Introduction: Best Credit Cards for Travel to Europe
Best Credit Cards for travel to Europe|Planning a European escape? Whether tapas in Barcelona or trains through the Alps, using the right credit card can unlock serious travel rewards, protect your trip, and save you from annoying fees. But not all cards are created equal. In this guide, we compare the best credit cards for Europe-bound travellers based on value, perks, and international usability. We also offer expert tips to maximize your rewards and avoid common pitfalls abroad.
✈️ Plan Smart, Spend Wisely: Why the Right Travel Credit Card Makes All the Difference in Europe
If you plan a trip to Europe, congratulations, you’re in for a rich mix of culture, cuisine, and cobblestone streets. But before you start dreaming about sipping espresso in Rome or catching a train to Paris, here’s a not-so-glamorous truth: the wrong credit card can cost you hundreds in hidden fees, alarming exchange rates, and lost perks.
That’s where a travel-optimized credit card becomes more than just plastic: it becomes your money-saving, perk-unlocking, fraud-protecting sidekick across the continent.
In this definitive 2025 guide, we’ll help you cut through the noise and pick the best credit card for travel to Europe based on real-world features that matter when you’re 3,000 miles from home.
Whether you’re a first-time traveller, a points chaser, or a finance professional looking to stack travel rewards smarter, we’ve got the insights, comparisons, and insider tips you need.
Because in Europe, every euro counts, and so should every swipe.
Why You Need the Right Travel Credit Card for Europe
The Hidden Costs of Using the Wrong Card Abroad
Swipe wrong, and you’re losing money fast.
Most generic credit cards sneak in foreign transaction fees (typically 2–3% per purchase), poor currency conversion rates, and limited international support. Add those up over a two-week trip across France, Italy, and Spain, and you could easily be out $150+ just in avoidable charges.
Worse, some U.S. cards may be declined at European train kiosks or restaurants that require EMV chip + PIN functionality, which is a common feature in Europe but not always on American cards.
💸 Translation: The wrong card can cost you convenience, money, and even your dinner reservation.
Benefits of a Travel-Focused Credit Card for Europe
You don’t need a travel card simply for points. It is a toolkit of native protections and clever advantages that converts you from a tourist to a travel hacker.
Here are the best credit cards for Europe and what they typically offer:
- No foreign transaction fees: Save 2–3% on every purchase
- Travel insurance: Coverage for trip delay, lost baggage and rental car protection
- EMV chip + PIN capable: make more secure transactions at terminals in the US, Europe and other countries
- Concierge service: Book those last-minute reservations or have emergency assistance overseas
- Perks: Earn points on flights, accommodations, and dining throughout Europe
Who Should Consider a Travel Credit Card?
Spoiler: It’s not just for luxury jet-setters.
- ✅ First-time travellers: Avoid rookie mistakes and save big
- ✅Frequent flyers: Stack up serious rewards with every trip
- ✅Remote workers/digital nomads: Cut international ATM and transaction costs
- ✅Finance-savvy professionals: Leverage perks and insurances most don’t even use
- ✅Students or budget travellers: Choose low-fee cards that still offer global acceptance
The bottom line? If you’re heading to Europe and plan to spend more than the cost of your plane ticket, a good travel credit card isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Credit Cards for European Travel
Before you sign up for a travel credit card or swipe your current one at a café in Prague, make sure it checks these boxes. Here’s what truly matters when you’re globe-trotting through the EU:
1. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Many cards charge a 2–3% fee on purchases outside the U.S. That coffee in Vienna? That gelato in Florence? Those fees add up fast.
💡 Pro tip: If a card still charges foreign fees in 2025, walk away.
2. Global Acceptance + EMV Chip with PIN Capability
Europe runs on EMV chip + PIN systems. Many U.S. cards still default to chip and signature, making them useless at train stations, toll booths, and self-service terminals.
✅ Look for cards that offer chip + PIN fallback (or true dual capability).
3. Travel Insurance and Protections
The best travel cards include:
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Lost or delayed baggage insurance
- Emergency medical coverage
- Rental car CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
It’s the stuff you hope you’ll never need until you do.
4. Reward Points or Miles on Travel & Dining
Europe is a paradise for foodies and explorers. A solid card will offer 2x–5x points on travel, dining, and international purchases, letting your trip earn your next one.
🧠 Finance pro tip: Points systems (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards) often offer better redemption value than airline miles.
5. Airport Lounge Access & Luxury Perks (Optional but Nice)
If you have a long-haul flight or layovers, lounge access can be
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Free meals & drinks
- Showers
- Quiet workspaces
A must for being on the road, whether you fly frequently or are a business pro.
6. Low or Justifiable Annual Fee
Not all the great cards are free, but they should pay for themselves.
