Best Credit card for overseas travel and earning miles?

[eyenerd]

We are hopeful to do a European disney cruise summer of 2014. I know there are some CCs that are better than others for travel points. I know airfare is going to be a killer, so I want to be smart about getting the best deal and I have heard people using points to soften the blow.

I have read good things about chase sapphire. We use are CC for nearly everything and pay off the balance each month. My DH also has a business that he uses CC for.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Four Swampers]

That depends on how much you charge and who you fly.

I hear good things about Chase Sapphire, but I don't happen to have it.

Capital One does not charge a foreign currency transaction fee, and they have double miles, so the miles do add up pretty quickly. Some people claim that Capital One has a worse exchange rate, but I have not found that to be true.

If you charge A LOT, and you fly Delta, and you fly several times a year or more, then the Delta Reserve Amex might be right for you. First, it is pricey! $450 a year! It gets you a couple things:
1. Access to the Delta SkyClub for you and your family. Comfy chairs, wine, beer and spirits.
2. Medallion qualification miles, if you spend A LOT. Most FF miles from a card are useful only towards redemption for a free flight. Those miles do not count towards your FF status with the airline. With the Reserve Amex, if you spend $30,000 in a calendar year, you get a 15,000 mile bonus that does count towards your status. If you spend another $30,000 in the same calendar year, you get another 15,000 mile bonus that counts towards your status. So, if you spend $60,000 a year on that Amex, you will have 30,000 medallion qualification miles (miles that count towards your ff status, known as medallion status on Delta.) That makes you a silver medallion member. Doesn't get you much, but if you then fly 20,000 miles, you reach gold status.
3. Free checked bag for you and anyone flying on your reservation provided you made the reservation with the Delta Amex. Of note, if it is your Delta Amex and you book a flight with it for your spouse, s/he does not get a free checked bag. They link that card to you. When they say a free bag for you and anyone flying with you, they mean it.

So the Delta Amex is pricey, but brings good perks if you can charge a lot and fly Delta routinely. I do like Capital One Visa as well.

 

[UmmGooD]

If you have a Costco account AMEX has a cash back card that pays out better than any mileage card I have found. You can cash out the gift certificate you get every year and use it to buy tickets and your dollars go way further.

 

[Melissa S]

Amex Platinum. No Foreign transaction fees. When you use your points you get 20% back. BOGO flights. Access to lounges even if you don't fly first class. $200 airline credit (for food on board, overweight luggage charges, etc.). We travel very often (cruise 3 times a year, resorts at least 3 times a year) plus a lot of business travel and it is the only CC we bring. I used to think that no one accepted AMEX (because of the visa commercials lol) but ten years ago I got a personal card when I was issued a corporate one and found that very few places don't accept it and for those places I use cash. THey have a hotel program as well where you get extra perks such as late check out, dining credits,extra nights free.

They also have a lot of additional perks. Travel insurance and if purchase something and change your mind and the store won't return it they will issue you a credit.

 

[Jestocost]

As other PPs noted, my biggest concern for a card to use internationally would be the foreign transaction fee; not what kind of points or mileage you might earn. We have a Capital One card and do not pay any foreign transaction fee. Other posters have cited some other cards. I would start with the cards that don't charge this fee and the select the one that best meets your other requirements from that list.

 

[rentayenta]

Chase Sapphire and United Milage Plus Club Card.

 

[jel0511]

That depends on how much you charge and who you fly.

I hear good things about Chase Sapphire, but I don't happen to have it.

Capital One does not charge a foreign currency transaction fee, and they have double miles, so the miles do add up pretty quickly. Some people claim that Capital One has a worse exchange rate, but I have not found that to be true.

If you charge A LOT, and you fly Delta, and you fly several times a year or more, then the Delta Reserve Amex might be right for you. First, it is pricey! $450 a year! It gets you a couple things:
1. Access to the Delta SkyClub for you and your family. Comfy chairs, wine, beer and spirits.
2. Medallion qualification miles, if you spend A LOT. Most FF miles from a card are useful only towards redemption for a free flight. Those miles do not count towards your FF status with the airline. With the Reserve Amex, if you spend $30,000 in a calendar year, you get a 15,000 mile bonus that does count towards your status. If you spend another $30,000 in the same calendar year, you get another 15,000 mile bonus that counts towards your status. So, if you spend $60,000 a year on that Amex, you will have 30,000 medallion qualification miles (miles that count towards your ff status, known as medallion status on Delta.) That makes you a silver medallion member. Doesn't get you much, but if you then fly 20,000 miles, you reach gold status.
3. Free checked bag for you and anyone flying on your reservation provided you made the reservation with the Delta Amex. Of note, if it is your Delta Amex and you book a flight with it for your spouse, s/he does not get a free checked bag. They link that card to you. When they say a free bag for you and anyone flying with you, they mean it.

