In this article, I will discuss the best credit cards for travel and cashback within Europe. I will focus on cards with low foreign transaction fees, comprehensive rewards programs, and cards that are internationally accepted.
Whether you are an occasional traveler or want cashback on everyday purchases, these cards will save you money and earn rewards.
Key Points & Best Credit Cards In Europe for Travel & Cashback
| Credit Card | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Strong travel rewards, no foreign transaction fees |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | Flexible miles redemption, travel perks |
| American Express Gold Card | High rewards on dining, travel insurance |
| Citi Premier Card | Bonus points on travel categories, global acceptance |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards | Unlimited 1.5 points per $1, no annual fee |
| Discover it Miles | Cashback match, no foreign transaction fees |
| HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard | Luxury travel perks, airport lounge access |
| Barclaycard Rewards Visa | No fees abroad, cashback on spending |
| Revolut Metal Card | Cashback on purchases, travel insurance |
| N26 You Mastercard | Travel insurance, fee-free foreign transactions |
10 Best Credit Cards In Europe for Travel & Cashback
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is excellent for travel reward point acquisition and travel points redemption options.
Cardholders collect additional points for travel and diner purchases, face no annual fee, and receive a yearly hotel credit.
Of note, for travel to Europe, the card has no foreign transaction fees, a crucial aspect for travelers to avoid additional service costs.
The card also comes with additional travel benefits, like insurance and trip interruption coverage, to make this card even more valuable for international travel.
Features
High Travel Rewards: Travel and dining from any one of the preset destinations in Europe earn bonus rewards.
Flexible Redemption of Travel Rewards: Travel reward points can be redeemed directly or transferred via Chase Travel to airline and hotel partners.
No Foreign Transactions: Fees on purchases abroad are non-existent and save you 2-3% on every charge via their foreign transactions.
Travel Protection: Trip cancellation and rental car insurance offer extra travel protection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great travel rewards and flexible redemption options. | Annual fee may be high for some travelers. |
| No foreign transaction fees — ideal for Europe. | Must convert points via Chase partners to get best value. |
| Transfer points to airline/hotel partners. | Acceptance of Chase cards can be less in some European merchants vs Visa/Mastercard. |
| Strong travel protections (cancellation, rental car). | Requires good/excellent credit. |
2. Capital One Venture Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a flexibly-structured travel card that provides high value and is easy to manage. You can earn unlimited miles on each purchase.
You can even earn bonus miles on hotel stays, rental cars, and vacations booked through Capital One Travel.
This card also enables you to redeem those miles to obtain a travel statement credit or move your miles to one of Capital One’s partner programs.
Since there are no foreign transaction fees, you have the potential to save on travel costs, especially for a trip to Europe.
There are also valuable Travel Rewards card benefits like a credit toward Global entry or TSA PreCheck fees and travel insurance. Overall, This card is great for travel.
Features
Flat Miles Reward: Unique in the sense of having one of the simplest rewards structures, travel credit cards have a flat ratio on purchases for earning reward miles.
Spending in Europe: No fees for foreign transactions using the Capital One Venture Rewards Travel Credit Card make it great for European countries.
Flexible Miles Transfer: Award travellers can have their mile balances transferred to airline partners.
Rental Protection: Travel rewards include rental car insurance protection, and other travel protection rewards are given with the Capital One Venture Rewards Travel Credit Card.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple, flat rewards on all purchases. | Bonus categories not as high as some premium cards. |
| No foreign transaction fees — perfect for European trips. | Value best when redeemed for travel vs cash back. |
| Miles transferable to partner airlines. | Annual fee may not suit infrequent travelers. |
| Travel credits and TSA/Global Entry credit. | Some partner transfers have limited availability. |
3. American Express Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card lives up to its reputation. This card is indeed made for aficionados of travel and dining.
It is great on flights purchased directly and on dining all over the world. This means that it is super easy to accrue points on airfare and entertainment.