Compare:
- 95 annual fee with over $600 in benefits
- $0 fee with limited features
For beginners, start low. For pros, pick based on net value, not sticker price.
Top 5 Best Credit Cards for Travel to Europe in 2025
When it comes to international travel, not all credit cards are created equal. Some offer premium airport lounge access, while others focus on fee-free convenience for casual travelers. Below are the top 5 travel credit cards that stand out for European adventures in 2025.
🥇 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Most versatile for most people going to Europe
Why it stands out:
Marries rich rewards, strong travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees with a modest annual fee.
Key perks:
- Earn 2x points on travel and dining
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary rental car insurance
- Trip delay and baggage coverage
- Points that you can transfer to leading airline/hotel partners (like Air France and British Airways)
Annual fee: $95
Who it’s best for: Newcomers, cardholders who fly many times a year, those adept at finance
✅ It is a super bargain for those who are beginners or seasoned travelers
🥈 2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for straightforward flat-rate rewards on overseas purchases
Why it stands out:
Earns unlimited miles on all purchases, and reimburses you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Key perks:
- 2x miles on all purchases
- 5x on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- $100 in Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Miles transfer to travel partners is possible
Annual fee: $95
🚀 Simple. Powerful. Rewarding.
Best for: Travelers seeking joint, hassle-free rewards without worrying about tracking categories
🥉 3. American Express® Gold Card
Best for foodies and big spenders overseas
Why it stands out:
It’s loaded with points on dining and groceries, and a terrific value for big cities across Europe.
Key perks:
- 4x points at restaurants (worldwide!)
- 3x on flights booked directly through Amex Travel or directly
- No foreign transaction fees
- Private dining options and hotel enhancements
Annual fee: $250
🍷 Ideal for Parisian bistros and tapas evenings in Barcelona
Best for: Foodies, high-end travelers and point strategists
🧳 4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Best no-annual-fee travel card for budget travelers
Why it stands out:
There are no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and the ability to redeem points flexibly for travel charges.
Key perks:
- 1.5x points on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Supercharge rewards if you’re a Bank of America customer
Annual fee: $0
💰 Low cost, high convenience.
Best for: Students, thrift travelers, first time- Europe takers
💼 5. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for European luxury and business travel
Why it stands out:
Yet it has prestige, perks, and access to more than 1,400 airport lounges around the world.
Key perks:
- 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels reserved through Amex Travel
- Global Lounge Collection access (e.g. Centurion, Priority Pass)
- $200 airline fee credit
- Fine Hotels & Resorts rewards (lunch checkout, upgrade, etc.)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Premium concierge service
Annual fee: $695
Best for: Business travellers or luxury seeking high spenders
✈️ Comparison Table: Best Credit Cards for Travel to Europe in 2025
| Credit Card | Best For | Rewards | Annual Fee | Foreign Fees | Key Perks |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | Best Overall | 2x on travel & dining | $95 | ❌ None | Trip insurance, rental car CDW, point transfers |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | Flat-rate simplicity | 2x on all, 5x via CapOne Travel | $95 | ❌ None | Global Entry credit, flexible miles |
| Amex Gold Card | Food lovers | 4x on dining, 3x on flights | $250 | ❌ None | Dining credits, premium perks |
| BofA Travel Rewards | No annual fee | 1.5x on all purchases | $0 | ❌ None | Simple redemption, banking bonuses |
| Amex Platinum Card | Luxury travel | 5x on flights/hotels (Amex Travel) | $695 | ❌ None | Lounge access, $200 airline credit, concierge |
🧭 How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card for Your European Itinerary
The best travel credit card for Europe is the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard because it has an initial bonus of 70,000 miles (worth over $700 in free travel) for spending $5,000 in the first 90 days. Here’s how to break it down:
🎒 1. Are You a Casual Explorer or a Frequent Flyer?
- Casual traveler: Check out low-fee or no-fee cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® or BofA Travel Rewards.
- Frequent flyer: Opt for high-reward, premium cards such as Amex Platinum or Capital One Venture.
💳 2. Do You Prefer Simplicity or Strategy?
- Set-it-and-forget-it types: Flat-rate rewards (Capital One Venture, BofA). Simplify your rewards plan with a card that offers a single earning rate and little else.
- Points hackers & finance pros: Opt for flexible systems like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards.
🌍 3. Where in Europe Are You Going?
- Western Europe (France, Germany, UK): Most big cards perform well.
- Eastern Europe or smaller towns: Look for chip + PIN capability and global acceptance.
- Stay away from cards with just chip+signature.
🏨 4. What Travel Perks Matter Most to You?
Travel protections & insurance: If someone in my group becomes ill with COVID-19 while we’re in Cuba, will they be able to return to the US?
