Bank card for tourists. Debit cards for travel

A debit card for traveling abroad will not only help you conveniently pay in another country without overpaying for currency conversion, but also provide a lot of opportunities and bonuses. Plastic for such cases is a good alternative to cash.

A prerequisite for a payment instrument for tourists is that it be accepted for payment outside the Russian Federation. To do this, it must belong to the generally accepted payment systems in the world - Visa or MasterCard, and also have a high degree of protection.

The best travel debit cards, in addition to the standard convenience in the form of payments, allow you to participate in bonus programs. Thanks to this, you can earn miles or receive increased cashback when you purchase plane tickets, fuel, pay for hotel stays, car rentals, etc.

There are a wide variety of offers from banks on the market. Each of them contains its own package of services. The concept of "the most profitable travel card" is quite abstract. Each client must first determine their priorities and build on them. For example, if you are going to use it for payments in shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as withdrawing cash, then you need to consider the following characteristics:

currency conversion rate;

fees for cross-border payments;

fee for withdrawing money from a “foreign” ATM;

accruals on the balance of funds and the availability of cashback (to return part of the money spent with bonuses or money).

If a payment instrument is required just in case, then it makes sense to pay attention to products that do not require a service charge. Remember that the main thing in the matter of choice is to clearly understand your needs and build on them.

How to issue

Registration takes place in the usual ways for debit cards:

In a remote format through the official website of the institution.

During a personal visit to the bank branch of interest.

To apply, at least a passport is required. Other documents may be needed depending on the specific wishes of the banking institution.

How to use

When using the card, it is important to focus on its benefits. If it is beneficial when purchasing air tickets and booking a car, use these advantages. Be careful, study in detail the conditions for cash withdrawal, exchange, etc. Do not forget about the minimum requirements and the existence of limits. Calculate how profitable it is for you to hold a particular payment instrument, especially if it involves an annual service fee.

The best travel bank card 2019 is selected based on experience, convenience and benefits of use. In any case, this is the most comfortable payment method for today if you are in foreign countries. The traveler does not risk losing cash or being robbed if he carries large sums of money with him. Debit cards suitable for overseas travel can save you money and save you a lot of hassle.

Debit cards opened in euro-currency are not much different from those whose currency is rubles. They are named and unembossed. Issued in any Russian banks that provide such services. It is possible to replenish cards in rubles. In this case, there are several accounts linked to one banking product. Also often available is the conversion of the national currency into euros at the bank rate, which is relevant at the time of the exchange.

Opportunities and benefits of a debit card in euros

Euro debit cards come in platinum, gold and classic. Some banks offer plastic products with a connected overdraft service. Sometimes there is a cashback option - a return of interest when paying for goods and services.

Euro cards are an excellent choice for travel, as the holder does not need to think about currency exchange while traveling.

The conversion service at the rate, which is often unfavorable for bank customers, will also not be needed.

Free service

Some financial institutions provide customers with free-of-charge euro cards. Undoubtedly, this feature is an advantage of banking products. It allows you to save a certain amount of money annually or monthly.

The best bank offers for debit cards in euros

When choosing which bank will issue a debit card with euros, you should pay attention to the offers of small financial institutions operating in the territory of the Russian Federation. Most often, they offer their customers banking products with more profitable features.

It is important that the bank is reliable. This is the only way to get a guarantee that the card will not suddenly be blocked abroad, and it is real to withdraw money in various countries of the world without restrictions.

Tinkoff

Tinkoff Black- a product of Tinkoff Bank with favorable conditions for customers. An account can be opened not only in euros, but also, if desired, in rubles, dollars. Such cards allow you to save time and earn on the balance of funds. Black Edition- a version of the card for business, providing additional privileges.

Annual account maintenance costs 99 rubles/month. Payment in other currencies is not charged. If the card has a balance of about 30 thousand rubles, its service will be free.

