Swipe Smart: The Perks of Carrying Multiple Travel Cards Abroad


Backup in Case of Loss or Theft

  • If one card is lost, stolen, or compromised, having a backup ensures you're not stranded without access to funds.


Different Networks & Acceptance

  • Some places may accept Visa but not American Express, or vice versa. Having cards from different networks increases your chances of successful transactions.


Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

  • Some cards charge fees for international purchases. Carrying a travel-friendly card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money.


Emergency Access to Cash

  • A backup card can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs if needed, especially in remote areas.


Maximize Rewards

  • Use different cards for different types of purchases (e.g., dining, travel, shopping) to earn the most points or cashback.
Did You Know?


Even if your credit card has no foreign transaction fees, using it at an ATM abroad can still result in:


  • ATM operator fees
  • Foreign bank fees
  • Cash advance fees (if using a credit card instead of a debit card)



✈️ Travel Advisor Pro Tip #1: - Credit Cards
📣 Call to Action


A smart traveler is a safe traveler. Before you set off on your next adventure, take a moment to review what’s in your wallet. Are you truly prepared for the unexpected?


As your travel advisor, I always recommend carrying at least two credit cards—preferably from different networks and with travel-friendly features like no foreign transaction fees and built-in protections. This simple step can make a world of difference if you face lost cards, declined transactions, or emergencies abroad.


It’s a small move that adds a big layer of security and flexibility to your journey

🌟 Top No Annual Fee Travel Cards


🏆 Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Rewards: 3x points on travel, dining, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans
  • Welcome Bonus: 20,000 points
  • Why It’s Great: Broad bonus categories and strong travel perks for a no-fee card 


💳 Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Rewards: 1.5x points on all purchases
  • Welcome Bonus: 25,000 points
  • Why It’s Great: Simple flat-rate rewards and flexible redemption for travel 


✈️ Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • Welcome Bonus: $200
  • Why It’s Great: Easy-to-use cash back with no categories to track, and great for international use


🎓 Discover it® Miles

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Rewards: 1.5x miles on all purchases
  • Bonus: All miles earned in the first year are matched
  • Why It’s Great: Unique first-year match and flexible redemption for travel or cash 


🛡️ Why These Cards Are Ideal for Travel

  • No surprise fees abroad: Save 1–3% per transaction.
  • Flexible rewards: Use points or miles for flights, hotels, or statement credits.
  • Low-risk: No annual fee means you can keep them long-term without cost.
🌍 Travel Smart, Travel Safe

Whether you're exploring ancient ruins or relaxing on a beach, your peace of mind matters. Protecting your cards means protecting your journey.


Carrying more than one card while traveling is a smart and practical strategy that can save you from unexpected headaches and enhance your financial flexibility. Here's why—and how to do it wisely.

🌍 Trip Ideas Where This Strategy Shines


  • Europe: Many places prefer chip-and-PIN cards; having a backup is essential.


  • Southeast Asia: Cash is king, but cards are useful in hotels and airports.


  • South America: Some regions have limited card acceptance—multiple options help.


  • Road Trips in the U.S.: Use different cards for gas, lodging, and dining to optimize rewards.


  • Currency Flexibility
    Some cards offer better exchange rates or no foreign transaction fees, which is great for countries outside the Eurozone like:

    • Switzerland (Swiss Franc)
    • UK (British Pound)
    • Norway, Sweden, Denmark (Scandinavian currencies)
🔐 Top Tips to Protect Your Cards While Traveling


1. Enable Alerts & Monitor Activity

  • Set up transaction alerts via your bank’s app or SMS.
  • Regularly check your account for suspicious activity.


2. Use a Travel-Friendly Card

  • Choose cards with no foreign transaction fees and fraud protection.
  • Some travel cards offer emergency card replacement and travel insurance.


3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking

  • Use a VPN if you must access financial accounts while traveling.
  • Public networks are vulnerable to hackers.


4. Be Cautious at ATMs

  • Use ATMs in bank branches or well-lit, secure areas.
  • Check for card skimmers or suspicious devices before inserting your card.


5. Carry Emergency Contact Info

  • Have your bank’s international support number saved in your phone and written down.
  • Know how to report a lost or stolen card quickly.
✈️ More Tips for Managing Multiple Cards While Traveling


1. Notify Your Bank Before You Go

  • Let your card issuers know your travel dates and destinations.
  • This prevents your card from being flagged or blocked due to unusual activity.


2. Keep Cards Separate: Store backup cards in a different bag or secure location in case your wallet is lost.


3.  Use a Travel Wallet: RFID-blocking wallets can protect against digital theft.


4. Track Spending: Use apps to monitor transactions and stay within budget.


5. Know Your PINs: Especially for international travel, some places require a PIN even for credit cards.


6. Currency Flexibility
Some cards offer better exchange rates or no foreign transaction fees, which is great for countries outside the Eurozone like:

  • Switzerland (Swiss Franc)
  • UK (British Pound)
  • Norway, Sweden, Denmark (Scandinavian currencies)


7. Backup in Case of Issues
If one card is lost, stolen, or blocked, having a second ensures you're not stranded without access to funds.


8. Maximizing Rewards
Different cards may offer better perks for:

  • Dining (Italy, France)
  • Transportation (Germany, Netherlands)
  • Hotels (Spain, Portugal)
💡 Travel Advisor Tip #2: Buy Foreign Currency Before You Go
📢Call to Action


To avoid these surprise charges:

  • Purchase foreign currency from your bank or a trusted currency exchange before departure.
  • Order in advance to get better rates and ensure availability.
  • Carry a mix of cash and cards for flexibility, especially in places where cards aren’t widely accepted.


✈️ Final Thought

As your travel advisor, I recommend preparing a small amount of local currency before you leave home—enough for taxis, tips, snacks, or emergencies. It’s a simple step that can save you money and stress when you land.

Learn More: Buy Foreign Currency