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.
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 (plus 4 points per dollar spent on takeout and delivery in the U.S.). Cardholders also earn 4 points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter), 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal 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®, which earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining charges worldwide, as well as purchases coded as travel. 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.
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 or Grubhub+. These can lead to free food being delivered to your door.
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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.
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; however, if you book via Chase Dining, you can earn 10 points per dollar spent.
Cardholders also earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠, 5 points per dollar spent on flights purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar spent on all other travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. The Sapphire Reserve features an annual fee of $550 and does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for overseas purchases.
Also consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, 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 March 31, 2025; 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.
Related: Make the most of your food delivery orders with these 5 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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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 (see rates and fees), 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. 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 (see rates and fees), and the card has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
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.
Related: Savvy Saturday: Avoid foreign transaction fees while in the US
Bottom line
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.