Most Used Credit Cards in the USA for International Transactions

Introduction

Choosing the correct credit card is pivotal in international travel. Popular credit cards across the United States for international transactions usually have very befitting features for a frequent traveler – no foreign transaction fees, internationally accepted, and rewards programs, where you can earn points on all your purchases. Whether it’s a vacation, a work trip, a new destination, or anything else of interest, the right card would save money or leverage an experience you have abroad.

Among these, some of the top choices are Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Platinum Card, and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card which offers anything from travel insurance to airport lounge passes and many flexible redemption options. In this guide, we will provide a rundown of the best U.S. cards meant for international transactions so that you can easily pick one that can help you reap all your rewards and travel-related benefits while traversing the world. 

Summary Table (TLDR)

Top 8 Most Used Credit Cards in the USA for International Transactions 2025

Best Credit Cards in the USA for International Transactions 2025

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card helps individuals with travel and dining benefits. This card helps manage all the expenses and travel related to international transactions.

International Transactions

Issuer	Chase
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Excellent
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	22.24%–29.24%
Sign In Bonus	60,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months
Best For	International Transactions

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is designed for frequent travelers. Issued by Chase, it offers premium travel benefits, including airport lounge access and travel insurance. It helps maximize travel rewards and manage expenses.

The card has an annual fee of $550 and offers 3X points on travel and dining. The credit limit varies, and a good credit score is required. It also includes a referral program and travel insurance.

Key Features:

• Premium Travel
• Lounge Access
• Concierge Service

Reward Rate:

• 10x points on hotel & car rentals via Chase Travel 
• 3x points on dining & general travel

Other Information:

• Priority Pass lounge access and $300 annual travel credit
• High annual fee, and points best used for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards

Pros & Cons of Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Chase Sapphire Reserve is an elite travel credit card earning 3x points on travel and dining, a large one-time sign-up bonus, and access to lavish benefits such as airport lounges. Perfect for high-spending travelers who want big rewards and benefits.

2. Chase Ink Business Preferred®

The Chase Ink Business Preferred card helps businesses overcome their funds deficiency and enables them to complete their huge business expenses by offering generous rewards.

International Transactions

Issuer	Chase
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	20.24%–25.24%
Sign In Bonus	100,000 points after $8,000 spent in 3 months
Best For	International Transactions

The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Card is designed for business owners. Issued by Chase, it offers generous rewards on business expenses and helps manage expenses efficiently. It provides flexibility in earning rewards.

The card has an annual fee of $95 and offers 3X points on travel and select business categories. The credit limit varies, and a good credit score is required. It also includes a referral program and travel insurance.

Key Features:

• Business Rewards
• Travel Benefits
• Employee Spending

Reward Rate:

• 3x points on travel, shipping, internet, phone services 
• 1x points on all other purchases

Other Information:

• Points redeemable through Chase Ultimate Rewards for max value
• High spending requirement for sign-up bonus

Pros & Cons of Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Chase Ink Business Preferred is great for businesses that spend on travel, advertising, and telecom, this card features 3 points for every dollar in those categories. A great sign-up bonus and the ability to transfer points to travel partners make this a great choice for heavy-spending businesses.

3. American Express® Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card earns 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines and Amex Travel. While a dining rewards card at its core, its travel perks include no foreign transaction fees, hotel perks, and flexible point redemption for flights, making it a good option for infrequent travelers.

International Transactions

Issuer	American Express
Payment Gateway	AMEX
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	21.24%–29.24%
Sign In Bonus	60,000 Membership Rewards points after $4,000 spent in 6 months
Best For	Food Enthusiasts Frequent Travelers

The American Express® Gold Card, issued by American Express, provides generous rewards on everyday purchases, including dining and travel. Its best feature is the Membership Rewards program, offering valuable points for various expenses.

The card has an annual fee of ₹4,500 plus applicable taxes. Unique features include no pre-set spending limit and access to the Gold Collection rewards. The required credit score is 700+. The referral program offers bonus Membership Rewards points.