So the Delta Amex is pricey, but brings good perks if you can charge a lot and fly Delta routinely. I do like Capital One Visa as well.

We use the Capital One Venture card. I have found through personal experience, the rates they charge aren't as good as Amex does. Amex almost always charges the current spot FX rate or slightly lower, whereas Capital One charges at least 1% higher than the current FX spot rate. So in the end even with Amex's 2.7% FX fee (if you don't get the Platinum card) it ends up pretty even, IMO. We like Capital One for the double miles and the ability to use them for ANY travel related purchases, so we continue to use it. We might switch to the Platinum card one day, but as of right now, can't find the value in the high annual fee.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Amex Platinum. No Foreign transaction fees. When you use your points you get 20% back. BOGO flights. Access to lounges even if you don't fly first class. $200 airline credit (for food on board, overweight luggage charges, etc.). We travel very often (cruise 3 times a year, resorts at least 3 times a year) plus a lot of business travel and it is the only CC we bring. I used to think that no one accepted AMEX (because of the visa commercials lol) but ten years ago I got a personal card when I was issued a corporate one and found that very few places don't accept it and for those places I use cash. THey have a hotel program as well where you get extra perks such as late check out, dining credits,extra nights free.

They also have a lot of additional perks. Travel insurance and if purchase something and change your mind and the store won't return it they will issue you a credit.

Platinum AMEX also reimburses the $100 Global Entry fee. Another good perk is the upgrade to National Car Executive status and to Starwood Preferred Guest Gold membership. We've saved enough on one car rental to pay the $450 fee.

 

[tinkerone]

this is really a BIG PERSONAL question. your going to find everyone thinks differently and few will agree because their needs are not normally what your needs are.
I worked in a bank for 30 some years. the one thing I will tell you is not all points cards are equal. for example, and i'm talking Canada so my examples will not be your examples, we have several credit cards that offer air miles. sounds good but capital one offers 20 air miles per $20 spent and mastercard only offers 1. i'll go with the capital one right? I kept hearing that from people all the time. they didn't read the small print that says with mastercard 1 airmile = 1 ground mile where as to go that same mile with capital one you needed 22 miles. or, to get from my home to florida it was 1200 mastercard miles or 26,400 capital one miles. big difference.
what i'm trying to say is take the ideas from here and then do your homework. don't go on what people think their program may do, check it out.
also, while you may use a card for airmiles that is the best for that, if you find you have to pay foreign currency fees then find a card that you don't need to pay the fees and get it to. no one card is good for everything but no one said you can only have one card.
sorry this is so length and please, no one take offense and think I said you don't know what your talking about. all i'm saying is double check. it may not look as good when you stare at it for a bit.

 

[DisneyOHFan]

I found this article that lists the foreign transaction fee by credit card

http://creditcardforum.com/blog/american-express-foreign-transaction-fee/

 

[hrhdhd]

Just keep in mind that merchants in other countries do not accept AMEX as much as they do Visa and Mastercard. If you want to purchase in the U.S. to earn miles, great. But an AMEX isn't the best card for taking overseas, at least not without having a backup.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Just keep in mind that merchants in other countries do not accept AMEX as much as they do Visa and Mastercard. If you want to purchase in the U.S. to earn miles, great. But an AMEX isn't the best card for taking overseas, at least not without having a backup.

I use mine almost exclusively in Europe. I've only run into a handful of places, that didn't take AMEX.

They provide many useful benefits.

Travel Airport Club Access Program with Priority Pass
Enjoy complimentary access to participating American Airlines Admirals Club®,
Delta Sky Club®, and US Airways® Club lounges with your Platinum Card®
Complimentary access to Airspace Lounge in the Baltimore/Washington
International Airport, Concourse D3
When you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, you can access over 600 participating airport lounges worldwide — no matter what class or airline you fly

$200 Airline Fee Credit
Receive up to $200 in statement credits annually for airline incidental fees
Includes charges from the airline such as baggage fees, flight-change fees, in-flight food and beverage purchases, airport lounge day-passes, pet-kennel fees, and phone reservation fees*
Enroll with one of 10 airlines
Enroll * See details

No Foreign Transaction Fees
Use your Card globally without incurring the foreign transaction fees
many other cards charge
Save on fees while enjoying protections on eligible purchases
No need to enroll or apply

Hotels & Resorts
Receive access to your FINE HOTELS & RESORTS benefits valued at over $450* with every booking.
Including: Noon Check-In‡, Room upgrade‡*, Daily breakfast for two people, and 4:00PM late check-out.

