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Is Cash or Credit Better for European Trips?

Daniel has 10+ years of experience reporting on investments and personal finance for outlets like AARP Bulletin and Exceptional magazine, in addition to being a column writer for Fatherly.

Thomas J Catalano is a CFP and Registered Investment Adviser with the state of South Carolina, where he launched his own financial advisory firm in 2018. Thomas' experience gives him expertise in a variety of areas including investments, retirement, insurance, and financial planning.

A trip to Europe can be one of the more memorable voyages of your life. But the last thing you want to do is sour your voyage by finding yourself unable to pay for dinner or train fare while you’re there.

While it's okay to put most expenses on your card, it's wise to also carry some cash for emergencies. Being over-prepared can help you avoid a lot of trouble—and perhaps some missed sightseeing opportunities—while you’re traveling.

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.
• Major credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities. Check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.
• Unlike the U.S., European credit card machines usually require a PIN. You can get this from your card issuer before you leave home.
• Contactless pay systems like Apple Pay are increasingly common.

Don’t Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash

There’s a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don’t expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you’re a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency. The same is true if you hire a guide to help you navigate your new surroundings.

Don’t bother to load up on cash before your flight. You can simply visit an ATM once you arrive and withdraw euros—the currency of 20 European countries—or other local currencies. With a currency conversion fee between 1% and 3%, and sometimes a nominal transaction charge, ATMs can be one of the least expensive and most convenient ways to get cash overseas—though you might want to check out local currency exchange bureaus, just to compare rates.

If you have more than one bank account, you may want to compare the different international ATM fees beforehand and of course, go with the one that’s the most economical. 

Avoid using credit cards for cash at ATMs. Most card issuers treat ATM withdrawals as a cash advance—meaning that in addition to ordinary foreign transaction fees, you're also paying a higher interest rate.

Tips for Using a Credit Card Abroad

Many businesses, particularly those that cater to travelers or are in cities, accept international credit cards . Carrying plastic also cuts down on how much cash you have to carry, which eliminates some of the pain if your wallet is lost or stolen. Pickpockets are not uncommon in most European cities, and they know how to identify tourists.

If you’re planning to bring a credit card, there are a couple of things to remember. First, bear in mind that some cards are more widely accepted than others. MasterCard and Visa  are among the most commonly used payment networks in Great Britain and the Continent. American Express, Discover, and Diners Club are less widespread, though some merchants will take them. Some cards also offer travel perks or cash rewards, so it's worth doing some research to find the best credit cards for your needs.

You can use your credit card to get cash at an ATM, of course (and you may have to, if your bank card doesn't participate in an overseas network). However, this should be a last resort: a credit card withdrawal will be considered a cash advance, which normally comes with higher interest rates than ordinary purchases. In addition, check with the card issuer (or dig out your terms and conditions paperwork, if you can find it) to see if there's a foreign transaction fee for international purchases or a currency conversion fee. They add up.

Some merchants now give you the option to pay with your card in either the local currency or in your home currency (dollars or whatever). Paying in your currency is a way to get around that foreign transaction fee. If your card doesn't charge one, you might as well pay in the local currency.

It’s also important to realize that Europe's credit card technology is far more advanced, often using chip-and-PIN software. This means the cards have an embedded chip that helps validate the card's physical presence and legitimacy. Rather than signing a receipt, cardholders often enter their four-digit PIN code to complete the transaction. American banks have rapidly rolled out cards that have the chip due to changes in fraud liability laws, but the PIN portion is often still not the norm.

You may still get away with a standard American card, as long it has a chip. If it doesn't, the merchant will likely ask for your PIN. If you don’t know it—after all, PINs are rarely used for U.S. credit card transactions—it’s a good idea to get the four-digit number from your bank before embarking on your trip or reset it via telephone or computer to something easy to remember.

Also, remember to notify your bank that you will be traveling overseas . Many banks have enhanced their fraud detection protocols, and if they notice suspicious activity, such as an ATM withdrawal in Venice when you've never been there before, they could deactivate your card out of an abundance of caution.

Forget About Traveler’s Checks

If you’re worried about carrying a lot of cash, another option is to purchase traveler’s checks . The nice thing about these checks is that, as long as you record the number on each one and store it in a secure location, the issuer can usually replace them for free if they’re stolen.

However, traveler's checks are a dying breed; many places don't take them anymore. Even if a merchant accepts traveler’s checks, it’s often with a poor exchange rate. And they're costly: Banks may charge a fee worth 1% to 2% of the face value to purchase the checks.

One alternative is to carry a modest amount of emergency cash with you in a location pickpockets can’t easily get to—in other words, not in backpacks or an unsealed pocket. Few retailers or hotels accept personal checks, so you may as well leave those at home.

Increasingly, merchants throughout Europe accept Apple Pay and other digital "contactless" payment systems. Apple Pay is accepted in over 80 countries as of April 2024. Paying with a tap of your phone can alleviate security concerns about having pockets picked and wallets stolen.

If you use Apple Pay to pay with a card overseas, that card's same overseas charges, as discussed above, will apply. The Apple Pay Cash card is accepted wherever Visa cards are .

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe?

Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It's also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

What Is the Most Common Credit Card in Europe?

Visa, Mastercard, and EuroCard are widely accepted throughout Europe, and American Express is usually accepted in tourist destinations.

Will My Bank Card Work in Europe?

Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure . You should also let your bank or card issuer know about your travel plans in advance, or else they might flag some of your overseas transactions as potential fraud.

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” These days, that means carrying a chip-enabled credit card and a little cash, just in case. Also, pack your bank debit card for ATMs to keep yourself supplied with additional coin, as needed.

Disclosure: At the time of publication, the author did not have holdings in any of the companies mentioned in this article.

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Should You Use Cash or Credit Card When Traveling?

Julie fell in love with traveling in Costa Rica which led to years of volunteering, teaching, and...

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Traveling to a new place can be exhilarating, but also intimidating. You’ve most likely spent a good chunk of change (not to mention time) preparing for your trip, from booking transportation , to activities , to accommodation . After that, you’ll also need to spend a bit more time thinking through how you’ll handle expenses while abroad, and whether to use cash or credit card when traveling. Trust us: The best time to start thinking about money is before you’re spending it!

Time to do some budgeting and calculations!

Just a few of the additional costs of travel to keep in mind before, during, and after your trip include exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, and ATM fees. All that considered, you’ll need to decide for yourself whether it’s better to use cash or credit cards when traveling.

READ MORE: Traveling on a Student Budget? You Need This Budget Planner

Is it better to travel with cash or card.

Okay, let’s get right down to it. Is is better to travel with a credit/debit card or local cash? Lots of people think it’s better to take cash out of local ATMs when you arrive at your destination, in order to save on exchange fees and credit card fees. On the flipside, others prefer using a credit card while traveling because it can be more reliable and earn you points on your account.

So, is one better than the other? It depends. When deciding to travel with cash or card abroad, consider the following pros and cons:

Pros and cons of using a credit card abroad

• Pro : May offer a better exchange rate than when using cash
• Pro : If lost or stolen, a card is easier to replace and potentially get your money back
• Pro : More secure than carrying cash
• Pro : Score points on credits that can be used for future travel and other purchases
• Con : If you forget to alert your bank, your charges could be flagged as fraudulent (and they may shut off your card, leaving you stranded)
• Con : You may be charged international transaction fees on every purchase

Pros and cons of using cash while traveling

• Pro : Avoid international transaction fees on your purchases
• Pro : You’ll always have money available for tips or cash-only vendors
• Pro : It supports the local economy more directly
• Pro : You can order local currency in advance from your bank or organizations like AAA
• Con : Less secure than carrying a card (lost or stolen cash is most likely gone forever)
• Con : ATM fees and account fees for cash withdrawls abroad can be huge, especially at out-of-network ATMs
• Con : Difficult to know how much you’ll need, potentially leaving you stranded if ATMs or Western Union are scarce

READ MORE: 5 Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards

Is it cheaper to use credit cards or cash abroad.

Whether cash or credit is cheaper comes down to exchange rates and transaction fees.

Since many of the pros of using cash or card depend on exchange rates, you’ll want to first understand what they are and how they can determine if it’s cheaper to use credit cards or cash during your travels.

For those who aren’t familiar, exchange rates can be defined as “the value of one currency for the purpose of conversion to another.” Anywhere you travel that doesn’t use the same currency you use at home, you’ll need to convert money so you can spend it.

In some countries, you’ll be able to use your own currency which the vendor then exchanges, but it’s best to take the “when in Rome” attitude, and make the exchange yourself at a kiosk, hotel, or other reputed place of business that offers exchange services.

Keep in mind that exchange rates vary by location. For example, airport kiosks don’t often have the best rates, so it’s a good idea to shop around or go to a local bank instead. It’s very easy to Google what a good rate would be.

Additionally, when you use a credit card, you must also keep in mind exchange rates. Some cards may have better rates than others (this information is also searchable).

