Top 14 International Credit Cards: Don’t Travel Without One

Credit cards that bear the logo of Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover are accepted as payment modes for different transactions around the world. Nobody’s stopping you from swiping or tapping your card abroad—but you should prepare for the extra costs that come with using just a regular card instead of an international credit card.

International credit cards in the Philippines help Filipinos save money and earn rewards on purchases made abroad. Some cards have low foreign transaction fees while others have great rewards programs for overseas purchases. 

Cards with travel perks also abound. You can find some benefits like free travel insurance and free access to airport lounges.

6 Features to Look for in an International Credit Card

Get the best international credit card in the Philippines by ticking off the following features: 

☑️ High Acceptance Rate

When getting an international credit card, consider how widely accepted it is. Visa and Mastercard are the two most commonly accepted payment networks by merchants worldwide.

In contrast, American Express and Discover—while they also boast a sizable international presence—have fewer merchants that recognize them as a payment network. 

Both card networks are working on improving their acceptance rates, but until they become as globally accepted as the other two, it's best to have a Visa or Mastercard as a backup when going abroad.^[1]

☑️ Competitive Perks and Rewards

The best international credit card for travel is one that's loaded with perks and benefits. Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that award you airline miles or hotel points right at the outset.

If you want a more comfortable stay at the airport, look for cards that grant access to airport lounges, where you can enjoy free Wi-Fi access, drinks, and even snacks. Some cards get you exclusive deals on hotels, restaurants, and wellness centers. 

☑️ Low Foreign Currency Transaction Fee

A foreign currency transaction fee is charged when you use a credit card abroad. Fees vary from bank to bank, but they’re normally between 1% and 5% of the amount you’ve spent. 

If you plan to use your credit card a lot abroad, choose one with a low foreign currency transaction fee. That way, you won’t have to deal with a high credit card bill afterward.

While you’re at it, make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for by checking the components of foreign transaction fees.^[2]

☑️ Dual Billing Option

Choose a credit card with a dual billing feature, which allows your overseas purchases to be billed in US dollars. Purchases made in the Philippines will be billed in Philippine pesos while purchases abroad will be billed in US dollars. You can save money on your credit card bills because purchases in foreign currency are not converted to Philippine pesos.

☑️ Travel Insurance

In some instances, banks issue free travel insurance to customers when they use their credit cards to pay for their travel fares. Banks are usually generous about giving their clients comprehensive protection—from baggage loss and travel delays to trip cancellation and accidental death.

☑️ Travel Assistance

Isn't it great to receive help when you need it? Depending on the credit card provider, you may enjoy these services:

• Travel arrangements (tours, hotel, rental car, etc.)
• Restaurant reservations
• Research (nearby restaurants with the amenities you need, transportation routes, etc.)
• Assistance during emergencies (referral to an English-speaking doctor or lawyer, nearby clinic, making calls to find your lost belongings, etc.)

14 International Credit Card Options to Use Abroad

Ready to pick a new travel buddy? Here are some of the top Philippine credit cards that can be used internationally: 

Credit Card	Travel Benefits
HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate	5% rebate on travel and shopping (including online) spend 1% rebate on insurance 0.50% rebate on all other transactions 6% rebate on your first Caltex transaction and 3% rebate on Caltex fuel purchases all year round Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
Metrobank World Mastercard®	2x points per ₱20 spend on international purchases 1 point per ₱20 spend elsewhere Exclusive deals at over 1,000 airports and 500 airport lounges 24-hour VIP Concierge Service
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®	1 point per ₱20 spend Up to 50% off on dining deals Free first supplementary card  0% installment  24-hour VIP Concierge Service Free e-commerce protection insurance for online purchases
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard	1 point for every ₱20 spend Dual currency billing Automatic cash back at participating overseas merchants Free access to  over 1,000 lounges at 500 airports worldwide for the cardholder and one guest Free unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
Security Bank World Mastercard	1 point per ₱20 spend Up to ₱20 million travel accident and inconvenience benefit Complimentary access to PAGGS lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 Premium assistance via Visa Concierge Exclusive 50% off deals on dining, hotels, resorts, fitness studios, and wellness centers, all year round
BPI Platinum Rewards Card	1 mile per ₱17 spend on hotels, airlines, and foreign currency transactions 1 mile per ₱50 spend across other categories Free airport lounge membership Free first supplementary card

