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Traveling through Europe is an incredible adventure filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine. Whether you’re planning an exciting city break in Rome or a scenic road trip along the Amalfi Coast, having the right credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience.
We explore eight of the best travel credit cards for Europe, offering fantastic rewards and essential features like waived foreign transaction fees and travel insurance. By understanding what each card offers, you can select the one that best fits your needs helping you save money and enjoy peace of mind while exploring new destinations.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – Best for Flexible Rewards
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best for Simple, Unlimited Miles
- American Express Gold Card – Best for Dining and Culinary Experiences
- Discover it® Miles Card – Best for No Annual Fee Travelers
- Citi Premier® Card – Best for Maximizing Travel Categories
- World of Hyatt Credit Card – Best for Hotel Stays
- Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard – Best for Flexible Redemptions
- Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best for No Hidden Fees
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card – Best for Luxury Hotel Stays
- HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard® – Best for Luxury Travelers
- United Explorer Business Card – Best for Frequent Business Travelers
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Credit Card – Best for Airline Perks
- Final Thoughts
- Recommended Reads
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – Best for Flexible Rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a top choice for travelers due to its generous sign-up bonus and flexible reward system. The introductory offer often grants a substantial number of points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and travel experiences, making European travel more affordable.
Notable Benefits:
- Earn 2X points on travel and dining, plus 1X point on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points transfer to multiple airline and hotel partners, maximizing redemption value
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best for Simple, Unlimited Miles
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a straightforward way to earn rewards. With unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, accumulating miles is effortless. These miles can be redeemed for travel expenses such as flights and hotel stays, making it an ideal companion for European trips.
Notable Benefits:
- Unlimited 2X miles on all purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Easy-to-use mobile app for tracking and redeeming rewards
American Express Gold Card – Best for Dining and Culinary Experiences
The American Express Gold Card is a go-to option for food lovers traveling in Europe. This card offers 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide, making it perfect for experiencing local cuisine, whether it’s fresh pasta in Italy or a croissant in France.
Notable Benefits:
- 4X points on dining worldwide, including European restaurants
- No foreign transaction fees
- $120 annual dining credit at select restaurants
- Exclusive restaurant reservations and dining experiences
Discover it® Miles Card – Best for No Annual Fee Travelers
The Discover it® Miles Card is ideal for first-time international travelers who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. With unlimited 1.5X miles on all purchases, this card allows travelers to accumulate points effortlessly.
Notable Benefits:
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 1.5X miles on all purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Citi Premier® Card – Best for Maximizing Travel Categories
The Citi Premier® Card offers 3X points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, making it a great option for travelers who want to maximize their rewards while exploring Europe.
Notable Benefits:
- 3X points on travel and dining
- 2X points on entertainment and streaming services
- No foreign transaction fees
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World of Hyatt Credit Card – Best for Hotel Stays
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at Hyatt properties. It offers excellent rewards for hotel stays and comes with valuable perks.
Notable Benefits:
- 2X points at Hyatt hotels and participating restaurants
- One free night award every year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic Discoverist status, including room upgrades and late checkout
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard – Best for Flexible Redemptions
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard is a great option for those who want flexibility in redeeming travel rewards. With 2X miles on all purchases, travelers can accumulate rewards quickly and redeem them for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
Notable Benefits:
- 2X miles on all purchases
- Redeem miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
- No foreign transaction fees
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is a standout option with zero annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Notable Benefits:
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 1.5X points per dollar spent
- No foreign transaction fees
- Welcome bonus for meeting initial spending requirements
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card – Best for Luxury Hotel Stays
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is perfect for travelers who enjoy staying at Marriott properties. It offers generous rewards and perks that elevate hotel experiences.
Notable Benefits:
- 3X points per dollar at Marriott properties
- 2X points on travel-related expenses
- Annual free night award
- No foreign transaction fees
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard® – Best for Luxury Travelers
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard® is designed for travelers who appreciate premium benefits, including airport lounge access and exclusive travel perks.
Notable Benefits:
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards points redeemable for flights, hotels, and more
- Travel upgrades and exclusive discounts
United Explorer Business Card – Best for Frequent Business Travelers
The United Explorer Business Card is a great choice for business travelers heading overseas. It offers valuable airline perks, making international travel more comfortable and cost-effective.
Notable Benefits:
- Priority boarding and two complimentary checked bags on United flights
- 2X miles per dollar on dining and hotel stays
- Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Credit Card – Best for Airline Perks
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Credit Card is ideal for travelers who frequently fly Delta, offering airline-specific perks and generous mileage rewards.
Notable Benefits:
- 2X miles on Delta purchases
- Free checked bags on eligible flights
- No foreign transaction fees
- Priority boarding for a smoother travel experience
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right travel credit card can significantly enhance your European adventures by maximizing rewards, reducing fees, and providing valuable perks. Whether you’re looking for flexible travel rewards, no foreign transaction fees, or luxury hotel benefits, there’s a credit card to match your travel style.
Before applying, consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and the specific benefits that matter most to you. With the right card in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your time exploring Europe while saving money along the way!
Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article Title: Best Credit Cards for Travel in Europe
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