Is using a credit card internationally a good idea?

Yes, using a credit card internationally is a good idea because it’s safer, since you don’t have to carry as much cash and all major credit card companies offer $0 fraud liability guarantees. Using a credit card internationally also gets you the best currency exchange rates, and it’s a great opportunity to earn rewards.

Not all credit cards are suitable for international use, however. It’s best to use a no foreign transaction fee credit card on the Visa or Mastercard network. There are several other things you should be aware of, too, including travel alerts, chips, and dynamic currency conversion.

8 Tips for Using a Credit Card Internationally

1. Bring a widely accepted credit card.

Visa and Mastercard credit cards benefit from global acceptance, making them reliable choices wherever you go. Locations that take credit cards will most likely accept both of these credit card networks, so it would be best to bring a Visa or Mastercard credit card with you when you’re travelling internationally.

2. Choose a card that offers rewards on travel.

A travel rewards credit card can save international travelers a lot of money. These cards offer rewards for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel expenses. Plus, the points or miles that travel credit cards provide are usually worth more when redeemed for travel, compared to other redemption methods.

3. Avoid foreign transaction fees.

Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees when you buy from internationally-based merchants. The average foreign transaction fee is 1.58% of the purchase amount. So, if you go abroad, it would be a good idea to bring a card with no foreign transaction fee with you. Plenty of travel credit cards come with no foreign transaction fees. Plus, several credit cards come with a $0 annual fee.

4. Research your card’s travel protection.

Certain credit cards, particularly those tailored for travel, provide benefits like flight delay coverage, lost luggage protection, trip cancellation insurance, and travel accident coverage. These benefits will give you peace of mind while you travel. All credit cards come with $0 fraud liability, as well.

5. Set travel alerts.

Many credit card companies ask that you set a travel alert before leaving the country. You can do this online, through the card issuer’s app, or by calling the number you see on the back of your card.

Just note that setting a travel alert is not mandatory. But if you don’t, the credit card company might suspect that international purchases are fraud and suspend your spending privileges until you notify them otherwise.

6. Use a chip card for wider acceptance and more protection.

You’ll have a smoother experience using a credit card internationally if it’s a chip-and-PIN card. That’s because even though a chip-and-signature card should suffice for most international purchases, a chip-and-PIN card might be needed for purchases from unmanned payment terminals. Some merchants might also prefer chip-enabled cards for added security.

7. Refuse Dynamic Currency Conversion.

Merchants may offer to let you pay in U.S. dollars, a practice known as Dynamic Currency Conversion. But it’s often an excuse to use an unfair exchange and overcharge you. So, choose to pay in the local currency, instead.

8. Avoid cash advances.

Credit card cash advances allow you to get cash from your card’s credit line. However, cash advances are subject to hefty fees and interest rates that accrue immediately with no grace period, so it’s best to avoid them outside of emergency use. With that in mind, make sure to also bring a debit card with no foreign fees so you can withdraw cash as needed.

If you’re in the market for a credit card to use internationally, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Notable Credit Cards for International Use in 2025

For more options, check out the rest of our editors’ picks for the best credit cards for international travel.

Yes, of course! Credit cards are a great way to pay when abroad. They're safer to carry around than cash is, and some of them don't charge foreign transaction fees. It's very easy to use them, and you can still earn rewards for your spending.

Using a credit card internationally is a good idea if you own a card with no foreign transaction fees. Otherwise a debit card is the way to go.