Sberbank

Currently, Sberbank offers its customers 9 different banking products with the main currency euro. Clients can issue the following cards:

1. Gold MasterCard, Visa. For the first year of service, the client will have to pay 3,000 rubles. This type of card is issued free of charge. Cashback is up to 5%. Holders are granted privileges and discounts.
2. Aeroflot Gold- Interest on the balance is not charged. The first year of service costs 3500 rubles. For every euro spent, customers are given 1.5 miles.
3. momentum– a card in euros without income and interest on the balance. Annual maintenance is free. It is issued in the formats of MasterCard, Visa payment systems. "Thank you" - a special bonus program for cardholders.
4. Visa with Zabivaka– a classic banking product with up to 20% cashback. The first year of service 750-1250 rubles. Connected to the bonus program "Thank you", beneficial for customers.
5. Aeroflot Classic- card without income, interest on the balance. Service in the first year costs about 900 rubles. Air tickets earn miles. The card is provided to Sberbank customers free of charge.
6. Visa with big bonuses- the card is issued free of charge. Cashback - up to 10%. The first year of service costs 4900 rubles. Customers receive additional discounts.
7. Classic cards in MasterCard, Visa format. Annual maintenance is 750 rubles. Additional discounts from international payment systems. Round the clock service.
8. With custom design- income, no interest on the balance. Maintenance - from 750 rubles / per year. Discounts from international payment systems.
9. Aeroflot Signature without interest on the balance and income. Service for the first year - 12,000 rubles. For every euro spent on flights, 2 miles are given. Premium service.

VTB 24

The Russian bank VTB24 also provides its customers with excellent products that deserve attention. You can issue the following debit plastic cards in euros:

• VTB multicard;
• VTB Troika multicard;
• VTB multicard Visa with FIFA™ World Cup symbols.

Also, customers are given the opportunity to receive salary cards in euros. The conditions of the presented products are similar: 10% cashback, accrual of 6% on the balance of funds. You can find out about other nuances of using cards on the official website of the bank www.vtb.ru.

Alfa Bank

The financial institution offers an extensive list of debit cards in euros:

• Alfa Travel;
• Alfa Travel Premium;
• Cash Back;
• Aeroflot: 2 miles for every 60 rubles. / 1 $ / 1 €;
• Next and many others.

You can make a choice after reading the characteristics of each product. You can find them on the website alfabank.ru.

Raiffeisenbank

Visa Classic- the most demanded card from Raiffeisenbank with favorable conditions for customers. Commission per month is 59 rubles. Free mobile application, internet banking. The card provides 4000 discounts from various partners of the financial company.

Using the card

If the client has a desire to save funds in euros, it is advisable to take care of issuing a debit card with interest on the balance. So it will turn out at any time to use your own savings at your discretion. At the same time, it is most profitable to save money in euros. Then there will be no need to overpay when converting in European countries, as in the case of using a ruble card.

Where to withdraw money from the card?

If there is a need to withdraw funds in another country, debit card users will be able to do this on favorable terms exclusively at ATMs of partner banks. At the same time, the percentage for withdrawal in each case is individual. It is determined by the bank that issued the card to the client.

It is also important to note that the presence of a debit product with the euro does not allow the holder in the territory of the Russian Federation to withdraw this foreign currency from ATMs.

If such a need arises, you will have to go to the cash desk of the bank that issued the card. This is the only way to get euros in your hands in Russia. By the way, if you plan to withdraw a large amount, in this case you need to call the bank operator and inform about your own intentions.

How to withdraw money?

Most often, euros are withdrawn by cardholders at ATMs. If the withdrawal of money takes place in Russia, the operation is possible only by converting one currency into another at the rate of the bank.

In foreign countries, euro withdrawals are possible at many ATMs. Interest on the operation is set by each bank individually. This point should be clarified even before receiving the card in hand at the bank. You should also carefully read the contract before signing it and find out the nuances of using the product.

Using a debit card in euros for travel

Debit cards are the best option for travel. The fact is that currently payment in euros is accepted in various countries of the world. Thus, users do not have to worry about the availability of finance.

Before traveling, it is recommended to write down the phone number of the bank where the client is served. If he plans to leave the territory of Russia, the bank number should be kept in the federal format. Any number that starts with 8800- will not work. In any case, you can check the phone number with the bank manager, who is ready to consult his clients on any issues.

Universal set of cards 8 9 10

When traveling, it is important not only to chart the path and choose sights. It is necessary to have a convenient means by which you can pay in any city. And a bank card can become such a tool. The best options allow you to profitably convert rubles into foreign currency without looking for exchange points. And they provide many additional benefits. But not all cards are created equal.