This brings us to international and foreign transaction fees! Even with a good exchange rate, you’ll often be charged a foreign transaction fee when making credit card purchases abroad. Luckily, some credit card companies have partnerships with banks abroad, and offer lower (or zero) fees, especially credit cards intended for travel .

It’s best to do some research prior to your trip to see which of your credit cards is better to use (or if this time around you should stick to cash)!

Pro tip : Some vendors will ask you if you want to pay in local or foreign currency when you’re making a credit card purchase. It’s best to select local currency, as that will get you the closest to the fair market rate!

What’s the best way to get cash when traveling abroad?

Be sure to research how easy it is to find an ATM in your destination.

Most likely the easiest way to get cash when traveling is by using the same debit card you’d use at home at a local ATM . Just as with credit card foreign transaction fees, when you use your debit card to take out cash at the ATM, you may be charged a fee. Usually, it’s $2 to $7 dollars on any cash withdrawal.

That being said, it’s better to withdraw a large amount of cash at once to avoid multiple fees . The percentage charged by your bank on international withdrawals is most likely fixed, so by making larger withdrawals, you’re actually getting more bang for your buck where ATM fees are concerned.

Avoid scams by going to an actual bank to withdraw funds. Make sure you’re checking that you’re not being charged an exorbitant fee to withdraw your cash, and there isn’t a large minimum amount (you don’t want to carry too much money around with you with the risk that it will be lost or stolen).

Again, your bank may have a partner in the country you’re traveling to where you can withdraw cash with no fee, so try to find out if this is the case prior to jetsetting!

Another reason to get in touch with your bank prior to leaving your home country is to avoid the hassle of them potentially flagging any of your international purchases as fraudulent. Some banks will flag an international transaction until you verify you are indeed out of the country , which may delay being able to use your cards.

Honestly, it’s a great idea to pre-order some cash in the local currency through a travel agency (like AAA) to make sure you have a backup method of payment, at least for your first day or two abroad— especially if you won’t have phone service when you land . No phone service and no cash on hand will leave you stressed AF, especially if you’re landing in the middle of the night.

If for any reason you are not able to use a credit card abroad, other options include prepaid cards from Visa, Mastercard, or other large credit card companies, or even travelers’ checks. While it’s not ideal to carry around large amounts of cash, travelers’ checks can be refunded if lost or stolen.

Should I carry local cash when traveling?

It’s always a good idea to have some local cash on hand.

While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It’s just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won’t accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason. Plus, cash tips are always more appreciated than digital.

How much cash should I travel with?

How much cash you should travel with largely depends on your destination: How much is the cost of living? Is tipping expected? How long will you be staying? Do many of the activities you want to do or places where you want to do business accept credit cards or online booking?

These are all questions you should ask yourself when determining to use cash or card when traveling, and just how much cash you should travel with. But, if you want a number to work with, we suggest having $200 on hand when you land in your destination , just to be safe. If you decide to go cash-only for your entire trip abroad, then maybe factor in a bit more for your first few weeks.

Keep in mind you’ll also want a safe place to keep your cash. Take with you what you need for the day, perhaps in a money belt or other secure item, and leave the rest in your accommodation, ideally locked up. Most hostels and hotels around the world provide safes or lockboxes in their rooms, so you’ll be golden.

Plan your next trip with GoAbroad.com’s Travel Resources Hub

Cash or credit card it’s up to you.

So, should you use cash or credit cards when traveling? A mix of both may be the answer! If you do a bit of research prior to your trip, you’ll be able to safely estimate how much cash you should bring with you, how much and where to withdraw, and what your bank and credit card company’s policies are regarding international expenditures.

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Europe Travel

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Table of Contents

For booking your Europe trip

When traveling within europe, other questions to ask, if you want to pack a new credit card for your next trip to europe.

So you’ve finally started planning a trip to Europe. You’ve figured out which countries you’d like to visit, you’re itching to try on that new beret you just purchased, and you’re wondering — what is the best credit card for Europe travel?

The U.S. credit card market is overflowing with cards competing for your attention, which may make it seem confusing when it comes time to actually, well, buy anything. We break it all down to find out the best travel credit cards for Europe, both before and during your trip.

The best time to figure out your travel credit card strategy is before you actually begin to buy anything for your trip. Why? Because travel rewards credit cards offer some of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses .

With a large trip to Europe on the horizon, you’ll ideally want to give yourself enough time to earn the bonus and wait for the points or miles to be deposited into your account (so that you can redeem them for hotels, flights and more).

» Learn more: Why you should get your new travel card 6 months ahead of your trip

Travel credit cards

If want to purchase airfare, hotel rooms, train tickets, a rental car or gas, you’ll want a credit card that maximizes returns on all of these. In this case, your best bet is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually, the card earns 5x points on flights, 10x points on hotels and car rentals, and 10x points on Chase Dining purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards® .

With a broad definition of what counts as “travel,” the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also earns 3x points on other travel worldwide, including dining at restaurants, via delivery services or takeout. Since the card earns 1x points on all other purchases, it can give Europe-bound travelers some serious value.

In addition to great bonus categories, this card also features premium benefits to ease your travel experience, including Priority Pass airport lounge access and a Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck fee credit.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a hefty annual fee of $550 , which may be off-putting to some. In that case, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers the same broad definition of travel and 2x bonus points per dollar while charging only a $95 annual fee.

» Learn more: How to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Once you get to Europe, you might actually spend more on dining and activities than travel. Take a look at the best credit cards to use during your trip.

No foreign transaction fee credit cards

First and foremost, you’re going to want to find a credit card that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees . These fees can add up to 3% onto your bill simply for using your card outside the U.S. Thankfully, many credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

If you already have a credit card, you can check if it charges foreign transaction fees online. Otherwise, there are plenty of cards that’ll waive these fees, including our top pick for bonus travel rewards , the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Entertainment rewards credit cards

Odds are that once you’re abroad, you’re not going to sit around in your accommodations all day. Whether you’re heading out to the Mona Lisa or spending the day at Disneyland Paris, you’ll want a credit card that’ll maximize every dollar you spend. If you’re willing to pay the $95 annual fee, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card will give you a generous 4% cash back on entertainment — and it counts plenty of things as entertainment. These include tourist attractions, movie theaters, amusement parks, theatrical promoters, aquariums, zoos, bowling alleys and even dance halls.

If you’d rather skip the annual fee entirely, you can still earn rewards with a card like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card , which offers a respectable 3% cash back on entertainment without costing you a dime.

» Learn more: A guide to travel credit cards for beginners

Restaurant rewards credit cards

Depending on how you travel, you may spend a lot of money dining out.

If you already used one of the Chase Sapphire cards to book the trip, you’re covered on eating out as well. This is because the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer 3x bonus points per dollar on dining. Basically, if you want to spend on only one card before and during your Europe trip, pick a Chase Sapphire card.

If you’re simply looking for the maximum amount of earnings on your restaurant spend, the American Express® Gold Card with a $250 annual fee may look appealing to you. This card earns 4x points on dining worldwide, but American Express cards may not be accepted as widely as Mastercards and Visas in Europe. It’s better to have one of the Chase cards (Visa) or the Capital One Savor cards (Mastercard) just in case a restaurant you dine in doesn’t accept AmEx. Terms apply.

» Learn more: What are travel points worth and why do they matter?

Before you make your selection, ask yourself these questions.

What benefits do you already have?

It may not make sense to immediately jump to the conclusion that you need a new credit card. Instead, look at your current points strategy. Do you already have a card with no foreign transaction fees? Do you have enough points to book the flight or hotel?

For example, if you already have a Chase Sapphire card, you might consider getting another card in the Chase trifecta . You could earn a chunk of points through a sign-up bonus on another card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards®, then transfer those points to your Sapphire so you can redeem them at the higher rate for travel.

» Learn more: Cash back vs. travel: How to choose credit card rewards

How many credit cards are you willing to get?

We’ve recommended several different credit cards that excel in certain categories. If you’re not averse to multiple credit cards, you can really maximize the points you’ll earn during your trip by applying for a few different cards to get before your trip.

If not, you’ll want to pick a single card whose bonus categories most closely overlap with your predicted travel expenses.

Keep in mind the unwritten Chase 5/24 rule , which may curb the number of credit cards you can be approved for in a 24-month period.

What kind of annual fee are you willing to pay?

The credit cards with the most perks come with the highest annual fees. If you want all the bells and whistles (high earning rates, lounge access, Global Entry membership, etc.), you’ll likely need to shell out for a card with a high annual fee.

» Learn more: How to pick a premium travel credit card

How long do you have until your trip?

If you’re nearly ready to travel, you likely won’t have time to get more than one credit card, let alone spend enough money to earn multiple welcome bonuses. Consider this before applying for any credit cards.

How confident are you in your booking?

If you're worried your plans may change or go awry, travel insurance might help. This optional standalone insurance can be purchased separately from your other travel expenses.