Read on for more details and options:

💳 HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 5% rebate on travel and shopping (including online) spend
• 1% rebate on insurance
• 0.50% rebate on all other transactions
• 6% rebate on your first Caltex transaction and 3% rebate on Caltex fuel purchases all year round
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000 (Waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% of the converted amount plus 1% Visa assessment fee 
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Arguably the best credit card for international transactions, the HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate offers a high cashback rate for travel and shopping transactions. Take this credit card outside of the country and get a 5% rebate when you use it for your international nights out or shopping sprees. Even if you’re planning on using a credit card internationally online, you still get the same rebate rate. 

While you’re at it, avail of HSBC credit card promos!

💳 Metrobank World Mastercard®

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 2x points per ₱20 spend on international purchases
• 1 point per ₱20 spend elsewhere
• Exclusive deals at over 1,000 airports and 500 airport lounges
• 24-hour VIP Concierge Service

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱6,000 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% processing fee plus assessment fees of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Narrow your search for Philippine credit cards that can be used internationally with the Metrobank World Mastercard®. As the name implies, this credit card can give you the keys to a world of privileges, as long as you can afford its steep ₱6,000 annual fee. Among other things, this premium credit card earns you double the points for every foreign transaction.

Having a premium credit card also means getting your hands on exclusive services that not many have access to. For example, the Metrobank World Mastercard® gives you access to 24-hour VIP customer service. Aside from the usual travel perks, this credit card also allows you to sift through a whole bunch of exciting Metrobank credit card promos.

💳 Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 point per ₱20 spend
• Up to 50% off on dining deals
• Free first supplementary card 
• 0% installment 
• 24-hour VIP Concierge Service
• Free e-commerce protection insurance for online purchases 

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee:  2.50% processing fee plus assessment fees of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

The Metrobank Platinum Mastercard® is the best credit card for international use if you’re a foodie. Use it to enjoy up to 50% off on dining offers. 

If you’re thinking of getting your loved one a credit card before the trip, apply for a supplementary Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®. The first supplementary card is free. 

Another travel-friendly perk of this card is its 24-hour VIP Concierge Service. With this feature, you can ask Metrobank for assistance on travel-related concerns, such as dinner or hotel reservations. 

💳 Security Bank Platinum Mastercard

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 point for every ₱20 spend
• Dual currency billing
• Automatic cash back at participating overseas merchants
• Free access to  over 1,000 lounges at 500 airports worldwide for the cardholder and one guest
• Free unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱4,000 (Waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.50% service fee plus 1% Mastercard assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The Security Bank Platinum Mastercard offers a relatively low foreign currency transaction fee of 2.5%. That rate doesn’t sound too bad considering all the international travel perks this credit card can give you.

Aside from offering exclusive Security Bank credit card promos, the Security Bank Platinum Mastercard also gives you unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA, as well as to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide. You also get free insurance of up to ₱10 million when you use this credit card to book your international flights.

💳 Security Bank World Mastercard

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks

• 3 points per every ₱20 spend
• Automatic cash back at participating overseas merchants 
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
• Free access to over 1,000 lounges at 500 airports worldwide for the cardholder and one guest
• Free unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000 (Waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.50% service fee plus 1% Mastercard assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The Security Bank World Mastercard makes a perfect travel buddy if you’re a shopaholic since it comes with automatic cash back at participating shops abroad. You also get to enjoy exclusive Mastercard discounts at select merchants and restaurants. 

The Security Bank World Mastercard is all about exclusivity. Wielding it gives you access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. If you book your airline tickets using this card, you get free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million. 