That is why we have compiled a rating of the best credit cards for those who are going to travel. It includes the most successful options. When looking for plastic for travel, several parameters must be taken into account at once: the conversion rate, the availability of privileges, cashback (including in the form of points for travelers). Remember that credit cards almost always have high cash withdrawal fees. But if you need borrowed funds abroad, then credit is also suitable, provided that you do not withdraw money. Also, when writing the rating, we took into account the reviews of travelers.

TOP 10 Best Travel Credit Cards

For a quicker comparison, we have compiled a table of cards that contains their key characteristics.

Map	Conversion rate	Cross-border payment	Loan rate per year	Credit limit, rub.	Cashback / bonuses	Privilege
Tinkoff All Airlines Black Edition	Central Bank exchange rate + 2%
Tinkoff Platinum	Central Bank exchange rate + 2%			up to 300 thousand
Euroset Corn	at the exchange rate of the Central Bank			up to 300 thousand
Alfa-Bank Alfa Travel Premium	Central Bank rate + 1%
FK Otkritie Travel "Zolotaya"	Central Bank rate + 1%			up to 300 thousand
Beeline Map	at the exchange rate of the Central Bank			up to 300 thousand
Gazprombank Travel Miles	Central Bank exchange rate + 2%			two average monthly incomes
Binbank Airmiles	Central Bank exchange rate + 2.5%
Promsvyazbank "World map without borders"	Central Bank exchange rate + 1.5%			up to 600 thousand
Raiffeisenbank Travel Rewards	Central Bank exchange rate + 1.5%			up to 600 thousand

For detailed information, be sure to check out the description of each card just below.

10 Raiffeisenbank Travel Rewards

Free additional card

Rating (2019): 4.3

Credit card especially for those who constantly travel. It has a good limit - up to 600 thousand rubles. But the percentage is not encouraging - from 27% per annum. The main plus is the opportunity to issue a free additional card to one account. This can be very convenient when traveling abroad with your family.

Cash withdrawals at other people's ATMs are subject to a commission of 3.9% of the amount and 390 rubles on top. Fixed cashback - 1 ruble for every 30 rubles spent, that is, a little more than 3% of the amount. Credit card maintenance will cost 2990 rubles per year. At the same time, mobile informing and online banking are free.

The card account can only be in rubles. Therefore, you will have to pay an additional 1.65% for a cross-border payment. Currency conversion takes place at the rate of the Central Bank + 1.5% from Raiffeisenbank. Total losses will be more than 3%, which is not very profitable. So take care of the right card in advance.

9 Promsvyazbank "World map without borders"

Convenient bonus program with a choice
Credit limit: up to 600 thousand rubles
Rating (2019): 4.3

MasterCard World credit card with excellent conditions and cost of 1990 rubles per year. It is interesting that it can be made payable - perhaps it will be convenient for someone. The main feature of the card is an interesting bonus program. The owner is free to dispose of the points received as he pleases - choose the airline on his own, pay for the ticket in full or in part with bonuses, and also spend them on anything during the holiday, and not just a round-trip flight.

Despite the "non-privileged" card, the bank will provide its owner with insurance covering up to 50,000 euros. In addition, the reviews write that the bank does not block the card, even if it is not warned about going abroad. Cashback varies - for any purchases you will receive 1.5%. For spending outside the Russian Federation or in the "Travel" category, 3% will return. And for promotional sections that change periodically, you can get 10% cashback. The credit limit for a relatively cheap card is good - 600 thousand rubles. The credit rate is 27%, which is not too little. Commission - 4.9% of the amount withdrawn from an ATM.

Cross-border payment, in turn, by card is made in an unusual way. If you pay for something in rubles, dollars or euros, then it will not be available - you only need to pay for the conversion at the Central Bank rate + 1.5% on top. And if in a currency other than these three, you will have to pay an additional 1.99% to the exchange rate.

8 Binbank Airmiles

Multicurrency credit card

Rating (2019): 4.4

We recommend that you purchase such a card together with the Premium service package in order to get the maximum privileges for a Visa Signature or MasterCard World Black Edition card of your choice. For 1950 rubles a month you will get all the benefits of "platinum" and free insurance for 100 thousand euros. In addition, the card, according to the bank, will be multicurrency. The main monetary unit is the ruble, the auxiliary ones are the euro, the dollar and the British pound.

