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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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The best and worst credit cards to earn bonus points when abroad
Ryan is a former TPG credit cards writer who has been around points and miles for several years and has published content at Miles to Memories, AwardWallet and The Points Guy. His wife joins him on many of his trips, and they enjoy snowboarding, diving, and seeing animals in the wild. When not traveling, Ryan is probably answering questions from his family about how he travels so much and whether this points & miles stuff is illegal.
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
also contributed to this story
September 19, 2024 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Many popular rewards cards only provide bonus points at U.S. merchants, so international travelers may earn fewer rewards abroad.
Certain cards offer bonus points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and for travel purchases worldwide, while others limit these benefits to domestic spending.
Cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees are essential for maximizing value and avoiding extra costs when traveling internationally.
Selecting cards with global bonus categories and no foreign transaction fees can significantly improve your rewards and savings on overseas trips.
What to consider
Some cards restrict bonus earning to U.S. purchases, so review terms before using them abroad.
Foreign transaction fees can add unexpected costs if you use the wrong card outside the U.S.
Point values for travel rewards programs may vary; TPG's September 2024 valuations provide updated guidance.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of which card types are best for specific spending categories—like dining, groceries and gas—when traveling internationally.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
You might be surprised — in a bad way — to return home from an international trip and realize you earned a measly 1 point per dollar spent on all of your expenses during that trip. What gives?
If you aren’t aware, your favorite credit card for bonus categories may earn bonus points on purchases only in the U.S. With that in mind, let’s look at which credit cards you should swipe on your next international trip.
Restaurants and dining outside the U.S.
The list of credit cards that earn bonus points at restaurants in the U.S. is long. However, several of those cards don’t earn bonus points outside the U.S. This will include your Hilton credit cards from American Express.
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A better option is the American Express® Gold Card.
You’ll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 in purchases (then 1 point per dollar), plus 4 points per dollar spent on takeout and delivery purchased directly from the restaurants.
Cardholders also earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™, 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 of these purchases per year (then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App, 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App and 2 points per dollar spent on cruises and other eligible purchases booked on amextravel.com and 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
There are no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), and points are worth 2 cents apiece according to TPG’s September 2024 valuations, giving you an 8% return on your dining purchases. The card has a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Another good option is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), which earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining charges worldwide. The major perk of the Sapphire Reserve is its broad definition of what counts as a dining charge.
These purchases can include coffee shops, casual dining, fast food and formal sit-down restaurants. Per TPG's September 2024 valuations, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents a piece, meaning you’re getting a healthy 6.1% return when dining abroad.
Unfortunately, these benefits only apply in the U.S. That means using cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express for food delivery in other countries won’t qualify for free deliveries or any bonus points on these purchases.
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A better option is the Chase Sapphire Reserve, as you’ll earn 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining and at restaurants worldwide.
Cardholders also earn 8 points per dollar spent on all purchases made through Chase Travel℠, 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. The Sapphire Reserve features an annual fee of $795 and does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for overseas purchases.
Also consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), with which you can earn 3 points per dollar spent on takeout, food delivery and at restaurants worldwide. Cardholders also earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel (excluding purchases reimbursed by the annual $50 hotel credit); 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027; 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services and online grocery orders; 2 points per dollar spent on travel and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and features an annual fee of $95, which also makes it ideal for purchases abroad.
When filling up your tank in the U.S., you may choose to pay with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, as they’re on our list of the best credit cards for gas purchases. However, you won’t earn any bonus points on gas purchases when using these credit cards in other countries.
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Instead, consider the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees), which earns 3 ThankYou Rewards points per dollar spent at gas stations and EV charging stations. Cardholders also earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and on air travel and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Additionally, there are no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee for this card is $95.
An often-overlooked option is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (see rates and fees). You can earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases (on the first $7,000 in combined purchases, then 1%) — and this isn’t reserved only for Costco gas stations.
Cardholders also earn 3% back on restaurants and travel, 2% back on in-store and online Costco purchases and 1% back on all other purchases. The card has no annual fee but does require an active Costco membership. There are no foreign transaction fees on the Costco Visa card.
At home, you may be using the American Express Gold Card or Blue Cash Preferred Amex for U.S. supermarket purchases. However, these cards won’t earn any bonus points on these purchases when you’re outside the U.S.
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Consider using the Citi Strata Premier for these purchases. You’ll earn 3 ThankYou Rewards points per dollar spent at supermarkets worldwide. Cardholders also earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, gas stations, hotels and on air travel. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee is $95.
Another good option is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, which provides unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores. Cardholders also earn 3% back on dining, entertainment and streaming services and 1% back on all other purchases. Cash-back rewards are worth 1 cent apiece. The card has a $0 annual fee and does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Imagine coming home from a trip to another country to find out you paid an extra fee every time you swiped your credit card. That can be a shocking reality if you use a card with foreign transaction fees. You might be using cards like the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees), Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) or Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) for your everyday purchases while in the U.S. Unfortunately, you shouldn’t use these cards at merchants in other countries.
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To avoid foreign transaction fees, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You can earn 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases worldwide. Cardholders also earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. There are no foreign transaction fees, and the card has a $95 annual fee.
Also consider the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, which earns 1.5 Premium Rewards points per dollar spent on everyday purchases. Cardholders also earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining. Additionally, those with Bank of America Preferred Rewards® status can boost these earnings by up to 75%. There are no foreign transaction fees, and points can be redeemed at 1 cent apiece. The card has a $95 annual fee.
A little extra planning can help you decide which credit cards to keep in your wallet on an overseas trip. This can avoid the shock of not earning bonus points and the frustration of paying foreign transaction fees on each purchase.
Many credit cards apply their bonus-earning categories worldwide. However, knowing which cards don’t earn bonus points and miles in other countries can help you choose the right credit card for your purchases when traveling internationally.
For rates and fees for the Amex Gold, click here.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
