Best Credit Cards for International Travel in May 2024 | LendingTree

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are usually co-branded between a specific airline and a credit card issuer. They usually earn miles of one particular airline, and they typically come with airline-specific benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags or help qualifying for airline elite status. They’re best for people who typically travel with one particular airline.

Hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards are usually co-branded between a credit card issuer and a particular hotel chain. These cards usually earn hotel points that can be used for stays and also offer hotel-specific benefits such as complimentary night certificates, elite status or bonus rewards earning rates. They’re best for hotel brand loyalists.

General travel credit cards

General travel cards are great for international travel due to their flexibility and perks. These cards may earn flexible, transferable points such as Chase Ultimate Rewards points or Amex Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to airline and hotel transfer partners to maximize their value. General travel credit cards also typically come with travel perks and insurance, and usually don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Business travel credit cards

Business travel credit cards allow cardholders to maximize earnings, enjoy travel perks and take advantage of travel protections while traveling for business. Some of these cards are general business credit cards that offer travel perks, such as airport lounge access or travel credits, while others are co-branded airline or hotel credit cards with brand-specific perks such as free checked bags or complimentary elite status.