Binbank made an interesting system for accruing cashback and interest on the balance. They come in the form of bonuses to a special virtual account at the rate of 1 ruble = 1 point. The amount of cashback varies. For regular card purchases, it is 1% of the amount. And in the “Travel” category, the return increases to 7%. At the same time, you can spend it only on buying tickets, renting transport or booking hotels. The balance is charged at 6% per annum. You can withdraw your own cash from ATMs without commission, but with a limit of 75 thousand rubles per month. Credit - with a commission of 3.5%.

The exchange rate when paying in the wrong currency on the card is unprofitable - Binbank adds another 2.5% to the Central Bank level. But due to cashback, the overpayment is leveled to an acceptable 1.5% at least. So you should count on this nuance.

7 Gazprombank Travel Miles

Universal set of cards
Credit limit: two average monthly incomes
Rating (2019): 4.4

Gazprombank cards issued as part of Travel Miles can be called a very successful solution for travelers. The set contains two cards linked to one client account: the main Visa Gold and, as an additional one, MasterCard World. This is very convenient, because these two payment systems have different main currencies: Visa has only the dollar, while MasterCard has both the dollar and the euro at the same time. Therefore, you can take them with you to any country where you need to pay in euros or dollars. Interestingly, the credit limit is calculated based on the holder's salary - the bank gives only two average monthly incomes, which is not very much, under a grace period of up to 90 days. Interest rate - 21.9% per year.

In addition to the main bonus points, the bank also accrues bonus points - for every 30 rubles, an additional 2 miles are dripped for the first month of use, and in the next - 0.5 each. So with serious expenses, you can quickly save up for a trip. It is also convenient that unnecessary miles can be transferred to relatives or friends, collecting them on one account. But, unfortunately, you can spend such a cashback only on iGlobe - this is a partner of the bank, which organized the bonus program.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to achieve free card service or receive interest on the balance - the bank does not provide such an opportunity. You will have to pay 1300 rubles a year for a set of two cards, which is pretty good. In addition, only payroll customers of Gazprombank can get a credit card of this kind.

6 Beeline card

Free card with good rates
Credit limit: 300 thousand rubles
Rating (2019): 4.5

Often this card is called the little sister of Corn. Indeed, they have one issuer - RNKO "Payment Center", and the tariffs and conditions are similar. Like Corn, the card has a serious drawback - the funds on it are not insured in any way until the “Interest on the balance” service is activated. The card should be issued first of all to those who use the Beeline mobile operator: due to bonuses, you can get a good discount on communications or accessories. But first things first.

There are no commissions for cross-border payment or conversion on the card - money is transferred to another currency at the rate of the Central Bank. A bonus program acts as a cashback - 1% bonuses are returned for each purchase. If you select "favorite" categories, then you will receive 5% cashback for them. You can get up to 3000 bonuses per month, but they are spent only in the Beeline chain of stores on smartphones, accessories, communications and other goods. Standard credit limit - up to 300 thousand rubles. The percentage per year, like that of the "big sister", is too big - 28.9%.

The card allows you to open an account only in Russian currency. So it is unprofitable to take it to countries where neither dollars nor euros are in use, because you can run into double conversion, which will entail additional costs. The big drawback is the expensive cash withdrawal: 4.9%, but not less than 500 rubles at a time.

5 FK Otkritie Travel "Golden"

Beneficial insurance on the "gold" card

Rating (2019): 4.6

Card category - Visa Gold with all the ensuing privileges. There is even free travel insurance in the amount of 35,000 euros. The card will cost 2990 rubles per year. The credit limit, in comparison with other rating cards, is small for a "gold" card - only 300 thousand rubles. But the rate is not the worst - from 18.9%

Pleased with the tariffs for using the card. Currency conversion is more than profitable - only + 1% to the Central Bank rate. There are no cross-border payments. There is a cashback, and it is credited in the form of points - they can be spent on any air tickets or booking accommodation while traveling with bank partners. The amount is fixed - 3 rubles from every 100 rubles, or 3%. If you spend money on the bank's website for travelers, then instead of 3 rubles, 5 will be charged.

The commission for withdrawing money from ATMs is 3.9%. The monthly cash withdrawal limit is 300 thousand rubles. You will also have to pay for SMS-informing - it costs 59 rubles per month.