But you might not even need to pay out-of-pocket for trip insurance because many credit cards offer travel insurance as a built-in benefit to customers who pay for travel expenses on that card.

Sometimes, though, not even trip insurance will guarantee a refund. Unless you’ve purchased a Cancel For Any Reason policy , which is usually more expensive, you’re only entitled to a refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

There are several ways to slice and dice the question of which credit card is best for a European vacation.

If your goal is to redeem travel rewards for your vacation, apply for a new credit card at least six months in advance .

If your goal is to earn rewards on your travel expenses, consider applying for a travel credit card ahead of booking your accommodations and flights.

Advanced travel credit card users might further optimize their wallets by including cards for specific in-country travel expenses, like entertainment or dining, and that are widely accepted overseas.

Above all, get a card that won’t ding you with foreign transaction fees.

The information related to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Money in Europe: What you need to know about getting cash in Europe

February 11, 2019 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

As an American abroad, one of the most common questions that I’m asked by visiting friends and family what is the best way to get cash out in Europe. It depends a bit on your country, but this post will discuss European currency, what you need to do before your trip, best practices for getting cash out at the best rates, whether you need to carry around lots of cash, using ATMs in Europe, how to get the best exchange rates, and some tips for various European countries.

• 1 European currency
• 2.1 Notify your bank and credit cards
• 2.2 Set your withdrawal limit
• 2.3 Do you need to carry a lot of cash on you?
• 2.4 Bring a wallet or change purse that can handle more coins
• 2.5 Check the ATM withdrawal policies of your bank
• 2.6 Avoid taking out cash before your trip for when you arrive
• 3.1 Avoid traveler’s checks
• 3.2 Know the rough rate for conversion
• 3.3 Ensure you have at least one debit card with Visa or Mastercard, if not more.
• 3.4 Make sure your card is chip and pin
• 4.1 ATMs in Airports are convenient, however they usually have high fees attached to them
• 4.2 Try to look up banks, rather than ATMs, as these ATMs will have lower fees
• 4.3 Be aware of your surroundings and try to use ATMs within residential neighborhoods
• 4.4 Check the ATM before using it
• 5.1 Large bills may not be broken in many shops
• 5.2 Avoid exchanging money
• 5.3 It’s generally cheaper to pay in cash for small items and meals. I typically use a credit card for hotels.
• 5.4 Americans: Avoid keeping excess US dollars, most places will not accept them
• 5.5 In countries that don’t use the euro, you might be able to use euros in some cases*
• 5.6 Be careful about handing off your cards to be run in the back
• 6 Any other questions about taking out money in Europe?

European currency

Within the European Union, the euro is the dominant currency used, however, the euro is not the only currency. Certain countries within the EU have chosen to keep their own currency. Similarly, there are countries within Europe that aren’t part of the European Union that do not use the euro. ( Kosovo is not part of the EU, but they choose to use the euro as their currency.)

These countries use the euro : Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands (my home!), Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

These countries in Europe do not use the euro: Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Hungary, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Poland, Norway, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.

Both one and two euro are coins, however beyond that, you’ll receive bills for the various denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500. In terms of coins, some European countries do not use the penny coin (e.g. the Netherlands), so your amount might be rounded to the nearest even amount.

What you need to do before your trip

Notify your bank and credit cards.

This is the most important notes that I have for travelers visiting Europe! If you don’t put on a travel notice for your cards, you won’t be able to use your cards. It’s disappointing and it’s happened to family members of mine. Inform your bank/credit card companies of travel plans.

Set your withdrawal limit

One pro tip of mine is to set your withdrawal limit a bit lower by default in case your card is stolen. I have my withdrawal limit at 150 euros per day and it can be updated easily if I had an emergency. As a traveler, I’d recommend maybe 200 euros if you’re concerned about needing to pay for a hotel in cash.

Do you need to carry a lot of cash on you?

No, you do not. Carrying a lot of cash on you is a liability whether it’s leaving it vulnerable in your hotel room and carrying it around with you on the street (making you more prone to pickpockets). It depends on your travel style, but you will be surprised how many European establishments will accept cards.

Some European countries like Germany and Albania tend to be more cash-based. Similarly, some countries (like the Netherlands) prefer a card system that is not used by many other countries (Maestro debit card). Generally, larger capital cities tend to be more oriented towards tourists, but you might see a shift once you visit smaller cities. Similarly, regional transit may not accept cards.

Bring a wallet or change purse that can handle more coins

Not everyone thinks about this, however you’ll need a change purse that can carry lots of coins . Both the euro as well as the 2 euro are coins, so I recommend bringing a coin purse at minimum ! You’ll be surprised how heavy your wallet can get if you are dealing with euros as well as several other currencies within Europe (especially in the Czech Republic).

Check the ATM withdrawal policies of your bank

Find out how much it will cost you per ATM visit. I recommend looking for a bank that has no ATM fees, which will make it easier to take out cash more often. In terms of US banks, I use Charles Schwab, which doesn’t charge ATM fees anywhere.

If you’re in a similar situation, I’d recommend visiting the ATM every few days (or as needed) to take out 100 euros (or 200 as needed) to minimize how much you’re carrying on you. If you have higher fees, I’d limit your cash to 300 euros at one time.

Avoid taking out cash before your trip for when you arrive

Although it seems natural to go to your bank to get some money, you’re going to get a less ideal exchange rate than if you use an ATM in Europe! There are generally ATMs (described as cash machines/cash points depending on the country) within most major airports, so don’t worry too much!

Best practices for getting cash out in Europe

Avoid traveler’s checks.

Although traveler’s checks have long been sold as the safest choice for paying for travel in Europe, however, you might be surprised how many places do not take them anymore. Save yourself the effort of gathering traveler’s checks and look into credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees before your trip to pay for hotels (and other extras).

Know the rough rate for conversion

On my first trip to Europe, I obsessed over the currency exchange rate, but unless you’re making a very large purchase in the thousands, you don’t need to check the currency rate obsessively. It will change a bit, but most likely not as markedly as you’d expect.

Even checking the rate every couple days or before you travel to a country that doesn’t use the euro will save you some hassle and help you figure out how much you’re spending in your home currency. This is particularly helpful in terms of using cash machines ( ATMS ), so you can estimate how much money you’re taking out in your home currency. (Google will instantly convert amounts for you in real time on your phone if needed.)

Ensure you have at least one debit card with Visa or Mastercard, if not more.

You never know when your cards will stop working, an ATM eats your card, or you forgot to clear your card for travel. It’s always good to always have a backup card. Visa and Mastercard are the two most popular card types in Europe, so if you have more than one, you’ll save yourself a lot of effort!

Make sure your card is chip and pin

European cards by default are chip and pin, so if your debit or credit card is not set up with chip and pin, you might want to check how to use it and/or replace it with a chip and pin card.

Without a chip and pin card, you might have some issues with card machines specifically designed for this purpose. (Many card readers in the Netherlands where I live are not designed for swiping.)

ATMs in Europe

ATMs in Airports are convenient , however they usually have high fees attached to them

One of the most convenient places to find an ATM is at the airport, however I recommend checking for the relevant fees as well as the exchange rate as these ATMS tend to be less than ideal. I sometimes take out a small bit of cash (40 euros) to allow me to get into the city center and/or my hotel before finding an ATM at a bank.

Try to look up banks, rather than ATMs, as these ATMs will have lower fees

Whenever you’re looking for a cash machine/ATM, I recommend searching for banks! There’s usually an ATM run by the bank itself and compared to third-party items, their fees might be lower (beyond your own international banking fees). Avoid Euronet ATMs at all costs!

Be aware of your surroundings and try to use ATMs within residential neighborhoods

This is a big one! When I was in Paris, someone on the free walking tour with me chose to use an ATM at a heavily trafficked corner near the Louvre. While he was using it, a man tried to extort him to take the cash while another lingered nearby.

I try to use cash machines in residential neighborhoods (where it’s quieter) and if I have to use an ATM in a popular area, I try to ensure that nobody else is close to me prior to quickly putting the money away.

Check the ATM before using it

Before using a cash machine, I generally will pull on the card reader portion. A skimmer is a device put on top of a card reader (for a restaurant or an ATM) in order to read your card and save that data for thieves. They’re harder to spot, but since watching this video of removing a skimmer in Vienna , I always tug a bit on the ATM and inspect the machine a bit before using it.

Other tips for money in Europe

Large bills may not be broken in many shops

If you’re taking out quite a bit of cash, be warned that many smaller shops and even commercial shops may refuse to break your bill that is 100 euros (and more). It’s frustrating, so avoid getting bills more than 100 euros (beyond paying for accomodation). I generally recommend getting out your money in twenties or fifties.

Avoid exchanging money

Although it seems like a good ideal to have some extra cash on you, the exchange rate at most money exchange booths is far less favorable than using an ATM. I recommend leaving your home currency money at home and waiting until you arrive. You’ll get more money to keep!

