Travel Credit Cards

Find a travel-friendly credit card that'll save you foreign currency fees and overseas purchase fees. Compare cards now!

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· Managing editor
Fact Checked
travel credit cards

Travel credit card comparisons on Mozo - page last updated 3 December 2023

Search promoted travel credit cards below. Advertiser disclosure.
  • American Express

    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Receive 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    23.99% p.a.

    No current offer

    $450

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    Go to site
  • American Express

    American Express Velocity Platinum Card

    Receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new Card Members only.

    23.99% p.a.

    No current offer

    $375

    Velocity Frequent Flyer

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  • American Express

    American Express Qantas Discovery Card

    Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee. Redeem your points for Classic Flight Rewards (T&Cs apply).

    23.99% p.a.

    No current offer

    $0

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    Go to site
  • Apply By 30 April 2024
    Westpac

    Westpac Altitude Platinum

    Select Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards to receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points ($4k min. spend in the first 90 days on eligible purchases). $99 First Year Annual fee and Rewards fee. (T&C's apply).

    19.99% p.a.

    No current offer

    $250 $174 in the first year

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

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  • NAB

    NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card

    Earn up to 120,000 Bonus Qantas Points on a new NAB Qantas Signature Card. Min $3,000 spend on everyday purchases in first 60 days and keep your card open for 12 months.

    19.99% p.a.

    0% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.74% p.a. (3.00% balance transfer fee)

    $395 $295 in the first year

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    Go to site
  • American Express

    American Express Velocity Escape Card

    Earn 1.75 Velocity Points on eligible purchases within Virgin Australia per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to 55 days interest free on purchases. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee.

    23.99% p.a.

    No current offer

    $0

    Velocity Frequent Flyer

    Go to site
  • American Express

    American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Receive 50,000 bonus membership rewards points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply). New Card Members only. Complimentary domestic & international Travel Insurance (T&Cs apply). Up to 55 days interest free on purchases. $395 annual fee.

    23.99% p.a.

    No current offer

    $395

    Membership Rewards

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  • NAB

    NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card

    70,000 Bonus Qantas Points. Offer applies to a new NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card when you spend $2,000 on everyday purchases within 60 days.

    19.99% p.a.

    0% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.74% p.a. (3.00% balance transfer fee)

    $250 $150 in the first year

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    Go to site
  • Apply By 30 April 2024
    Bank of Melbourne

    Bank of Melbourne Amplify Rewards Platinum

    Earn 60,000 bonus Qantas Points (min $3,000 spend in the first 3 months). 0% Balance Transfer for 24 months (1% BT fee). New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

    19.49% p.a.

    0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)

    $199

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    Go to site
  • Apply By 30 April 2024
    St.George

    St.George Amplify Qantas Signature

    Earn 90,000 bonus Qantas Points - when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of card approval (T&Cs apply)

    19.49% p.a.

    0% p.a. for 24 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)

    $370

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    Go to site

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel credit cards Awards

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Travel credit card resources

Reviews, news, tips and guides to help find the best travel credit card for you.

What is a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is a credit card with built-in features and perks that can help you to save money when using the card for overseas spending and get more travel benefits out of your card.

Top travel credit card features include money savers like fee-free overseas transactions and $0 overseas ATM fees, and perks like frequent flyer points, travel credits and complimentary travel insurance.

Show transcript

Don’t know which credit card to use overseas?

You may have to consider if your regular credit card is the right choice

Or if packing a travel credit card suits you better

Let’s test it out!

Test no.1

Does your card have fee-free overseas transactions?

Whether it’s shopping, eating out or heading to a museum

Some cards charge you when you spend overseas

Let’s say you went on a 2 week holiday overseas and our credit card has a 2.50% margin...

You spend:

$1000 on eating out

$1000 on shopping

$300 on day tours

$200 on transport

You pay in fees:

$25

$25

$7.50

$5

That’s a total of $62.50 just in fees!

Imagine what you could spend that cash on instead!

