7 Best Credit Cards For Digital Nomads 2023

Although cash and international bank accounts are useful, credit cards provide the security that you can use them anytime, anywhere. Booking travel with a credit card also offers protection (like insurance) that debit cards and cash cannot rival. 

Our list of the best credit cards for digital nomads will provide you with the information you need to choose the best credit card.

Things to consider when choosing a credit card :

• Fees: It’s best to check any credit card’s fee structure before applying. You should be aware of the annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges associated with using the card.
• Benefits: Credit cards offer a range of benefits that can make your digital nomad lifestyle easier and more enjoyable. Look for cards that offer travel rewards, cash back, and other rewards.
• Sign-up Bonus: Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses to new customers. These can include bonus points, money off your first purchase, or even free flights!

Without further ado, let’s get started!

What Is The Best Credit Card For Digital Nomads?

Here is our ranked and reviewed list of the best credit cards for digital nomads.

The 7 Best Credit Cards For Digital Nomads

1. Best Overall Credit Card – Chase Sapphire Reserve
2. Best Basic Travel Rewards Credit Card – Capital One Venture Rewards
3. Best Travel Rewards Credit Card – Chase Sapphire Preferred
4. Best Luxury Travel Credit Card – American Express The Platinum Card®
5. Best Business Cashback Credit Card – Chase Ink Business Preferred®
6. Best International Airline Credit Card – Chase Aeroplan
7. Best For Zero Fees Credit Card – Chase Freedom Unlimited®

1) Best Overall – Chase – Sapphire Reserve

• Annual Fee: $550
• APR: 19.99%–26.99% variable
• Rewards Rate: 1x-10x
• Sign-Up Bonus:80,000
• Foreign Transaction Fees: No
• Travel Coverage: Yes

Overview

The Chase Saphire Reserve is the best overall credit card for digital nomads. It offers an incredible rewards rate of 1x-10x and a whopping 80,000 points intro offer that you can claim through chase ultimate rewards. The card also has no foreign transaction fees and excellent benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and global entry fee credits. With the $300 annual travel credit and the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection SM, you can enjoy a world of perks and experiences.

2) Best Basic Travel Rewards Card – Capital One Venture Rewards

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 18.99% – 26.99% variable
• Rewards Rate: 2x -5x
• Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 (Spend $4k in first 3 months)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: No
• Travel Coverage: Yes

Overview

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is digital nomads’ best basic travel rewards card. It has zero foreign transaction fees, a generous rewards rate, and an intro offer of 75,000 for spending $4k in the first three months. Plus, you’ll get access to their best prices on travel, price drop protection, and hotel rates that match or beat competitors. With unlimited rewards and no expirations, it’s an excellent card for digital nomads with remote jobs who want to earn rewards on the go. The added travel and car rental insurance are also great benefits that can come in handy while traveling. Finally, the $0 fraud liability makes it a safe and secure choice. These features make the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card the best basic travel rewards card for nomads.

3) Best Travel Rewards Card Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 18.99%–25.99% Variable
• Rewards Rate: 1x – 5x
• Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 (Spend $4k in first 3 months)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: No
• Travel Coverage: Yes

Overview

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is best for nomads looking for travel rewards with a reasonable annual fee. It offers up to 5x points on travel purchases and 25% more value when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. It also has no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for those who are often traveling abroad. Additionally, the My Chase Plan® feature allows eligible card members to break up purchases of $100 or more into fixed monthly payments without paying interest. Get this card if you’re looking for maximum rewards, have the means to pay off your balance in full each month, and want the best value for travel purchases.

4) Best Luxury Travel Card – American Express Platinum Card

• Annual Fee: $695
• APR: 19.74% to 26.74% variable
• Rewards Rate: 1x – 5x
• Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 (Spend $6k in first 6 months)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: No
• Travel Coverage: Yes

Overview

The American Express Platinum Card comes packed with additional premium benefits. This is the best credit card on the market for the Digital Nomad that wants to travel in style. It offers preferred access to events and unique experiences, return protection, purchase protection, extended warranties, and even a shopping membership – all of which are designed for maximum convenience and ease of use. If you’re looking for top-notch luxury benefits that come with a high annual fee but offer considerable potential for rewards, the Platinum Card from American Express is a great choice.

Luxury Perks:

• $200 hotel credit
• $240 digital entertainment credit
• $155 Walmart Credit
• The Global Lounge Collection
• $200 Uber Cash
• $200 airline fee credit
• $300 Equinox

5) Best Business Credit Card – Chase Ink Business Preferred

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 18.99%–23.99% variable
• Rewards Rate: 3x
• Intro Offer: 100,000 (Spend $15k in first 3 months)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: No
• Travel Coverage: Yes

Overview

The Ink Business Preferred® Card is best for the digital nomad business owner. Collect 3x points on your business expenses and redeem them through the Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel rewards, cash back, and more. Other purchases will earn you 1x points, and there are no foreign transaction fees. You also get employee cards at no extra cost. Enjoy a competitive APR and the best features on the market so you can get the most out of your business spending. Plus, earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15k in purchases within three months of account opening. This is the best business credit card for nomads looking to capitalize on travel rewards.