For all that and for a U.S. card, it is pretty versatile, Amex is accepted all over Europe (including most large merchants) and the card is valuable for travel since the AmEx points can be used to booked flights through airline partners.
Because of the card’s travel benefits, the annual travel fee is waived. Amex Gold members, especially the frequent ones, get the most value out of the card points because of their point flexible redemption and their strong transfer partnerships.
Features
Bonus Categories. Eating at restaurants around the globe and buying airline tickets directly or via AmEx Travel earns a lot of rewards.
Membership Rewards Transfer. Points can be transferred to multiple partners in the airline and hotel industries, allowing for flexible options in airline redemptions.
Statement Credits. AmEx Gold Card members get dining and travel purchases reimbursed at random, including the fees for the AmEx Gold Card.
Travel Benefits. Lost baggage travel insurance, travel purchase insurance, and other travel security tools improve security for international travel.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent rewards on dining and flights. | Not accepted everywhere in Europe (American Express has lower acceptance). |
| Transfer points to many airline & hotel partners. | Higher annual fee. |
| Credits that help offset the fee (dining/hotel). | Some benefits are U.S.-centric. |
| Great for frequent flyers and foodies. | Foreign transaction fee depends on card version — check terms. |
4. Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent option for earning travel rewards as well as every day purchases since it will earn bonus point for certain purchases like airfare, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Points are eligible for redemption on travel and can be transferred to Citi frequent flyer partners or used for a statement credit.
There are foreign transaction fee policies and international acceptance policies that do vary from card to card.
However, using this card at international venders will allow you to earn the same travel points as you will in the US.
This card is a great travel option for those who like to earn points on a daily basis as well as have flexability in point redemption.
Features
Versatile Rewards. Offers bonuses on spending for travel, eating out, shopping at supermarkets, and buying fuel, a win for everyday spenders and frequent travelers.
ThankYou® Points. Travel, gift cards, or transferred to partner airlines can be the use for points.
Moderate Annual Fee. Rewards are offered for spending without high price tags.
Global Use. It can be used in most other countries, but foreign transaction fees should be considered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rewards on travel, dining, and everyday categories. | Not ideal acceptance internationally if not chip/contactless. |
| Points are flexible — travel or transfers. | Foreign transaction fees may apply. |
| Good middle-ground between travel & everyday spending. | Not as rich in premium travel perks. |
| Generally lower fee than premium cards. | Redemption value can vary. |
5. Bank of America Travel Rewards
In terms of fee-friendly travel cards, this card is one of the simplest and most seamless options ideal for easygoing travelers. Forget about complexities when you can simply earn points for every purchase.
Those points can easily be redeemed for statement credits towards travel expenses like flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Plus, for international travel, the card offers the perk of having no foreign transaction fees, which is a money saver on purchases made in places like Europe.
With no annual fee, flexible travel redemptions, and all of the above, this card works perfectly for those who travel occasionally.
It allows you to earn travel rewards without having to put in much effort, and without the stress of worrying about a bunch of specific bonus categories or a high annual fee.
Features
No Annual Fee. Offers travel rewards with no yearly fees for travelers. This is not a more expensive product.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Travel costs can be kept down.
Reward Flexibility. Travel purchases can be redeemed with points as statement credits.
Straightforward Rewards. Complicated category spending is thankfully not part of this as spending on any purchase earns points.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No foreign transaction fees — great for Europe. | Simpler rewards; may earn less than premium cards. |
| No annual fee. | No transfer partners — must redeem statement credits. |
| Straightforward points earnings. | Fewer travel protections. |
| Good for casual travelers. | Rewards value limited to travel cost offsets. |
6. Discover it Miles
The Discover it® Miles credit card is one of the most straightforward options on the market in the travel rewards category.
You earn the same rate on every single purchase. To make things even better, they have a sign-up bonus where they double all the miles you earn in the first year.