4 Alfa-Bank AlfaTravel Premium

The largest number of privileges
Credit limit: up to 1 million rubles
Rating (2019): 4.7

Expensive premium card with corresponding privileges. This pleasure costs 5,000 per month (Premium package with a free first card), plus you need to pay 4,990 rubles a year for the plastic itself. In addition to standard bonuses for cards of this type, it has many additional ones - in particular, discounts on taxis and car rentals, free internet, and so on. Separately, it is worth highlighting the Concierge service: the bank will provide a personal manager who will carry out personal assignments. Interestingly, the credit limit "for everyone" is 1 million. And the rate starts from 23.99% per year.

You can open a card in a currency (dollars / euros / francs / pounds). Withdrawing money from ATMs in other countries is free. Visa Signature allows you to enter the VIP areas of airports. The bank issues extended insurance for the cardholder and his family with an insurance amount of up to 150,000 euros. The bonus program is designed for people who spend a lot of money. Starting from 10 thousand rubles of spending per month, cashback in miles (which can be spent on tickets or hotels) for any purchases will be 2%. From 70 thousand - 3%. And from 100 thousand - 5%. Moreover, if you purchase tickets and book hotels on the card website, the refund amount will increase up to 11%.

If you need to change the currency from the ruble to the dollar or euro, the loss on the cross-border payment will be an extra 2.5%. If you use a card in a certain currency in a country where it is in use, then there will be no additional commission.

3 Euroset Corn

Best value for money
Credit limit: up to 300 thousand rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The Maize MasterCard PayPass card is a very good option. It has almost no drawbacks compared to most other travel cards. Plastic is serviced for 250 rubles a year and has almost no commissions. The card issuer is RNCO "Payment Center". Since the organization is non-banking, deposits in it are not insured in any way. The card allows you to get a credit limit of up to 300 thousand rubles with a grace period of 55 days. But the percentages are high - from 28.9% and above.

There is no commission for a cross-border transfer. Converting rubles into dollars or euros is at the rate of the Central Bank, so you won’t have to overpay for services. It is interesting that SMS-informing also got into the service of the card. It will not work to withdraw money without a commission - you will have to pay a minimum 1% for your own funds. And credit are subject to a large percentage - at least 4.9% (from 400 rubles). It is convenient that there is informative Internet banking with a mobile application. Cashback is 1.5% on any purchase. If you connect the "Double benefit" option, then its size will increase to 3%. For partners, the return sometimes reaches 20%.

There is only one drawback - the card can only have a ruble account. Therefore, it is better not to take it to countries whose currency is different from the euro or the dollar. For such situations, cards with currency accounts and similar conditions are more suitable. And for simple trips, judging by the reviews, Corn is ideal.

2 Tinkoff Platinum

Maximum benefit in Russia and abroad
Credit limit: up to 300 thousand rubles
Rating (2019): 4.8

The classic Tinkoff bank credit card is very beneficial when traveling. But this is not a complete "Platinum", but only a name - MasterCard World is taken as a basis. Due to a good cashback, you can take this ruble card with you - losses on currency exchange will be minimal. Maintenance costs 590 rubles a year - taking into account the fact that there is only one name from the "platinum" in the card, the cost is quite acceptable.

It is convenient that there is a cashback for all categories of goods - at least 1%. And you can also buy goods from the special offers of the bank - then the return starts from 3%. Purchases from partners can raise cashback up to 30%. There is no cross-border payment at all. Tinkoff uses its own currency conversion rate, which exceeds the rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation by 2%.

Not happy that transaction alerts will cost 59 rubles per month. If you withdraw cash from an ATM, you will have to pay 2.9% of the amount plus 290 rubles on top - and this is a minus. However, for such a price, the "platinum" card fully justifies the expectations.

1 Tinkoff All Airlines Black Edition

Best conditions for a premium card
Credit limit: up to 2 million rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Premium card with miles program. It will cost 1490 rubles per month. But you can use it for free if you keep 3 million in bank accounts or spend at least 200 thousand rubles. In addition to the standard privileges of premium cards (in particular, access to VIP areas twice a month), the bank provides a personal manager, concierge service, gift insurance for the owner and his family for 100,000 dollars while traveling. The credit limit is huge - up to 2 million rubles. At the same time, the minimum rate is quite low - only 12%.