Key Features:

• Dining Rewards
• Travel Rewards
• No Foreign Transaction Fee

Reward Rate:

• 4x points on dining at restaurants
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines

Other Information:

• Cash advance fee 5% or $10

Pros & Cons of American Express® Gold Card

Expert Advice:

If you dine out regularly and travel infrequently, this card has a well-balanced rewards structure. Use it in conjunction with another Amex travel card to maximize rewards. Redeem points for flights via Amex Travel or transfer to airline partners for maximum reward.

4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

This card suits people with brilliant to desirable credit scores who are looking for a straightforward cashback option. With a 1.5% cashback on all purchases and no annual charge, it is best for daily use.

International Transactions

Issuer	Capital One
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 12 Months
Regular APR	19.24%-29.24% Variable
Sign In Bonus	$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
Balance Transfer	19.24%-29.24% Variable
Best For	Everyday Users, Professionals

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward cashback card offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Issued by Capital One, it’s an excellent choice for those who prefer simple rewards without tracking spending categories. The lack of rotating categories and cashback limits makes it a hassle-free option for everyday spending.

This card has no annual fee and is available to those with good to excellent credit (700+). It offers a generous welcome bonus and an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. Additional perks include no foreign transaction fees, a referral program, and extended warranty protection on eligible purchases.

Key Features:

• Simple cash back with no categories
• No rotating categories

Reward Rate:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase

Other Information:

• Cash advance fee 5% or $10, whichever is greater

Pros & Cons of Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Quicksilver is a robust contender for those with better credit ratings. With no annual fee and a decent sign-up bonus, it offers exquisite prices. However, it can not offer excessive rewards in unique classes compared to others.

5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards

The Bank of America Travel Reward Credit Card is best used for everyday spending.  This card is best for daily travelers.

International Transactions

Issuer	Bank of America
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Good/Excellent
Intro APR	0% intro APR for 15 purchase billing cycles, and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After that, a variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24% applies. money.usnews.com
Regular APR	Variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24%. money.usnews.com
Sign In Bonus	25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. money.usnews.com
Best For	Travelers, N/A

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card, issued by Bank of America, offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. It’s designed for travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending with no blackout dates.

The card has no annual fee and provides a 25,000-point bonus after $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. It also includes no foreign transaction fees and a low introductory APR.

Key Features:

• Travel Rewards
• No Annual Fee

Reward Rate:

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
• Points can be redeemed for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases.

Other Information:

• No foreign transaction fees

Pros & Cons of Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Bank of America Travel Rewards Card is for casual spenders with unlimited points of 1.5 on purchases. There are no annual or foreign transaction fees associated with it.  This card is a straight line and good for rewards for those who want something straightforward.

6. American Express Platinum Card®

The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card with several features and a generous welcome bonus. Cardholders can receive many yearly statement credits, entertainment incentives, broad airport lounge access, elite status bonuses, and much more. However, these advantages do not come cheaply—the card’s annual charge is $695.

International Transactions

Issuer	American Express
Payment Gateway	AMEX
Credit Score	Excellent
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	21.24%–29.24%
Sign In Bonus	80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spent in 6 months
Best For	*Professionals *Frequent Travelers

The Platinum Card® from Amex, issued by American Express, offers unparalleled travel benefits, including airport lounge access and hotel upgrades. Its best feature is the no pre-set spending limit, providing flexibility and exclusive experiences.

The card has an annual fee of $695 plus applicable taxes. Unique features include access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection and a renewal benefit. The required credit score is 750+. The referral program offers additional Membership Rewards points.

Key Features:

• Travel Credits: $200 Airline Fee, $200 Hotel, $189 CLEAR®, $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck.
• Lifestyle & Shopping Credits: $240 Digital Entertainment, $300 Equinox, $155 Walmart+, $200 Uber, $100 Saks Fifth Avenue.
• Airport Lounge Access (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs).
• Hilton Honors Gold & Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status.
• Premium Car Rental Status with Hertz, Avis, and National.
• Exclusive Events & Fine Hotels + Resorts Perks.
• Annual Fee: $695.