Miles can be redeemed as cash back or for travel statement credits. Discover is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, especially in Europe, so it is best to bring along a card you can use more places abroad.
Still, it is a great value for everyday spending at home if you plan to redeem rewards for travel. That said, it shouldn’t be the only card you bring for travel to Europe.
Features
Unlimited Miles: Collect an infinite number of miles on every purchase.
First-Year Match: You will obtain double the miles earned within the first year, thanks to Discover’s new customer offer.
Redeem for Travel or Cash: Miles can be used to pay for travel, or can be redeemed for travel-related statement credits or cash.
No Annual Fee: Has no annual fee making it an affordable option, although it may not be accepted at all European locations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| First-year miles match can double rewards. | Discover acceptance in Europe is limited. |
| Simple flat rate on all purchases. | Limited travel perks compared to other cards. |
| No annual fee. | Not ideal as a primary travel card abroad. |
| Easy redemption for travel credits or cash. | May need a backup Visa/Mastercard overseas. |
7. HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard® is a travel Mastercard® given to clients with HSBC Premier accounts with additional travel benefits like travel insurance, concierge, airport lounge access, etc. The card offers an increased rate of rewards to travel spending.
The card is widely accepted across Europe, and the points are usually redeemable for flights, hotel stays, and cash.
The card may give a person airline travel fee credits and global assist benefits, too. The card is ideal for people who travel internationally and are searching for a lot of travel rewards. Many of the card’s perks are gated behind maintaining HSBC Premier status.
Features
Premium Travel Rewards: Enhanced rewards if you are a frequent traveler as you will get elevated rewards on both travel-related and all other day-to-day purchases.
Worldwide Acceptance: Mastercard is accepted almost everywhere in Europe.
Enhanced Protections: Additional travel-related benefits including travel insurance, concierge, and purchase protections.
Banking Integration: Comes with banking benefits that are a part of an HSBC Premier relationship.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong travel benefits and insurances. | Often requires HSBC Premier banking relationship. |
| Worldwide Mastercard acceptance. | Annual fee can be high. |
| Good rewards on travel & daily spend. | Benefits tied to banking status. |
| Premium protections and concierge services. | Not ideal for infrequent travelers. |
8. Barclaycard Rewards Visa
The Barclayscard Rewards Visa is a good option for everyday spending and easy-to-earn rewards. The card typically racks up cashback or points on all spending; plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, which is good if you travel to Europe.
The simplicity of the card, being that you earn a flat rate back on all purchases, is nice since you do not have to keep track of spending in bonus categories. Being a Visa, it is also widely accepted abroad.
The card lacks some of the premium travel perks that other higher-end cards have, but due to the low costs and usefulness abroad, it is a good travel card, especially if you want to earn cashback while spending money daily on other foreign purchases.
Features
Simple Rewards: Cash back rewards program with no spending categories or limits making it uncomplicated to earn rewards.
Visa Acceptance: Has the advantage of also being accepted all over Europe.
No or Low Fee: Annual fee is usually low or non-existent.
Everyday & Travel Use: Offers flexibility and versatility and fits all kind of purchases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual fee in many versions. | Rewards rate may be modest. |
| Visa acceptance widely in Europe. | Lower travel perks vs premium cards. |
| Simple flat cashback. | Foreign transaction fees may apply. |
| Easy to use for everyday and travel spend. | Not ideal for maximizing travel rewards. |
9. Revolut Metal Card
The Revolut Metal Card is offered on the Revolut financial app, and is designed for users who are professional nomads and high spenders.
It’s a Mastercard, and thus accepted almost everywhere, and it offers benefits such as exchange rates at interbank rates for free or if fees are low, and cashback on some transactions.
Using the card abroad also comes with higher limits for ATM withdrawals and insurance covering the entire trip, and you get credits for entering VIP lounges in airports.
It’s one of the best cards for travelling to Europe and spend internationally, and it links to spend tracking apps, and commpletely global bank accounts.
