International Travelers: Do You Have the Right Credit Card Benefits for Your Lifestyle?
When you frequently travel internationally, you take certain steps to ensure a safe and successful travel-lifestyle. For example, you may have someone who takes care of your home when you’re out of town.
But have you taken a moment to think about the credit card you’re using and whether or not it’s well-suited to your “jet-setting” lifestyle? If not, it may be time to switch cards. Here are 4 features to look for in a credit card when you’re an international traveler:
1. No International Fees
If you travel often, the last thing you want is a card that charges you a fee each time you make a purchase in another country. Some credit cards charge you a fee of up to 3% of the purchase price! There are plenty of credit cards out there with zero international fees. This way, you can use your credit card to make safe international purchases without worrying about the charges accumulating while doing so.
2. Travel Rewards
Since you spend plenty of time in the air and in hotels, it only makes sense to apply for a card with travel rewards. These credit card benefits can be in the form of airline miles, or they may accumulate as “travel points,” which are essentially dollars the credit card company allows you to put toward a variety of hotel accommodations, transportation costs, etc.
Some cards offer double or even triple points on money you spend on travel-related expenses. For example, if you spend $200 on a hotel room, you would earn 400 points towards future travel expenses.
3. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the best credit card benefits for international travelers to look for. If you use the card to pay for your trip, the credit card company agrees to reimburse you if something goes wrong while you’re out of country.
Read the fine print to find out exactly what the travel insurance includes. It may pay for your expenses if you must cancel due to illness, rebook a hotel due to a natural disaster, or help you receive costly medical treatment abroad.
Good travel insurance is important whenever you travel out of the country. Most travelers buy a separate policy, but if your credit card offers good travel insurance, you’ll already be covered.
4. Chip and PIN Technology
Cards that offer chip and PIN technology allow you to enter a PIN number like you would with a debit card, rather than signing after you swipe your card. This is standard technology in Europe and is common in the U.S. It’s more secure; someone cannot simply steal your card and use it, because they don’t know the PIN.
These credit card benefits are perfect for international travelers. Make sure you receive the right international travel protections with your credit card.