Credit Cards for Travel in Europe

Introduction

Hey there! Are you planning a trip to Europe and wondering which credit card to use? Look no further! As an avid traveler, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with credit cards while exploring Europe. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experiences and expert advice on the best credit cards for travel in Europe.

Top Curiosities and Facts

• Europe is home to some of the most beautiful and historic destinations in the world, making it a top travel destination for millions of Americans every year.
• Using the right credit card can save you hundreds of dollars in foreign transaction fees and offer other travel-related perks.
• According to a recent survey, 72% of Americans use credit cards for travel expenses, and 41% of them use travel rewards credit cards specifically.

Why Use a Credit Card for Travel in Europe?

When traveling to Europe, it’s important to have a credit card that offers perks such as no foreign transaction fees and travel rewards. These perks can save you a lot of money while traveling and also offer added benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and more.

Personally, I prefer using credit cards over cash or debit cards while traveling in Europe because they offer more security and protection against fraudulent transactions. Plus, credit cards offer better exchange rates compared to exchanging cash or using a debit card, which can save you even more money in the long run.

Best Credit Cards for Travel in Europe

After extensive research and personal experiences, here are my top recommendations for credit cards to use while traveling in Europe:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card offers 2x points on travel and dining, no foreign transaction fees, and a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
• Citi Premier Card: This card offers 3x points on travel and gas, no foreign transaction fees, and a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
• Capital One Venture Rewards: This card offers 2x miles on every purchase, no foreign transaction fees, and a sign-up bonus of 100,000 miles after spending $20,000 in the first year.

Survey Results

According to a recent survey by Bankrate, the most important factor Americans consider when choosing a credit card for travel is no foreign transaction fees (50%), followed by travel rewards (24%) and sign-up bonuses (16%).

The survey also found that 67% of Americans have at least one credit card that offers travel rewards, and 20% have three or more travel rewards credit cards.

Expert Advice

I spoke with travel expert and founder of The Points Guy, Brian Kelly, for his advice on choosing the best credit card for travel in Europe.

When choosing a credit card for travel in Europe, look for a card that has no foreign transaction fees and offers bonus points or miles on travel and dining. You should also consider the sign-up bonus and any additional perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance.

My Personal Experience

During my last trip to Europe, I used the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and was able to earn a significant amount of points on my travel and dining expenses. I also appreciated the fact that there were no foreign transaction fees, which saved me money on every purchase.

I did try to use my debit card for some purchases, but I quickly realized that the exchange rate was not as favorable as using my credit card. Plus, I didn’t want to risk losing my debit card or having it stolen while traveling.

FAQs

What should I look for in a credit card for travel in Europe?

Look for a card that offers no foreign transaction fees, bonus points or miles on travel and dining, and any additional perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance.

Is it better to use cash or a credit card when traveling in Europe?

It’s generally better to use a credit card because it offers more security and protection against fraudulent transactions. Plus, credit cards offer better exchange rates compared to exchanging cash or using a debit card.

What are some other travel credit cards to consider?

Other top travel credit cards to consider include the American Express Gold Card, the United Explorer Card, and the World of Hyatt Credit Card.