Features
Global Exchange Rates: Offers interbank money exchange which will be advantageous if you live away from your home country.
Premium Travel Benefits: Comes with insurance coverage for travel, benefits for lounge access, and amenities for higher ATM withdrawals.
Cashback & Your Rewards: Based on *your* spending, *your* tier, and *your* spending categories, receive rewards or cashback.
App-Centric Experience: Total mobile control, with spending allowances, international account accessibility, and instantaneous tracking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great exchange rates — ideal for multi-currency spending. | Monthly fee applies. |
| Mastercard acceptance throughout Europe. | Metal tier benefits require higher subscription cost. |
| Cashback and travel perks (insurance, lounge credits). | Rewards depend on spending & tier. |
| Mobile app controls & budgeting tools. | Not as strong for traditional travel rewards. |
10. N26 You Mastercard
Based in Germany, and serving all of Europe, N26 is a super app digital bank and N26 offers the You MasterCard is one of the digital bank rivals in the region.
Allows customers to make overseas purchases at no additional transaction fees, offers complimentary overseas travel insurance, and no fee ATM cash withdrawals in multiple currencies.
Year round, You Card MasterCard is probably the most popular travel credit card in Europe due to complimentary travel insurance.
The card is paired with attractive bank offers and travel rewards, making it a great card for those based in Europe.
Features
Zero Fees for Foreign Transactions: Foreign purchases are completely fee-less, and great for travel within Europe.
No Fees on International ATM Withdrawals: Withdraw cash with no extra fees, even in multiple currencies.
Insurance Coverage for Travel: Travel insurance coverage is provided for travel booked via the card.
Banking via Mobile Applications: You can access your account on an app and use it for simple transaction processes, budgeting, and travel features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No foreign transaction fees | Monthly fee per plan. |
| Free ATM withdrawals abroad in many currencies. | Rewards may be limited vs premium cards. |
| Easy mobile banking experience. | Best for European residents — U.S.-based travelers may have difficulty applying. |
| Travel insurance included. | Not strong traditional points transfer network. |
How We Choose Best Credit Cards in Europe for Travel & Cashback
Foreign transaction fees: If a credit card has no transaction fees or very low transaction fees, this card is best for travelers.
Travel rewards: Accumulation or expenditure of points or miles on flights, accommodation, and transportation are key.
Cashback rates: Everyone wants to have a card that gives cashback, and the more cashback offered on every coin spent, the more valuable this card is.
Annual fees: If a card has yearly fees that are relatively high, this is justified if this card gives premium incentives.
Acceptance network: For a card to be accepted widely in Europe, that card should be from networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Amex.
Travel perks: Certain benefits such as lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services are major incentives.
Flexibility of rewards: Most people will find a credit card more useful if they can redeem points for flights, accommodation, or cashback.
Security & digital features: The ability for travelers to have mobile apps, virtual cards, and fraud protection are key for modern travelers.
Cocnlsuion
Conclusion Now that you’ve analyzed the most suitable credit cards for travelling and earn cashback in Europe, you are able to spend less without foreign fees, earn added perks and enjoy travel benefits.
Your travel card perks can significantly lower your travel expenses and improve your overall experience across Europe while you earn value from your day to day spending. Travel cards can be flexible to your choice whether you prefer cashback, travel perks or rewards.
FAQ
What is the best credit card for travel rewards in Europe?
Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards are top choices due to strong travel points and no foreign transaction fees.
Can I use U.S. credit cards in Europe?
Yes, but acceptance varies — Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express is less common.
Do these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
The best travel cards for Europe typically have no foreign transaction fees, saving on extra charges.
What should I look for in a travel credit card?
Look for no foreign fees, travel protections, reward transfer partners, and wide acceptance.
Are there cards with cashback and travel perks?
Yes — cards like Bank of America Travel Rewards and Barclaycard Rewards Visa offer cashback and travel benefits.
