Best Credit Card for Travel in Europe in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Travel in Europe

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Picking the right credit card for your European adventure is a crucial step in your travel planning, one that can save you from a gauntlet of foreign transaction fees while unlocking valuable rewards.

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It's easy to get dazzled by flashy sign-up bonuses, but a common pitfall is ignoring foreign transaction fees, which can quickly eat away at any rewards you earn. Another frequent oversight is choosing a card from a network that isn't widely accepted across the continent, potentially leaving you without a payment option when you need it most.

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Key Factors

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• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Prioritize cards that waive these fees, which typically add a 3% surcharge to every purchase you make abroad.
• Wide Acceptance: Opt for a Visa or Mastercard, as they are almost universally accepted in Europe, whereas American Express and Discover have more limited acceptance.
• Travel Rewards and Perks: Evaluate the rewards structure to see if it aligns with your spending, and consider valuable perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, or statement credits.
• Annual Fee: Weigh the card's annual fee against the monetary value of its benefits to determine if the cost is justified for your travel style.
• Chip and PIN Capability: While not essential, a card with Chip and PIN capability can be more convenient than Chip and Signature at unattended kiosks like train ticket machines and gas pumps.
• Welcome Offer: A substantial welcome offer can provide a great initial boost in value, but don't let it overshadow the importance of the card's long-term benefits.

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What to Watch Out For

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Beyond the card's own terms, be vigilant about dynamic currency conversion at the point of sale; always opt to pay in the local currency to avoid poor exchange rates. Another common trap is choosing a card solely for its large welcome offer, without considering if its long-term reward structure actually benefits your spending patterns in Europe.

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Decision Flow

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Navigating the credit card landscape can feel like a journey in itself. To simplify your choice, follow this decision flow tailored for European travel.

• If you're a frequent international traveler: A premium travel card with an annual fee is often worth the cost. The value from statement credits, airport lounge access, and enhanced travel protections can easily outweigh the fee. If you travel abroad only occasionally, a no-annual-fee card that waives foreign transaction fees is your most cost-effective option.
• If you prioritize simplicity and straightforward value: Opt for a card that offers a flat rate of rewards on all purchases. This way, you earn consistently without needing to track bonus categories, which is especially useful when your spending patterns abroad are unpredictable.
• If you want to maximize rewards on your European spending: Choose a card with bonus categories that align with your travel budget. If you plan on indulging in Europe's culinary scene, a card with high rewards on dining will be invaluable. Similarly, if you're booking numerous train tickets or tours, a card that bonuses general travel spending is a smart pick.
• If you value comfort and peace of mind: Look for cards that offer comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption coverage and rental car protection. Access to a global network of airport lounges can also be a game-changer during long layovers.
• If you are loyal to a specific airline or hotel brand: A co-branded card can accelerate your path to elite status and reward stays. However, confirm it has no foreign transaction fees and is on the Visa or Mastercard network for wide acceptance in Europe. If you prefer flexibility, a card with transferable points that partner with multiple airlines and hotels is a more versatile choice.

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Maximize Your Return with Travel in Europe

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To make the most of your points and miles on your European getaway, keep these essential strategies in mind:

• Choose cards with no foreign transaction fees: These fees, typically around 3%, can quickly eat away at any rewards you earn, so stick to cards that waive them for international purchases.
• Stack rewards with shopping portals: Before booking hotels or tours online, check if you can click through a credit card or airline shopping portal first to earn extra rewards on top of what your card offers.
• Leverage transfer partners for high-value redemptions: Instead of redeeming points for cash, transfer them to airline and hotel partners to book flights and stays, which often provides a significantly better value per point.
• Always pay in the local currency: When given the choice, decline the option to pay in your home currency to avoid unfavorable exchange rates from Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
• Align spending with bonus categories: Pack the cards that reward you most for common travel expenses like dining, transit, and hotels to maximize your earnings on every purchase.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Stop guessing which card to use and let Kudos automatically select the one that maximizes your rewards on every purchase, helping you earn up to $750 more per year. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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While a general travel rewards card is your best bet, don't completely discount other financial tools for your European adventure. A store-specific card, for instance, might be worthwhile if you plan significant purchases with a single international retailer, but it's a niche choice. More importantly, focus on managing your overall travel budget by using credit cards responsibly to avoid accumulating high-interest debt that cancels out your hard-earned rewards. It's also smart to balance your card usage with a small amount of local cash for incidentals and to be cautious with Buy Now, Pay Later plans, as they add another layer of debt to track. Ultimately, a well-managed mix of payment methods ensures your trip remains a positive memory, not a future financial burden.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need to inform my bank before traveling to Europe?

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It's a good practice to set a travel notice with your credit card issuer, though many no longer require it. This can help prevent your card from being flagged for fraud and declined while you're abroad.

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Should I choose to pay in the local currency or my home currency?

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Always choose to pay in the local currency, such as euros or pounds. Opting to pay in your home currency often results in a less favorable exchange rate through a process called Dynamic Currency Conversion.

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Are Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in Europe?

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Yes, Visa and Mastercard are almost universally accepted across Europe. While American Express is also common, you may find it's not taken at some smaller shops and restaurants, so it's wise to have a backup.

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What is a foreign transaction fee?

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A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge that some card issuers add to any transaction made outside of your home country, typically around 3% of the purchase amount. The best credit cards for travel waive this fee entirely.

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