So it’s worth checking if your credit card has transaction fees or a foreign exchange margin before you go

Test no.2

Is there complimentary travel insurance on your credit card?

Travel insurance is a must if you want to be covered when heading overseas

So if your credit card already offers it

Your job is half done!

Remember!

There are sometimes conditions to qualify for travel insurance on your credit card

Like having to spend a certain amount on booking flights or travel expenses before you leave

Plus cover can also be limited so you may need to take out more with another insurer

Test no.3

Does your card have a frequent flyer rewards program?

While rewards aren’t 100% necessary, they can be a good way to save on travel expenses or earn point on them

You could end up using points to book a flight or snag an upgrade

Or you could even rack up points while you’re away for the next time you travel

Was it a pass or a fail?

A pass? Great! Take that card overseas with you

But if it was a fail...

You may want to consider a travel credit card instead, it’ll likely have these features

The world of Travel Credit Cards

For many Aussies, travelling can give us a hands on experience to all the world has to offer. But in between tasting different cuisines and taking in scenic locations, you might decide you need a piece of plastic to help you get around and pay for those experiences. If you’re considering picking up a travel credit card, here are some of the things you should know.

How can a travel credit card help me while I travel?

So you’ve decided to pick up a travel credit card for your next holiday, but how exactly can a credit card help you out while you travel? Aside from not having to carry heaps of cash around, a travel credit card can include:

  • Social perks - Many travel credit cards come with complimentary concierge services. Not only can they help to book you a table at a top restaurant, they can also give you access to exclusive overseas events and discounted travel services.
  • Worldwide acceptance - Since majority of credit cards are linked to Visa, AMEX or Mastercard, you can rest easy knowing that your plastic will be accepted at millions of places around the globe.
  • Travel Insurance - many premium and rewards credit cards come with free overseas travel insurance. There is criteria for the insurance to be like paying for some of your prepaid travel expenses on the card but it can save you money from having to take out single trip travel insurance.

Can I use my everyday credit card overseas?

Yes, of course. There is no rule against using your everyday credit card  on your next getaway, but when considering whether to use it or get a travel credit card there are a couple questions to ask yourself, like:

  • Does it come with foreign transaction fees? - If you’re planning on taking your everyday credit card overseas, check to see what the fees are on foreign transactions. Depending on the card, these fees can range between 2% - 4% of each transaction. And while this may seem like a minor charge, over a 6 week holiday it adds up. Some travel credit cards do not charge overseas transaction fees so this could save you some money.    
  • Will I have to use it at an ATM overseas? - While paying with plastic has become the norm in Australia, some countries around the world still see cash as king. And if you find yourself in a situation where you’ll need to withdraw cash with any credit card, there’s no escaping the hefty cash advance fee. Always use a your ATM / debit card or consider getting a prepaid travel card for those ATM withdrawals.

What are the pros and cons of using a travel credit card?

If you’re thinking that a travel credit card could be the perfect addition to your holiday, it’s still a good idea to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.

pros and cons travel credit card


Pros:
 
  • Provide up to 55 interest-free days - If you plan on spending big on your holiday, many travel credit cards will offer up to 55 interest-free days just so long as you pay your balance off in full.
  • Boost rewards points - If you’re a rewards lover, you’ll be able to earn rewards and frequent flyer points as you spend overseas which means you could be taking off on your next trip sooner.
  • Travel perks -  Many cards that are designed to be used overseas will come with certain travel perks, like complimentary travel insurance, lounge access and rewards programs.
  • Lower or no transaction fees  - Credit cards that are designed for travellers will generally have lower foreign transaction fees than your standard credit card.