Reward Rate:

• 5x points on flights booked via Amex Travel
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel

Other Information:

• The cash advance fee is 5% or $10

Pros & Cons of American Express Platinum Card®

Expert Advice:

The American Express Platinum Card® is the ticket to a more glamorous existence for people who already spend a lot of money on travel. Of course, its high-end features are only useful when you really travel. For many, the card’s numerous yearly credits may make or break it. If you can utilize the credits, they will more than make up for the card’s high annual charge. However, if you are unable to utilize many of the card’s yearly credits, it may not be worth it for you.

7. Capital One Venture X Rewards

This luxury travel card is designed for individuals with good credit. Mindful international spending and prompt payments ensure preserving and improving credit scores while maximizing travel rewards.

International Transactions

Issuer	Capital One
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 12 Months
Regular APR	19.24%-26.24% Variable
Sign In Bonus	75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Balance Transfer	19.24%-26.24% Variable
Best For	High Spenders, Frequent Travelers

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a luxury travel card offering 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights, and 2x on everything else. Issued by Capital One, it is designed for frequent travelers who want premium benefits, including Priority Pass lounge access and up to $300 annual travel credits.

This card comes with a $395 annual fee but provides more than enough benefits to offset the cost, including 10,000 anniversary bonus miles each year. A credit score of 740+ is typically required for approval. It features a generous sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status. Additionally, cardholders can earn referral bonuses by inviting others to apply for the card.

Key Features:

• Complimentary lounge access
• Annual $300 travel credit
• Cash Advance Fee 5% or $10, whichever is greater

Reward Rate:

• 10x miles on hotels & rental cars, 5x miles on flights

Other Information:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Pros & Cons of Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Since this card has a high annual fee, maximize its travel benefits. Clear your balance each month to maintain a good credit profile and take advantage of its statement credits and lounge access features.

8. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card levies a 3% foreign transaction fee on international purchases, this can increase the overall overseas spending. This card has zero annual fees which makes it budget-friendly for many users.

International Transactions

Issuer	Wells Fargo
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	N/A
Intro APR	0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers; extension up to 3 months with on-time minimum payments during intro period
Regular APR	17.24% to 29.24% variable
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Best For	General Consumers

Known for its exceptionally long 0% intro APR period, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is perfect for those who want to finance large purchases or manage existing debt. It offers 0% intro APR for 18 months, with a possible extension to 21 months with on-time payments. This makes it one of the longest 0% APR cards available, ideal for people looking to pay down debt interest-free.

The card has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option. A good credit score (670+) is required for approval. While it doesn’t offer a rewards program or referral benefits, it includes cell phone protection, fraud monitoring, and zero liability protection. The extended APR offer on balance transfers makes it a top choice for those prioritizing low-cost financing over rewards.

Key Features:

• Low Intro APR

Other Information:

• 5% of the amount of cash advance, $10 minimum

Pros & Cons of Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Expert Advice:

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has a 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for up to 18 months. The card is a good option for consumers wanting a longer interest-free financing option for big purchases or transferring existing debt.

Comparison Table

Methodology

The research approach to determining the most used credit cards for international travel in the U.S. will be both qualitative and quantitative. First, a survey will be conducted of a sample of 300 frequent international travelers who use credit cards. The survey will be about card usage, preference, and experiences with some features such as foreign transaction fees, rewards, and travel-related benefits such as lounge access or insurance coverage. Secondary data from user reviews, financial statements, and official bank reports will also be analyzed to understand how these cards are perceived by a larger population. 

Key considerations, such as ease of use overseas, international travel-specific benefits, and customer satisfaction, will be considered. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express® Platinum Card are renowned for their lucrative travel rewards and upscale benefits, which might be particularly valuable for high-spending travelers. The analysis will compare cards such as these to find out which is most used by international travelers, based on both qualitative feedback and quantitative transaction data. The study will attempt to give a clear picture of which cards are best for international travel.

