Perhaps one of the most exciting opportunities open to college students is the chance to study abroad and immerse yourself in a brand new culture.
Of course, as exciting as it may be, living in a foreign place — even temporarily — comes with its own challenges, not the least of which is navigating new currencies and payment methods. Luckily, a good credit card can solve both of those problems.
With the right card, you can make purchases without worries of currency conversions or unfamiliar cash and coins, and pricey foreign transaction fees. Some options can even help you purchase like a local with chip & PIN security. Let’s take a look at some of the best study abroad credit cards on the market today. We’ll explore cards with no foreign transaction fees, chip & PIN cards, cards with dining rewards, and cards for those with little or no credit history.
No Foreign Transaction Fees | Chip & PIN | Dining | No/Limited Credit
Best “No Foreign Transaction Fee” Student Credit Cards
The very first thing to look at when considering a credit card to use while studying abroad is whether the card charges foreign transaction fees. These fees are charged any time the banks or networks need to convert currency, and they can range from 3% to 5% of every transaction.
The simplest way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to choose a card that doesn’t charge them at all. And that’s not a hard task, given that some of the best student credit cards come without foreign transaction fees (or annual fees, for that matter).
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
- Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 6 months
|
10.99% for 6 months
|
12.99% - 21.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Fair/New to Credit
|
The Discover it® Student chrome is a good option for making purchases abroad — and not just for its lack of hefty fees like some other cards carry. You’ll also earn cash back on every purchase, including at gas stations and restaurants, making it more affordable to explore your destination.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
- Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 6 months
|
10.99% for 6 months
|
12.99% - 21.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Fair/New to Credit
|
If you want a little more bang for your buck, the Discover it® Student Cash Back offers quarterly rotating bonus categories that allow you to earn bonus cash back each activated quarter. This is a great way to earn more rewards at places many consumers shop at frequently.
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
- Earn $5 per month for 12 months on Select Streaming Subscriptions when you pay on time. *Exclusions Apply
- Enjoy no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
- Pick the monthly due date that works best for you
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
26.99% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Average, Fair, Limited
|
The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is a straightforward unlimited cash back card with no categories to track, offering a simple 1% cash back on every purchase — which jumps up to 1.25% cash back when you pay your card’s bill on time each month.
Best “Chip & PIN” Credit Cards for Those Studying Abroad in Europe
While your favorite chip-enabled credit card will work in many locations abroad, you may have the occasional hiccup, especially when trying to use unmanned terminals and kiosks in Europe. That’s because Europe uses PIN-based verification, rather than the signature verification commonly used here in the US.
To ensure you can use your card without issue while studying abroad in Europe, you can choose a PIN-capable credit card. There are a number of US credit cards that have the ability to use PIN verification, including several that charge no foreign transaction fees.
4. Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
This card has no balance transfer fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no cash advance fees – only a small annual fee of $49. Earn 3x points on travel and 2x points on everything else.
- No foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer fees, no cash advance fees
- Earn 3x points on travel, 2x points on everything else
- Pay $49 annual fee
Enjoy worldwide automatic travel accident insurance as well as travel and emergency assistance. Learn more here.
5. First Tech Choice Rewards World MasterCard®
Unlike most chip-and-PIN enabled cards, the First Tech Choice Rewards World MasterCard® is a PIN-first card, meaning it’ll default to PIN verification — just like native European cards — which lets you blend right in at restaurants and shops abroad.
- PIN-first credit card authorization for seamless transaction verification abroad
- Earn 2X rewards points per dollar on every purchase
- Pay no foreign transaction fees or annual fee
In addition to its PIN-first authorization, the First Tech Choice Rewards World MasterCard® is full of perks, including purchase rewards, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and an introductory 0% APR offer.
6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students is a PIN-enabled card with no annual fee, plus it charges no foreign transaction fees.
- Earn an unlimited 1.5X points per $1 in eligible purchases made with your card
- No blackout dates or brand restrictions on redemption
- Pay no annual fee
You can request your four-digit PIN by logging into your online Bank of America account, through the mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
Best “Dining Rewards” Cards to Use Abroad
Although every destination has its own sights and attractions, few things can compare with the ability to experience new foods and drinks as we travel.