It’s generally cheaper to pay in cash for small items and meals. I typically use a credit card for hotels.

You’ll have an easier time paying for smaller meals as well as small items in cash. I typically use a credit card (that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees) to pay for hotels, car rentals, and large purchases (e.g. flights).

Americans: Avoid keeping excess US dollars, most places will not accept them

Although it used to be that you should carry some US dollars just in case, I can tell you that people will think you’re an idiot if you try to pay in US dollars. Pay in euros (or the applicable local currency). You’ll get a better exchange rate and they’ll be readily accepted.

In countries that don’t use the euro, you might be able to use euros in some cases*

In not all countries, the euro is accepted (at a markup) on the local currency at shops. I saw this at Cesky Krumlov, which is very close to the Austrian border, as well as in Albania . In Albania, most tours and hotels quoted the price in euros and would give you a more favorable exchange rate if you paid in lek.

Be careful about handing off your cards to be run in the back

If you’re paying with a card, I generally prefer to pay at the front where I can watch my card be run. If your card is taken to the back, you don’t really know what they’re doing with it and it might provide someone the opportunity to write down your card information. I generally request that I come to the front desk to pay, which is a good precaution.

Any other questions about taking out money in Europe?

• Two months in Europe itinerary
• Packing list for two weeks in Europe
• How to use your phone abroad
• How to dress more European
• Your perfect Amsterdam itinerary

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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Whether to Use Cash, Credit, or Debit While Traveling

Traveling with money is a task that makes many people uneasy, especially when foreign currency is involved. Carrying cash abroad can be deemed as risky, but credit and debit cards can be notoriously finicky because of bank security and the fees that come with international credit charges can have a major effect on your funds in the long run. So, what's a poor old wandering soul to do?

These are questions to bring up with your bank, of course, but the safest method is perhaps to use them all. In other words: The "don't put all your eggs in one basket" saying applies. Using a mix of cash, credit, debit, and maybe even the odd traveler's check ensures that if the fees for one method are particularly astronomical, your bank account won't take as much of a toll. It also helps if one of your cards or a wad of cash is lost or stolen. 

Cash is convenient and relatively cheap to exchange . You can take money from your home country into a foreign bank almost anywhere in the world and they'll easily exchange it without the worry of tiny bank fees adding up, pesky ATM fees, or losing out on a bad exchange rate. Alternatively, though, carrying coins and paper money is a security risk. When stolen, it cannot be replaced. The key is to have just a small amount of backup cash stashed away in a safe money belt.

If properly protected, a debit card can't be stolen as easily as cash. Debit cards can be used across many countries , although you should notify your bank of international usage first. Better yet, they can be used to retrieve cash—if the occasion calls for it—at an ATM and are all-around less bulky than carrying cash on your hip.

Be aware, however, that not all ATM machines (especially in more rural places) accept foreign debit cards and certainly not every restaurant and store will, either. Shops have been known to ban foreign debit altogether, so carrying a form of backup currency is always wise. Additionally, using debit regularly could lead to an accumulation of transaction fees. At ATMs, for instance, you'll be charged for converting funds into local currency and , if outside of your network, an additional ATM fee.

You may also need to change your PIN before you go, seeing as some countries' ATM machines can't process PINs with more than four digits. Others can't process ones with zeros. Lastly, before swiping your debit card abroad, educate yourself on ATM scams and learn how to avoid them.

Credit Cards

Like debit cards, credit cards are small and packable. They're replaceable and reliable. In fact, some hotels only accept authorization via credit, so this may be an integral method for you. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in other countries and you can use them for ATM transactions, too.

The bad news is that unscrupulous merchants can steal your credit card information and while you can dispute fraudulent charges and eventually get them removed from your account, the process can be grueling. You may need to cancel your card mid-trip to resolve fraud issues. It would be wise to also find out what your bank charges in international transaction fees before swiping your card haphazardly.

Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid travel cards like Visa TravelMoney look like credit cards but function more like a modern version of travelers checks. You simply load the card with money from your bank account and use it like a debit card at ATMs or like a credit card at merchants and hotels. They're locked with a PIN number, as your other cards are, for extra security, but they can sometimes be difficult to use at ATM machines. Additionally, fees for foreign currency transactions can be extremely high—as much as 7 percent in some cases.

Traveler's Checks

Although traveler's checks are historically secure and can be replaced if lost or stolen, they're hardly used anymore. Not many merchants or banks still accept them, even if they're written in their local currency. Merchants may charge you an additional fee for paying with traveler's checks, which are expensive to purchase in the first place (on top of the standard service fee, you'll also pay for shipping if you order them online). Not only are they one of the bulkiest means of payment to carry with you, they're one of the least useful, too.

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Travel Cards for Europe – The Best Options for Travellers! 

Choosing the right travel card for Europe can be complicated. There are a lot of factors to consider: exchange rates, fees for spending or withdrawing, type of card, payment processors, plus travel rewards and perks. 

Get it right and you’ll be a budgeting ninja – you’ll know exactly how much you’ve spent and how you’re going to pay for everything you need. Get it wrong and you’ll be more clumsy clown than ninja! Hefty bank fees, poor exchange rates and potentially being unable to access your hard-earned money are all risks you take when you pick the wrong bank card for European travel. 

We’ve trawled the internet for information about travel money cards, so you don’t have to. This research, combined with our own experiences and recommendations from our backpacking community on the ground, has helped us put together this shortlist of the best travel money cards for Europe.

Top Three European Travel Cards 

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.

• Available to European Economic Area residents.
• Limited fee-free withdrawals.
• Use the interbank exchange rate.

• Only available to UK residents. 
• Unlimited fee-free withdrawals
• Use the Mastercard exchange rate.

• Fee-free withdrawals depending on the country the card was issued in.
• Multi-currency accounts.
• Low fees when transferring money. 

Related: (links open in a new tab)

• Cheapest Cities in Europe
• Cheapest Countries in Europe
• Europe Budget Guide

Types of Travel Card for Europe

Debit cards for travel .

You’re bound to be familiar with debit cards. They’re provided with almost every current account as standard. The idea is that money is taken from your account as soon as it’s spent, making it easy to keep track and avoid spending more than you can afford. But not all debit cards are created equal. 

Many traditional banks charge ridiculous fees for using your card abroad or withdrawing money from foreign ATMs. On top of this, they often deliver a poor exchange rate, meaning the bank profits from you swapping your money into a foreign currency. 

Travel debit cards from digital or challenger banks tend to be much better for use in Europe. There are very few charges and you can usually withdraw at least some cash without paying foreign withdrawal fees. The exchange rate at challenger banks tends to be better too, often sticking to the official Mastercard or interbank rate. This means you can be sure the bank isn’t profiting from you needing some euros! 

Prepaid Travel Cards for Europe 

A prepaid travel card is essentially a debit card that needs to be topped up from your bank account. You can top them up using online banking, via an app or in certain stores and establishments. When the funds are loaded, you can use the card as a regular debit card. 

Until the relatively recent rise of digital banks, prepaid euro cards were an excellent choice for anyone travelling the continent. While they still have plenty of fees attached, they’re cheaper than traditional banks. However, with the swell of challenger banks offering excellent debit cards for travel, there’s no real need to use a prepaid card anymore.

If you do opt for a prepaid euro card, ensure you understand the fees and exchange rates. Prepaid cards that take multiple currencies may offer a fantastic exchange rate if you convert the money to euros straight away. But, if you load the card with your home currency, the exchange rate for each foreign transaction is generally much worse. It’s also worth noting that some even charge you to a small fee to top up! 

Credit Cards for Travel in Europe

Travel credit cards are an excellent way to save money in Europe – but only if you’re careful! Make sure you pay off the balance each month. If you don’t, the interest you’ll need to pay will negate any savings you’d otherwise make. 

Most credit cards for travel offer fee-free transactions, no matter where you are in Europe. However, very few offer fee-free cash withdrawals – and even if they do, there is usually a higher interest rate attached to withdrawing cash on a credit card.

As well as fee-free transactions, travel credit cards tend to offer points for every pound, dollar or euro you spend. These points add up over time and can be redeemed for air miles, hotel stays and a range of other incentives, including cold hard cash! Exactly what is on offer will depend on your credit card provider, so shop around to make sure you get the best deal! 

Direct Debit Travel Card 

Direct debit travel cards offer a unique way to save money in Europe: simpler than opening a new bank account, easier than getting a new credit card and far less faff than choosing a good prepaid euro card, direct debit travel cards are changing the game. 

They connect to your normal bank account and you use them as a traditional debit card. The only difference is that the transaction goes through the travel card provider who act as an intermediary between your bank and the card machine you’re using. This step means your bank won’t charge you foreign transaction fees, saving you a small fortune! 

The Best Money Cards for Europe!