Choosing the Best Chase Credit Cards in the USA for International Transactions

1. Travel Reward Programs With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Some of America’s most well-known credit cards for international transactions are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the American Express® Gold Card. Since the majority of credit cards charge a transaction fee of 3% on foreign purchases, the no-foreign-transaction-fee cards would make your travel abroad easier on your pocket.

2. Unlimited Rewards on International Purchases

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card give high rewards of 2x points on travel or dining or 2x miles on every purchase. This translates into rewards for any purchase you make abroad, no matter where you are.

3. No or Low Annual Fees

Many popular international credit cards, such as Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, come with no annual fees that allow the user to pay no additional fees for an overseas trip. It makes it all the more convenient for anyone who hardly travels overseas.

4. Universally Accepted

Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express® Platinum Card are also popular cards that are easily accepted all around the globe. These cards belong to one of the three major payment networks-Visa, Mastercard, and American Express-that provide ease of payment in virtually any country.

5. Bonus Points on Travel and Dining Expenses

American Express® Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer extra points on your travel, dining, and entertainment transactions. When you travel internationally, dining, hotels, and local transport will produce a greater number of rewards points, allowing you to earn quickly.

6. Travel Insurance and Emergency Services

Premium cards such as the American Express® Platinum Card® shoulder travel insurance such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and coverage against any travel accident. Those offerings are further complemented by a workbook. 

7. Access to Airport Lounges

Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express® Platinum Card® allow entry into exclusive airport lounges worldwide for travelers who enjoy being comfortable while traveling. This benefit becomes useful for international travel to unwind before boarding the plane with comfortable luxurious room surroundings.

8. Flexible Rewards Points for Travel Conversion

Travel-friendly cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card allow you to redeem your points on excursions in different ways travel purchases or flights, hotels, and car rentals. This feature allows travelers holding cards for international trips to pay for their travel and arrange for vacations more comfortably with redeemed rewards points. 

Why should one opt for a credit card while going abroad?

These credit cards are preferable for international transactions because they do not charge foreign currency fees, provide rewards for spending internationally, are widely accepted throughout the world, and offer good travel benefits. As such, they enable travelers to save on their overseas trips while enjoying high-end benefits.

Are there any American credit cards for international transactions?

Yes. Many credit cards in America, including Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express® Platinum Card®, are accepted internationally and come with such benefits as no foreign transaction fees, worldwide acceptance, and travel award scheme, among others.

How Do these Credit Cards Help you with International Transaction?

By charging no extra fees for foreign transactions, offering rewards on international purchases, emergency help, and travel insurance, the American Express travel credit cards reduce costs and improve the overall travel experience. 

Advantages of Using Credit Cards in the USA for International Transactions

Using credit cards to make international transactions in the USA has several advantages, making international travel or international shopping convenient and secure.

Some of the most significant advantages are:

• Currency Conversion: Credit cards have good currency conversion rates. This is usually better than exchanging money at the airport or in currency exchange centers, which impose high fees.
• Security and Fraud Protection: Credit cards have good protection against fraud, so if your card is stolen or lost, you can report it and in most cases will not be liable for unauthorized charges. Many cards also provide zero fraud liability.
• Convenience: Credit cards are accepted everywhere in the world, especially in big cities and online retailers. You don’t have to carry much cash or know where to exchange money.
• Travel Rewards and Benefits: Most credit cards provide travel rewards, such as points or miles, for international transactions. Some cards also provide travel benefits such as car rental insurance, travel insurance, or access to airport lounges.
• Building Credit: Using a credit card to make international transactions and paying your balance on time can help you build or have a good credit score. This can be very helpful if you intend to make large financial transactions in the future.

FAQs!

Do U.S. credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?

Many top cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express® Platinum Card® offer no foreign transaction fees.

Can I earn rewards on international purchases?

Yes, cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer rewards on all purchases, including international transactions.

Are U.S. credit cards widely accepted internationally?

Yes, most U.S. credit cards from networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted globally.

Do these cards offer travel insurance for international trips?

Yes, premium cards like the American Express® Platinum Card® offer travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and travel accident coverage.

Are there any additional fees for using U.S. cards abroad?

No, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express® Platinum Card® typically do not charge foreign transaction fees.