There are plenty of great travel credit cards on the market and we'll help you find the one that suits you best. Below you'll find our top list of the best credit cards for travelling 2025. The list includes budget-friendly credit cards that allow you to save money on your trip, as well as premium cards with benefits like lounge access and concierge service.
If you are going to pay for your trip out of pocket instead of using collected flight points, it is best to pay with a credit card that includes comprehensive travel insurance. Usually, travel insurance is included automatically for free if at least 50-75% of the trip is paid with the card. One of the best travel insurance policies on the market is offered by ERV and is included with both re:member flex and Coop Mastercard Mer.
A travel credit card offer invaluable benefits for travelers. Many people choose these cards precisely because they include benefits that make trips more comfortable and, in many cases, allow you to save money on your trip. If you travel often, a good travel card can make a big difference, allowing you to enjoy your vacation even more.
There are many different types of travel credit cards, each tailored to suit different travel needs and preferences. Some travel credit cards are designed to offer a true VIP experience, with perks like lounge access and Fast Track at airports. Others focus on helping you collect flight points, while some provide comprehensive travel insurance that acts as a safety net during your trip. What all travel cards have in common is that they give you a better experience when traveling, whether that experience means saving money by avoiding fees abroad or gaining access to exclusive perks at airports around the world.
Distinct Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
Almost all credit cards offer a free travel insurance. In order for the travel insurance to be included, you must pay for part of the trip with the card (usually 50-75% of the total cost of the trip). Choosing a travel credit card that includes a comprtehensive travel insurance can make it a lot easier to handel unexpected situations while you are traveling.
Travel credit cards offer different insurance coverage depending on the insurance provider and the card issuer. Some cards offer more coverage and protection than others, but all provide some form of coverage while traveling. The travel insurance offered by travel credit cards generally covers:
It is important to read and understand the full terms and conditions of your credit cards travel insurance before booking and going on your trip, so you know exactly what coverage you have. The travel insurance included with your travel card is typically designed to complement your existing home insurance. In most cases, this travel insurance is only valid if you already have a home insurance policy in place.
Some premium cards offer concierge serviceas an exclusive benefits with their card. With concierge service, you get a personal assistant who is available to you around the clock. This means that with a single call, you can get tips on which restaurants to visit, help getting into nightclubs, or something as simple as finding the nearest dry cleaner. The service can also be used to book tickets for excursions, taxi journeys or for dinner reservations. Concierge service can be highly valuable if you are traveling in a city you have never been to before.
If you are getting a credit card that will be used solely for traveling, make sure the cards annaul fee is worth it. If the card is not going to be used regularly, paying a yearly fee might not be the most cost-effective option. In that case, a free credit card with lower travel perks but no annual fee, could be a smarter choice.
One example of when this is particularly worth while to consider, is if you want a credit card without currency exchange fees. These cards usually have a yearly fee of around 200 SEK. In order to actually save money with a credit card without currency exchange fee, you have to use the card frequently for purchases in foreign currencies. Most credit cards charge around 2% in currency exchange fees, so in order for the 200 SEK annual fee to be worth it, you will need to spend at least 10 000 SEK in foreign currency each year.
However, the card might also offer other perks that adds value to you, for example a comprehensive travel insurance or discounts on hotel bookings. In this case, it can still be worth paying a yearly fee even if you do not reach the spend of 10 000 SEK.
Not sure which is the best credit card for travel? Or are you just unsure which card to use when paying for your next trip? Here are some top options to consider:
With some travel cards, visiting airports becomes even more convenient, as travel credit cards offer access to lounges. Some lounges are more exclusive than others, but what they all have in common is that visitors can enjoy comfortable seating, more privacy and a wider range of charging stations for electronics. In addition, lounges usually have free Wi-Fi.
Lounges also offer food and drinks free of charge. If you travel frequently and purchase food and refreshments at the airport, it can quickly get very expensive. A travel card with lounge access lets you eat and drink for free which can allow you to save a lot of money.
Many airlines like SAS, have credit cards linked to their frequent flyer programmes that include benefits like lounge access. Credit cards with lounge access are a good choice for frequent travelers who spend a lot of time in airports before and between flights.
Travel credit cards can offer the benefit of collecting flight points, also called air miles, when you use your card for purchases. Air miles can be used to pay for airline tickets. If you are interested in a travel card that offers flight points, you should ensure that the bonus is given on purchases that you usually make.
There are travel credit cards where all card purchases give airline points, regardless of where the purchase is made. For example, Bank Norwegian earns airline points on all purchases made with the card, with a few exceptions. In addition, an extra high bonus is given when purchases are made at Norwegian. The flight points can be used to buy flight tickets at Norwegian airline.
Choosing a travel credit card is specifically beneficial for those who travel frequently or travel for a longer period of time. However, if you only travel occasionally, there may be other cards that are better suited to your lifestyle and everyday needs.
Bonus cards allow you to collect bonus points on your everyday purchases. Reward points can be paid out in different ways depending on the card you use. Many reward credit cards are linked to dedicated bonus shop where cardholders can exchange their collected points for various products. These products can range from gadgets and gift cards to travel tickets and unique experiences. With a bonus credit card, you can freely choose whether you want to exchange your reward for a flight, a hotel stay or for something else that suits you.
As mentioned before, carrying an extra card when traveling is a smart move. With a free credit card, you do not have to pay any fees for having the card. Some free cards are without both currency exchange fees and withdrawal fees abroad, helping you save money on your trip.
When choosing the right credit card for traveling, it is important to always consider your spending habits, your needs and your lifestyle. For example, if you travel less frequently, a credit card that gives you access to lounges may not benefit you enough to make the card worthwhile. In this case, it may be more beneficial to choose a credit card that offer general discounts that also include travel related discounts.
If you travel frequently but usually within Sweden, a credit card without a currency exchange fee may not be the best fit for your needs. Instead, a card that offers airport lounge access might be more suitable, providing a more comfortable and relaxing start to your trip.
Only premium cards offer lounge access and Resurs World is our favorite one. Resurs World includes four free lounge visits per year through LoungeKey. The reason we consider Resurs World to be the best credit card with lounge access is due to several key advantages. First, its annual fee is significantly lower than most other credit cards that include lounge access. On top of that, Resurs World offers a 1% bonus on all purchases, can be used as a virtual credit card, and allows you to order an additional card for a family member for a one-time fee of just 50 SEK. The card offers up to 60 interest free days which gives you great flexibility to pay back your used credit in a pace that suits you.
Mathilda är en kunnig och passionerad innehållsansvarig som har varit en del av Kreditkort.com sedan 2021. Hennes stora intresse och kunskap om kreditkort har gjort henne till en ovärderlig medlem av vårt team. Mathilda är inte bara en expert på att spara pengar med hjälp av kreditkort, hon är också en ivrig användare själv.