If you just completed your TEFL certification or Teacher Certification Program and you’re looking to travel and move abroad, a travel credit card will be a great asset.
But, knowing where and how to begin can be a daunting task.
What will you base your decision on?
Travel credit cards are beneficial for convenience, in order to save on foreign transaction fees, and earn travel rewards.
They are widely accepted around the world, which can make it easier to pay for things like transportation, accommodations, and dining out. Having a travel credit card means you won’t have to worry about carrying large amounts of cash or dealing with currency exchange.
Plus, these cards can provide you with travel rewards and perks, such as airline miles, hotel points, and travel insurance!
If you use a travel credit card responsibly, you can build up your credit score, which is important if you plan to apply for loans or credit cards in the future. This does require you to pay your bills on time and in full, thereby establishing a positive credit history that will benefit you in the long run.
Now that you have a good idea about why you should invest in your travel credit cards, here are the top 5 best travel credit cards for US expats.
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- Citi Premier
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- American Express Gold Card
- Discover it Miles
The Capital One Venture Rewards card is an excellent option for US expats.
It offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. This can be worth up to $600 in travel.
The card earns 2x miles on all purchases, and there are no foreign transaction fees.
The annual fee is $95, but it’s waived for the first year.
The Citi Premier card is another great option for US expats.
It offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
The card earns 3x points on air travel and hotels, 2x points on dining and entertainment, and 1x points on all other purchases.
There are no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee is $95.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great travel credit card for beginners.
It offers a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. This can be worth up to $1,250 in travel when you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
In addition, the card earns 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x points on all other purchases.
There are no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee is $95.
The American Express Gold Card is a premium travel credit card that offers a range of travel benefits and rewards.
It offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months of account opening.
The card earns 4x points at restaurants and on up to $25,000 per year at US supermarkets, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x point on all other purchases.
There are no foreign transaction fees, but the annual fee is $250.
The Discover it Miles card is a no annual fee travel credit card that offers a unique rewards program. It earns 1.5x miles on all purchases, and at the end of your first year, Discover will match all of the miles you’ve earned.
There are no foreign transaction fees, and the card also offers a range of travel benefits, such as travel accident insurance and roadside assistance.
Avoid accumulating foreign transaction fees
Avoiding foreign transaction fees is important for someone teaching English abroad as a second language because these fees can add up quickly and eat into your budget.
When you use a credit card to make purchases in a foreign currency, the bank that issued the card may charge you a foreign transaction fee, which is typically a percentage of the transaction amount.
For example, if you use a credit card with a 3% foreign transaction fee to make a $1,000 purchase in a foreign country, you would be charged an additional $30 just for the privilege of using your credit card.
Over time, these fees can really add up and make a significant dent in your budget, especially if you are living on a fixed income.
By choosing a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, such as the ones listed above, you can avoid these additional charges and keep more of your hard-earned cash.
This can help you stretch your budget further and make your experience teaching English abroad more enjoyable and stress-free.
Choosing a travel credit card
As you begin your search for a travel credit card, it’s important to consider your personal needs and spending habits.
Do you travel frequently? Do you dine out often? Do you want a card with no annual fee? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your choices and find the best travel credit card for you.
Also, be aware of key terms such as foreign transaction fees, which are fees that many credit card companies charge for making purchases in foreign currencies. It’s also important to consider the exchange rate when using your credit card abroad.
Some credit cards have better exchange rates than others, which can save you money.
By choosing the right card and using it responsibly, you can save money, earn rewards, and enjoy a more comfortable travel experience.
Start your teaching abroad ventures as smooth and graceful as possible.
