5 Factors to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your First International Trip

For first-time international travelers, choosing the right credit card can be overwhelming. According to a recent guide on WiseBread, there are five key factors to consider when selecting a card for your first international trip.

The first non-negotiable factor is no foreign transaction fee. This means that the card should not charge a fee for transactions made abroad, which can erase any rewards earned and even turn negative on purchases subject to the fee.

Another non-negotiable factor is using a Visa or Mastercard network, as these have broad international merchant acceptance. American Express and Discover may also be accepted at some merchants, but it's best to carry a Visa or Mastercard unless you've verified that specific merchants accept other networks.

The third factor to consider is usability at unmanned payment terminals, such as train-ticket machines or fuel pumps. It's essential to have a card that supports contactless payments and has a documented purchase PIN for backup.

Finally, it's recommended to default to a $0 annual fee card, as the cost of a higher rewards rate may not be worth the $95 annual fee required to break even.