💳 BPI Signature Card

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 point per ₱20 spend
• Up to ₱20 million travel accident and inconvenience benefit
• Complimentary access to PAGGS lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Premium assistance via Visa Concierge
• Exclusive 50% off deals on dining, hotels, resorts, fitness studios, and wellness centers, all year round

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 0.85% of the converted amount plus 1% assessment fee of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

“Can I use my BPI credit card abroad?” Definitely! For one, the BPI Signature Card comes with a lot of travel-related perks, starting with low foreign currency transaction fees.^[3]

Having the BPI Signature Card also means getting access to special BPI credit card promos that could save you up to 50% on dining and accommodation here and abroad. Use this credit card more often and easily earn points with every ₱20 spend. And if you want to relax before your flight, this credit card also gives you access to the PAGGS lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.

💳 BPI Platinum Rewards Card

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks

• 2 points per ₱30 local spend or ₱20 per foreign spend
• Non-expiring points for shopping eGCs, shopping credits, dining eGCs, and miles
• Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
• 0% interest installment on airline tickets 
• Free travel insurance up to ₱10 million

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱4,000 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee:  0.85% of the converted amount plus 1% assessment fee of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

The BPI Platinum Rewards Card is another international credit card that will make your trip abroad convenient and worry-free. If you need a budget boost for your airfare, just use this card to enjoy 0% interest installment for up to six months. Furthermore, it entitles you to free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million. 

The BPI Platinum Rewards Card gives you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. It also grants you up to four complimentary passes yearly. 

Need help with your credit card abroad? Enjoy the priority lane at BPI Contact Center’s 24/7 assistance. 

💳 Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 mile per ₱17 spend on hotels, airlines, and foreign currency transactions
• 1 mile per ₱50 spend across other categories
• Free airport lounge membership
• Free first supplementary card 

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee:  2.50% processing fee plus assessment fees of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

The Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa is one of the best credit cards for international transactions and points. Use it to earn miles fast, as every ₱17 spend on airlines, hotels, and foreign currency is equivalent to one mile. 

This credit card also grants you exclusive access to 950 airport lounges worldwide and free airport lounge membership. 

💳 UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1.5 points per ₱25 travel-related spend
• 1 point per ₱25 spend elsewhere
• Unlimited pre-departure lounge access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
• 24/7 customer service

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2% 
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

With its premium travel perks, the UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa is a good choice when you’re in the market for the best international credit card in the Philippines. If you earn enough Miles+ points, you can redeem them as cash back, airline miles, or fee waivers. 

Travel without worry, as you’ll receive free travel insurance up to ₱10 million when you charge your airfare to the UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa card. Plus, you get to kick back and wait for your next flight in world-class airport lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. 

On top of all these, your credit card entitles you to diverse UnionBank credit card promos.

💳 RCBC Visa Infinite

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks

• 5x rewards points on overseas in-store and online spend
• 3x rewards points on local online spend
• Non-expiring points that can be redeemed for cash rebates, air miles, and shopping vouchers
• 100,000 rewards points as a welcome gift for new cardholders
• Up to ₱5 million travel insurance 
• Unlimited free access to the Marhaba/Skyview Airport Lounge

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱6,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.50% of the transaction amount (inclusive of a 1% Visa assessment fee) or 2.25% of the amount converted to the Philippine peso
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The RCBC Visa Infinite is the best credit card to use abroad if you’re looking to shop often for clothes and apparel because it earns you 5x rewards points. This is not limited to international spend—you can also get the same rebate when shopping in the Philippines. 

More travel perks await when you get the RCBC Visa Infinite—e.g., free travel insurance up to ₱5 million, Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, and exclusive access to the Marhaba/Skyview Airport Lounge. Plus, you get to enjoy special RCBC credit card promos everywhere in the world.

If you have the RCBC Flex Visa and you’re looking to upgrade your credit card experience, there’s no need to look anywhere else.

