as you travel (separately from where you keep your CC of course). If the CC is lost or stolen, you can cancel it immediately.

The issuer normally monitors your spending – a computer detects abnormal use patterns. The issuer could cancel or limit the use of your CC under the premise that it may have been stolen. Don’t risk ruining your vacation. Before you depart, contact the issuer. Tell staff where you will travel and the length of your trip.

The issuer can also provide you with a phone number to use if your CC is lost or stolen. You can cancel the CC and have it replaced.

Compare fees charged by the major CC-issuing banks, foreign transaction fees and reward schemes. Use this information to choose the best card for you.

Find the lowest fees.

Compare credit cards based on travel.

Chapter 11 of Turn Your Dream Vacation Into Reality: A Game Plan for Seeing the World the Way You Want to See It addresses credit card use in greater detail.

Return from The Best Credit Card for Travel to TRAVEL PREPARATION