One of the most overlooked parts of travelling is how exactly to make payments while abroad. Different countries offer different payment methods, which may not always be compatible with every type of card. Similarly, banks may charge exorbitant fees which can make travel more expensive than necessary. We’ll take a look at the best credit cards for international travel, as well as debit cards that offer security and convenience for the modern traveler. 

Top 3 Debit Cards for International Travel

When thinking about traveling with a debit card, it’s important to take into account the different types of fees which can be applied to it. This includes nonbank usage fees, non-ATM withdrawal fees (such as from a teller), foreign transaction fees, and ATM fees. Debit cards with no international ATM fees can save travelers hundreds of dollars in hidden costs. 

Here are three of the best debit cards and checking accounts that can help users save cash while traveling. 

1.Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account

The High Yield Checking account at Charles Schwab Bank and its associated debit card refunds all ATM operator fees at the end of each month. To open an account, it is first necessary to open a Schwab One brokerage account which doesn’t have a monthly fee. Additionally, the brokerage account doesn’t require any money in the account in order to use the debit card. 

The Schwab Bank Visa Platinum debit card which is included in the account does not charge foreign exchange transaction fees. This applies when making purchases or withdrawing money with the card. Plus, a variable annual percentage interest rate of 0.13% helps card holders earn a little money on the side. 

2.Fidelity Visa Gold Check Card

This card is attached to a Fidelity Cash Management account, which is a brokerage account with an FDIC-insured bank. The account has no monthly balance requirements, minimum opening requirements, or monthly fees or ATM fees. Similar to the Schwab Visa card, Fidelity also reimburses cardholders for all ATM fees. However, a 1% foreign transaction fee on ATM withdrawals and purchases still applies. 

3.Capital One 360 Checking MasterCard Debit Card

The Capital One 360 card is one of the debit cards with no international fees or minimum opening deposits. Additionally, the account doesn’t have a monthly balance requirement or service fee. Notably, this card doesn’t charge ATM withdrawal fees, but it won’t reimburse you for operator fees charged by different ATMs. 

One way to avoid these fees is by using Capital One ATM machines inside the U.S., Canada, U.K., Puerto Rico, Australia or Mexico. 

Top 3 Credit Cards for International Travel

1.Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

With an annual fee of $95 (one of the lowest among power-packed cards of this type), and a reward rate of 1-5x points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a topic pick for travelers. Points are transferable to participating airline and hotel programs, or can be redeemed for 25% more (1.25 cents per point) when redeemed for travel booked through Chase.  

Cardholders earn 5 points for every $1 spent on travel when purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Additionally, Chase offers 3 points for every $1 spent on food, including delivery and takeout services, streaming services and online grocery shopping. Likewise, the card awards 2 points for every $1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. 

2.Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

A jaw-dropping annual fee of $0 with a 1.5x reward points rate and 25,000 intro points offer makes this the best card with no fee. 

Travelers can earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent, or redeem travel miles for 1 cent per mile on any travel-related expense. These rewards don’t only include hotels and flights, but also qualify for one of the dozens of travel expenses highlighted by Bank of America such as restaurants and shuttle service. 

Upon signing up, the card awards 25,000 bonus points after cardholders make a $1000 purchase within the first 90 days. This adds up to about $250 in credit towards any travel-related need. 

3.Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

One of the most popular travel credit cards that have no international fees also offers a low $95 annual fee and 2x rewards rate. The intro bonus is a whopping 60,000 points that can be redeemed for any travel expense. 

The card rewards users with 2 miles per dollar spent on airfare and is not limited to any hotel or airline. There are also no blackout dates or travel restrictions, paired with a better than average sign-up bonus. Additionally, the card reimburses users for the TSA Precheck and global entry application fee. Overall this is a simple and flexible card that offers easy point redemption and is a big hit with travelers. 

Choosing debit or credit cards with no international ATM fees is a great way for travelers to save while on the move. The security and convenience these cards offer gives users peace of mind while exploring the world while avoiding fraud and blocked cards.