The card works with the bank's miles program. Cashback is credited for all purchases. It is counted as miles - you will receive at least 1% return from every 100 rubles. For booking a room in a hotel or hostel, as well as renting a car, you can receive up to 10%, and for tickets - up to 5%. Partners can earn up to 30% cashback. You can get money from ATMs for free, but only up to 100 thousand rubles per month. Anything larger is subject to a 2% commission. I am glad that you do not have to pay for SMS-informing.

The disadvantage can be considered the absence of other currencies, except for the ruble - when used abroad, you will have to spend money on conversion (CB + 2%). However, due to cashback, almost all the difference will be covered. In the reviews, many note that the card is profitable, even despite the course.

Hello, friends!

I am a passionate travel lover and today I will tell you all about maps. No, we are not talking about long-distance travel routes, although I can talk about them for hours. The best bank cards for travel is the topic of my next article.

Why such a choice? For 15 years of traveling around the world, I am convinced that the key to a good trip is not only in a great mood, but also in careful preparation for the trip. And money in this case is not the last place.

Let me tell you an interesting story from my childhood. I come from the Soviet Union: Iron Curtain, strict border control, etc. My dad worked in Germany and issued an invitation to my mother and me for 1 month. I remember how my mother sewed cash into a special belt, and decided to put part of the currency in my dress pocket. She explained this by the fact that children would not be checked and it was possible to bring in more than it was supposed to.

Modern travelers do not face such problems for a long time. And the issue of transporting money abroad can be solved more simply: part in cash, part on a bank card. Convenient and relatively safe.

Which card for trips abroad to choose? Debit or credit, ruble or currency? How to use correctly? I will try to answer these and many other questions in the article.

What bank cards are valid abroad?

All that are connected to international payment systems. Common systems abroad are Visa and Mastercard. Their fundamental difference from each other is the currency to which they are tied. If money is stored on your card in rubles, and you pay with it abroad, then this difference can be significant.

The Mir payment system has been operating in Russia since 2017, but it still raises many questions. One of them - is it possible to pay with a MIR card abroad? You can, but only with co-badged cards (these are cards that are issued jointly with the international payment systems Visa or MasterCard, so you can pay with them all over the world).

As an employee of the public sector, I was given a MIR card instead of a card linked to the MasterCard payment system. When asked if she worked abroad, a negative answer was received. Thank you so much for taking care of the budget.

Visa is pegged to the dollar, MasterCard to the euro. What does it mean if you decide to go to Europe? Let's look at specific examples:

1 option. You have a card on which money is stored in rubles. You use it to travel to Europe, whose main currency is the euro. How will the currency be converted?

• Visa converts rubles into dollars at the exchange rate, then dollars into euros. Total: double conversion.
• MasterCard converts rubles to euros.

Option 2. If you use the same card in the US, the situation will be exactly the opposite.

• Visa converts rubles into dollars at the exchange rate.
• MasterCard converts rubles into euros and euros into dollars. Total: double conversion.

3 option. And finally, you have come to countries that have their own national currency (for example, baht in Thailand).

• Visa converts rubles to dollars at the exchange rate, then dollars to baht.
• MasterCard will convert rubles to euros and euros to baht.

Thus, when answering the question of which card is better to pay in Europe, the answer is simple - MasterCard. In the Americas, you should take a Visa.

Is it profitable to pay with a ruble card abroad? The conclusion is obvious. In any case, you will pay for the conversion from one currency to another. Therefore, if it is possible to have several bank cards in rubles, dollars and euros, use it.

The usual percentage for conversion is from 1 to 5%. It is better to find out at the bank before the trip. In the case of currency conversion, it may occur. What it is and what it can lead to, I analyzed in my article. Do not be lazy, read so as not to be a bank debtor.

