We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our
goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you
with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original
and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare
information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with
confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to,
American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and
Discover.
Brendan Dyer is a Bankrate editor who writes and edits content for rewards, travel, cash back and business credit cards. He’s passionate about informing readers about the most innovative ways to use their credit cards and how synergistic multiple cards can be in the right hands.
Madison Hoehn is a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ and editor on Bankrate's credit cards team. She brings over five years of editorial expertise to the table and is passionate about making readers feel seen and meeting them where they are in their credit journey.
The advice in this article is offered by the
team independent of any bank or credit card issuer.
This article may contain
from our partners, and terms may apply to offers linked or accessed through this page.
as of posting date, but offers mentioned may have expired.
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one
you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly,
people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit
card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you're well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience.
Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way,
we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first.
Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right
financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have
editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial
content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and
our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you
make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced
by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked
to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and
dependable information.
How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master
your money for over four decades.
We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to
succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy,
so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and
reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial
decisions. The content created by our editorial
staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and
useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison
service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and
services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore,
this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within
listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity
and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary
website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your
self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear
on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not
include information about every financial or credit product or service.
If you’re a United States citizen living or planning to move outside of the country, you may be wondering which credit card is best to use in your new destination.
There are many important factors to consider, including foreign transaction fees and rewards structures that will give you the best bang for your buck. While it helps to know which card is best for you, it’s also important to understand the financial norms of the country or countries that you plan to live in. Here’s our breakdown of the best credit cards if you are, or plan to be, an expatriate.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out due to its generous rewards rate in travel-related spending categories that have enough value to help offset the card’s annual fee with just modest spending. It’s a great entry point for new cardholders to get the hang of travel rewards, thanks to Chase Ultimate Rewards points being extremely valuable, especially when you redeem them for travel using the Chase Travel℠ portal.
Pros
Points get a 25 percent value boost when you use them on the issuer’s travel portal.
It has plenty of perks and benefits to help offset the annual fee.
Cons
Its $95 annual fee could be a little steep if you don’t travel frequently.
This card doesn’t have introductory APR offers on purchases and balance transfers, hindering its first-year value.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can help you turn your everyday spending into a travel rewards strategy that provides solid value no matter where you spend your money. It earns a flat rate on general purchases, but if you make the occasional travel purchase you’ll earn a generously boosted rate (as long as you make your purchase using Capital One Travel). Living abroad can be complicated, so a flat-rate card like this one can simplify your spending while you manage the nuances of international life.
Pros
A flat rate for all purchases keeps things simple, so you don’t need to track categories when thinking about maximizing your card’s value.
Flexible redemption options help you make the most of your rewards in a way that’s comfortable for you.
Cons
There are no credits or benefits to help offset the card’s annual fee, so your spending habits and volume will determine whether this card is worth it. (See rates and Fees)
Capital One Miles are only worth 1 cent or less unless you use an eligible airline transfer program.
For an affordable way to earn rewards from your purchases, you might consider a no-annual-fee card like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card. It earns a decent flat rate on all purchases and a fairly competitive welcome offer, but it doesn’t really stand out as a great travel card because it’s a cash back card without any lucrative travel benefits. However, you can enjoy Bank of America’s Museums On Us perk, and you won’t pay foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for touring new areas when living abroad.
Pros
It offers an introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers after), making it a decent card for managing current card debt or temporarily delaying interest payments on new purchases.
It charges neither foreign transaction fees nor annual fees, so it’s affordable and accessible no matter your budget.
Cons
It lacks travel perks of substantial value and its rewards rate is lower than you’ll find on other flat-rate cash back and rewards cards.
You won’t earn points that you can transfer to travel partners, which is often the most rewarding way to use points.
This premium travel card carries a lush portfolio of dining perks and credits that will make most foodies satisfied. Plus, American Express offers an opportunity for its card members to seamlessly transition from a United States credit card to one that’s local to their new region of residence. The Global Card Relationship page can help you start the process of opening a card in your new country (depending on eligibility) without interrupting your current membership.
Pros
It offers a seamless transition from a United States credit card to a card available in your new country of residence using the Global Card Relationship application process.
The boosted rate on dining purchases applies to restaurants worldwide.
Cons
Its perks and credits are limited to U.S.-based services and locations, so you won’t be able to maximize everything this card offers if you don’t live in the United States.
The annual fee is a hefty price to pay for a card that essentially boosts your rewards rates for dining and directly booked air travel when you’re abroad.
Like the Amex Gold, the American Express Green Card®* offers a seamless transition from a United States credit card to an international one. You can apply with your current account to explore options available to you based on your region. That said, the Amex Green could be worth holding onto because it offers a generous rewards rate in expanded travel categories that include a host of categories you’re likely to spend in when living abroad, such as airfare, tours and car rentals.
Pros
This card earns a boosted rewards rate on several kinds of transit like trains and subways, which are well-developed services in international locations — particularly Europe.
Its annual CLEAR Plus membership credit offsets the card’s $150 annual fee each year.
Cons
Its Pay Over Time feature has a relatively high APR, which could result in interest charges that quickly outpace your rewards earnings.
You might experience limited acceptance at most merchants and vendors because American Express is one of the least accepted card networks outside of the United States.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.