• Available to customers from the European Economic Area as well as many more countries!
• Multi-currency accounts on offer
• Limited free foreign withdrawals

Available to customers from many countries  – As well as being available to anyone with an address in the  European Economic Area , Revolut offer accounts to anyone from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, UK, USA, Japan and Brazil. Revolut also offer ‘lite’ accounts to customers from other countries too! 

Visa or Mastercard  – Whether you get a Mastercard or Visa Revolut debit card will depend on where you live and where your account is registered. Both Visa and Mastercard work across Europe, so you won’t have an issue with either! 

Spending and Withdrawals  – Revolut allow you to withdraw £200GBP ( the exact amount may be slightly different in your local currency ), or make five withdrawals per month fee-free. After this, a 2% cash withdrawal fee kicks in. You also get limited fee-free card transactions each month. The first £1000GBP spent on your card (not including cash withdrawals) comes with no additional fees. After the first £1000GBP, a 0.5-1% fee applies to every transaction. With Revolut’s paid accounts, the withdrawal and spending limits are higher. 

App-Based  – Revolt offer full control of your account through the app. You can open a current account, multi-currency account, lock the card and create single-use digital debit cards all from the comfort of your sofa – no more needing to queue up at the bank to tell them you’re going travelling! 

Accommodation Bookings  – Revolut Stays allows you to book accommodation through the Revolut app and get 3-10% cashback!

You must be 18 and over to open a Revolut account. Read the full T&Cs .

• Free foreign withdrawals
• Deluxe accounts available for an additional fee
• Uses the interbank exchange rate
• Free withdrawals are limited to a certain amount of money each month
• Exchange rate changes at the weekend
• Fee-free foreign spending is limited

Starling Bank

• Fee-free foreign withdrawals and transactions
• Uses the Mastercard exchange rate 
• Account set-up is quick and easy

Withdrawals – Starling allow you to withdraw up to £300GBP or make six withdrawals per day . There are no foreign withdrawal fees and Starling uses the Mastercard exchange rate with no markup. There are also no fees for using your card to pay directly when in Europe!

Ethical Banking – Starling seem determined to do things differently. They have clear ethical and environmental goals laid out on their website . While your typical high street bank is investing your money in firearms, tobacco, alcohol and fossil fuels, Starling opt for ethical investing! 

Works Across Europe – Starling Bank provide a Mastercard with their accounts. This works almost everywhere in Europe! 

Helps You Budget – Thanks to spending notifications, spending categories, saving spaces and goals, Starling helps you accurately budget before and during your trip. You can create a virtual debit card for each saving space, allowing you to closely monitor your spending while you travel in Europe!

• No fees on foreign spending or withdrawals
• Easily replaces your traditional bank
• Full control from your phone
• Only available to those with a UK address

• No fee for foreign transactions
• Multi-currency account – hold up to 50 currencies at once
• Some free foreign withdrawals – the exact amount depends on where you live and where the account is registered

Perfect for Digital Nomads – If your work involves clients in multiple countries, Wise has you covered. A Wise account allows you to be paid in and store multiple currencies. 

Visa or Mastercard – Wise provide either a Visa or Mastercard depending on where you live and where your account is registered. However, not all Wise customers are eligible for a debit card with their account, this also depends where you live. See the full list of card-eligible countries here . 

Fees for Withdrawing Cash – Wise offer some free cash withdrawals each month. The exact amount you can withdraw before incurring fees depends on where you live and where the account the registered. 

Fees for Foreign Transactions – Wise allow you to spend money on your card fee-free but only if you have the correct currencies stored in your account. If not, they charge a small conversion fee for each transaction. 

• Available to residents of almost every country
• Can store and spend multiple currencies with one account
• Low international transfer fees
• Not all accounts come with a debit card (it depends on where you live)
• The card doesn’t work in every country

• No foreign transaction fees
• Uses Visa’s live exchange rate
• Works in all European countries

Fees – Although you can access a network of over 60,000 ATMs fee-free in the USA, you’ll need to pay a $2.50USD fee to withdraw money abroad with your Chime debit card. However, there are no international transaction fees with Chime, so you can pay for things on your card without having to stump up for an additional fee. 

Exchange Rate – When spending abroad with your Chime debit card, you’ll get the live Visa exchange rate. While fractionally worse than the Mastercard exchange rate, it’s still much better than using a money changer or letting traditional banks dictate the exchange rate. Remember to always pay in the local currency if you see the option on an ATM or card terminal! 

App and Website – Both Chime’s smartphone app and website give you an excellent level of control of your account. Make sure you enable international spending either through the app or website, so you can use the card abroad! Failure to do so will prevent the card from working and could see Chime block the card due to suspicious activity! 

Withdrawal Limit – Chime offer a generous $500USD daily withdrawal limit. If you’re withdrawing money abroad, you should withdraw the maximum possible to reduce the frequency you’ll be paying the $2.50USD foreign withdrawal fee!

• No rolling monthly fee
• High daily withdrawal limits
• Easy to control your account through the app or website
• Only available to customers in the USA
• No contactless card payments possible (does work with Apple and Google Pay though)
• Not all online payments are supported by Chime

• Connects with your traditional bank account
• Use the Currensea card as you would a normal debit card
• Removes foreign transaction fees usually levied from your bank

Easy to Use – While getting another travel card or opening a new bank account can feel like a hassle, Currensea making spending money in Europe easy! Thanks to open banking laws, a Currensea direct debit travel card hooks straight into your bank account, allowing you to spend money with reduced fees while abroad. Simply use the card as you would your normal debit card and Currensea handle the rest!

Different Plans – Currensea offer three different plans. The free plan offers everything you need for a shorter trip but if you travel a lot, getting either the Premium or Elite plan gives you access to better exchange rates, larger fee-free withdrawals and a range of other perks such as hire car discounts, hotel bonuses and even airport lounge access with the Elite card! 

Mastercard – The Currensea direct debit travel card is powered by Mastercard. This means you can use it anywhere that accepts Mastercard (almost everywhere in Europe)!

• No need to set up a new account
• Up to £500GBP fee-free withdrawal each month
• Different plans available depending on your needs
• Small fees for foreign withdrawals after the £500GBP limit is reached
• 0.5% foreign transaction fee with the free account (no transaction fee with paid accounts)
• Still leaves you reliant on your major high street bank

Prepaid Euro Cards 

While not necessary in the age of digital banks and FinTech companies, prepaid euro cards are still relatively popular – more popular than they deserve to be, honestly. 

Prepaid travel cards tend to have lower fees than your traditional high street bank but the costs are higher than opting for a digital bank or even a direct debit travel card. Some prepaid cards also have nasty hidden fees, such as a fee for loading money onto the card, or a fee for getting any leftover money back after your trip. 

We don’t like to recommend prepaid travel cards because they serve little purpose in today’s digital world but in case you’ve already made up your mind, these are the most popular options among travellers to Europe! 

• Travelex – Best for Travellers from the USA
• Monese – Top Choice for Travellers from the UK
• Fair FX – Top Choice for Travellers from the EU
• PayPal Prepaid Mastercard – Another Good Option for Travellers from The USA

Travel Money Cards for Europe – Your Questions Answered! 

Which cards are accepted in europe.

Mastercard and Visa cards are widely accepted throughout Europe and the rest of the world. You may have a hard time using an American Express card in Europe, although they’re more common than they used to be. Discover cards are less accepted than American Express. If you only have a Discover or American Express card, we recommend supplementing your wallet with a Mastercard or Visa as well! 

What is a Travel Card?

Travel cards allow you to access your money, either via card transactions or an ATM, abroad, without incurring high fees from your traditional bank. They come in different forms:

– Travel Credit Cards – Usually just regular credit cards with low or no foreign use fees and often include travel-based incentives like air miles or discounts on hotel stays.  – Travel Debit Cards – Can be used like a normal debit card. Often travel debit cards are supplied by a travel-friendly bank but you can also get prepaid travel debit cards that you top up from your traditional bank. You can also get direct debit travel cards which connect to your traditional bank and allow you to bypass your bank’s fees.

Travel Cards for Europe – A Round-Up

Getting the right travel card for Europe won’t make or break your trip but it can mean the difference of a few hundred dollars, even over a couple of weeks of travelling! For a longer adventure, the savings you’ll make will allow you to upgrade your accommodation choices or treat yourself to good restaurants while you travel!

It really is a no-brainer! Grab your travel card, book your flight and head to Europe for a backpacking trip to remember!  Have we missed your favourite travel card from our list? Let us know in the comments below!

Tim Ashdown | Writer and Gear Specialist

After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Tim decided life was too short to stay cooped up in his home county of Norfolk, UK. Since then, he has travelled Southeast Asia, walked the Camino de Santiago and backpacked South America. His first book,  From Paralysis to Santiago,  chronicles his struggle to recover from the motorcycle accident and will be released later this year.