How to use the card abroad

So that paying by card abroad does not bring additional problems, consider the advice of banking experts on its proper use:

1. Report your trip abroad to the bank where your card is serviced. In some cases, the bank may block it, as it will take for the actions of fraudsters attempts to pay off first in one country, then in another in a short period of time.
2. Be sure to call the bank if the card is blocked. You will be explained why this happened and what to do to lift the ban on the use of money.
3. Keep in your phone or notebook the phone number of the call center of the bank where your card is serviced. In case of blocking, loss or theft, you can easily solve the problems that have arisen.
4. If you use a credit card, do not forget to pay off your debt on time. It is advisable to do this during the grace period. This is a grace period during which the bank does not charge interest for the use of his money. Does it work for cash withdrawals? For many, no. I have previously discussed these issues in detail.
5. Use different means of payment while traveling. What? These can be cards of different banks, in different currencies, cash and electronic money. In emergency situations, you will avoid big problems.
6. To reduce conversion losses, take cards in the currency that is used in a particular country.
7. Control all card transactions via SMS notification or in the Internet bank. Then, upon returning home, you will not receive a surprise in the form of an unpaid overdraft, for example.
8. Bank cards with a chip are more secure and reliable when making payments abroad than with a magnetic tape. I talked about this in the article. In some countries, cards protected only by the magnetic stripe may not be accepted at all. Or not accepted for paying for purchases of large amounts.

As you can see, there are a lot of tips, but they are very important. Following them during the preparation and the trip itself will help to avoid unwanted problems and fully enjoy a well-deserved rest or immerse yourself in the business moments of a business trip.

The best cards and bonuses for travelers

In this review, I want to focus on the most convenient and profitable cards for travelers. Moreover, consider both debit and credit. But first, I’ll note what requirements the average user makes for such cards:

1. Degree of protection (with chip, magnetic stripe, combined).
2. Possibility to withdraw cash and commission for this operation.
3. The value of the interest-free period (for credit cards).
4. cashback program.
5. Interest for currency conversion.

All cards are combined with a program for the return of part of the funds spent (cashback). Accumulated points, miles can be exchanged for tickets, hotel reservations, car rental, which is what travelers use. It is clear that the conditions of the programs are different.

Debit

Alfa Travel Premium from Alfa-Bank

In Alfa-Bank, service packages must be connected to the cards. Therefore, the cost of the corresponding package is added to the annual service of the card. Alfa Travel Premium is supplemented with the Maximum+ service package. What privileges are available to owners:

• 5% cashback in miles for any card purchases;
• miles are exchanged for air tickets of any companies in the world and do not expire;
• as a gift a Priority Pass card, which provides access to business lounges;

• extended insurance (includes extreme sports) for the whole family up to 150,000 euros of insurance compensation;
• 14 days of using free and unlimited Internet in roaming from MTS and Beeline operators;
• transfers to airports and railway stations.

#All at once from Raiffeisen Bank

This is a ruble card with a cashback of up to 3.9% on all purchases, which is returned in the form of points. Standard exchange rate of points for rubles:

• for every 100 rubles. purchases - 1 point;
• for every 50 rubles. purchases - 1 point (for new customers who manage to get a card before July 1, 2018)

Accumulated points can be exchanged for money or gift certificates from Yandex.Taxi, RZD Bonus, S7 Airlines miles, etc.

Rates and conditions
Maintenance cost	0 rub. in the 1st year 1,490 rubles. in later years
Commission for cash withdrawal at ATMs of the bank and partner banks	0 rub.
Commission for cash withdrawal in other banks	1% of the transaction amount (min 100 rubles)
Fee for cash withdrawal at cash desks of bank branches	0.7% of the transaction amount (min 300 rubles)
Fee for emergency cash withdrawal in case of loss of the card abroad	6 000 rub.
Commission for making a transaction abroad in a currency other than the currency of the account	1.65% of the transaction amount
Interest on the account balance (subject to opening a savings account for the card)	7% (for amounts up to RUB 100,000) 5% (for amounts over RUB 100,000)

The cashback program allows you to earn miles and exchange them for tickets of any airline:

• up to 10% refundable for hotels and car rentals (provided that you book on Booking and Rentalcars through Tinkoff Travel);
• up to 5% for paying for air and railway tickets (also when buying through Tinkoff Travel);
• up to 1.5% for other purchases.

One of the advantages of the Tinkoff Bank card is free insurance that covers expenses up to $100,000 and is valid for a family of 5 people. In addition, other premium services are available, including access to Lounge Key business lounges. The Bank gives the right to visit business lounges at airports free of charge 2 times a month. And you can do this without a Priority Pass card.

Travel from FC Otkritie bank (base tariff)

The bank returns 2 rubles. from every spent 100 rubles. to the bonus account. You can pay for plane and train tickets, hotel reservations with the accumulated bonus rubles, but only through Otkritie Travel.

