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How to use your credit card for international travel
For the most part, using a credit card internationally works the same as using it at home. However, there are some key distinctions to remember, as well as some credit card features that can help or hurt you when traveling abroad.
If you're planning an international trip, here are seven tips to consider as you prepare.
1. Know your card's payment network
U.S. credit cards are based on one of four payment networks: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa. While all four payment networks are accepted almost universally within the states, that's not true for other countries.
More specifically, merchant acceptance of American Express and Discover cards can vary greatly depending on where you travel. As a result, it's generally best to bring a Mastercard or Visa credit card with you to avoid a situation where you can't make a purchase.
If you only have an American Express or Discover credit card, check with your card issuer to learn about acceptance rates in the country you plan to visit.
2. Check for foreign transaction fees
Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee on all international purchases. Depending on your card, this fee can be as much as 3% of the transaction amount. If you spend $1,000 shopping in Europe, for instance, you'd pay up to $30 in fees.
Fortunately, there are credit cards don't charge this fee. Most are travel credit cards, but even some cash-back cards — for example, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card — don't charge one.
Read more: Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
3. Decline dynamic currency conversion
Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) is a credit card feature that allows the merchant to charge you in your home currency rather than the currency of the country you're visiting. DCC is optional and you can choose to decline it when prompted.
DCC may be appealing if you want to know up-front how much a purchase will cost you in U.S. dollars. However, foreign merchants may use a less favorable exchange rate than what your credit card issuer uses to convert the cost into dollars, costing you more money. You may even be charged a fee for using DCC, in addition to a foreign transaction fee, if your card assesses one.
To minimize your costs, it's best to decline DCC if an international merchant offers it.
4. Understand your card's travel benefits
Many credit cards offer a variety of travel perks that can improve your overall experience and provide peace of mind.
For example, the Capital One Venture X offers complimentary access to different airport lounge networks, as well as an application fee credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® does the same, and also offers valuable trip protections such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement.
Before you leave on your trip, review your card's benefits to see which ones you can take advantage of throughout your travels.
5. Consider creating a travel alert
Fraud prevention strategies have improved to the point where some credit card issuers no longer require you to notify them when traveling abroad. However, checking to see if your credit card company offers this feature is still a good idea.
If it does, creating a travel alert can help you avoid having purchases declined when you can't call your card issuer.
Even if you don't need to create a travel alert, it's a good idea to double-check your online account to ensure your contact information is current in case your card issuer declines a transaction. Also, note the card’s international customer service phone number so you can reach out if you encounter any issues on your trip.
6. Use a digital wallet
If you use multiple credit cards for your everyday spending, you may be hesitant to take all of them with you. You'll want to minimize the potential damage if you lose a card in another country or your wallet gets stolen.
A digital wallet allows you to store multiple credit cards on your phone or other mobile device, allowing you to make contactless payments abroad without having all your physical cards on hand.
Moreover, digital wallets employ various security measures to protect your card information. For example, they don't store your actual card information on your device, and you can set up biometric authentication to access your cards. Even if someone manages to steal your phone, they may have difficulty using your credit cards without your knowledge.
7. Bring a backup payment method
While a digital wallet lets you store multiple credit cards on your device, you may also want to bring another payment method, such as a debit card or cash, just in case you can't use a credit card to make a purchase.
This may be particularly beneficial in cases where a foreign merchant requires a minimum purchase amount for credit card transactions. A debit card also allows you to get cash from an ATM, so you don't need to worry about unfavorable currency exchange rates at the airport.
Credit cards can make international travel easier
Using your credit card for international purchases can help you minimize the cash you need to carry and ensure convenient and secure transactions. Depending on which cards you have, you can also take advantage of different travel perks and elevate your trip experience.
At the same time, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when using your credit card internationally, including fees, acceptance problems, and fraud. As a result, take precautions to minimize unnecessary costs and protect your credit card information while traveling abroad.
This article was edited by Alicia Hahn
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