Europe calling? Ready to fuel your wanderlust with the best views and experiences? Hold on, you forgot to choose the best credit card for travel in Europe.
To explore the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history of Europe, knowing how to navigate your finances abroad can be overwhelming.
With the wide range of credit cards to use internationally, choosing the best travel card for Europe based on your spending and lifestyle habits and trip itinerary is crucial.
So before you embark on your trip to Europe, discover some of the best credit cards for international travel to ease your trip stress significantly and enjoy additional perks.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Credit Card for Travel in Europe
Travel Rewards and Points
Many credit cards offer reward programs that help you earn miles or points based on various expenses when in Europe, including hotel bookings, flight bookings, or car rentals. The accumulated points with this reward can be used for future trips, ensuring significant savings with high discounts.
Depending on your trip itinerary, you can compare different credit cards based on the types of perks and reward points they offer for dining, flights, hotels, car rentals, etc., and choose the best card for travel to Europe to suit your travel needs accurately.
Travel Experience Benefits
Can you enhance your travel experience with just a credit card? The answer is yes!
When you are heading to Europe, choose those cards for international travel that offer perks like lucrative welcome bonuses, free hotel nights, grocery rewards, public transportation perks and more.
Moreover, some credit cards also offer travel protection to safeguard expenses incurred by unexpected factors resulting in trip cancellation, interruption, delays and more.
Zero Transaction Fees
While exploring Europe and buying memorable souvenirs for friends and family, do not get caught in the cycle of transaction fees that range from a minimum of 2-3% per transaction. This increases your spending budget significantly.
Instead, look for credit cards with no transaction fees in Europe to ensure you only pay for the experience or item you choose, with no additional charges.
Additional Benefits
Other than the standard perks and rewards to check for when choosing the best credit card for travel in Europe, look for additional benefits that can impact your travel experience and trip itineraries.
Some of the benefits include complimentary airport lounge access, extra rewards for staying in specific hotels, entertainment perks, travel assistance services, etc. All these additional factors can help you choose a card that not only aligns with your Euro trip itinerary but also helps you earn significant bonuses for your next trip.
How to Apply for an International Credit Card
Applying for a travel credit card is a straightforward process. You can complete the application online or at a bank branch.
Here is a quick step-by-step process to apply for the best credit card for travel in Europe:
Research and Compare: Research various travel credit cards for international travel. Compare reward points, travel benefits, annual fees and interest rates. Choose a card that aligns with your travel habits and financial needs.
Check Eligibility: Each credit card has specific eligibility criteria, such as minimum income, age, and credit score requirements. Ensure you meet these criteria before applying.
Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including proof of identity (Aadhar card, passport), proof of address (utility bills, rental agreement), income proof (salary slips, IT returns) and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Submit Application: You can apply online through the bank's website or visit a branch. Fill out the application form accurately, attach the required documents and submit it.
Verification and Approval: The bank will review your application and conduct a verification process. If your application meets the criteria, it will be approved, and you will receive your credit card within a few days.
Ensure European Compatibility: Confirm that the card is widely accepted in Europe. Visa and MasterCard are generally safe choices. Check if there are any additional fees for international transactions.
Transaction Limits: Ensure that the card allows you to adjust transaction limits for safety. This feature can help protect against fraud and unauthorised transactions while travelling.
Multi-Currency Support: Verify if the card supports multi-currency usage and offers competitive exchange rates. This can save you money on conversion fees when spending in different currencies.
Activate Your Card: Once you receive the card, follow the instructions to activate it. You can now start using your travel credit card for bookings and enjoy the associated travel benefits.
By following these steps, you can easily apply for a travel credit card for international travel and make your travel experience more rewarding and secure.
Tips for Choosing Top Credit Cards to Use Internationally in Europe
Availability of Chip-and-PIN Technology - Choose a credit card that offers chip-and-PIN technology. European countries have transitioned from traditional magnetic swipe cards to this technology, and thus, a credit card with this functionality is crucial to avoid transaction hassles when in Europe.
