Best Travel Credit Cards for Long-Term Travelers: Maximize Rewards and Minimize Fees

Long-term travel is a dream come true for many, whether you’re taking a gap year, becoming a digital nomad, or simply exploring the world over several months. But without proper financial tools, you could end up paying unnecessary fees or missing out on valuable rewards. One of the smartest steps you can take before a long journey is choosing the right travel credit cards.

This guide covers the best travel credit cards for long-term travelers, highlighting the features that matter most — like no foreign transaction fees, global acceptance, travel protections, and the ability to earn and redeem rewards effectively.

Why You Need a Travel Credit Card for Long-Term Trips

Using a travel credit card is not just about earning miles — it’s also about making your travel easier, safer, and more affordable. Here’s why they’re essential:

• Avoid foreign transaction fees: Most banks charge around 3% per transaction in foreign currency. That adds up fast.
• Earn valuable rewards: Points and miles can cover flights, hotels, and even activities during your trip.
• Access travel insurance benefits: Trip cancellation, luggage delays, and medical emergencies can be covered.
• Get lounge access and perks: Perfect for long layovers and exhausting travel days.
• Better fraud protection: More secure than using a debit card or cash.

Let’s explore the top options tailored for long-term international travelers.

Top Criteria for Choosing a Travel Credit Card

Before we dive into the list, here are the key features to look for:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Chip + PIN or contactless capability
• Global network (Visa or Mastercard preferred)
• Generous rewards program (transfer partners are a plus)
• Strong travel insurance coverage
• Emergency assistance and concierge services
• Lounge access or priority boarding perks
• Flexibility to redeem points for a variety of travel options

With those in mind, here are the top travel credit cards for extended trips abroad.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Points Program: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular mid-tier travel cards — and for good reason. It offers excellent travel and purchase protections, strong transfer partners (like United, Hyatt, and Singapore Airlines), and valuable point redemptions through the Chase portal or partners.

Why it’s great for long-term travelers:

• High-value redemption options
• Wide global acceptance
• Strong insurance benefits
• Low annual fee for a premium card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Points Program: Capital One Miles
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Venture card is incredibly easy to use: every purchase earns 2x miles, and miles can be used to erase travel expenses or transferred to airline/hotel partners.

Why long-term travelers love it:

• Simplicity — no bonus categories to track
• Global coverage with Visa
• Flexibility with redemptions
• Access to Capital One Lounge (at select airports)

American Express® Gold Card

Annual Fee: $250
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in 6 months
Points Program: Membership Rewards
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

This is a food-lover’s dream card. You earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. It’s especially ideal for travelers who enjoy experiencing global cuisine and want strong earning potential.

Pros for long-term travelers:

• 4x points at restaurants globally
• Transfer partners like ANA, Delta, and Air France
• Premium travel protections
• Access to Amex Offers and dining credits

Downside: Amex acceptance can be lower in some countries compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Annual Fee: $550
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Points Program: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

This premium card offers luxury perks like Priority Pass lounge access, $300 annual travel credit, and 3x points on travel and dining. It’s ideal for travelers who fly often and want comfort.

Why long-term travelers love it:

• Top-tier insurance coverage
• Premium airport lounge access
• 1.5x point redemption in the Chase portal
• $300 annual travel credit offsets fee

Citi Premier® Card

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Points Program: Citi ThankYou Rewards
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

This underrated card earns 3x points on travel, gas stations, dining, and supermarkets — a strong lineup for long-term travelers. Citi also has a solid list of international airline partners.

Benefits for global nomads:

• Transfer points to 15+ airline programs
• Great everyday category bonuses
• Worldwide Mastercard acceptance
• No foreign fees and easy online management

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $0
Sign-Up Bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months
Points Program: Bank of America Travel Center
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee travel card with basic rewards and no foreign fees, this is one of the best. It earns 1.5x points on every purchase.

Why it’s ideal for budget travelers:

• No annual fee
• No complicated points system
• Flexible travel redemptions
• Good fraud protection for international use

Other Cards to Consider

If you’re a frequent flyer with a favorite airline or hotel chain, consider co-branded cards such as:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• World of Hyatt Credit Card

These often offer free checked bags, priority boarding, or elite status that can pay off big during long trips.

Travel Insurance and Protections to Look For

When you’re away from home for months, solid insurance coverage is essential. Here’s what top cards typically offer:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: Covers prepaid travel if you need to cancel
• Lost baggage reimbursement
• Trip delay reimbursement: Covers meals/hotel if you’re delayed over 6–12 hours
• Primary rental car coverage (offered by Chase Sapphire cards)
• Emergency medical and evacuation: Vital for remote destinations

Before traveling, read your card’s guide to benefits and understand how to file claims.

Pro Tips for Using Travel Cards Abroad

• Notify your issuer of travel plans, or use apps that auto-update locations
• Use local currency at checkout (avoid DCC: Dynamic Currency Conversion)
• Have a backup card in case of theft or fraud
• Keep copies of card info and contact numbers separately
• Avoid ATM fees by using cards with ATM rebates or pairing with a no-fee checking account like Charles Schwab

Best Strategy: Mix and Match Cards

Long-term travelers benefit from carrying 2–3 cards to maximize flexibility. A solid combo might be:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Great transfer partners and insurance
• Capital One Venture: Easy redemptions and global acceptance
• Amex Gold: Maximize rewards on dining abroad

This trio covers most spending categories, offers overlapping protections, and allows you to leverage multiple point ecosystems.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Relying on one card: Always have a backup
• Not checking card benefits: You might miss out on lounge access or hotel upgrades
• Forgetting about annual fees: Make sure the value you get exceeds the cost
• Ignoring foreign ATM policies: Fees can add up fast if you’re not careful

Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Spend Less

The best travel credit cards for long-term travelers do more than earn points — they protect you, simplify your life, and add luxury to your journey. By carefully selecting and using the right combination of cards, you can explore the world more affordably and comfortably than you ever imagined.

Before you board your next flight or book that Airbnb in Bali, make sure your wallet is just as prepared for the journey as your passport is.