Which credit card is most widely accepted in Europe?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on January 27, 2026
MasterCard
American credit cards work throughout Europe (at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and so on); Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common, and the Discover card is unknown in Europe.
Which credit card is best for international travel?
Best cards for international travel
| Best for | Credit card | Estimated rewards earned after 5 years |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | American Express® Gold Card | $2,969 |
| Dining | Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card | $1,741 |
| Hotels | Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card | $1,699 |
| Luxury Travel | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $3,346 |
Do you need a credit card to travel Europe?
You don’t technically need a credit card to visit Europe. In fact, many European countries use cash at a much higher rate than the U.S. But using a credit card on your trip abroad has some clear benefits. Fraud protection. If someone steals your cash, you’re unlikely to see the money again.
Is it better to use cash or credit card in Europe?
European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. Credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities; but check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.
Can you use US credit cards in Europe?
The simple answer is yes, your debit and credit card will work in Europe. Using your credit card and debit card in Europe is very easy these days thanks to global financial networks.
Is Visa or Mastercard better for international travel?
The truth is both types of cards are widely accepted abroad, and are therefore better choices for international travel than Amex or Discover. As noted above, Mastercard may offer a slightly better exchange rate than Visa, but if you don’t travel frequently, it probably won’t make a huge difference.
Can I use my Visa credit card internationally?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide. If an establishment takes credit cards, it’s a good bet that your Visa or Mastercard will work. American Express and Discover have an international presence, too, but they are accepted by fewer merchants.
How do you carry money when traveling?
Best ways to carry money while traveling
- Divide money in different places.
- Favor on-body storage.
- Keep small bills handy.
- Carry an anti-theft bag.
- Trim your wallet.
- Use a dummy wallet.
- Buy a travel wallet.
- Adapt to the local money culture.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Europe?
Avoid (or at least minimize) cash exchange. In general, I avoid exchanging money in Europe; it’s a big rip-off. But exchanging money can make sense in certain situations, including emergencies (if your card — or the only ATM in town — doesn’t work), or when crossing into a country that uses a different currency.
Which is the best credit card to use for Europe?
There are countless travel credit cards on the market, but not all of them provide the same benefits. Even among the best travel credit cards, some may be better than others for specific trip plans. If you’re planning a vacation or extended stay in Europe, some credit cards stand out above the rest.
Can a credit card be used outside of Europe?
Let’s make this plain: do not use the cards mentioned in this section for spending overseas, particularly outside Europe. Thankfully, new regulations mean spending fees now CAN’T be charged for purchases made in euros in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (the European Economic Area/EEA).
Which is the best credit card for students?
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for students offers rewards along with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Using the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for students lets you earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent, which you can redeem for statement credits toward travel expenses.
Which is the best prepaid credit card to use abroad?
As such, there are fewer prepaid card choices available for Americans traveling abroad. Here are four of the best and most widely available prepaid travel cards available in the U.S., along with their primary features: 1. Brinks Prepaid Mastercard Brink’s gives you the peace of mind you deserve. Securing cash and valuables since 1859.