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The 5 Best Travel Cards for Europe 2024

Europe is one of the top destinations for Australians heading on holiday - with year round attractions depending on whether you’re looking for a beach break, ski trip, or simply some time to eat, drink and soak up the culture. No matter what you’re off to Europe for, you’ll need to pay for things while you’re there. This guide walks through our picks of 5 of the best travel cards available for Australians heading to Europe, with a look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

5 best travel cards to use in Europe

• Wise - debit card
• Revolut - debit card
• Travelex - prepaid card
• 28 Degrees Platinum - credit card
• Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard - credit card

Wise is our pick for travel debit card for Europe

With this card:

• Convert Aussie dollars to Euros at the mid-market exchange rate
• It's very easy to set up and order
• You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas

It's not all good news though

• There is a 1.75% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• It takes 7-14 days for delivery

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Wise compares

Read the full review

What are different types of travel cards?

It can be tricky working out which is the best travel card to use in Europe.

The fact is, the best one for you will really depend on what you need from the card you're using. We've listed what we think are three of the best travel money cards you can use while you're in Europe.

They can be either prepaid, debit or credit cards designed specially for overseas use. You can use travel cards to make purchases online, in stores and to withdraw money at ATMs. There are 3 popular types:

Travel Debit Cards

Prepaid travel cards, travel credit cards.

Let's have a look at each one.

Debit Cards offer the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. They draw money directly from your bank account when you make a purchase. It's designed for everyday money transactions and means that you're not accumulating debt.

If you have spending issues, it's a better option to use your debit card whenever possible. This is because it will prevent you from falling into credit card debt. And for daily purchases, we think a debit card can help you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account.

Generally, we recommend having the combination of a travel debit and travel credit card for safety, flexibility and convenience on your trip.

Wise - travel debit card for Europe

The Wise card offers a flexible way to pay and make withdrawals with most European currencies covered for holding and exchange. You’ll be able to order your card for a low one time fee, with no ongoing costs to worry about.

Whether you’re spending in euros, British pounds, or any of the other 40+ currencies supported, you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate when you switch from AUD, with low fees from 0.43%. Exchange your AUD to the currency or currencies you need in advance, or just let the card handle the conversion at the point of payment for extra convenience.

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, exchange rate markups
• No minimum balance requirements
• Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR) and New Zealand (NZD)
• It takes 7-14 business days to receive the card
• Can't always access local technical support depending on where you are
• Free cash withdrawals limited to under $350 every 30 days
• Only currently available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

Revolut - prepaid travel card for Europe

The Revolut prepaid travel card lets you pick the account and card type that suits your personal needs and preferences. Go for a Standard plan with no monthly fee to pay, or upgrade to one of the higher tier account options with ongoing costs, which unlock extra features and benefits. Whichever card you pick you can spend in 150+ countries and get some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion which uses the mid-market rate. Fair usage fees apply once you’ve used your account plan no-fee limit for a particular transaction type.

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

• Very easy to use app
• Free to set up
• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
• You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
• 2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
• 3-4 business days before you receive your card
• Ongoing subscription fee for Premium and Metal cards

For prepaid cards, you're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currencies you need. Ideally you do this before your trip, but often you can reload them as well.

Most prepaid travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

Depending on where you're visiting, there might be better local alternatives available. Check out our lists of the best prepaid cards available in the USA and UK .

With prepaid travel cards you need to be careful. They can have numerous fees and charges, which can make it more expensive than other options. But if you're organised and travelling to multiple cities a prepaid travel card is a good option.

Travelex - prepaid travel card for Europe

The Travelex travel money card can be a convenient pick if you’re in a hurry as you can walk into a Travelex store and get one in just a few minutes. Just take along a suitable ID document, to get your card and account before you travel. You’ll be able to hold and exchange 10 major currencies, which covers euros and pounds. Bear in mind that exchange rates may include a markup - and other European currencies aren’t supported for holding or exchange so while you’ll be able to spend in a selection of other currencies, you won’t be able to buy them in advance to lock in a rate and set your travel budget.

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Travelex compares

• Supports 10 major global currencies for holding and exchange 
• Get your card online or in person for extra convenience
• No Travelex fee to spend or make an ATM withdrawal
• Some fee free ways to top up your card balance are available
• Exchange rates are likely to include a markup on the mid-market rate
• Fees may apply when you buy or top up your card
• Relatively low number of supported currencies
• Account closure and inactivity fees may apply

Credit cards have obviously been around for a long time. But now there are specialised travel credit cards. Generally, these cards give you longer to pay back what you've spent but the interest rates after this time can be quite high.

The main advantage with credit cards are the reward points you get in return for your customer loyalty when you spend. But it only works if you pay off the balance in full each month.

Credit cards are great to use for car hire, restaurants and accommodation - larger expenses that are easier for you to pay back over time. Some services only take credit cards to hold purchases so they can definitely be handy while you're travelling.

28 Degrees - travel credit card for Europe

• There are no annual fees
• No overseas purchase fee or currency conversion fee
• You get 55 days interest free on purchases
• Access to free 24/7 concierge service
• Emergency card replacement worldwide

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has additional benefits including shoppers and repayments benefits cover.

• Can have 9 additional cardholders
• No overseas purchase fee, or currency conversion fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Free Replacement Card
• High interest rates after the initial 55 days
• Minimum credit limit is $6,000
• No introductory offers or rewards

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card for Europe

The Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard has no annual fee to pay, and no foreign transaction fee either. That can make it a good option if you’d prefer to spend using a credit card and then pay off your travel bills later. There’s even a buy now, pay later which may let you split the costs of some eligible purchases into 4 payments with no extra interest to pay. Bear in mind that some fees and costs do apply to this card, particularly if you want to make ATM withdrawals, or if you’d prefer not to pay your bill off in full every month.

• No annual fee to pay
• No Bankwest foreign transaction fee
• Some complimentary travel insurance available for card holders
• Can be used as a payment guarantee, such as when renting a car or checking into a hotel
• Interest applies if you don’t pay your bill in full every period
• Cash advance fee of 3%, and a higher rate of interest compared to card spending
• 6,000 AUD minimum credit limit
• Subject to eligibility requirements and credit checks

FAQ - 5 best travel cards for Europe

Which card is better to use in Europe?

The best card for Europe will depend on exactly where you’re heading and how you like to manage your money. Using a travel debit card or travel prepaid card like Wise travel card or Revolut can be a handy way to hold, exchange, spend and manage your money across a selection of major European currencies, offering flexibility and low costs. 

What's the best prepaid card to use in Europe?

There’s no single best prepaid card for Europe, but picking one which covers all the currencies you’ll need is essential. Bear in mind that there are many other European currencies aside from pounds and euros - choose a card which has a broad range of supported currencies for convenience. Wise supports 40+ currencies, while Revolut has 25+ currencies, making either of these a good place to start your research.

Can I use my Australian debit card in Europe?

You can use your Australian debit card in Europe anywhere the network - often Visa or Mastercard - is supported. Bear in mind that you may need to tell your bank you’re planning to travel, to avoid your card being frozen for security reasons. Double check if your debit card has a foreign transaction fee to pay - if it does, using a specialist travel card can mean you pay less overall when you spend in foreign currencies.

What is the best way to pay when travelling in Europe?

Having a selection of ways to pay whenever you travel is a good idea. You may choose to carry some local cash, some AUD for exchange, your Australian debit card and a specialist travel credit or debit card, for example. This should mean you’re covered - even if you find a merchant which can’t accept your preferred payment method.

Which debit card has no fees in Europe?

A travel card from a provider like Wise, Revolut or Travelex lets you hold a foreign currency balance and spend it with no extra fee. Each card has its own features and fees so you’ll need to compare a few to decide which is best for your specific needs.

Is Visa or Mastercard better for Europe?

Both Visa and Mastercard are very widely accepted in Europe. Look out for the symbol displayed on ATMs or at payment terminals in stores.

Need to know more about travelling to Europe?

Passports, Visas and Vaccinations

How Much Things Cost in Europe

Currency in Europe

Banks, ATMs & Currency Exchange

The Best Cards to Use in Europe

7 Common Travel Money Traps to Avoid in Europe

Travelling from the UK to Europe? Spend effortlessly in Euros (EUR) with a multi-currency card.

40+ million worldwide customers use Revolut

Revolut offers so much more than a travel card. Exchange currencies, send money abroad, and hold 36 local currencies in-app. These are just some reasons why our customers rely on us for their travel spending.

How does a Euro card work?

How to get your EUR card

Get your Euro card in 3 steps

Get revolut.

Join 40+ million people worldwide saving when they spend abroad with Revolut.

Order your card

Order your free Euro card. Top up your balance in GBP or 36 other currencies.

Spend like a local

Start spending in Euros.

Currency exchange fees subject to fair-usage limits and weekend markups. Currency exchange shown is only an indicative example.

Why should I get a Euro card?

Where is the Euro card available?

Spend confidently with a Euro card

How to save money when spending in Euros

Tips for saving money in Europe

Don't exchange at airports or at home.

No need to exchange cash before you travel — use your travel money card to spend or withdraw money from an ATM.

Choose EUR as the local currency

Choose the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants.