Global Entry
Bypass arrival lines at most major U.S. airports when returning from international travel
Use your Card to apply and we’ll credit the application fee
Schedule an interview at a major U.S. airport, or at a Platinum Card interview session in your area
Once approved, your membership is valid for 5 years
ApplyWatch Video Platinum Travel Service9
Rely on our team of travel counselors to help create perfect custom itineraries
Enjoy a network of travel partners worldwide
24/7 assistance to help you every step of the way

Premium Car Rental Progra
Enroll with Avis®, Hertz®, and National Car Rental® *
Bypass lines and enjoy available upgrades and savings
Receive special amenities with some reservations throughout the year
EnrollWatch Video * See details Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance11
You can have access to theft or damage coverage on eligible vehicles when you reserve and pay for a car rental with your eligible Card
You can receive up to $75,000 for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle, and your personal property can be covered for up to $1,000 per person and up to $2,000 per vehicle. Coverage is in EXCESS of other sources of indemnity.
Can provide coverage for medical payments up to $5,000 per person. Coverage is in EXCESS of other sources of indemnity.

* See details Premium Global Assist Hotline
Rely on 24/7 medical, legal, financial, and other emergency assistance including Medical Transport13 while traveling more than 100 miles from home
Be directed to English-speaking professionals
Receive emergency cash wires and help with lost passports and luggage

Learn More Baggage Insurance Plan
You can receive coverage against lost, stolen, or damaged carry-on and checked baggage when you purchase a Common Carrier Conveyance (plane, train, helicopter, ship, or bus) ticket with your eligible Card
Coverage is in excess of other sources of insurance, such as that provided by a Common Carrier Conveyance (plane, train, ship, helicopter, or bus)
Learn More Starwood Preferred Guest Program
Receive Gold Preferred Membership without meeting frequent-stay minimums
Benefits include room upgrades when available, late checkouts, and the opportunity

Travel Accident Insurance
Help protect yourself and your family with up to $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance Can provide coverage for accidental death and dismemberment while traveling on a Common Carrier Conveyance (plane, train, helicopter, ship, or bus) when the entire fare* has been charged to the eligible Card


Roadside Assistance
Get complimentary 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for flat tires, gas, jump starts, or car tows
Coverage applicable in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Travel Service Offices
Visit offices worldwide for travel assistance before or during your trip
Exchange foreign currency, buy Travelers Cheques without a purchase fee, and get personal assistance in planning your next trip

Membership Rewards Program
Get one point for each dollar of eligible purchases
Use points for gift cards, travel, dining, and entertainment rewards
You can also use points for over a million products from some of your favorite brands and stores at membershiprewards.com/shopping

Purchase Protection
Eligible purchases can be covered for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if they are accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost
Coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Cardmember account per calendar year
Learn More Extended Warranty30
Warranties can be extended for a period equal to the duration of the original U.S. manufacturer's warranty, up to one additional year
Coverage up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Cardmember account per calendar year

Learn More Return Protection
You can get a refund on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® within 90 days from the purchase date, if the merchant won’t take it back
Refunds can cover up to $300 per item, and up to $1,000 annually per Card account

Sync your Card
Discover savings recommended just for you. Get offers based on things you "Like" on Facebook when you sync your Platinum Card®
Check in with foursquare to unlock exclusive specials with your synced card around your specific location
Tweet exclusive offer #hashtags from your favorite brands and get those offers loaded directly onto your Platinum Card

Learn More Identity Theft Assistance
Representatives are on call 24/7 to help you every step of the way,
from initial determination to guides for recovery to future protections


Fraud Protection Guarantee
Receive protection and reimbursement for fraudulent online purchases
made with your Card

Learn More Entertainment Platinum Card Concierge

Receive assistance 24/7 with most personal or business needs
Let our team of professionals remind you of important dates and help find
gifts for all occasions
Plan with our experts and receive suggestions, information, and event access


Receive assistance with all your dining requests – reservations, suggestions, personalized experiences, and more
Access some of the most in-demand restaurants and chefs worldwide
Enjoy exclusive benefits at premium food and wine festivals and culinary events


Learn More Preferred Seating Program
Gain exclusive access to choice seats for sports, entertainment, and live concert events at leading venues
Get access for you and a guest to the STAPLES Center37 Platinum Lounge
Enjoy advance ticket sales for select events

Browse Events Advance Ticket
Enjoy advance access to purchase tickets for sporting events, entertainment,
and live concerts before the general public can
Browse Events Departures Magazine
Exclusive content published 7 times a year to Platinum Card® members
Get the latest and greatest in the world of travel, style, culture, and dining
Learn More By Invitation Only39
Gain access to once-in-a-lifetime events, just for being a Platinum Card® member
Pursue your interests with exclusive events for food and wine, fashion,
sports, music, and more

