What is the best travel credit card for someone who travels 2-3 times a year?

Chase Sapphire Preferred. 95 USD annual fee is paid back by one international trip with travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees. 60,000+ point sign-up bonus covers most of one trip outright.

Should I use a debit card or credit card abroad?

Credit card for purchases (better fraud protection, automatic disputes). Debit card for ATM withdrawals only, ideally from a no-foreign-fee account like Revolut, Wise, or Charles Schwab.

Is the Amex Platinum worth 695 USD a year?

Only if you use the credits (200 USD hotel, 200 USD airline, 200 USD Uber, etc., totaling around 1,200 USD of value). The Centurion Lounge access and elite status across hotel chains add real value too. For travelers who use credits, yes. For those who do not, no.

What is Revolut and how does it work for travel?

A digital banking app with a card that gives near-interbank foreign exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees. Available in most of Europe and the US. Use it for daily expenses abroad, paired with a credit card for big purchases and car rentals.

Travel hacks, 5 min read

Best travel credit cards for occasional travelers

Published 5 June 2026

Quick answer

-Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best balance of value and fee for US travelers.
-Amex Gold for high restaurant and grocery spend.
-Capital One Venture X for the no-foreign-fee plus lounge access.
-Revolut or Wise debit cards for European travelers, no foreign fees.
-Avoid debit cards abroad, they have worse fraud protection.

The US starter card

Chase Sapphire Preferred. 95 USD annual fee, 60,000+ point sign-up bonus, 2x to 5x points on travel and dining, no foreign transaction fees, includes trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage coverage. The starting travel credit card for most US occasional travelers.

The food-focused card

Amex Gold. 325 USD annual fee but 120 USD restaurant credit and 84 USD dining credit (effectively 121 USD net), 4x points on restaurants and grocery, no foreign transaction fees. Best for crews that eat out a lot.

The lounge plus value card

Capital One Venture X. 395 USD annual fee, 300 USD travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, 2x miles on everything, 10,000 anniversary bonus. The cheapest card with real lounge access. Authorized users get free Priority Pass access.

The European universal

Revolut and Wise debit cards have no foreign transaction fees, give you near-interbank exchange rates, and work in most ATMs. For European travelers, these replace a travel credit card for daily expenses. Use a real credit card for car rentals and big purchases for fraud protection.

The premium splurge

Amex Platinum. 695 USD annual fee, but the credits (200 USD hotel, 200 USD airline, 200 USD Uber, etc.) net to around 1,200 USD of value if you use them. Includes Centurion Lounge access, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, and Hertz President's Circle status. Best for travelers who hit the credits.

What to avoid

Avoid:

-Debit cards abroad, weaker fraud protection
-Airline-branded cards unless you fly that airline 5+ times a year
-Cards with foreign transaction fees (1 to 3 percent of every purchase)
-Reward cards with annual fees you cannot recoup in value
-Buying foreign currency at the airport, the worst exchange rate in tourism

Frequently asked

What is the best travel credit card for someone who travels 2-3 times a year?
Chase Sapphire Preferred. 95 USD annual fee is paid back by one international trip with travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees. 60,000+ point sign-up bonus covers most of one trip outright.
Should I use a debit card or credit card abroad?
Credit card for purchases (better fraud protection, automatic disputes). Debit card for ATM withdrawals only, ideally from a no-foreign-fee account like Revolut, Wise, or Charles Schwab.
Is the Amex Platinum worth 695 USD a year?
Only if you use the credits (200 USD hotel, 200 USD airline, 200 USD Uber, etc., totaling around 1,200 USD of value). The Centurion Lounge access and elite status across hotel chains add real value too. For travelers who use credits, yes. For those who do not, no.
What is Revolut and how does it work for travel?
A digital banking app with a card that gives near-interbank foreign exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees. Available in most of Europe and the US. Use it for daily expenses abroad, paired with a credit card for big purchases and car rentals.