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Best Credit Cards for trips to Europe: Save Money and Avoid Fees

Travel Tips & Tricks

By Wilfried Beck | 2025-08-23 20:59:51

Going to Europe? Get ready for old cities, pretty train rides, and yum food! But, using just cash or the wrong card can mess things up a bit. Loads of places in Europe are going cashless now, so having the right credit card is almost as important as your passport. Let me explain.

Cards That Work Everywhere Are Key.

First off, you need a card that's accepted all over. Visa and Mastercard are usually a safe bet for most transactions. American Express and Discover? They might not work so well in smaller shops or out in the sticks. So, keep a second card and some cash on you, just in case.

Tech is also big. Chip-and-PIN is how things are done and tapping-to-pay is getting big. Before you go, shout at your bank to make sure your card works with a PIN and turn it on if you need to.

Snag Cool Welcome Gifts.

Thinking about a big trip? Look at cards that give cool welcome gifts. Airline cards can sometimes cover your plane ticket, and hotel cards might get you free nights. A bunch of travel cards let you get more rewards if they team up with airlines like Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Delta, Qatar Airways, or Virgin Atlantic.

Get the Most Points on What You Spend the Most On.

Your credit card should sort of match where you're spending your money, like travel and eating out in Europe. Fancy travel cards could give you 3x to 5x points on flights, hotels, and dinners, plus stuff like ride credits or free Wi-Fi. Travel cards can be quite good if they fit what you spend money on.

Dodge Foreign Transaction Costs.

Costs nobody tells you about can really add up. Normal cards often charge 3% to 5% for using them in another country. Getting a travel card that doesn't charge these fees can really save you money.

Travel Perks and Protection

A good travel card does more than just pay. Check if it has stuff like:

* Trip cancellation or pause help
* Money back for lost bags
* Coverage if your trip is late
* Rental car insurance

Some cards even pay for your Global Entry, saving you $120 and speeding up your U.S. entry. Fancy cards might have airport lounge access, giving you a chill place to hang out in places like Paris, Madrid, or London.

The Takeaway

Europe's using less cash, and the right card makes trips easier and cheaper. Get a card that's accepted most places, rewards what you spend most on, protects you with travel insurance, and doesn't charge extra for using it abroad. With the right card, you'll earn points, avoid surprise costs, and relax as you see Europe.

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