Cons:

  • High annual fees - If you’re looking at a rewards credit card just be aware that these cards usually have higher annual fees so to make up for this, you’ll want to make sure you take advantage of all the extra benefits that come with the card like concierge..
  • Temptation to spend - Just like back home, with a travel credit card on hand you may tempted you to spend more than you’d initially budgeted. So keep in mind that everything you buy overseas will eventually have to be paid back, so if you’re out souvenir shopping really ask yourself if you need that replica Eiffel Tower statue.
Picture of JP Pelosi
JP Pelosi
Managing editor

Jean-Paul (JP) Pelosi is an experienced journalist and editor who has contributed to many of Australia's leading media outlets including The Guardian, News.com.au, Domain.com.au, Investment Magazine and ANZ's Bluenotes. He has also edited news and communications for large financial services companies such as CommBank, Suncorp, Allianz and Amex. He loves a well told story and applying his editorial experience to content that readers both care about and enjoy. JP heads up our writing team.



If More FAQs about travel credit cards

What should I compare in a travel credit card?

Okay, so you’re ready to start your search for the perfect travel credit card, but how do you know what features you should be comparing? To help, we’ve got compiled a few things you should look out for when it comes to finding the right travel credit card for your spending needs.

  • The interest rate - Opting for a low rate credit card will keep costs low and can cut down your interest bill. Just keep in mind that most low rate cards don’t come with flashy rewards programs or perks.
  • Fees - It’s a good idea to keep your credit card away from ATMs to avoid a high cash advance fee and look for a travel credit card that has no foreign exchange and a low or no annual fee. This can help you save a few bucks on everything from dinners to shopping sprees.
  • Other perks - Depending on your travel needs, things like complimentary travel insurance, free lounge access and the chance to earn rewards points could be make or break when it comes to picking your plastic.

Is the complimentary credit card travel insurance enough cover for my holiday?

If you’re planning to pick up a high end piece of plastic, like a rewards or platinum card, it might come with complimentary travel insurance. While it is a common extra to find amongst high end cards, just keep in mind that these cards also mean you pay a hefty annual fee. Another thing to remember is that most credit card travel insurance policies will cover the cardholder, their partner or spouse and dependant children under the age of 19. Some of the usual things covered by credit card travel insurance include:

  • Flight cancellation
  • Lost or stolen baggage
  • Medical cover
  • Rental car excess
  • Cash cover
  • Loss of income

However, while this may tick all the boxes for many travellers, you should still think carefully about whether it offers enough cover and consider whether a stand alone policy is a better option. You can compare travel insurance policies on Mozo to find out which option is better for you.

It’s important to read the fine print beforehand to make sure you fully understand what’s and what’s not covered, plus make sure you activate cover before you take off.  

Aside from a travel credit card, what other travel money options are there?

It’s always a good idea to travel with more than one travel money option when you are travelling, as it can give you more flexibility in your payment options. Some other travel money options you have include:

  • Travel debit cards - One of the best things about having a travel debit card is that unlike a credit card, you won’t be spending money you don’t have, which will help to keep you out of debt. Many travel debit cards also offer 0% foreign exchange fees and fee-free overseas ATM withdrawals. But the downside is with debit cards,  you won’t be able to earn any rewards or frequent flyer points.
  • Prepaid travel cards - With a prepaid travel card, you load up cash with the currency or currencies you need for your trip, then just as you would use a credit card you use it to pay for dinners, shopping trips and withdrawing money at ATMs. Keep in mind that you might have to pay a small fee to recover any leftover funds you have at the end of your trip.
  • Cash - Depending on your destination, many places may only take cash, so it’s handy to always have some cash on you while you travel. Places like banks and international money exchange agencies are two of the main options you have when it comes to converting your cash into a foreign currency.

If you're finding a travel card isn't for you or you're reconsidering your holiday altogether, take a look at the best credit cards instead. 

Prepaid Travel Card Reviews

Revolut
Revolut

Revolut Account

 Travelex
Travelex

Money Card

 Australia Post
Australia Post

Travel Platinum Mastercard

 Cash Passport
Cash Passport

Platinum Prepaid Currency Mastercard

 Qantas Money
Qantas Money

Qantas Travel Money Card

 Commonwealth Bank
Commonwealth Bank

Travel Money Card