Europe continues to be one of the most desired destinations for American travelers in 2025. From the romantic streets of Paris to the scenic fjords of Norway and the cultural hotspots of Rome and Barcelona, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences to enjoy. However, one of the most overlooked—but crucial—parts of planning your European getaway is choosing the right credit card. Picking the wrong card could mean missed rewards, unexpected fees, or worse, not being able to pay for something when you need it most.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best credit card for European travel, helping you save money, earn rewards, and travel with confidence.
1. Prioritize Wide Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard Lead
The first consideration when selecting a credit card for European travel is ensuring that your card will be accepted across the continent. While American Express and Discover may be widely used in the United States, they have limited acceptance in Europe, especially in smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas.
Key Tip:
Pack at least two cards from different networks — ideally, both Visa and Mastercard. These are the most widely accepted card types in Europe. Keep one in your wallet and another in a secure place like your hotel safe in case your primary card is lost or stolen.
2. Choose a Card with Chip-and-PIN and Contactless Features
In the U.S., chip-and-signature is still common, but in Europe, chip-and-PIN technology is standard. Many kiosks, ticket machines (like those in train stations), and unattended payment terminals (like toll booths or gas stations) will not accept a card unless it has chip-and-PIN functionality.
Before you travel:
- Call your bank and ask to set a PIN for your credit card.
- Check your card for contactless capabilities (look for the wave-like symbol). Contactless payments are fast, safe, and increasingly common throughout Europe.
- Some newer U.S. credit cards now offer dual chip-and-PIN and contactless functionality — these are the most versatile options for international use.
3. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees typically range from 1% to 3% of every purchase made abroad. That may not sound like much, but on a $5,000 vacation, it could cost you up to $150 in unnecessary fees.
What to look for:
- Choose a credit card that explicitly states “No foreign transaction fees.”
- Most travel cards waive these fees, but some everyday cash-back or store credit cards do not.
Совет профессионала:
Even some no-annual-fee cards offer no foreign transaction fees, making them great for budget-conscious travelers.
4. Seek Out Travel Protections and Insurance Perks
International travel often comes with uncertainties: canceled flights, delayed baggage, unexpected medical needs, and more. Fortunately, many credit cards come with built-in travel protections—saving you hundreds or even thousands in insurance costs.
Look for cards that offer:
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Covers non-refundable costs if your trip is canceled due to illness, weather, or emergencies.
- Trip delay reimbursement: Covers meals and lodging if your flight is delayed for a set number of hours.
- Lost luggage coverage: Pays for lost or delayed baggage.
- Emergency medical and evacuation coverage: Some premium cards offer up to $100,000 in medical evacuation benefits.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver (CDW): Especially valuable if you’re renting a car in Europe.
Примечание: Not all cards offer primary rental car coverage — some only offer secondary coverage, meaning it only kicks in after your own insurance.
5. Maximize Rewards on Travel and Dining
When traveling in Europe, your biggest expenses will likely be transportation, accommodations, and food. Make sure your credit card rewards you where you spend the most.
Ideal rewards structures:
- 3X to 5X points on travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- 2X to 4X points on dining, including restaurants, cafes, and bars — most of which count internationally.
- Points transfers to airline and hotel partners, allowing you to stretch your rewards even further.
Popular programs with strong European partners:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: Transfer to Air France/KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Avios, and Iberia Plus.
- American Express Membership Rewards: Partners include Air France, Alitalia, and Lufthansa.
- Citi ThankYou Points: Transfer to Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways.
- Capital One Miles: Transfer to Air France, British Airways, and TAP Air Portugal.
6. Welcome Bonuses Can Help Pay for Your Trip
Many travel credit cards offer significant welcome bonuses — often worth $500 or more — if you meet the spending requirement within the first few months. This can help offset airfare or hotel stays in Europe.
Examples of welcome bonuses (subject to change):
- 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months (worth up to $750 toward travel).
- Free hotel nights with a co-branded hotel card (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).
- Airline-specific bonuses with carriers like United, Delta, or British Airways.
Strategy tip:
If you’re planning your trip a few months in advance, apply for the card early to give yourself time to meet the spending requirement and book your rewards travel.
7. Look for Lounge Access and Airport Perks
Travel days can be stressful. Long layovers, delayed flights, and navigating crowded airports can all take a toll. Many premium credit cards offer airport lounge access to make your journey more relaxing.
Top lounge benefits:
- Priority Pass Select: Access to 1,300+ lounges globally, including in major European cities.
- Airline-specific lounges: Cards co-branded with airlines (like Delta or United) may include access to their lounges.
- Plaza Premium and Amex Centurion Lounges: Found in select European airports and known for superior service and food.
Additional perks can include:
- Free checked bags
- Priority boarding
- In-flight discounts
- Complimentary upgrades (with status)
8. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Credits
Returning to the U.S. from Europe can mean long lines at immigration. Global Entry can speed up the process dramatically, allowing you to skip the long customs line and use an automated kiosk instead.
Perk to look for:
Many top travel credit cards will reimburse your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee (currently $100-$120 every five years).
Bonus: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which speeds up security lines in the U.S.
9. Don’t Forget the Importance of Customer Service
Traveling across time zones or dealing with unexpected card issues can be a hassle if your credit card issuer is hard to reach. Look for a card with 24/7 customer support и fraud protection.
Preferred features:
- Real-time fraud alerts via SMS or app
- Instant card locking through the mobile app
- Emergency card replacement or cash advances
Some issuers, like American Express, are known for outstanding customer service, which can be a lifesaver when something goes wrong abroad.
10. A Backup Plan: Always Carry Some Cash
Even though Europe is increasingly cashless, some local businesses still prefer cash, especially in smaller towns, rural areas, or outdoor markets.
- Bring a small amount of euros for emergencies.
- Use an ATM in Europe for better exchange rates — but use a bank-affiliated ATM to avoid excessive fees.
- Consider a debit card or secondary credit card with no ATM withdrawal fees or international surcharge.
Conclusion: The Right Card = A Smoother, Cheaper, Safer Trip
Traveling through Europe can be one of life’s most enriching experiences, but the right credit card can enhance that experience significantly. It can save you hundreds of dollars, reduce stress, and offer peace of mind through built-in protections.
In summary, your European travel card should:
- Be widely accepted (Visa or Mastercard)
- Have no foreign transaction fees
- Include chip-and-PIN and contactless payment
- Offer strong travel and dining rewards
- Provide travel insurance and trip protection
- Give access to airport lounges and Global Entry
- Deliver 24/7 customer service and fraud support
Take the time to compare options and apply well before your trip. With the right card in your wallet, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about money.