Widely Acceptable - Always opt for a credit card with a Mastercard or Visa network to ensure smooth transactions in Europe, as these two networks are widely accepted all over Europe.
Review the Detailed Fee Structure - Ensure proper evaluation of the additional fees attached to the credit card purchase, other than the perks and benefits. Many times, the attached fees can be extensive, including hefty annual fees, interest charges, reward redemption expenses, etc.
No Foreign Transaction Fees - Opt for credit cards that do not drain your travel budget with hidden or high transaction fees. This will ensure you have ample freedom to maximise your spending power when in Europe.
Assess your Spending Habits and Lifestyle - Before choosing any international credit card for your trip to Europe, assess your spending habits and lifestyle to understand what perks and benefits will add value to your travel experience.
Review Inclusions, Exclusions and Benefits - All credit cards have their specific list of inclusions, exclusions and benefits. Thus, reviewing the terms and conditions for benefits and additional support or limitations is crucial when choosing the best card for travel to Europe.
Credit vs Forex Cards: Best Travel Card for Europe
For most travellers ready to explore Europe, there is often a slight confusion regarding the choice between the best credit card or the best Forex card for Europe. To help with better decision-making, let us look at some of the differences between them below.
Differentiation |
Credit Cards |
Forex Cards |
Definition
| A bank-issued card that allows you to spend money against purchases | A pre-paid card that is pre-loaded with a specific amount of foreign currency |
Convenience and Acceptability
| Widely accepted globally, so highly convenient | Limited acceptability but highly convenient for international transactions |
Fees Involved | Annual fees and foreign transaction fees (for some) | Issuance and money reloading fees when required |
Budgeting | Complete spending freedom which can lead to overspending | Limited spending freedom as pre-loading amounts |
Withdrawals | Permitted but might incur additional withdrawal fees | Not available for most options |
Exchange Rates | Competitive rates can vary | Fixed rates at the time of loading |
Potential Drawbacks
| Post-trip debts | Complex money reloading processes |
Should You Buy Travel Insurance if You Have an International Credit Card?
If you are planning a trip to Europe, you need to have mandatory
travel insurance for a Schengen visa as a non-citizen of the Schengen Area countries. Other than being a crucial visa application document, travel insurance acts as a financial safety net that protects you from unforeseen circumstances during and before your trip to Europe.
Now, even though some of the best credit cards for international travel offer travel insurance benefits with coverage for flight cancellations, delays, and lost baggage.
However, the coverage is limited, and non-submission of valid travel insurance documents can impact the
Schengen visa processing time after application submission.
With Reliance General Insurance, you can explore comprehensive travel insurance plans designed to safeguard your Europe trip with ample coverage for unexpected situations. These plans include medical coverage as required for a Schengen visa.
In addition, you also get extensive cover for personal injuries, third-party liabilities, flight cancellations and delays, loss or damage to baggage, etc. You can also opt for a compassionate visit cover that allows a family member to join you in Europe during a hospitalisation stay that is more than 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card for Europe if I have ample cash to cover my trip expenses?
No, a credit card is not mandatory if you have ample cash for your trip. However, it is recommended that you carry a credit card for your trip to Europe, as it allows you to benefit from a wide range of perks and rewards.
You get welcome bonuses, wider acceptability, and quicker payments to zero transaction fees, miles and points for bookings, and much more.
Thus, instead of stressing out by carrying cash with an increased risk of money getting stolen, buy one of the best credit cards for international travel.
What is a good Annual Percentage Rate for credit cards?
APR refers to the balance increase for your credit card in case you carry the balance forward for a whole year. Thus, having an APR of at least 20% to enjoy the best benefits.
What are some ways to avoid credit card fees or charges?
Some of the ways to avoid additional credit card charges and fees include -
Choose cards which offer zero foreign transaction fees
Pay your bill payments within the due date to ensure no penalty for delayed bill settlements
Review the annual percentage rate for different cards to choose the one offering a minimum of 20%
Check for balance transfer fees to avoid unnecessary charges
Read the fine print to check for any underlying fees for withdrawals, processes to redeem benefits, etc.