Business Finance

Best Business Credit Cards for Foreign Travel

May 31, 2019 • 3 min read
Business owner going on a trip
Table of Contents

      Lendio receives compensation for the credit card offers. This compensation may impact how products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear.) Lendio does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This editorial is from the viewpoint of Lendio, and not endorsed by any 3rd party. The information is accurate at the time of publication. 

       

      When business travel takes you overseas, a credit card can offer convenience and security for making purchases. Your choice of card matters when it comes to earning rewards, enjoying travel extras, and avoiding foreign transaction fees, which can increase the cost of what you charge by up to 3%. As you prep for your next trip abroad, consider taking one of these business credit cards along:

      Best No Annual Fee Option: Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard Credit Card

      This card is a solid pick if you want to dodge foreign transaction fees and earn travel rewards without an annual fee. Travel purchases, including hotels, airfare, and car rentals, earn 3 points per dollar when booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. Everyday purchases earn1.5 points on every $1 spent worldwide with no limit. If you’re a Bank of America Business Advantage Relationship Rewards Client, you can get up to a 75% rewards bonus on purchases. When you’re ready to redeem your travel rewards, you can do so for cash back, gift cards, or travel with no worries about blackout dates.

      Best for Hotel Stays: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

      If you’re loyal to the Hilton brand when traveling, the Hilton Honors American Express Business card could help you rack up big points toward free nights. Purchases made at Hilton portfolio hotels earn 12 points per $1 while select purchases, including gas and travel, earn 6 points per $1. All other purchases earn 3 points per $1. Complimentary Gold Status in the Hilton Honors loyalty rewards program is included, and it’s possible to upgrade to Diamond Status when you charge $40,000 in eligible purchases per calendar year. You can earn an introductory bonus of 125,000 Hilton Honors points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. There’s no foreign transaction fee, but an annual fee of $95 applies.

      Best for Premium Foreign Travel: American Express Business Platinum Card

      The Business Platinum Card from American Express doesn’t skimp when it comes to travel perks. Some of the benefits cardmembers enjoy include a $200 annual airline fee credit, access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, Hilton Honors Gold Status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, and a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck. Members earn 5 Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and hotels booked through amextravel.com. You also receive 50% more points on purchases of $5,000 or more and get 35% of your points back when you redeem them for flights. There’s a sizable annual fee of $595 ($695 if application is received after 01/12/2022), but there’s no foreign transaction fee when you travel abroad.

      Which Business Travel Credit Is Best for You?

      The cards listed here are just some of the options for covering foreign travel expenses. As you compare cards, be sure to consider the rewards, fees, and APR. Also, keep in mind that certain American Express business cards are charge cards, meaning you’ll need to pay in full each month. If you need to carry a balance from time to time, make sure that the business card you choose offers that option.

      Lendio receives compensation for the credit card offers. This compensation may impact how products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear.) Lendio does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This editorial is from the viewpoint of Lendio, and not endorsed by any 3rd party. The information is accurate at the time of publication. 

      About the author
      Rebecca Lake

      Rebecca Lake is a financial journalist covering small business, investing, and personal finance. Her work has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, Investopedia, and The Balance. She also works with top banking and insurance brands, including Citibank, Ally, Discover Bank, and AIG.

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