You may be surprised — badly — to return home from an international trip and earn a paltry 1 point per dollar spent on all your expenses during that trip. What gives?
In case you didn’t know, given that your favorite credit card can earn bonus points on purchases in the US for bonus categories, let’s take a look at which credit cards you should swipe on your next international trip.
Restaurants and Dining Outside the US
The list of credit cards that earn bonus points at restaurants in the US is long. However, many of those cards don’t earn bonus points outside the US, including you Hilton Credit Cards from American Express.
There is a better option 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 US). Cardholders also earn 4 points per dollar spent on purchases up to $25,000 at US supermarkets per calendar year (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. per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
There are no foreign transaction fees (see Rates and Fees), and points are worth 2 cents, according to TPG’s September 2024 valuation, giving you an 8% return on your dining purchases. The card has an annual fee of $325 (see Rates and Fees).
Another good option is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which earns 3 points per dollar spent on purchases coded as travel and dining charges worldwide. The main benefit of Sapphire Reserve is its broad definition of what is considered a dining charge.
These purchases may include coffee shops, casual dining, fast food, and formal sit-down restaurants. According to TPG’s September 2024 valuation, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents a piece, meaning you’re getting a healthy 6.1% return on dining abroad.
Related: 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+. This can lead to free food delivered to your door.
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Unfortunately, these benefits only apply in the US ie using cards like Platinum Card® from American Express Food delivery to other countries will not qualify for free delivery 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 restaurants around the world; However, if you book through 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). point and 1 point. Per dollar spent on everything else. Sapphire Reserve has 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, which lets you earn 3 points per dollar spent on takeout, food delivery and restaurants worldwide. Cardholders also earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel (excluding purchases reimbursed by an 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 an annual fee of $95, making it ideal for overseas purchases as well.
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 US, you can choose to pay with Hilton honors the American Express Surpass® Card Or Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressBecause they’re on our list of the best credit cards for gas purchases. However, you will not earn any bonus points on gas purchases when using this credit card in other countries.
Instead, consider 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 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.
is an often overlooked option 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 electric vehicle charging per year, then 1% back) — and this isn’t just reserved for Costco gas stations.
Cardholders 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 requires 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 shopping outside the US
At home, you’re probably using American Express Gold card Or Blue Cash Preferred Amex For US supermarket shopping. However, these cards won’t earn any bonus points on these purchases when you’re outside the US.
Consider using City 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 on restaurants, gas stations, hotels and 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 Saver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers unlimited 3% cash back on grocery purchases. Cardholders also get 4% back on dining, entertainment and streaming services and 1% back on all other purchases. Cash-back rewards are worth 1 cent. The card has an annual fee of $95 and does not charge a foreign transaction fee.
Information for the Saver Cash Card has been independently collected 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 another country to find you’ve paid extra fees every time you swipe your credit card. It can be a shocking reality if you use the card together Foreign transaction fees. You are probably using a card like this one Citi Double Cash® Card (See Rates and Fees), Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Freedom Unlimited® Unfortunately for your everyday purchases while in the US, you should not use these cards at merchants in other countries.
To avoid foreign transaction fees, consider Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You can earn 2 capital 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 an annual fee of $95 (see rates and fees).
Also consider Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit CardThat 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 increase these earnings by up to 75%. There are no foreign transaction fees and points can be redeemed at a rate of 1 percent. The card has an annual fee of $95.
Related: Savvy Saturday: Avoid foreign transaction fees while in the US
The bottom line
A little extra planning can help you decide which credit card to keep in your wallet when traveling abroad. This avoids the shock of not getting bonus points and the frustration of paying foreign transaction fees on every purchase.
Many credit cards apply their bonus-earning categories worldwide. However, knowing which cards do not 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 Amex Gold, click here