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Dining perks & food-oriented places in cities? → Amex Gold
- Airport lounge access? → Amex Platinum or Venture X
🏦 5. Do You Bank With a Specific Provider?
Some banks (such as BofA or Chase) provide bonus rewards if you are an existing customer or qualify through relationship tiers. This is a significant upswell for your earning power.
💡 Tips for Using Credit Cards Wisely While Traveling in Europe
Not even the best credit card for Europe will help you if you don’t use it smartly. Here’s how to get the most bang for your rewards buck and minimise your foreign travel hassles.
🧾 1. Never Pay in a Different Currency
Just say “No” to “USD” and select local currency (EUR, GBP, etc) whenever presented with the option at the time of purchase.
💸Why? Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) tacks on hidden fees and a worse exchange rate.
🧠 2. Know Your Card’s Fee Structure & Benefits
Before you fly:
- Be sure your card has no foreign transaction fees.
- Check what your card offers in trip insurance, lounge access and emergency help.
- Card lock and mobile alerts are available if you download the issuer’s app.
🔐 3. Set Travel Notifications (or Use Smart Cards)
Though most cards no longer need travel notices, some banks still do so that fraud flags are less likely to be raised.
✅ Look at your app or dashboard before you head out the door.
💳 4. Bring at Least Two Credit Cards
One Visa, one Mastercard — or a spare Amex if accepted.
🛑 Why? Certain networks won’t be accepted widely in some areas (Amex in certain countries in Eastern Europe).
🔒 5. Opt for Contactless When Available
Tap-to-pay has been available for years in Europe. Inserting a card is slower, less secure and less hygienic.
🏧 6. Stay Away from Credit Card Cash Advances
They charge high fees and high interest from day one. Instead, turn to a debit card for those ATM withdrawals, ideally one that carries no foreign ATM fees.
📸 7. Digital + Physical Copy of Cards.WriteAll.3.
Make a photocopy or encrypt the card numbers, the issuer’s 800 number and international helplines, should you need to report your wallet lost or stolen.
📊 8. Track Spending in Real-Time
Keep a tally of expenses, categorized by country or currency, through your issuer’s app or a budgeting tool like Revolut, Mint or Monzo
✈️ 9. Redeem Points Smartly
- Transfer points to airline/hotel partners for higher value.
- Redeem them before they devalue or expire.
- Be sure to look for any specials for Europe in your rewards portal.
🧳 Conclusion: Picking the Best Credit Card for Europe Travel Starts with You
The best card is not the flashiest, after all: It’s the fit. Consider how you travel, where you are going and what perks will enhance your trip.
✅ Whether you’re drinking espresso in Rome or catching a train in Prague, the proper travel credit card makes it easy to spend smartly, earn more, and travel worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best credit card to use in Europe with no foreign transaction fees?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Capital One Venture Rewards are two of the best cards to use in Europe with no foreign transaction fees. They come with great rewards, travel coverage and global acceptance.
2. Is Visa or Mastercard better for traveling in Europe?
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Europe. Except Mastercard has slightly less horrible currency exchange rates, and is also more widely used in rural places, so. One of each, if you can manage.
3. Can I use my U.S. credit card in Europe?
Most U.S. credit cards are indeed accepted in Europe. Just make sure your card features EMV chip technology, ideally offering you no foreign transaction fees. “Tap to pay” is also standard in Europe.
4. Do I need to tell my credit card company I’m traveling to Europe?
Many newer cards no longer require travel notifications, though some banks still encourage them. Before you go, check your issuer’s policy on your app or your account dashboard.
5. Is American Express accepted in Europe?
It’s accepted in big cities, airports and hotels, but less likely in small shops, restaurants and rural areas. And carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
6. Are travel rewards cards worth it for European trips?
Yes. If you travel more than once a year, an excellent travel card can give you free flights, hotel stays, even travel insurance, and airport lounge access, largely for free-after the fee you pay just to open an account.
7. Should I pay in Euros or USD when using my credit card in Europe?
ALWAYS pay in local currency/Euros. Select USD and you will also get hit with Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) with its hidden fees and unattractive exchange rate.
8. What’s the best credit card for students or young travelers going to Europe?
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Rewards and Discover it® Student Chrome are excellent, beginner-friendly cards with no foreign fees and cashback rewards.
9. Can I earn points or miles while spending in Europe?
Yes, most travel cards will let you earn rewards abroad — especially for dining, transportation and hotels. Find cards with bonus categories or flat-rate rewards on international purchases.
10. What should I do if my credit card is lost or stolen in Europe?
Lock your card right away via your bank’s app, call the international number for support on the issuer’s site, and keep an eye on your transactions. Emergency replacement service and protection from fraud are offered by many of the best cards.