💳 RCBC Visa Platinum 

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 Preferred Airmile for every ₱25 overseas spend; ₱48 for local spend
• VIP access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
• Unlimited free access to the Marhaba/Skyview Airport Lounge
• Free travel insurance of up to ₱5 million
• 24/7 Visa concierge service accessible worldwide
• e-Commerce purchase protection insurance of up to US$200 per year

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000 (Waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.5% of the transaction amount (inclusive of a 1% Visa assessment fee) or 2.25% of the amount converted to the Philippine peso
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

If you really want to own the best credit card to use abroad in the Philippines and you’re prepared to shoulder a hefty annual fee, then the RCBC Visa Platinum should be your next credit card. Why? Two words: Preferred Airmiles. You get to earn air miles faster because you only need to spend ₱25 abroad to earn one Preferred Airmile. 

Not only that, but the RCBC Visa Platinum also gives you access to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges worldwide, a 24/7 Visa concierge service for all your travel-related needs and queries accessible worldwide, and free travel insurance of up to ₱5 million. So before your next adventure out of the country, make sure this credit card is in your pocket.

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 rewards point per ₱48 spend
• 2,000 Mabuhay Miles as a welcome gift
• Additional free 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when you spend at PAL
• Year-round discount on select international flights booked via the PAL website
• Dual billing option

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,000 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% of the converted amount using Mastercard's, Visa’s, or UnionPay’s exchange rate of the day
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard is the best credit card to use abroad from the Philippines, especially if you fly frequently with Philippine Airlines. Once you get your hands on this card, you’ll receive a welcome gift in the form of 2,000 Mabuhay Miles. 

Spend with PAL and get additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles. On top of that, enjoy a 5% discount on select international flights when you book via the official PAL website. 

You also don’t have to worry about exchange rates, as the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Card comes with a dual billing feature. 

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 rewards point per ₱30 to ₱38 spend
• 2,000 Mabuhay Miles as a welcome gift for new cardholders
• Additional free 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when you spend at PAL
• Year-round discount on select international flights booked via the PAL website
• Priority check-in at PAL Business Class Counters at NAIA 1, 2, and 3
• World Assist travel and medical concierge service
• Dual billing option

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱6,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% of the converted amount using Mastercard's, Visa’s, or UnionPay’s exchange rate of the day
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard is also a good credit card for international use. For one, you get 2,000 Mabuhay Miles right out of the gate simply by getting this credit card. Use this to book PAL flights and receive an additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when your PAL transactions reach ₱100,000.

Now, this is a travel credit card worth getting! Aside from the free air miles, you also get to earn one point for every spend starting at ₱30. Keep earning points because one reward point gets you one Mabuhay Mile to add to your air miles collection. Pair that with special PNB credit card promos, and your travel experience won’t be the same again.

💳 Maybank Visa Platinum

📌 Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 TreatsPoint per ₱25 spend
• 1% cashback on overseas transactions (₱12,000 annual cap)
• Golf privileges worldwide, including access to 100 golf clubs in 23 countries
• Exclusive discounts and privileges in the Philippines and abroad
• Instant SMS notification for every approved transaction anywhere in the world

💸 Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,500 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 0.80% of the converted amount using the exchange rate of Mastercard/Visa plus 1% of the assessment fee of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Which credit cards are best for international travel? Usually, they’re the Platinum-tier cards like Maybank’s Platinum Visa. 

Consider getting it if you’re looking for a credit card with one of the lowest foreign transaction fees in the Philippines. With a total transaction fee of only 1.8%, you can shop abroad without worrying about conversion fees.

Aside from that massive pro, you get to avail of Maybank credit card promos and earn 1% cash back on overseas spend! Plus, every ₱25 spend earns you 1 TreatsPoint, which you can then use to redeem special rewards, cash rebates, air miles, and more.

How to Get an International Credit Card in the Philippines

Getting a credit card that can be used internationally is just like getting a regular credit card!

The first step is to compare your options to find the right international credit card for you. Compare features and fees and make sure that the card suits your budget and lifestyle. 

