Best travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are a specific type of credit card designed to be used when you're abroad. Unlike standard credit cards, the best travel credit cards charge no foreign transaction fees, offer competitive exchange rates, and sometimes include travel perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance or air miles.

A travel credit card works like a standard credit card but is optimised for overseas use. The best travel credit cards charge 0% on foreign transactions, meaning no added fee when you pay in a foreign currency, and offer exchange rates close to the interbank rate. Some also earn travel rewards like air miles or hotel points on your spending.

Travel credit cards can be worthwhile if you regularly travel abroad, as they offer excellent exchange rates, avoid transaction fees and provide access to exclusive deals and offers. The savings on foreign transaction fees (typically 2–3% per transaction on standard cards) can easily outweigh any annual fee. If you pay your balance off in full each month and travel regularly, a travel rewards credit card can also earn you points towards flights or hotel stays.

The best travel rewards credit card depends on how you want to earn and spend your rewards. Some cards earn air miles or airline points redeemable for flights and upgrades; others earn hotel points or general cashback that can be used on travel. Our rankings above show which travel credit card providers our customers rate most highly for rewards, service and overall value.

A travel credit card is usually the better choice for spending abroad. The best travel credit cards have no foreign transaction fees and offer strong exchange rates. They also offer stronger purchase protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for purchases over £100. Just make sure you pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

The best travel credit cards charge no foreign transaction fees at all. Standard credit cards typically add a 2–3% fee on every transaction made in a foreign currency, which adds up quickly. Always check whether a card charges foreign transaction fees before using it abroad.