Add Paragraph Standfirst · As international travel resumes in July 2025, the right cross-border card saves you money on currency fees and unlocks global perks.
· We outline what makes a card “travel-ready”—like no foreign fees, lounge access, and top rewards.
· Explore leading issuers, comparison table, selection tips, and travel hacks to make your card work for you.
With travel rebounding completely in 2025, frequent Flyers are seeking credit cards that improve rewards, reduce costs and make journeys smoother. A travel-ready credit card is not just a payment tool — it's a companion for airport lounges, travel insurance, currency exchange and more. Choosing the best credit card requires knowing what to look for — global acceptance, no foreign fees, strong rewards, travel insurance and premium perks.
What makes a credit card cross-border ready for frequent flyers?
Foreign transaction fees are usually 2% to 3.5%, so a good travel card should charge none — every dollar saved counts. Visa or Mastercard are widely accepted globally, while American Express (Amex) works well in major cities but is less reliable in smaller ones. Look for cards that offer flexible points, which can be transferred to airlines and hotels. Premium benefits should include lounge access, trip delay or lost baggage assistance and credits for Global Entry.
Top cross-border credit card issuers in 2025
Chase
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 0% foreign transaction fees, top-tier travel insurance and Priority Pass lounge access. At the same time, Chase Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee (around $95) but still delivers strong points earning, good travel insurance coverage and valuable perks. Both cards are part of Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program, known for flexible redemptions, robust protections, and reliable global support, making them top choices for frequent travellers
Amex
The Amex Platinum provides 0% foreign transaction fees and extensive lounge access, making it ideal for luxury travellers. The Amex Gold offers strong rewards on dining and groceries, with some versions also offering travel credits and no foreign fees. Both cards come with top-tier service and access to a highly valued rewards program.
Capital One
The Capital One Venture X offers premium benefits, including lounge access and 0% foreign transaction fees. Meanwhile, the Capital One Venture card provides a straightforward returns
structure with 2X miles on every purchase and no foreign fees. The card is amazing as it provides a simple reward structure with no foreign fees and easy global access.
Comparison table
Card Annual fee Foreign fee Rewards (travel/ining) Lounge access Top benefits
Chase
Sapphire
Reserve $550 0% 3× / 3× Priority pass (2) Trip insurance, $300 travel credit
Chase
Sapphire
Preferred $95 0% 3× / 2× None Flexible points, low fee
Amex
Platinum $695 0% 5× on flights, 4× on hotels Centurion + others Lounge access, elite hotel perks
Amex
Gold $250 0% 4× on dining, 4× on groceries None Food & travel credits
Capital
One
Venture
X $395 0% 2× on all purchases Priority pass Travel credit, anniversary bonus
Capital
One
Venture $95 0% 2× on all purchases None Straightforward miles
Citi
Strata
Premier $250 0% 5× travel, 3× dining None Thank You point flexibility
HSBC
Premier
Cards Varies 0%–1% markup Varies by region Regional lounges Good FX rates for HSBC clients
DBS
Altitude
(Asia) Varies 0% 3× flights, 2× hotels Priority pass (2) Excellent for Asia-based travellers
Above all, a well-chosen credit card can transform frequent travel, offering real savings, convenience and protection. The best choice depends on your travel style, whether you’re an occasional explorer or a global jet-setter. Discover what travellers are saying and get expert insights — only at BankQuality.