Once done, begin your credit card application. You can do this online via Moneymax or go the more traditional way and apply at a bank branch. Complete and submit all required documents for a smoother credit card application process.

How to Use International Credit Cards Abroad

Don’t be too intimidated when you use your credit card abroad for the first time. After all, it’s just like using your credit card in local stores but with a few things to consider. Remember these pointers to maximize your international credit card usage.

✔️ Notify the Bank About Your Trip

Call your credit card provider to let them know your travel plans. Find the bank's customer service hotline on the back of your card or your billing statement.

You should do this before you leave so that you can use your card internationally without any problems. If your issuing bank is not informed beforehand, chances are it will suspend your account for security purposes when it detects transactions from unusual locations, or decline your overseas transactions.

What details should you share with the bank aside from your plan to use your card internationally? Make sure the bank is notified about where you'll be going (including layovers and stopovers), when you'll leave, and when you'll come back.

Take the opportunity to ask questions about your card's overseas transaction charges.

✔️ Check If Your Bank Has 24-Hour Customer Service

The last thing that you want to happen while abroad is to encounter troubles with your credit card. Before you leave, check if your bank offers 24-hour customer service so you can call in case of credit card-related concerns. 

✔️ Understand Your Credit Card’s Travel Insurance Coverage

A lot of things can happen during your trip. So before you leave home, read through the terms and conditions of your bank’s free travel insurance. 

Does the card’s free travel insurance cover accidents involving rental cars? Does it have COVID-19 coverage? What’s the maximum travel delay time for availing of the benefit? These are the questions you should ask. 

✔️ Compute the Currency Conversion Rate for Your Overseas Transactions

To ensure you’re not going over budget with your international credit card usage, calculate the Philippine peso equivalent of your purchase in the local currency of the country you’re visiting before paying. 

In doing so, you’ll know how much a particular international purchase will cost you in pesos. Mastercard and Visa have their respective exchange rate calculator^[4] that you may use for computing the currency conversion rate.

Simply select the Philippine peso as your card’s currency and the currency of your transaction, and then enter the amount and bank fee (the foreign currency transaction rate). The calculator will display the foreign exchange rate (applicable on the transaction date) and the converted amount in the Philippine peso.

✔️ Choose to Pay in the Local Foreign Currency

When paying with your credit card abroad, you’ll be given the option to use your home currency (Philippine peso), which is called Dynamic Currency Conversion.^[5] If you say yes to that, you’ll be charged a higher exchange rate for converting to the Philippine peso by the overseas bank that handles the transaction.

When using a credit card abroad, pay in the local currency of the country you’re visiting, so you can get a lower conversion rate offered by your issuing bank. For example, if you’re in Thailand, opt for Thai Baht when paying with your international credit card.

✔️ Check and Keep Your Receipts

Don't immediately throw away the sales receipts you receive from all your international transactions. Double-check the information on the receipts, paying close attention to the foreign currency you're charged with.

When you get back home, review your receipts and check them against your billing statement.^[6] The number should match. If you notice any discrepancy, report it to your credit card provider right away.

Read more: Get Them While They’re Hot: 13 Best Credit Card Promos

Final Thoughts

It’s exciting to think about exploring other countries. Still, you shouldn’t forget to make proper preparations, which includes getting yourself a trusty international credit card.

Hopefully, the number of good choices you have will help you choose the right credit card that suits your overseas travel needs. Remember, it’s more fun to satisfy your wanderlust while remaining financially responsible.

• ^[1] Acceptance Rate for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express Credit Cards (ValuePenguin, 2022)
• ^[2] Foreign Transaction Fee (ValuePenguin, 2022)
• ^[3] BPI Credit Card Low Foreign Exchange Rate
• ^[4] Mastercard Currency Converter Calculator | Visa Exchange Rate Calculator
• ^[5] Dynamic Currency Conversion Definition (Investopedia, 2021)
• ^[6] How Long Should I Keep My Credit Card Statements? (Forbes, 2021)