The 5 Best Travel Cards for Europe - 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Which card is better to use in Europe? ›

First, make sure any credit card you take to Europe is widely accepted. The Visa and Mastercard networks, for example, offer wider acceptance abroad than Discover and American Express. While you can certainly bring your Amex and Discover cards, it's best to pack a backup.

American credit cards work throughout Europe (at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and so on); Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common, and the Discover card is unknown in Europe.

Visa is Europe's biggest payment brand...

For instance, credit cards and prepaid cards issued across the European continent were used for nearly 97 billion transactions in 2019. Nearly 60 percent of all these transactions were done with Visa general purpose cards, while MasterCard made up for 39 percent of the market.

Key Takeaways

European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Europe and are an easy, convenient way to pay. Some credit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad. Capital One doesn't. View important rates and disclosures.

Consider carrying between $50 and $100 a day on average, but remember that cash can bring fees and thieves along with it. Payment cards often have lower fees and are far easier to carry with you while travelling.

A prepaid travel card, also known as a currency card, lets you load money and exchange different currencies before you go away. You can then use this card to spend or withdraw cash while abroad.

Is Visa or Mastercard better in Europe? ›

Is Visa or Mastercard better in Europe? There is no clear winner between Visa and Mastercard when it comes to which one is better in Europe, as both networks are widely accepted.

Best 5 Travel Money Cards for Europe in 2024:

Revolut - best prepaid travel card for Europe. Travelex Money Card - Best if you are using the ATM a lot. Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card for lowest interest rate. Macquarie Transaction Debit Card for a card you can use in Australia too.

Visa is widely accepted across Europe, including at most hotels, restaurants, shops and ATMs. It's the most universally accepted card network. That said, you'll likely have little problems using AmEx in large European cities or tourist areas, or at major retailers.

For credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, while American Express and Discover are less common. US debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo will work in any European ATM. Go "contactless." Get comfortable using contactless pay options.

‍Mastercard: Prepaid gift cards by Mastercard are globally accepted, and are safer than cash. They're accepted in over 200 countries worldwide, and can be used online or in-person at various locations. The card can also be personalized with a custom message or image, making it a thoughtful and unique gift.

Wherever you wander in Europe, it's wise to travel with cash euros. While ATMs and card facilities are widespread across the continent, this cannot always be relied upon. Some countries or areas off the beaten track have yet to fully embrace card payments, so cash means you won't get caught short.

Credit card transaction fees are typically higher than debit cards. Shops may charge a fee, and banks may charge a conversion fee for the payment. If the merchant hasn't displayed fee notices, travelers should inquire with the staff. Credit cards may be subject to ghost charges or temporary holds.