According to USA Today, the hottest deals on overseas airfare, hotel and vacation packages will start to heat up this November, leaving many Americans itching to set out on an international getaway.
But instead of scoring sweet deals from your off-peak holiday, many vacationers will feel a sting of regret after seeing all the extra fees their foie gras, Indian tapestries and zip-lining excursions rack up.
Nearly 82 percent of credit cards carry foreign transaction fees, or the three percent expense added to all purchases made with a foreign merchant.
But with the sharp fluctuation of the Euro and other currencies pushing big banks to rethink their transaction strategies, many of the major carriers now offer cards that allow vacationers to spend foreign transaction-free.
The Hyatt Credit Card
A top ranker on the Forbes list of travel credit cards, the Hyatt Credit Card boasts a bounty of perks for its hotel-bound members.
- 2 free nights at the Hyatt—just for signing up
- 1 free hotel stay a year on your application anniversary
- 3 Hyatt Gold Passport points for every $1 spent with card at all Hyatt properties
- Stay secured with Smart Chip protection on international purchases.
What makes this card particularly unique is its Euro-friendly “EMV” technology. Popular in the UK and starting to make a scene in the States, EMV uses a system of embedded security chips, enhancing identity theft protection for its holders.
Capital One® VentureOne℠ Rewards Credit Card
In a review from The New York Times, the Capital One® VentureOne℠ Rewards Credit Card won over reviewers as one of the best pieces of plastic for international purchasing.
- Score 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase
- No annual fee
- Rack up miles for every airline ticket, hotel room and car rental
- Jet-set on any airline at any time, with no blackout dates.
Sporadically splurging every now and then can be okay, and vacations are a time many feel relaxed with their spending. Just make sure French cuisine or tourist trinkets won’t cost you more than they have to.