Travel, online shopping, or global subscriptions—spending internationally can rack up fees fast. But with the right credit card, you can earn cashback and avoid foreign transaction fees. I’ve put together the five best international cashback cards you can actually use overseas—and here’s how I use them to save and earn every day.
1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Simple, Solid, Miles Everywhere
This card is my go-to for international travel and everyday purchases.
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2× miles on all purchases
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5× miles on hotels, rental cars, and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
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75,000 mile bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (Reddit, NerdWallet)
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No foreign transaction fees and unlimited rewards
What makes it stand out is how versatile it is. It doesn’t get bogged down in categories, and the miles are redeemable almost everywhere. Plus, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit sweetens the deal (FangWallet, NerdWallet).
Why I love it: I travel a few times a year and use the card daily for 2× miles. When I book through Capital One Travel, I get 5×, which adds up fast. All without extra fees.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card – Earn 2% on Every Purchase, No Categories Needed
If you want a no-nonsense, reliable cash back card, this is it.
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1% cashback when you buy + 1% when you pay off
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No fees and no annual cost
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Consistent 2% return, every single time (globaltimes.tech)
Perfect for people who hate juggling bonus categories or tracking rotating rewards. I use this for groceries, subscription services, utility bills—basically everything outside of travel and dining.
Why it works: No external apps, no bonus activation—just steady cashback that stacks up reliably.
3. Discover it® Cash Back – Great First-Year Boost & Worldwide Acceptance
A smart card for international users, especially those new to rewards.
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5% rotating categories (gas, groceries, restaurants, etc.), requires activation
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1% on everything else
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Cashback Match doubles your first-year earnings (financeworld.io)
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No annual fee and no foreign transaction fee (Wise)
It’s ideal if you spend heavily in specific categories. The bonus match in year one can double hundreds in rewards. Just remember to activate the categories each quarter.
Why it surprises me: Even abroad, it’s accepted via Discover’s global network . That, plus no fees, makes it a trophy pick.
4. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Travel-First with Solid Cashback Benefits
What this card lacks in flat-rate simplicity, it makes up for in travel perks.
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5× points on travel booked through Chase
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3× points on dining, streaming, groceries
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1× on everything else
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Excellent sign-up offer and no foreign transaction fees (Wikipedia, Forbes, NerdWallet)
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Bonus points on travel-related spending provide big value
Chase points are flexible—worth more in the Chase portal or when transferred to airline and hotel partners (Moneyweek).
Why I use it: When I travel or dine abroad, I maximize 5× or 3× categories. Outside that, I stick with Citi Double Cash.
5. Apple Card – Daily Cash Simplicity That Works Worldwide
Perfect for Apple fans and easygoing users.
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3% Daily Cash at Apple and select merchants
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2% using Apple Pay
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1% on everything else (Wikipedia, financeworld.io)
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No annual or foreign transaction fees (Wikipedia)
Cash comes back instantly as “Daily Cash” into your Apple Wallet. If you're already in Apple’s ecosystem, it’s a smooth, no-fuss way to earn.
Why it's seamless: I pay with Apple Pay everywhere possible. It’s simple, rewards stack up, and cash shows up instantly.
š Side-by-Side Comparison
| Card | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Foreign Fee | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture | 2× all / 5× travel | $95 | No | Travel + everyday simplicity |
| Citi Double Cash | 2% flat | $0 | No | Everyday purchases without category tracking |
| Discover it Cash Back | 5% rotating / 1% base + 1st-year match | $0 | No | First-year high rewards, rotating category users |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 5× travel / 3× dining/streaming/foods | $95 | No | Travel & dining rewards + flexible redemption |
| Apple Card | 3% Apple & partners /2% Apple Pay | $0 | No | iOS users who want simplicity |
š” Pro Tips to Maximize Cashback Internationally
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Match card to spending: Need travel perks? Use Sapphire or Venture. Daily spending? Use Citi or Apple.
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Avoid foreign transaction fees: All five cards waive that fee—big savings on travel.
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Track categories: Chase and Discover require occasional tracking (rotating or bonus categories).
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Pay balances in full: Avoid interest that wipes out the rewards.
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Use global networks: Discover and Apple are recognized in many countries (financeworld.io, NerdWallet, CondƩ Nast Traveler, NerdWallet, Wise, globaltimes.tech, Wikipedia).
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Stack bonus offers: Capital One gives Global Entry credit, Chase has extra travel protections.
š My Favorite Combo Strategy
Here’s my personal setup for travel and daily use:
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Chase Sapphire Preferred — for travel, restaurants, streaming
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Citi Double Cash — for everything else at home and abroad
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Apple Card — for Apple Pay purchases and digital ease
Add Capital One Venture for booking hotels and rentals, and Discover it during my first year for bonus categories. This combo gives me optimized rewards no matter where I spend.
✅ Final Take: Best Card Depends on You
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Want flat, no-hassle cashback? Go Citi Double Cash or Apple Card.
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Want travel rewards + perks? Choose Chase or Capital One.
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Want bonus categories and first-year boost? Discover it Cash Back has your back.
Stick to the card(s) that match your habits. Use them overseas, avoid fees, and just earn while you spend.
š What to Do Now
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Check your credit score.
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Choose a card that aligns with your goals.
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Apply and meet the welcome bonus.
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Use it strategically—travel, dining, daily purchases.
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Pay in full each month.
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Track your cashback—watch how it adds up.
š£ Have a favorite cashback card not listed here?
Tell me about it—I might test it and add it to the list.
š Share this with your travel buddies—they’ll thank you later!