Save with a travel money card

Spend in Euros like a local with Revolut.

How to avoid unwanted ATM fees

Need to make EUR withdrawals in Europe?

Fee-free Euro ATM withdrawals

Fee-free atm withdrawals up to £200, fee-free atm withdrawals up to £400, fee-free atm withdrawals up to £800.

ATM withdrawals are subject to fair-usage fees depending on plan. Currency exchange fees may apply.

What are you waiting for?

Save when you travel with a EUR travel card

Rating as of 29 Apr 2024

705K Reviews

2.8M Reviews

Need a little more help?

Euro currency card FAQs

Is it better to use a travel money card rather than cash in europe.

There is no 'best' way to spend in Euros, but here are some tips to help you save money:

• Don’t exchange cash at the airport. It’s much cheaper to withdraw money from an ATM with your Euro card.
• Don't carry more cash than you need. When you return home to the UK, you’ll have to re-convert this cash back to GBP.
• Always choose EUR as the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants.
• Download the Revolut app, then sign up to get instant notifications on what you spend and manage your balance.

Are travel money cards safe and secure?

Where can i use my eur travel money card, how much can i pay using my euro card.

There is no limit to the amount that you can spend using your Euro card. Just top up in-app with however much you want and enjoy your travels.

How can I avoid unwanted ATM fees in Europe?

There are tonnes of benefits to a Euro card. Let’s look at a few:

• Send and spend in Euros and 150+ other currencies.
• No need to exchange or carry cash. Pay with your Euro card, either contactless or with chip and PIN.
• No need to wait for your physical card to arrive. Instantly add your card to Google Pay or Apple Pay.
• Create single-use virtual cards for safe online shopping or travel bookings.
• Enjoy fee-free ATM withdrawals between £200 and £2,000 monthly, depending on your plan.
• Get instant payment notifications to keep track of how much you spend.
• Stay in control of your card’s security, with card freezing and spending limit controls.
• Easily manage your spending around the world with the free Revolut app.

How do I get a Euro travel money card?

To order your Revolut debit card and start spending in Euros, simply:

• Download the Revolut app on your Android or iPhone and sign up for free.
• Order your free Euro card. Top up your balance in GBP or 150+ other currencies.
• Get your card in the post or add it to Google Pay or Apple Pay to use it immediately.
• Start spending like a local in Euros.

6 ways to make the most of the Amex Gold Card benefits

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

The American Express® Gold Card makes TPG's top charts yearly as one of the best card for dining at restaurants. It comes with food-focused bonus categories and a slate of other valuable perks that can help you save big — no matter if you're at home or on the road.

While the annual fee is $250 (see rates and fees ) and isn't waived the first year, we'll help you walk through the card's unique benefits to see how to make it pay for itself.

Welcome offer worth at least $1,200

The Amex Gold Card comes with 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Remember that you could be targeted for a much higher offer through the CardMatch tool or referral offers. For instance, you might be able to earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in the first three months. This special offer is worth $1,500, according to TPG valuations . (Note that targeted offers are subject to change at any time.)

Amex Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for anything from cash back to lavish flights in Singapore Airlines first-class suites . However, not all redemption options are equal. You'll get the most value from this program by transferring points to partner hotel and airline loyalty programs.

Here are some of the best ways to mix and match your 60,000 bonus points:

• 50,000 points: One-way business-class flight on Air France or KLM through Air France-KLM Flying Blue .
• 5,000 points: Round-trip domestic economy awards booked during one of Delta's frequent flash sales .
• 25,750 points: One-way economy-class award between the West Coast and Tokyo (HND or NRT) booked through British Airways Executive Club .

Even better, Amex regularly offers transfer bonuses that you can leverage to get as much as 40% extra value from your points. Just remember that we never recommend speculatively transferring points to a program without a specific use in mind, as miles can be devalued at any moment, and transfers can't be reversed.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets

It doesn't matter if you prefer dining in or out. If you like food — who doesn't? — you should have no trouble maximizing the Amex Gold's bonus spending categories. The card awards 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (1 point per dollar thereafter). With our current valuation of 2 cents per point in mind, the Amex Gold yields a whopping 8% return on food purchases, beating out most cards on the market .

In fact, these bonus categories may be valuable enough to open the card well before considering the welcome bonus . If you spend at least $3,150 per year on groceries and dining combined, you'll come out ahead on the $250 annual fee.

Tip: Although the Amex Gold doesn't carry any foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), the bonus points for supermarket purchases are only awarded for spending in the U.S.

Related: Why the Amex Gold is one card we can't live without

3 points per dollar on flights

The Amex Gold earns 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly through the airline or through Amex Travel , amounting to a return of 6% based on TPG's valuations .

Plus, if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged when you're traveling with a common carrier and you've purchased your ticket with the Amex Gold , you'll be eligible for up to $1,250 in coverage for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.

Related: The best travel credit cards

$120 in annual Uber Cash

By adding your Amex Gold to your Uber app, you'll automatically receive up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash , which can be used for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. Although this credit doesn't roll over month to month, this benefit should be easy to maximize. Enrollment is required.

Related: Who should (and who shouldn't) get the Amex Gold card?

$120 in annual dining credits

You'll get an up-to-$120 annual dining statement credit (allotted in up-to-$10 increments each month) when paying with your Amex Gold at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.(enrollment is required). Delivery services for Grubhub are available in most major U.S. cities, and it's hard to imagine that a purchase at any of these merchants would cost less than $10 a month, so this benefit should also be easy to use.

You'll have to enroll through the Amex website to get this benefit. Like the Uber Cash credit, the $10 dining credit expires at the end of each month, so you won't be able to roll any unused credits over.

Related: How to register for the Amex Gold monthly dining credit

Get elitelike benefits with The Hotel Collection

A lesser-known benefit of the Amex Gold Card is booking hotels through Amex's The Hotel Collection . By making a reservation of two nights or longer, you'll earn 2 points per dollar, a room upgrade at check-in (upon availability) and a $100 on-site credit, which can be used toward things like dining, the spa or resort activities at the property. Booking just one or two of these stays a year can help you recoup a huge portion of the card's annual fee.

Related: How to use Amex's The Hotel Collection to snag extra perks on hotel stays

Bottom line

Many credit cards come loaded with valuable benefits, but their worth is only realized if you actually use them . Luckily, the Amex Gold makes it pretty easy to do so. Between the dining credits and other annual credits, the card's annual fee already effectively drops to just $10 a year. Throw in the outstanding return on food purchases and perks you get when booking travel, and you're sure to come out ahead.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here .

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Find the best credit card for you

Here are the 3 best chase balance transfer credit cards of 2024, save money with these chase credit cards that offer 0% introductory aprs on balance transfers..

Credit card interest rates are often higher than other financial products like personal loans or mortgages so it's best to pay off your credit card balance in full every month . However, that isn't always possible so many people may wind up with high-interest credit card debt. In these situations, taking advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer can reduce the interest you pay and help you pay off your credit card debt more quickly.

Chase is known for issuing some top travel credit cards , but it also has several cards that offer an intro 0% APR for balance transfers. Consider these Chase balance transfer credit cards if you're hunting for a balance transfer offer. (See our methodology for information on how we chose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards).

Best Chase balance transfer credit cards

• Best for long intro APR: Chase Slate Edge℠
• Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for rotating bonus categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Best for long intro APR

Chase slate edge℠, welcome offer.

Get an automatic review for a credit limit increase when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

0% for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Slate Edge℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• No annual fee
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year: Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1,000 on your card by your next account anniversary
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No rewards program

Who's this for? The Chase Slate Edge℠ does one thing, and it does it well — reduce the interest you pay. Its longer-than-usual introductory APR offer makes it ideal for those seeking more time to pay off their balance.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders are eligible for an intro 0% APR on eligible balance transfers and purchases for 18 months from account opening, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. This is one of the longest intro APR offers available and is especially useful since it applies to purchases, too.

An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher) applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, the balance transfer fee is $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher).

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for cash back

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

• Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
• Generous welcome bonus
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is geared toward those who want to earn cash back on their everyday spending and still want access to a helpful intro APR offer.

Balance transfer offer : New card members receive an intro 0% APR for purchases and balance transfer for the first 15 months, after that a variable 20.49% to 29.24% APR applies. For the first 60 days of account opening, there's an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum). After that, a standard balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies, whichever is greater.

Best for rotating bonus categories

Chase freedom flex℠.

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

• Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
• Bonus categories must be activated each quarter

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great card for anyone who enjoys squeezing the most value out of their credit card thanks to its generous rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balances transfer, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days. After that, the standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5, whichever is greater.

More on our top Chase balance transfer credit cards

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is a no annual fee card with several features that can help you pay less interest, but doesn't earn rewards.

Get an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in the first six months.

