If you’re a frequent traveler, you probably already know that picking the right travel credit card can make or break your trip. From saving on foreign transaction fees to scoring free airport lounge access, the right card can feel like having a VIP pass to the world.

But with so many options out there, which one should you actually get? Well, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense—no complicated financial jargon, just real talk about what works.

What Makes a Great Travel Credit Card?

Before we get into specific cards, let’s talk about what actually matters when picking a travel credit card:

• No foreign transaction fees – Because who wants to pay extra just for using your card abroad?
• Good exchange rates – Some banks sneak in bad conversion rates, costing you more.
• ATM access without crazy fees – Because sometimes cash is still king.
• Lounge access & perks – Free Wi-Fi, food, and comfy chairs at airports? Yes, please.
• Travel insurance – You hope you’ll never need it, but when you do, it’s a lifesaver.
• Rewards & cashback – Getting rewarded for spending money? Sounds good to us.

Now, let’s get into two of the best travel-friendly cards: Revolut and Curve.

Revolut – The Ultimate Travel Buddy

If you travel a lot, Revolut is more than just a credit card—it’s a borderless money app that gives you incredible flexibility.

Why Travelers Love Revolut:

✅ Zero foreign transaction fees – You pay in the local currency at the actual exchange rate. No hidden fees.

✅ Great exchange rates – They use the interbank rate, which is as good as it gets.

✅ ATM withdrawals – Free up to a certain limit (depending on your plan).

✅ Multiple currency accounts – Hold money in different currencies and switch when rates are good.

✅ Instant notifications & security features – Freeze your card, set spending limits, and more.

✅ Travel insurance & perks – Premium and Metal users get extra benefits like lounge access.

Any Downsides?

🔴 ATM limits – Free withdrawals are capped (usually at €200/month on the free plan, but higher for paid plans).

🔴 Weekend markup – If you exchange money on weekends, Revolut adds a small fee.

🔴 Not a traditional credit card – It’s more of a prepaid debit card, so you don’t get traditional credit benefits.

Best For:

• Frequent travelers who want real exchange rates without extra fees.
• Digital nomads who need to hold multiple currencies.
• People who love a slick mobile app with financial insights.

Curve – The Genius Card That Simplifies Everything

Curve is a little different—it’s not a bank or a credit card company. Instead, it’s a smart card that connects all your other cards. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for your wallet.

Why Travelers Love Curve:

✅ Use any card abroad without foreign transaction fees – Link your existing credit and debit cards, and Curve will make sure you don’t get hit with extra charges.

✅ ‘Go Back in Time’ feature – Ever paid with the wrong card? Curve lets you switch payments between cards up to 30 days later.

✅ One card to rule them all – Instead of carrying five different bank cards, just carry Curve and switch between them in the app.

✅ ATM withdrawals – Free up to a limit, depending on your Curve plan.

✅ Cashback & rewards – Some users get cashback at select retailers.

Any Downsides?

🔴 Limited free ATM withdrawals – Just like Revolut, there are caps on how much you can withdraw for free.

🔴 Not a full credit card – Curve doesn’t offer credit, so you’ll need to link it to another card.

🔴 Customer support can be slow – Some users report long response times.

Best For:

• People who already have a credit card but want to avoid foreign transaction fees.
• Travelers who hate carrying multiple cards.
• Anyone who wants the ability to switch payments retroactively.

While Revolut and Curve are amazing travel tools, some people prefer traditional credit cards with solid rewards programs. Here are a few that are worth looking at:

Chase Sapphire Preferred

💎 Why it’s great:

• 2x points on travel and dining
• No foreign transaction fees
• Great travel insurance benefits

American Express Platinum

💎 Why it’s great:

• Airport lounge access (huge perk!)
• Premium travel insurance
• Strong rewards program (but higher annual fee)

Capital One Venture Rewards

💎 Why it’s great:

• Earn unlimited 2x miles per dollar spent
• Easy redemption for flights and hotels
• No blackout dates

So, Which One Should You Get?

It really depends on how you travel and what you prioritize:

🎒 Budget travelers & digital nomads? → Revolut.

✈️ Frequent flyers who already have a good credit card? → Curve.

🏆 Big spenders who want maximum perks? → Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire.

The good news? You don’t have to pick just one. Many travelers use a combination of Revolut + Curve + a traditional credit card to maximize their benefits.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to avoid unnecessary fees and make your money work for you while traveling. Happy travels! ✈️🌍