Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to explore new cultures, make lifelong connections, and enhance your education. However, it can also bring about financial challenges that you may not have considered. Selecting the right credit card can help you navigate these challenges and make the most of your time abroad. So, buckle up and dive into our comprehensive guide on the best credit cards for study abroad!
Best Credit Cards For Study Abroad Table of Contents
The Best Credit Cards for Study Abroad
When choosing the perfect credit card for your overseas adventure, you need to consider essential factors such as foreign transaction fees, travel perks, and the rewards program. Here are some of the top credit cards that tick these boxes and more.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- No foreign transaction fees
- 2x points on dining and travel purchases; 1x points on all other spending
- Signup bonus: 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
- Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 25% higher value
- Travel benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver
Bank of America Travel Rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1.5x points on all purchases
- Signup bonus: 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Points can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
- Travel protection, including trip interruption or cancellation insurance
Capital One Venture Rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- 2x miles on all purchases
- Signup bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Rewards can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to partner airlines and hotels
- Additional travel perks, including TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit
Discover it Miles
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1.5x miles on all purchases
- Signup bonus: Discover will match all miles earned at the end of your first year
- Use miles as a statement credit for travel purchases or redeem for cash back
- Freeze your account in seconds using the on/off switch on the app in case your card is misplaced
Best Credit Cards For Study Abroad Example:
Imagine you're a student planning to study abroad in Spain next semester. You know that you'll be doing some traveling throughout Europe and are looking for a credit card that will not only help you manage your finances but also provide value on travel-related expenses.
After researching various options, you decide on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card due to its excellent travel benefits, lack of foreign transaction fees, and appealing rewards program. When you put your flight and housing expenses on the card, you meet the $4,000 spending requirement for the 100,000-point signup bonus within the first three months. You then use those points to book flights to other European cities for a 25% higher value, allowing you to maximize your travel experience.
Now that you're equipped with knowledge on some of the best credit cards for study abroad, it's time to choose the one that aligns with your needs and goals. Don't forget to share this valuable guide with other students planning their adventures abroad! Whether you're a travel aficionado or a first-time explorer, Flik Eco is committed to providing essential personal finance information to empower your journey. So keep exploring our guides, and happy travels!
