The best and worst credit cards to earn bonus points when abroad
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 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 "use this, not that" for credit cards you should swipe on your next international trip.
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Restaurants and dining outside the US
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.
A better option is the Citi Prestige® Card. You'll earn 5 ThankYou Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, as well as with airlines and travel agencies. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar at hotels and with cruise lines plus 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. TPG values these points at 1.8 cents apiece, meaning you're getting a 9% return when dining abroad. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees. The Prestige Card has a $495 annual fee but is no longer open to new applicants.
Another good option is the American Express® Gold Card. You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (plus 4 points per dollar on takeout and delivery in the U.S.). Cardholders also earn 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees, and points are worth 2 cents apiece according to TPG's valuations, giving you an 8% return on your dining purchases. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards for dining
Food delivery outside the US
Food delivery is big business these days. You may have Uber credits from American Express (which you can use with Uber Eats), Grubhub/Seamless credits, Grubhub+ and Gopuff credits. These can lead to free food being delivered to your door.
Unfortunately, these benefits only apply in the U.S. That means using cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card or even a Delta cobranded credit card for food delivery in other countries won't qualify for free deliveries or any bonus points on these purchases.
A better option is the Chase Sapphire Reserve, as you'll earn 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining and at restaurants worldwide; however, if you book via Chase Dining, you can earn 10 points per dollar. Cardholders also earn 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through the Chase travel portal, 5 points per dollar on flights purchased through the Chase travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 1 point per dollar on everything else. TPG values Chase's Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, giving you a 6% return when dining abroad (boosted to 20% if booked through Chase Dining). There are no foreign transaction fees, and the card's annual fee is $550.
Also consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, with which you can earn 3 points per dollar on takeout, food delivery and at restaurants worldwide. Cardholders also earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal (excluding purchases reimbursed by the annual $50 hotel credit); 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025; 3 points per dollar on select streaming services and online grocery orders; 2 points per dollar on travel; and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and an annual fee of $95.
You could also use the Citi Prestige and Amex Gold Card (both mentioned above), as these cards will earn bonus points on food delivery under their broad "restaurants and dining" categories.
Related: Make the most of your food delivery orders with these 7 credit cards
Gas stations outside the US
When filling up your tank in the U.S., you may choose to pay with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card 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.
Instead, consider the Citi Premier® Card, which earns 3 ThankYou Rewards points per dollar at gas stations worldwide. Cardholders also earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and on air travel. Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. There's no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee is $95.
An often-overlooked option is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. You can earn 4% cash back on eligible gas, and EV charging purchases (on the first $7,000 in combined purchases between gas and electrical vehicle charging each year, then 1% back) — 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.
Related: Best credit cards for gas purchases
Supermarket and grocery purchases outside the US
At home, you may be using the American Express Gold Card, Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card from American Express or The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express for grocery store purchases. However, these cards won't earn any bonus points on these purchases when you're outside the U.S.
The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card and the Amex EveryDay Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Consider using the Citi Premier Card for these purchases, as you'll earn 3 ThankYou Rewards points per dollar at supermarkets worldwide. Cardholders also earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, gas stations, hotels and on air travel. Earn 1 point per dollar 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 4% 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 $95 annual fee and does not charge foreign transaction fees.
The information for the Savor Cash card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: 6 foolproof ways to maximize rewards on grocery spending
Avoiding 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, Chase Freedom Flex or Chase Freedom Unlimited for your everyday purchases while in the U.S. Unfortunately, you shouldn't use these cards at merchants in other countries.
To avoid foreign transaction fees, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, as you can earn 2 Capital One miles per dollar on everyday purchases worldwide. Cardholders also earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels 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 on everyday purchases. Cardholders also earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining. Those with Bank of America Preferred Rewards status can boost these earnings by up to 75%, as well. There are no foreign transaction fees, and points can be redeemed at 1 cent apiece. The card has a $95 annual fee.
Related: Savvy Saturday: Avoid foreign transaction fees while in the US
Bottom line
A little extra planning for which credit cards you'll keep in your wallet on an overseas trip 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
Updated 1/18/23
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
Rewards Rate
| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.Earn 125,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$125Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.