Enjoy unique Premium Access experiences, from special entry to food festivals
to VIP packages at concerts
Continue to receive preferred seating at the hottest events
Browse Events Entertainment Newsletter
Be among the first to know about exclusive events in your area, from Broadway to basketball and everything in between
You won’t miss a thing with this weekly rundown of what’s happening around you
Subscribe Departures Dispatch
Subscribe to the Departures Dispatch e-newsletter for exclusive weekly updates on dining, travel, fashion, new technology, events, and more, delivered directly to your inbox
Download the Departures Ultimate City Guides iPhone® App and get top 10 lists of hotels, shops, lounges, museums and galleries, restaurants, and VIP events in 10 global cities

Subscribe Service Customer Service
From statement questions to lost Cards, a dedicated team is available 24/7 for your every need
Take advantage of Express Cash by calling customer service to set up your PIN so you can access over 500,000 ATMs worldwide

* See details Travel Service Offices
Visit offices worldwide for travel assistance before or during your trip
Exchange foreign currency, buy Travelers Cheques without a purchase fee, and get personal assistance in planning your next trip

 

[Calfan]

Sounds like you are already looking into the Chase Sapphire card, but this is now our card of choice for international travel (Chase Sapphire Preferred). There is no foreign transaction fee and you get double points for travel (which is interpreted liberally to include things like parking garage fees, taxi fare, transit fees, etc. in additon to the typical travel charges like air and hotels) and dining. And there is a pretty generous sign-up bonus: 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points after the first $3,000 in spend, $95 annual fee waived the first year. We also have the United Mileage Plus Explorer card which offers a 10,000 miles bonus for $25,000 in annual spend. At the beginning of the year, we use the Mileage Plus Explorer card for everything except restaurants, non-United travel and any purchases in foreign currency, unil we reach the $25,000 spend to get the 10,000 miles annual bonus. Then we switch over to the Sapphire for the balance of the year since the Ultimate Rewards points can be used on United or other airlines so are a little more flexible. We charge almost everything. There is no charge that is too small in my mind to go on the card. I charged my $0.99 oatmeal in my work cafeteria this morning. My philosphy is that no one is rewarding me for using cash, so why would I use it? That being said, we pay off our credit card balances every month and are generally fiscally responsible. I do understand that credit cards don't work for everyone.

 

[jedijill]

Not a credit card, but I use a Fidelity debit card which charges no foreign transaction fee. I have a limited amount of money in it and have other debit cards/credit cards available if needed but have not had any issues using it as both a Visa and at ATM's all over Europe.

Jill in CO

 

[hrhdhd]

I use mine almost exclusively in Europe. I've only run into a handful of places, that didn't take AMEX.

They provide many useful benefits.

My Capital One MasterCard provides many of those benefits with no annual fee. And the others? Being able to "sync" to Facebook, whatever that means, is not a "benefit" in my book. Whatever works for you.

And my advice to take a backup payment card is still a good idea--I'd hate to run into one of those "handful of places" without a way to pay for a meal or a diamond necklace. (Yes, yes, there's always cash, but we're talking about cards here.)

 

[sweetlovin']

Comparing airline miles, American Airlines has the least expensive miles. I think their least expensive roundtrip is 40k miles saver off peak season to Europe and saver peak it is 60k miles (for economy seats)

United it is 60k miles for economy. When booking United, book the seats as soon as possible 9-11 months in advance. American seems to be a little better about having seat available.

Also, sign up for Taca airlines. Last Sept you could buy miles and get the same many miles free. So, you could pay for 60k Miles and get 120k miles. However, as I found out the hard way, you have to be a member before they come out with a promo like that.

Also, watch the American Airline credit cards. I believe it is around this time (maybe mid March, they will come out with a promo for 50k-60k miles just for signing up. They also have a Amex that has no transaction fee for overseas.

United's card as has given 65k miles for their as well as Chase Sapphire (I have both.) I also have both the Amex American and Visa American card. All promos were 50k or more (points or miles) when I signed up. Don't sign up for 40k or less. In the end, that is not worth it. So watch for the better miles promos. Also, if you have a spouse, they can also get the promo card with miles (instead of sharing accounts). My family did that so within months we had enough to fly roundtrip on American to Australia/New Zealand.

 

[sweetlovin']

I should add, aside from using the points towards your ticket for Chase Sapphire, you can change the points 1:1 for United British Airways and Southwest (I forget the others) but I found combining the miles from Chase Sapphire along with the miles gained on the United card.

I do think the miles on the airlines makes a difference. If you are taking 20k miles per person, it makes a difference how quickly the points add up,