Travel credit cards can improve your holiday travel abroad in measurable ways, from saving a few pounds in fees to making you feel like a VIP with extra room privileges and airport lounge access.
In this guide, you will find a list of the best credit cards for travel.
Top Credit Cards for Travel
Santander
Santander Zero Credit Card offers no foreign transaction fees for purchases made abroad using local currency. Moreover, the card offers no cash withdrawal fee regardless of the country you are visiting. However, you will still be charged interest on the cash withdrawn.
To qualify for the card you must be over 18 years and reside in the UK permanently. You must have an income of £ 7,500 per year and cannot already possess a zero credit card.
New cardholders get to enjoy zero percent interest on all purchases for the first 12 months. After the period elapses interest will be charged on any outstanding balances and new purchases at the set standard rate. It is a requirement for cardholders to make at least the minimum repayment each month. Moreover, you can earn up to 15 percent cashback at major retailers with your Zero Credit Card.
Additional details include:
- Representative 18.9% APR (variable)
- Purchase rate 18.9% p.a. (variable)
- Assumed credit limit of £1,200
- Zero monthly fee
Halifax
The Halifax Clarity Credit Card enables you to manage your spending when you travel abroad. This way you don’t need to carry extra cash or take a lot of cards with you.
For purchases abroad, there are no foreign transaction fees as long as you use local currency. In addition, all your spending is displayed in sterling pounds on your statement.
The minimum monthly payment is £5 with a 25-day repayment limit. The maximum interest-free period for purchases is 56 days.
Additional details include:
- Representative 19.9% APR (variable)
- Purchase rate 19.95% p.a. (variable)
- Assumed credit limit of £1,200 for 12 months
Barclays
The Barclaycard Rewards Card offers 0.25 percent cashback on everyday spending, in addition to no transaction fees on international travel.
To qualify for this card you will have to be over 21 years, have a personal income of £20,000 p.a, and have at least four years of positive credit.
Additional details include:
- Representative 22.9% APR (variable)
- Purchase rate 22.9% p.a. (variable)
- Assumed credit limit of £1,200
American Express
The British Airways American Express Credit Card allows you to earn points virtually every time you use your card, which can be redeemed at British Airways, and a variety of other airlines, for flights, flight upgrades, and hotel accommodation.
For every purchase you make you will collect Avios points in the ratio of 1 Avios point to every £1 spent on purchases. New cardholders are entitled to a 5,000 bonus Avios welcome offer. However, that applies only if they spend £1,000 in their first three months of card membership.
Only those over 18 years and have permanent residency can qualify for this card.
Additional details include:
- Representative 22.2% APR (variable)
- Purchase rate 22.2% p.a. (variable)
- Assumed credit limit of £1,200
- No annual fee
NatWest
The NatWest Credit Card is available to NatWest customers who have a current account, savings account, credit card, or mortgage. Furthermore, they must be at least 18 years, UK residents, and earning at least £10,000 p.a.
The card charges no fee for foreign transactions and can be used worldwide at Mastercard locations. What’s more, you can also manage your card whilst traveling using the NatWest mobile app.
Additional details include:
- Representative 9.9% APR (variable)
- Purchase rate 9.9% p.a. (variable)
- Assumed credit limit of £1,200
- No annual fee
If you are planning to keep tabs on your travel expenses, any of the aforementioned cards could be a great travel companion. However, make sure to pay off your credit card before charges start kicking in!