The best credit card for overseas travel can make your trips more enjoyable and cost-effective. These cards offer numerous benefits, including rewards on purchases, travel insurance, and discounts on bookings. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning a vacation, choosing the right card can enhance your travel experience. ...read more
Why Should You Apply for Credit Cards to Use Abroad?
Whether you are a frequent traveller or an aspiring wanderlust, the best credit card for overseas travel is a must. Here are some advantages of using such cards —
Earn Miles and Points on Your Purchases. This type of credit card in UAE allows you to earn miles and points on everyday purchases that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and travel expenses. Many offer bonus points for categories like dining, helping you save for your next vacation.
Travel Insurance and Protection. A typical card for overseas travel includes travel insurance and protection, offering peace of mind while you’re away. Benefits can cover trip cancellations, baggage delays, and rental car issues, helping you avoid unexpected costs and stress during your journey.
Save on Travel Costs. You redeem the points you accumulate at top airlines, hotels, and upgrades. Additionally, some credit cards to use abroad also offer discounts on several booking platforms.
Travel in Luxury. With the best credit card for overseas travel, you can travel in luxury with premium airport lounge access, fast-tracks, stays at luxury hotels worldwide, and more.
8 Best Credit Cards to Travel Internationally
Here’s the list of the 8 best credit cards to travel internationally —
Earn JOY Points in the travel category, with up to —
5 JOY points on airline spending
5 JOY points on hotel spends
5 JOY points on dining spends
5 JOY points on international spends
0.5 JOY points on other spends
Up to 20% discount on grocery or food orders (capped at AED 14) up to twice a month on the talabat app
BOGO offer at VOX Cinemas
Earn JOY Points in the lifestyle category, with up to —
5 JOY points on entertainment spends
5 JOY points on departmental store spending
5 JOY points on supermarket spends
5 JOY points on dining spends
0.5 JOY points on other retail spends
Earn 3 ThankYou points for every USD 1 spent on non-AED spends
Earn 2 ThankYou points for every USD 1 spent on domestic purchases
Get an additional 10,000 bonus ThankYou points per year by paying the annual fee
Redeem the points for cashback or transfer points to 11 major airlines/hotels
Free 4th night stay at any hotel globally
Access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide (for you, supplementary cardholder + 1 free guest each per visit); up to 14 complimentary visits per year (subject to non-AED spends)
Up to 7 % wallet credit upon booking your next stay with Booking.com
40% discount on flights and hotel bookings with MakeMyTrip
Get a 10% bonus in your MMT wallet for each traveller, with a maximum of 5 people per booking
Up to 20% discount on hotel bookings with MakeMyTrip
Up to 8 complimentary visits to worldwide airport lounges per year and 6 free visits for you + another guest
3% cashback on spending while travelling
1 free airport transfer
Earn cashback as follows —
5% cashback on every AED 1 spent in supermarkets
5% cashback for every AED 1 spent on fashion
5% cashback for every AED 1 spent on dining
1% cashback on every AED 1 on other spending categories, excluding select categories
Earn 3% cashback on non-AED spending
40% discount on orders on the Talabat app — up to 4 times a month — with a minimum order of AED 100
Tips to Choose the Best Credit Card for Overseas Travel
Here are some hacks to choose the best credit card for foreign travel —
Check your travel frequency
Select the type of card you want, like an airline-branded or hotel card
Check the rewards, cashback, and points
Understand your spending habits and priorities
Read the terms and conditions
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Cards for Overseas Travel
The general eligibility criteria to apply for the best credit card for use overseas are as follows —
Minimum Age - 21 years
Minimum monthly salary - AED 5,000
Nationality - UAE nationals and residents
Note — The criteria can slightly vary as per the bank. Make sure to read the terms and conditions thoroughly.
Documents to Apply for the Best Credit Card for Foreign Travel
Here is the list of documents that you need to apply for the best credit card for overseas travel —
For salaried individuals
A duly filled-in application form
Emirates ID
UAE residence visa
Salary certificate/salary slip
Last 3 to 6 months’ personal bank account statements
For self-employed individuals
Emirates ID
Passport
UAE residence visa
Trade licence
Memorandum of association
Last 3 to 6 months’ personal bank account statements
Hacks to Maximise on Credit Cards for Use Overseas
Here are some easy ways to maximise the rewards on credit card for use abroad —
Book flights and hotels using the card
Track the reward expiry dates
Pay bills on time to avoid interest
Whenever feasible, ask to redeem points at the time of promotion
Find the best credit card to travel internationally only on Paisabazaar.ae and make the most of your travelling experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which is the best credit card for overseas travel in the UAE?
Ans: The best credit card to use abroad is the one that meets your spend requirements. Usually, Visa and Mastercard cards are considered the top ones for overseas travel.
Q2: Do credit cards for use abroad offer travel insurance?
Ans: Yes, credit cards to use abroad often offer travel insurance benefits.
Q3: Are these cards accepted internationally?
Ans: Yes, these cards to use abroad are accepted internationally.
Q4: Do travel credit cards in UAE offer free airport lounge access?
Ans: Yes, travel credit cards offer complimentary international lounge access.
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