Best Travel Cards 2025: Complete Guide to International Travel Cards
Discover the top travel cards for 2025 that offer zero foreign fees, competitive exchange rates, and excellent rewards for international travellers.
Travel Cards Overview
Travel cards are specialised payment cards designed for international use, offering benefits like zero foreign transaction fees, competitive exchange rates, and travel-specific rewards. In 2025, the travel card market will have evolved significantly with digital-first providers challenging traditional banks.
Key Benefits of Travel Cards
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save 2-3% on every international purchase
- Competitive Exchange Rates: Get near-interbank rates for currency conversion
- Global Acceptance: Use your card worldwide with Visa or Mastercard networks
- Travel Rewards: Earn points, miles, or cashback on travel purchases
- Security Features: Advanced fraud protection and instant spending controls
- Multi-Currency Support: Hold and spend in multiple currencies
Types of Travel Cards
Travel cards come in several formats:
- Digital Travel Cards: App-based cards with instant issuance
- Traditional Credit Cards: Bank-issued cards with travel benefits
- Prepaid Travel Cards: Load money before traveling
- Multi-Currency Cards: Hold multiple currencies simultaneously
Top Travel Cards 2025
1. Revolut Premium
Revolut leads the digital travel card space with comprehensive features and competitive pricing.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0% on weekdays, small markup on weekends
- ATM Withdrawals: Free up to £400/month, then 2% fee
- Exchange Rates: Interbank rates during market hours
- Multi-Currency: Hold 30+ currencies
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage included
- Monthly Fee: £6.99 for Premium plan
2. Wise Travel Card
Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers transparent pricing and excellent exchange rates.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0.35-2% depending on currency
- ATM Withdrawals: Free up to £200/month, then 1.75% fee
- Exchange Rates: Real exchange rate with transparent fees
- Multi-Currency: Hold 50+ currencies
- Account Fee: One-time £7 card fee
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Premium credit card with excellent travel rewards and benefits.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%
- Rewards: 2x points on travel and dining
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending requirement
- Travel Benefits: Trip protection, rental car insurance
- Annual Fee: $95
4. Capital One Venture X
High-reward travel credit card with premium benefits.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%
- Rewards: 2x miles on all purchases, 5x on hotels and rental cars
- Annual Credit: $300 travel credit
- Lounge Access: Priority Pass membership
- Annual Fee: $395
Digital Travel Cards
Digital travel cards represent the future of travel banking, offering instant setup, real-time controls, and innovative features.
Advantages of Digital Cards
- Instant Issuance: Get your card immediately after signup
- Real-Time Controls: Freeze/unfreeze cards instantly
- Spending Analytics: Detailed transaction categorization
- Exchange Rate Alerts: Notifications for favorable rates
- Virtual Cards: Generate temporary cards for online purchases
- Mobile-First Design: Optimized for smartphone use
Top Digital Travel Card Providers
Revolut
The pioneer in digital travel banking with over 25 million users worldwide.
- Instant card creation and delivery
- Real-time exchange rates
- Cryptocurrency integration
- Stock trading within the app
- Travel insurance and benefits
Wise (TransferWise)
Focused on transparent international money transfers and travel spending.
- Real exchange rates with transparent fees
- Multi-currency account functionality
- Business account options
- International wire transfers
- Debit card for global spending
Monzo
UK-based digital bank with strong travel features.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Instant spending notifications
- Automatic categorization
- Savings goals and budgeting
- Fee-free ATM withdrawals (with limits)
Traditional Travel Cards
Traditional banks continue to offer competitive travel cards with established networks and premium benefits.
Premium Credit Cards
American Express Platinum
- Annual Fee: $695
- Foreign Fees: 0%
- Rewards: 5x points on flights, 5x on prepaid hotels
- Benefits: Airport lounge access, hotel status, travel credits
- Insurance: Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
Citi Premier Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Fees: 0%
- Rewards: 3x points on travel, gas, and supermarkets
- Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending requirement
- Transfer Partners: 17 airline and hotel partners
No Annual Fee Options
Capital One VentureOne
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Fees: 0%
- Rewards: 1.25x miles on all purchases
- Sign-up Bonus: 20,000 miles after spending requirement
- Benefits: No blackout dates for redemptions
Bank of America Travel Rewards
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Fees: 0%
- Rewards: 1.5x points on all purchases
- Redemption: Statement credit for travel purchases
- Benefits: Simple rewards structure
Feature Comparison
Compare key features across different travel card categories:
Fees Comparison
| Card Type | Foreign Transaction Fee | ATM Withdrawal Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut Premium | 0% (weekdays) | Free up to £400/month | £6.99/month |
| Wise Travel Card | 0.35-2% | Free up to £200/month | £7 one-time |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 0% | Varies by ATM | $95/year |
| Capital One Venture X | 0% | Varies by ATM | $395/year |
Rewards Comparison
- Highest Travel Rewards: Capital One Venture X (5x on hotels/rentals)
- Best Overall Rate: Capital One Venture X (2x on everything)
- Best Sign-up Bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred (60,000 points)
- Most Flexible: Capital One cards (no blackout dates)
Understanding Travel Card Fees
Travel card fees can significantly impact your savings. Here's what to watch for:
Foreign Transaction Fees
Traditional cards often charge 2-3% on foreign purchases. The best travel cards eliminate these fees, saving you money on every international transaction.
