Traveling to the United States requires good financial planning. Choosing a travel credit card for the US can make all the difference when it comes to guaranteeing savings, security, and convenience. With several options available, it’s important to know which criteria you want to consider when selecting the best card. In this article, you will find information that will help you learn more about the benefits, in addition to comparing some options available on the market and valuable tips that can help increase your financial advantages during your stay in the US.
Why have a specific credit card for travel in the US?
Using a credit card for travel in the US offers several advantages that go beyond simple convenience. With widespread acceptance across the country, credit cards allow you to make payments easily and securely, whether you’re shopping, dining, or booking services. Additionally, credit cards specifically designed for travel often come with added benefits such as low foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and cashback rewards.
These advantages can significantly enhance your overall travel experience, saving you money and providing extra protection for your purchases. Here are some tips that can be crucial to your experience abroad, helping you get the most out of your credit card and ensure peace of mind during your trip.
- Ease of payment and international approval: Credit cards are widely accepted in establishments in the US, being their main form of payment. Having a card for use that works without international restrictions is valid to avoid problems and unforeseen events.
- Exclusive benefits for travelers: Some cards offer advantages for those who travel, such as mileage accrual, discounts on car rentals, exemption from conversion fees, and access to exclusive services, such as VIP lounges at airports.
- Security and protection in purchases and reservations: When using a credit card for travel in the USA, you have more security when making your transactions. Many operators offer protection against fraud, flight cancellations, lost luggage, and 24-hour assistance for emergencies.
What are the main factors for choosing the best travel credit card?
When choosing a credit card for travel in the US, you should take some criteria into consideration so that you don’t incur losses on your trip.
- Conversion fees and IOF: Check the conversion rate that is used by the card, in addition to the amount of the IOF (Tax on Financial Transactions), which applies to international purchases. Some models offer reduced rates or some kind of advantage.
- Miles program and cashback: Choose cards that allow the accumulation of air miles or offer cashback on your international purchases.
- Benefits such as VIP lounges and insurance: Premium cards often include access to VIP lounges at airports, in addition to free travel insurance and protection against flight cancellations.
- Annual fee and additional fees: Analyze the card’s annual fee to see if it compensates for the benefits offered. Some models waive the annual fee with a minimum monthly spend.
- International acceptance and ease of use: Make sure the card is widely accepted in the US and that it offers an intuitive app for expense control and real-time currency conversion.
Comparison of the best credit cards for travel in the US
Below, we compare some of the best card options for you to choose from. This includes cards recommended by experts for their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and the wide range of benefits they offer. These cards are particularly tailored for travelers heading to the US, helping you make an informed decision based on your spending habits and travel preferences.
Whether you’re looking for rewards, low fees, or additional perks like VIP access or travel insurance, this comparison will provide valuable insights. The right credit card for the US can make your trip more convenient and even save you money, so it’s important to choose a card that aligns with your specific needs and travel goals.
| Card | Conversion Rate | Rewards Program | Additional Benefits | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Commercial exchange rate + 1.1% IOF | No rewards program | Multi-currency account with over 50 options | No annual fee |
| Nomad | Commercial exchange rate + 1.1% IOF | Cashback on purchases | Access to VIP lounges, free withdrawals on the Allpoint network | No annual fee |
| BS2 GO! Platinum | Commercial exchange rate + 1.1% IOF | No rewards program | International card with no maintenance fees | No annual fee |
| C6 Bank Global Account | Commercial exchange rate + 1.1% IOF | No rewards program | Free withdrawals at Chase ATMs in the US | No annual fee |
| Inter Global Account | Mastercard exchange rate without IOF | No rewards program | Free withdrawals on the Allpoint network in the US | No annual fee |
* The above data is subject to change. Consult the issuing bank for more details about the cards.
Tips for using your credit card in the US economically
To avoid unpleasant surprises, follow these tips when using your credit card for travel in the US: Always be mindful of the exchange rates and potential additional fees charged by merchants or financial institutions. These fees can add up quickly and affect the overall cost of your purchases. By staying aware and following these simple tips, you can ensure that your credit card usage is as efficient and cost-effective as possible while enjoying your trip to the US.
- Pay in local currency: Whenever possible, choose to pay in the local currency, in this case the dollar, to avoid unfavorable conversions made by the establishment.
- Avoid making withdrawals with the credit card: International withdrawals have high fees. If you need cash on hand, opt for a prepaid card or an international digital account.
- Activate spending control: Always keep track of your travel expenses with the card’s app.
- Take advantage of the benefits offered: If your card offers free travel insurance or discounts on car rentals, make sure these benefits are activated before the trip.
- Pay attention to due dates: Avoid paying high interest by paying your card on time.
Some alternatives to credit cards for expenses in the US
In addition to the credit card for travel in the US, other options can be as advantageous when it comes to helping control expenses:
- International prepaid card: Recharges in dollars and helps to avoid the IOF charge on each purchase made.
- International digital accounts: Some digital banks offer the option of accounts in foreign currency, using international debit cards.
- cash: An amount of cash on hand can be useful for small expenses, but it is not recommended to have large amounts.
What is the best credit card for travel in the US?
The choice of the best credit card for travel in the US depends on your profile and needs when traveling. According to our table, if you are looking for savings with reduced fees and ease of use, the Inter Global Account is the one that stands out for not charging IOF and offering free withdrawals on the Allpoint network in the US. On the other hand, if you value benefits such as, for example, access to VIP lounges and cashback, Nomad may be the best option.
Before deciding, research which options are available and choose a card that meets your profile. For more information on finance and credit cards, visit Mi Crédito, where you have up-to-date content on the financial universe.