Notable perks

With the Chase Slate Edge , you are automatically considered for a 2% APR reduction if you pay your monthly bill on time and spend at least $1,000 on the card before your next account anniversary (terms apply). While you'll want a plan to pay off your balance transfer before the interest kicks in, this feature can help you lower your APR compared to what you might pay with other credit cards.

This card's insurance benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty protection, roadside dispatch and rental car collision and theft coverage (secondary in the U.S.).

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of CNBC Select's top no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards with a unique intro bonus and a handful of useful benefits to complement its cash-back earnings.

• 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 4.5% cash back on dining
• 4.5% cash back at drug stores
• 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 and enroll for three complimentary months of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). Purchases are also covered by a range of built-in protections like rental car collision damage insurance (secondary in the U.S.), extended warranty coverage, purchase protection and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

While this is a cash-back credit card , you can boost the value of the rewards you earn by pairing this card with a Chase card that allows points transfers (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ). By transferring the rewards you earn to travel partners like World Hyatt, United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan, you can potentially book luxury hotels and flights for fewer points.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ packs a punch with generous rewards in bonus categories that change every quarter and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus.

• 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in categories that change each quarter, then 1% cash back (activation required)
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% cash back on dining
• 3% cash back at drug stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Cardholders receive discounts and special perks with partners like Lyft and DoorDash. There are also many valuable built-in protections for a no-annual-fee card, including:

• Cell phone insurance
• Rental car insurance (secondary in the U.S.)
• Extended warranty coverage
• Purchase protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

When you have a Chase card that unlocks the ability to transfer Chase points to hotel and airline partners (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card) , it increases the value of the Freedom Flex. So this isn't only a strong standalone rewards credit card , but it has synergies with other cards.

How to complete a Chase balance transfer

Chase typically charges a balance transfer fee from 3% to 5% with a $5 minimum. Before you complete a balance transfer , be sure the interest you save will outweigh the fee.

There are several ways to do a balance transfer with Chase. One of the best and easiest options is to complete a balance transfer when you apply for a card. When you do this, you'll be able to make the most out of your intro APR because any 0% interest timeframe you qualify for begins when you open the card.

If you want to perform a balance transfer with a Chase card you already have, you'll need to log in to your account and follow these steps:

• Click "Pay & Transfer"
• Then click on the "Transfer" dropdown menu
• Select "Card balance transfers"

You can then select any of your Chase cards from a dropdown menu and see what balance transfer offers are available.

Are Chase balance transfers worth it?

When you make a balance transfer, you'll generally pay a fee of 3% to 5% of the balance. To determine whether a balance transfer is worth it, calculate how much you would save in interest compared to how much you'd pay in transfer fees.

What is one disadvantage of a 0% interest balance transfer card?

Aside from the balance transfer fees, the biggest downside to a balance transfer is you'll have the same amount of credit card debt as before. If you don't have a plan, or the resources, to pay off your debt before the intro APR expires, you'll be stuck paying interest once again.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

A balance transfer doesn't directly hurt your credit score and could help improve your credit if you're able to pay down your debt. However, you'll want to keep in mind that your credit score will temporarily dip when you apply for new credit (including a balance transfer card).

Bottom line

The top balance transfer cards Chase issues offer intro APR periods of 15 to 18 months, and these intro APR offers also apply to purchases, making them even more useful. If you're interested in paying less interest , these are some of the best offers available. When you're in credit card debt, your primary focus should be repayment, not earning rewards, but the fact that some of the cards on this list earn rewards is a nice bonus.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card   article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Our methodology

To determine which Chase cards are best for balance transfers, CNBC Select analyzed the Chase credit cards with intro APR balance transfer offers. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus and balance transfer fee. We also considered additional perks, consumer protections, the application process when available and how easy it is to redeem rewards. However, when you're in credit card debt, your priority should be repayment, so we focused more on the cards that provide consumers with the cheapest ways to pay off their debt rather than the number of rewards they could potentially earn.

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Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

The highest cash-back credit card with no annual fee

How the freedom flex works, how much could you earn, what happens once the rewards rotate, push your rewards even higher with the chase sapphire preferred or reserve, the bottom line, earn 7% cash back at restaurants with the chase freedom flex this spring.

This card's rotating categories hit the sweet spots for spring travel with unparalleled cash back reward rates.

Evan Zimmer

Staff Writer

Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

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There are a lot of great travel credit cards you could bring with you on your spring trips, but few have the same breadth as the Chase Freedom Flex℠ *. 

The card has potentially the highest cash-back rates when you activate on two of the best parts of traveling: food and board. It doesn’t charge an annual fee, either, helping you maximize your savings.

But you’ll need to act quickly. These rewards will only last through June 2024.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

What makes the card’s current offer so enticing is its unparalleled cash back rate at restaurants and hotels -- so long as you can book the latter through Chase Travel℠. 

The Freedom Flex typically offers 3% cash back at restaurants, but combined with its rotating 5% cash back (on the first $1,500 spent in quarterly combined purchases, then 1%) bonus categories when you activate, the Freedom Flex boosts that number to 7% cash back.

And, since the card earns 5% cash back for travel booked through Chase Travel already, combined with its current 5% cash back offering for hotels, you could earn 9% cash back on your hotel booking if you can make it through Chase. 

The math doesn’t quite add up -- if you earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and the bonus categories typically earn 5% cash back, shouldn’t that be 8% cash back on dining?

Here’s a breakdown of how Chase explained the rewards rates:

• Hotels booked through Chase Travel: Earn 4% cash back from rotating rewards and 5% back from the standard bonus category -- 9% cash back total .
• Hotels booked directly: Earn 4% cash back from rotating rewards and 1% from the card’s base rate -- 5% cash back total .
• Restaurants: Earn 4% cash back from rotating rewards and 3% from the standard category -- 7% cash back total .
• Amazon.com: Earn 5% cash back from rotating rewards.
• Drug stores: Earn 3% cash back from the standard bonus category.
• All other purchases: Earn 1% cash back.

However, there are a few caveats. First, these rates won’t last -- the Freedom Flex only offers 5% cash back at Amazon.com, hotels and restaurants when you activate from April to June 2024.

Second, the rotating reward category has a spending cap of $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases. So once you hit that limit, your restaurant rewards will fall to 3%, your Amazon.com purchases will fall to 1%, and your hotel rewards rate will fall to 5% for hotels booked through Chase Travel and 1% for hotels booked directly through the hotel brand.

The Chase Freedom Flex offers rotating rewards that change quarterly , or about every three months. Its current rotating bonus categories cover purchases made at Amazon.com, hotels and restaurants. Keep in mind you’ll need to manually activate these rewards each time they change.

Luckily, you can set alerts to inform you when it’s time to activate. And, if you do forget, you can still activate by June 14, 2024. You’ll even earn retroactive rewards for any purchases made in the featured categories before you activated -- something that gives this card an edge over the Discover it® Cash Back* .

In addition to its rotating rewards, the Freedom Flex offers a few static bonus categories. These categories cover restaurants, drug stores and travel booked through Chase.

With its spending cap of $1,500 in combined purchases, you could earn a total of $75 across the quarter at the 5% cash-back rate when you activate, before it falls to 1%. 

However, even once you hit that cap, you’ll still earn 5% cash back on hotels booked through Chase and 3% cash back at restaurants, which is among the best rates found on a cash-back credit card with no annual fee .

As an example, suppose you spent $750 on both your hotel and restaurants, making a combined total of $1,500, the Freedom Flex’s spending cap:

You could earn upwards of $120. Remember, these are merely estimates. How you spend might not be an even split, so your rewards could look different.

The Freedom Flex also features a welcome bonus -- you can earn $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening. Based on the example above, you’d hit the required spending threshold, adding another $200 to your rewards. That totals $320, which should be enough to help cover some part of your travel, whether it’s a night at a fancy hotel, your rental car or a good dinner out.

Once the Freedom Flex’s bonus categories change on July 1, you’ll still have a powerful rewards credit card to use for whichever purchases Chase decides to feature next. Past categories have included Target, fitness memberships, groceries and gas, among others.

Chase offers the opportunity to increase how much your rewards are worth by pooling them with other credit cards in its Chase Ultimate Rewards family.

You could earn the Chase Freedom Flex’s higher cash-back rates, for example, and then pool your rewards with either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Note that both of those credit cards charge an annual fee , the Preferred comes in at $95 and the Reserve at $550. However, they both offer annual travel credits that help soften the blow of their fees. They have two other great perks -- a 1:1 point transfer rate to Chase’s hotel and airline partners , as well as a 25% and 50% point redemption bonus respectively for travel booked through Chase Travel.

It’ll take a bit more work, and an additional credit card, but if you can use the Chase Trifect strategy , you could increase the return you earn on your travel spending exponentially.

If you’ve got travel plans this spring, you should consider adding the Chase Freedom Flex to your card collection. 

Even if you don’t want to take the extra step of using it in tandem with a Chase Sapphire card, it’ll be a rewarding and inexpensive choice. You might even earn an extra $320 to spend on your travels.

*All information about the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it   Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.