Best European credit card for travel

sheepman

Hi all -- I am already with the online German bank N26 and considered upgrading to their "Black" debit card at a cost of €10 per month, which provides transaction-free ATM withdrawals/payments and comes with complimentary travel insurance (a big deal as I'm going traveling in Asia for 6+ months). However, I've read some bad reviews online of the travel insurance piece.

Has anyone got tips on what is the best debit/credit card available to Europeans for international travel, when it comes to free transactions, insurance, and any additional benefits such as air miles?

coylemj

Irish credit cards are generally not great for additional benefits like air miles and the like. The BoI platinum mastercard costs €76 p.a. and includes pretty comprehensive travel insurance.....

https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/borrow/credit-cards/platinum-advantage-card/features-benefits/

If you have medical insurance, it's often worth asking them for a quote for travel insurance. It's also worth checking the small print of any travel policy you may be considering as a lot of them assume that you already have a domestic medical policy which contains some cover for medical treatment abroad i.e. they are essentially quoting to top-up existing cover, which you may not have. If you are going to Asia for 6+ months then this will apply especially to you - make sure that there is no assumption of existing cover so any policy you consider will involve a standalone policy with full cover.

Withdrawing cash using a credit card is usually not a good idea, unless you have the account in credit as interest accrues immediately. You also need to exercise a bit of caution about headline claims like 'no transaction charges' - this does not mean no charges because in most cases, the exchange rate they use will be between 2% and 2.5% off the interbank rate and that's where they get you on charges.

TimeToShine

I'm pretty sure that the travel insurance provided by N26, like Revolut, is only for a maximum of 42 days away from your resident country. It doesn't cover long term backpacking trips unless they've changed it recently.

IMO unless you're a serious earner and spender then credit cards are a waste of time for young Irish people. €40k per year is not enough spending power to yield any worthwhile returns, and you will be flying enough there (or anywhere for that matter unless you travel regularly for work) so you won't accrue many airmiles.

N26, get Revo too if you want and bring some US dollars in case of emergency. Enjoy

sheepman

Thanks guys for the replies. I hadn't realised that the travel insurance provided by these banks is limited to ~40 days, so thanks for pointing that out, really good to know. I guess I'll just renew my existing credit card and use it as a backup, and buy comprehensive travel insurance outright.