6) Best International Airline Credit Card – Chase Aeroplan

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 19.49%–26.49% variable
• Rewards Rate: 1x – 3x
• Sign-Up Bonus: 70,000 (Spend $15k in first 3 months)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: No
• Travel Coverage: Yes

Overview

The best airline credit card for nomads is the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card. With a low annual fee, high rewards rate, and great travel benefits, this credit card offers everything you need to make your travels seamless. Earning up to 3x points on Air Canada purchases and 1x on all other purchases makes it easy to rack up points quickly. The best part? There are no foreign transaction fees when you use your card abroad, so you can get the best travel experience without worrying about fees. Whether you need a reliable credit card for international flights or want to fly with rewards and bonuses, this credit card has everything you need to make your travels worry-free.

7) Best For Zero Fees Credit Card – Chase Freedom Unlimited

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% APR (15 months)
• Rewards Rate: 1.5% – 5% cashback
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 (Spend $500 in first 3 months)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes
• Travel Coverage: Yes

Overview

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card offers excellent rewards, travel coverage, and zero fees. It’s perfect for digital nomads looking to make the most of their spending while enjoying perks such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and cash back on all purchases. Plus, it has a low introductory APR to get the best bang for your buck. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card, you’ll be able to make the most of your travels while enjoying excellent benefits and rewards.

Find The Best Travel Credit Card For Your Wallet

How Travel Rewards Work

Nomads and travel rewards go hand in hand, but it can be hard to understand precisely how travel rewards work and how best to use them for maximum value.

Travel Credit Cards offer a variety of benefits such as bonus miles, points, cash back, or discounts on flights, hotels, and other purchases. The best way to maximize your travel rewards is by understanding all the benefits of a card, such as travel insurance, insurance for rental cars, and trip cancellation coverage. Additionally, look for cards that offer bonus points or rewards on categories of spending you are likely to make while traveling, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals.

By understanding how best to use your Travel Credit Card’s reward system, you can pack your bags knowing you are saving money on your travels.

How To Choose a Travel Credit Card

Plenty of Travel Credit Cards are available, and it can be challenging to pick the best one. You should consider how you spend money and what type of traveler you are – whether you take short weekend trips or move internationally.

The best way to narrow down your choice is by looking at factors like:

• Rewards: Will you use the benefits the card offers
• Points/Cashback: How much will you earn back per dollar spent
• Sign-up Bonus: Is the windfall worth the annual cost, and will you meet the spending requirements to receive the Bonus?

Foreign transaction fees

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees is ideal for international travelers. By avoiding these surcharges on other purchases made outside the US, you can prevent nullifying any rewards earned on a purchase. Most cards have a standard fee of 3%. This is enough to cancel out most, if not all, of your reward points. Some issuers, such as Discover and Capital One, don’t charge foreign transaction fees, while others only set them on specific cards in their lineup.

International acceptance

Before you leave for your trip, make sure to do research on which type of credit card would work best for your international destination. While Visa and Mastercard are more universal, American Express and Discover may not be accepted in some areas. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan (and credit card) in case you run into any issues while trying to use your original card.

Travel protections

Weigh which travel protections — like car rental insurance or trip cancellation coverage — are most key to you.

Perks

Perks are items given to you just for having the card. There is a strong connection between annual fee cost and perks offered. Generally, cards with no yearly fee have fewer perks but greater rewards than a premium credit card. Mid-tier cards that charge around $100 annually offer good rewards along with a few high-value perks.

Perks can often make up for the annual cost of a card, but you have to be honest with yourself about whether you will use them. Free checked bags or a free night can pay for the cost several times over, but if you use the perk, there is little point in paying the additional fees.

Make The Most Of Your Credit Card

• Apply for your credit card around planned big purchases (so you can meet the minimum spending requirements)
• The more you use your card, the more points you can collect. That doesn’t mean you should splurge on that Black Friday flat-screen TV. Instead, find ways to autopay your bills with your card so that you can take advantage of the points.
• Redeem rewards as travel, not as gift cards (often travel has better points to dollar value, especially for travel cards).
• Join associated loyalty programs

FAQ

Which credit card is best for travel?

The best credit card for travel depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a general travel rewards card, consider one that offers points or miles with no foreign transaction fees, a generous sign-up bonus, and additional perks like free checked bags.

What is the point of travel credit cards?

Travel credit cards can help you earn rewards points, cashback, and discounts on flight bookings and hotel stays. Many of these cards also offer generous sign-up bonuses, which can be a great way to jump-start your travel savings. Additionally, some travel cards provide additional perks like complimentary lounge access or access to exclusive events.

How much is 75,000 miles worth?

The value of 75,000 miles can vary depending on the airline or loyalty program. Generally speaking, one mile is equal to around 1 cent when redeemed for flights. So, in this case, 75,000 miles would be worth approximately $750 for airfare.

Which bank has the best travel card?

It depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some of the best travel cards come from issuers like Chase, American Express, Citi, and Capital One. Each has its own unique set of perks and rewards that can help you save money from your spending. Research to find out which card best fits your budget and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

When choosing the best credit card for nomads, there are vital points to consider. You’ll want to look at international acceptance, travel protections, and rewards. Additionally, you should read the fine print of any card to know what you’re getting into. With all this information in mind, you’ll be able to choose the best card for your travel needs confidently.

Safe travels!