Rates and conditions
Maintenance cost	0 rub. subject to the minimum requirements: – account balance from 70,000 rubles; - the balance of 50,000 rubles. and card purchases from 10,000 rubles. per month; — replenishment of the card from 20,000 rubles. 99 rub. / month – in other cases
Cash withdrawal fee	0 rub. subject to the minimum requirements and at the bank's ATMs; 4.9%, but min 490 rub. at the cash desks of the bank; 1%, but min 250 rub. at ATMs of other banks.
Cash withdrawal limit	Up to 200,000 rubles. per month
Currency conversion fee	2.5% of the transaction amount
Interest on the balance of the account from 10,000 rubles.	Up to 5.5% (according to the account “My piggy bank”)

Corn MasterCard Standard

Bonuses are awarded in the amount of 0.5% for all purchases and up to 20% for purchases from partners.

The main advantage of the “Kukuruz” card for travelers is that currency conversion is carried out at the rate of the Bank of Russia. But there is also a major drawback - it is not issued by the Euroset banking organization. This factor can stop someone.

It is possible to connect services:

• interest on the balance (up to 7.5%),
• credit limit (up to 300,000 rubles with a grace period of 55 days).

Credit

All Airlines Black Edition from Tinkoff Bank

The bonus program is almost the same as for a similar debit card. The only difference is that the cashback for regular purchases is not 1.5, but 2%. There is a free travel insurance program (family up to 5 people) and access to airport business lounges.

The name itself speaks for itself - the accumulated miles can be spent by paying for tickets of the Aeroflot airline or the SkyTeam alliance. 1 mile is credited for every 60 rubles spent.

The Sberbank card does not fit into the title of the section of the article “The Best ...” It is difficult to call it the best (high interest rates, inconvenient bonus program, short grace period). I included the offer in the review due to the popularity of the bank and its products.

Can I pay with a Sberbank card abroad? Oh sure. After all, it is connected to the world's payment systems, so there are no problems with its use abroad.

World map without borders from Promsvyazbank

For travelers, there is free travel insurance covering up to $50,000. Accumulated miles are converted into rubles at the rate of 1 to 1. They can be used to pay not only for plane or train tickets, but also for hotel reservations, car rentals, ready-made tours or cruises.

The bank refunds money for purchases in the following categories.

Conclusion

What bank cards are most advantageous to use abroad? The answer is not easy. For some, the fundamental point will be the opportunity to visit business lounges at airports or free insurance, and for some, the bank rate when converting currencies. There are many parameters that influence the choice:

1. How often do you go abroad and pay with cards there? And to which countries?
2. How much money do you keep in your account? Benefits for bonus programs depend on this.
3. What bonuses are interesting for you. For example, you do not use trains and rented cars. Therefore, you are unlikely to be interested in the opportunity to exchange accumulated bonuses for payment for these services.
4. And, of course, tariffs and terms of use.

I can promise you one thing for sure, you will spend a lot of time studying all the pros and cons of banking offers. Ready?

The main advantage that all debit cards for traveling abroad have is the most favorable conditions for withdrawing cash from ATMs. It is on this point that you need to pay the most attention when choosing a card. Only a few banks offer a 0% commission for withdrawing money from ATMs in foreign countries, the rest charge about 1%.

The most convenient travel debit card should meet the following basic requirements:

• the presence of personal details in order to easily pay for purchases online;
• with embossing (when key information is squeezed out on the front side), which allows you to pay through imprinters even in stores without access to the Internet;
• support for contactless payment;
• improved security features (chip and magnetic tape).

The choice of currency and payment system is also critical to getting the most out of using an international debit card. So, for traveling around Europe, a MasterCard (European payment system) with an account in euros is better suited to avoid losses on currency conversion when withdrawing the cache. And in China and other Asian countries, it is beneficial to use both the Euro MasterCard and the dollar VISA. It is imperative that your card be in currency and the conversion takes place immediately from the currency of the payment system to the local one and at the rate of the payment system, and not your bank.

Another important point that will help save on purchases is payment without commissions when calculating in a currency other than the card currency. It does not hurt if, in addition, the bank offers a good interest on, as well as accrual or bonuses for purchases.