Best travel credit cards for overseas spending in 2017

By Kelly Emmerton · · 4 min read
Fact Checked
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Planning to hit the beaches of Bali or wander the banks of the Seine this year? Wherever your wanderlust takes you, you’re going to need a cost-effective way to spend when you get there - after all, those coconut cocktails and buttery croissants don’t come for free.

That’s why Mozo’s Experts have put their heads together and found the best value travel credit cards in our Mozo Experts Choice Awards*. There’s a piece of plastic out there for every globetrotting need, so check out the best travel credit cards for…

...thrifty trips

1. Bankwest - Zero Platinum MasterCard

Key features:

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign exchange fees
  • Complimentary travel insurance and concierge service
  • 17.99% ongoing purchase rate

Why it’s great:

This card offers premium perks and a price tag even a backpacker could love! Budget conscious travellers can make use of platinum features like free overseas travel insurance and a 24/7 concierge service, while pay no annual fee and no fees on foreign exchanges. Just make sure you pay off your balance on time every month to avoid that 17.99% interest rate.

Find out more here.
Or head to the Bankwest website to Apply Now.

2. Coles - Rewards MasterCard

Key features:

  • $89 annual fee
  • No international transaction fees on purchases
  • 2 flybuys points per $1 spent, uncapped and no expiry date
  • 19.99% ongoing purchase rate

Why it’s great:

This supermarket credit card is an affordable option for any spender - especially considering the uncapped Flybuys points on offer. But you may not realise that it’s also a wallet-friendly option for Aussies heading overseas, thanks to having no fees on foreign exchanges. Just remember to make use of the rewards on offer in order to justify the $89 annual fee and clear your balance each month to avoid the 19.99% interest.

Find out more here.

Or head to the Coles website to Apply Now.

3. 28 Degrees - Platinum MasterCard

Key features:

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 21.99% ongoing purchase rate
  • 24/7 concierge service

Why it’s great:

Although there’s no rewards program on offer, this piece of plastic just might be a budget traveller’s new best friend! With no currency conversion fees and a killer exchange rate, you’ll never pay too much for the convenience of plastic while overseas (or shopping online.) To keep this card budget friendly, just keep in mind the high interest rate, and pay your bill in full and on time each month.


...bagging free stuff

4. ANZ - Rewards Travel Adventures Card

Key features:

  • $225 annual fee
  • No fee on international transactions
  • Complimentary domestic return flight annually
  • 1.5 points per $1 on Visa, up to $2,000 per month, then 0.5 points per $1 on Visa, uncapped

Why it’s great:

If you’re after a rewards card that really packs a punch but also lets you spend overseas without being hit by massive fees, then this is the card for you. Not only are there rewards points on offer, but you’ll also bag a bunch of travel bonuses like free travel insurance, two Virgin Australia lounge passes and a free flight each year. And with no fees on international purchases, savvy globetrotters are sure to love this plastic.

5. Bankwest - More World MasterCard

Key features:

  • $240 annual fee
  • No foreign exchange fees
  • 2 priority airport lounge passes per year
  • 2.5 rewards points per $1 spent

Why it’s great:

For spenders who love to see rewards points stacking up, this card’s 2.5 points per $1 earn rate is a real drawcard. But the bonuses don’t stop there and jetsetters will benefit from freebies like overseas travel insurance and two Priority Pass Lounge visits per year. Global spenders will also be glad to know the card comes with no foreign transaction fees - but remember to factor the $240 annual fee into your budget.

Find out more here.

Or head to the Bankwest website to Apply Now.

...AMEX lovers

6. American Express - Qantas Discovery Card

Key features:

  • No annual fee
  • 3.00% foreign transaction fee
  • Earn up to 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • 20.74% ongoing purchase rate

Why it’s great:

If you’re a diehard American Express fan and a frequent traveller, then this is the piece of plastic for you. With no annual fee and massive rewards value, it’s a particularly great option for anyone who regularly buys from Qantas, since you’ll earn bonus points on Qantas purchases. One drawback to keep in mind is the steep 20.74% interest rate, and the 3.00% fee on international transactions.

Find out more here.

Or head to the American Express website to Apply Now.

Don’t see something you love? Head over and check out the rest of the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Money Award winners, or compare 206 of the best credit cards on the market with our credit card comparison tool.

*All rates and offers mentioned in this article are correct at time of writing, but may be subject to change. Please check the full Mozo review for each product for the most up-to-date information.