How to choose the best card as an expat
It can’t be easy moving your entire life abroad, even if it’s only for a few years. Your regular banking routine may be upended and you might have a new employer in the country you’re moving to that can’t directly deposit money into your current account. You also may not be able to pay your United States credit card from your new foreign bank account without doing an international money transfer.
To help you navigate your new journey abroad, here are a few tips for choosing the best card as an expat:
1. Keep your card stack low
Don’t apply for multiple credit cards to use abroad. Doing this will only complicate your financial situation even further. It might be worth just holding one card that rewards you generously for all (or most) of your purchases.
While it may be tempting to track rewards categories to maximize your cash back or points, it’s a good idea to stabilize your finances first. Once you’ve established a routine, consider credit cards local to your region that can compliment your current card.
2. Integrate into your new economy
Although American credit cards are some of the most rewarding cards you’ll find among any major country, it may not be worth holding onto yours. You may be able to earn a decent rate for your purchases abroad, but you’ll be earning rewards with a value linked to U.S. dollars.
If you travel back and forth between the U.S. and your new country, this likely won’t be so bad, but if you’re permanently located in your new country it could be a missed opportunity to start building a rewards balance in your new country’s currency.
3. Consider fees and your spending
If you absolutely must keep your American credit card when living as an expat then you should ensure it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. You should also make sure it earns a generous rewards rate for purchases you make often. Dining would be one of the best categories to keep when you’re abroad, but categories like groceries and gas might be limited by issuer restrictions (specifically American Express).
Using your credit card when you live abroad
Here are some considerations and tips to keep in mind when using your credit card while living abroad.
Inform your card issuer: Notify your card issuer that you plan to use your card overseas and for how long. Unexpected overseas transactions may be flagged as fraudulent, which could result in a freeze on your credit card until you contact your issuer to sort it out. It’s also a good idea to update your contact details if those are changing with your trip.
Credit card acceptance: If you’re coming from the United States, you’re probably used to the convenience of credit cards being accepted at most retailers. Credit card acceptance varies from country to country. While many bigger businesses may accept credit cards, local merchants or stores off the beaten path may not. Familiarize yourself with the financial landscape of your destination and consider alternatives like prepaid cards or cash if credit cards are not accepted where you’re going.
Banking in a new country: Your issuer may not service your card account indefinitely if you permanently relocate to another country from the United States. You should start to explore new banking options after you move. Not only will this help you integrate into a new economy and country, but it will make direct deposits from your employer and payments much simpler for you.
Foreign transaction fees: Travelers and expats alike should consider credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Potential rewards from credit card purchases could be negated by foreign transaction fees that typically cost 3 percent of the purchase value. It may not seem like it will break the bank, but every little bit adds up — for example, a $500 purchase with a fee could cost you $515.
Moving to a new country is a difficult process that is made more complicated when you realize you need to restructure your entire banking ecosystem. However, most U.S. credit cards are optimal for international purchases and are worth holding on to. In most popular travel destinations, you should have no problem paying with your credit card. If you’re traveling somewhere off the beaten path, however, you may find it harder to use your credit card.
Along with notifying your issuer that you’ll be living abroad and using your credit card, take the time to pick the right card for your new life and make sure you know how you’ll be able to earn or redeem any rewards.
You can get a U.S. credit card as an expat as long as you still have a United States address, bank account and other verifying information. However, it could be worth exploring credit options based in your new country as they might be more flexible and integrated into the economy where you live.
Your U.S. credit card will work when you are living abroad, but you should be wary of foreign transaction fees. These fees are typically 3 percent of every transaction, which will (in most cases) offset any rewards or cash back you earn for the purchase. You should also consider whether your card is worth using abroad based on its rewards categories.
A United States citizen can get a foreign credit card as long as they have a permanent mailing address and meet the appropriate citizenship or legal residence requirements in the new country. However, American credit cards typically have the most valuable rewards programs. If you can manage to keep your U.S. credit card without being burdened with extra fees, it might be worth keeping it for as long as you can.
*All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
Quick citation guide
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APA:
Dyer, B. (2025, February 03). Best credit cards for expats. Bankrate. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-credt-card-for-expats/
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MLA:
Dyer, Brendan. "Best credit cards for expats." Bankrate. 03 February 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-credt-card-for-expats/.
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Chicago:
Dyer, Brendan. "Best credit cards for expats." Bankrate. February 03, 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-credt-card-for-expats/.
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our
goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you
with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original
and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare
information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with
confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to,
American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and
Discover.
The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one
you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly,
people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit
card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you're well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience.
Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way,
we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first.
Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right
financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have
editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial
content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and
our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you
make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced
by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked
to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and
dependable information.
How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master
your money for over four decades.
We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to
succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy,
so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and
reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial
decisions. The content created by our editorial
staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and
useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison
service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and
services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore,
this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within
listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity
and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary
website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your
self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear
on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not
include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Quick citation guide
Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard.
APA:
Dyer, B. (2025, February 03). Best credit cards for expats. Bankrate. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-credt-card-for-expats/
Copied to clipboard!
MLA:
Dyer, Brendan. "Best credit cards for expats." Bankrate. 03 February 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-credt-card-for-expats/.
Copied to clipboard!
Chicago:
Dyer, Brendan. "Best credit cards for expats." Bankrate. February 03, 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/best-credt-card-for-expats/.