To make the most of your foodie adventures, consider taking along a credit card that offers bonus rewards for your restaurant purchases. With the right cash back or points card, you can save on every culinary curiosity and perhaps make a little extra room in the budget for a second helping.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
- Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 6 months
|
10.99% for 6 months
|
12.99% - 21.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Fair/New to Credit
|
You’ll earn cash back rewards on every purchase with this card, with an elevated cash-back rate for dining purchases, making this a great choice if you’re looking to earn while you eat.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
15.99% - 22.99% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
While not for the credit card novice, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a solid card for any trip abroad, offering 2X Ultimate Rewards® points on both dining and travel purchases. Points can be redeemed at a solid rate for more travel to help you get out and explore.
9. Uber Visa Card
The Uber Visa Card not only provides 4% cash back rewards on dining purchases, including most bars and pubs, but it also charges no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Earn 4% cash back on dining purchases, including restaurants, takeout, bars, and UberEATS
- Earn 3% cash back on hotel & airfare, 2% for online purchases
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
The Uber Visa Card can be a nice addition to your pocket here at home, too, with 4% cash back on UberEATS deliveries and 2% cash back on all online purchases.
Best “No/Limited Credit” Cards to Use Abroad
While it’s all well and good to look for a credit card with great rewards and low fees, the primary thing on your mind as a college student with a limited credit history may just be getting accepted.
But that may not be the challenge you fear. Many credit card issuers offer cards specifically designed to help students establish and build their credit, all while offering the purchase rewards and low fees you want out of your card.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Good Grades Rewards: $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
- Earn rewards while building your credit history that can help you after graduation. And, get your free Credit Scorecard that includes your FICO® Credit Score and important details that help make up your score.
- No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
- Refer-a-Friend: Once you become a Discover it® Student cardmember, you can earn a statement credit each time you refer a friend and they’re approved. Over half a million students got Discover Cards from their friends' recommendations.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 6 months
|
10.99% for 6 months
|
12.99% - 21.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Fair/New to Credit
|
The Discover it® Student Cash Back offers great purchase rewards that can help you save on everything from restaurants to Amazon.com purchases, and also comes with the chance to earn a reward in the form of statement credit if you maintain a high GPA throughout the school year.
- Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
- Earn $5 per month for 12 months on Select Streaming Subscriptions when you pay on time. *Exclusions Apply
- Enjoy no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- You can help build your credit with responsible use of a card like this
- Pick the monthly due date that works best for you
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
26.99% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Average, Fair, Limited
|
The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is a solid choice for establishing your credit, as it encourages good credit habits by offering bonus rewards when you pay your bill on time. The card’s lack of an annual fee or foreign transaction fees also makes it a good addition to your study abroad supplies.
12. Deserve Edu Mastercard®
The Deserve Edu Mastercard® is specifically designed for students who need to build their credit. The card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, and a credit limit of up to $5,000, depending on your creditworthiness.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all eligible net purchases made with your card
- Deserve will pay for Amazon Prime Student, up to $49 lifetime total
- Pay no annual fee
You can take the Deserve Edu Mastercard® on the road and abroad, all without worrying about paying foreign transaction fees on your purchases. The card also comes with fraud protection for extra peace of mind.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture with the Right Card
Studying abroad is one of the greatest perks of being a college student, not only offering the chance to explore a new culture — but to get college credit for it, too.
And while immersing yourself in a foreign land can have its challenges, being prepared is more than half the battle. Taking along the right credit card, for instance, can help you avoid the hassle of constant currency conversions or payment method problems.
Before traveling with your new card, however, be sure you contact your credit card issuer to make it known you plan to travel abroad with your card. This will help prevent your foreign purchases from being flagged as fraud and your card being frozen at an inopportune time.
Also, don’t let your adventure abroad cause financial trouble when you get home. Always make all of your necessary credit card payments on time — keeping time zone differences in mind — so you aren’t welcomed by expensive late fees or, worse, credit damage, when you get back.
Additionally, be sure to keep track of your budget as you go. While you may not have to make currency conversions yourself as you pay with hard money, you should still always be aware of how much you’re spending to avoid any painful surprises when your card bill arrives and you see your total in American dollars.
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