ATM Withdrawal Fees
ATM fees vary widely:
- Digital Cards: Often offer free withdrawals up to monthly limits
- Credit Cards: May charge cash advance fees (avoid ATM use)
- Debit Cards: Usually charge fixed fees per withdrawal
Exchange Rate Markups
Even cards with "no foreign fees" may include exchange rate markups:
- Transparent Providers: Wise shows exact fees upfront
- Real-Time Rates: Revolut offers interbank rates during market hours
- Hidden Markups: Some cards include 1-2% in exchange rates
Annual and Monthly Fees
Consider the total cost of ownership:
- No Fee Cards: Good for occasional travelers
- Low Monthly Fees: Digital cards often charge £5-10/month
- High Annual Fees: Premium cards with extensive benefits
Travel Card Security Features
Security is crucial when travelling internationally. Modern travel cards offer advanced protection features.
Digital Security Features
- Instant Card Controls: Freeze/unfreeze cards immediately
- Real-Time Notifications: Instant alerts for all transactions
- Spending Limits: Set daily/monthly spending limits
- Geographic Controls: Restrict card use to specific countries
- Virtual Cards: Generate temporary cards for online purchases
- Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint and face recognition
Traditional Security Features
- EMV Chip Technology: Secure chip-based transactions
- Contactless Payments: Tap-to-pay for quick transactions
- Zero Liability Protection: No liability for fraudulent charges
- Travel Notifications: Inform bank of travel plans
- 24/7 Customer Service: Global support for emergencies
Travel Safety Tips
- Carry multiple payment methods (cards from different networks)
- Keep emergency cash in local currency
- Store card information securely (separate from physical cards)
- Use hotel safes for backup cards and documents
- Monitor accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions
- Have bank contact information readily available
Travel Card Tips and Best Practices
Before You Travel
- Research Acceptance: Verify card acceptance in destination countries
- Notify Banks: Set travel notifications to prevent blocks
- Download Apps: Install mobile banking apps for account management
- Check Limits: Verify daily spending and ATM withdrawal limits
- Backup Plans: Arrange multiple payment methods
While Traveling
- Monitor Exchange Rates: Time currency exchanges for better rates
- Use Local Currency: Always pay in local currency to avoid DCC fees
- Track Spending: Monitor transactions in real-time
- Secure Storage: Keep cards in RFID-blocking wallets
- Emergency Contacts: Keep bank phone numbers accessible
Maximizing Rewards
- Category Bonuses: Use cards with highest rewards for specific purchases
- Sign-up Bonuses: Plan large purchases around bonus requirements
- Transfer Partners: Maximize value through airline/hotel transfers
- Promotional Offers: Take advantage of limited-time bonuses
- Annual Benefits: Use travel credits and perks before expiration
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best travel card for international use?
- The best travel cards for international use typically offer no foreign transaction fees, competitive exchange rates, and global acceptance. Top options include Revolut, Wise, and Chase Sapphire cards.
- Do travel cards have foreign transaction fees?
- Many traditional cards charge 2-3% foreign transaction fees, but the best travel cards offer zero foreign transaction fees, saving you money on international purchases.
- Can I use travel cards for ATM withdrawals abroad?
- Yes, most travel cards allow ATM withdrawals abroad. However, fees vary by provider; some offer free withdrawals up to certain limits, while others charge a fixed fee per transaction.
- Are digital travel cards better than physical cards?
- Digital travel cards offer instant issuance, real-time spending controls, and better security features. However, having a physical backup card is recommended for areas with limited digital payment acceptance.
- How do I avoid foreign transaction fees?
- Choose cards that explicitly state "no foreign transaction fees." Be aware that some cards may still include exchange rate markups even without transaction fees.
- What should I do if my travel card is lost or stolen?
- Immediately contact your card issuer to report the loss and freeze the card. Most providers offer 24/7 support and can issue emergency replacement cards while travelling.
- Can I hold multiple currencies on one travel card?
- Yes, many modern travel cards support multiple currencies. Wise and Revolut allow you to hold 30-50+ currencies and convert between them at competitive rates.
- Are travel card rewards worth the annual fees?
- This depends on your spending patterns. Calculate the value of rewards and benefits against the annual fee. Heavy travellers often benefit from premium cards, while occasional travellers may prefer no-fee options.