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Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

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Best overall, best for short stays, best budget, best non-mvno, best prepaid data plan, best data-only plan.

At a glance 1. Best overall 2. Best for short stays 3. Best budget 4. Best non-MVNO 5. Best prepaid data plan 6. Best data-only plan FAQ

Whether you're going on a quick vacation or moving for good, it's never a bad idea to invest in one of the best prepaid SIM cards so you can stay in touch with friends and family back home. If you're having trouble choosing among all of the options that are out there, fear not: we've gathered all of the best prepaid SIM cards for travelers so you don't have to worry.

As long as your Android phone is unlocked for international use and compatible with local networks, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, ordering a SIM card online or through a nearby retailer should be simple.

Keep reading for all of the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists alike. If you want to go even deeper, you can also check out our guide to the best MVNO carriers or save some cash with the best MVNO deals of the month.

From $15 at Mint Mobile

Soon to be owned by T-Mobile, a Mint Mobile SIM is a perfect choice if you're staying in the U.S. for three months or longer, with unlimited talk/text, a mobile hotspot, and more.

1. Mint Mobile

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Mint Mobile is one of the best MVNO carriers today and uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network, making it a great prepaid SIM card to get if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. As we found in our Mint Mobile review , Mint's 5G connection is strong, and its phone compatibility is one of the best in the country.

With Mint, you need to purchase at least three months of service upfront. After that, the best deals are offered when you sign up for six months or 12. For three months on the unlimited plan, you'll pay $90 and get unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Calling to other international locations is available at a per-minute rate but if you use an app to call your friends such as WhatsApp or Line, you'll only need data.

Joining Mint Mobile is easy, and you can even sign up for a trial online to get a free Mint Mobile SIM card . It's especially easy if your phone is eligible for an eSIM since you can then activate the SIM straight from your phone and later continue your service if you like it. You can also get a Mint SIM card from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

2. Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Our Ultra Mobile review showed strong coverage and speeds. Though Ultra Mobile offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for a month or less.

This is a more traditional SIM and after 30 days, the plan will expire, making it great for users who just wanted simple talk and text to a wide range of destinations and don't need a lot of data on their travels. For $19 with the SIM kit included, you'll get unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide, plus free Wi-Fi calling and up to 4GB of 5G/LTE data, meaning you should have no issue reaching friends and family back home.

3. Lycamobile

Lycamobile is unique because it's a global MVNO, and in the U.S., it's an MVNO on T-Mobile's network. To check whether your phone is compatible, the easiest thing to do is type in your IMEI number on Lycamobile's website, but most GSM unlocked devices should work.

Lycamobile offers several plans to pick from and really caters to those who need unlimited nationwide talk and text and international calling and texting to 85+ countries. Each plan includes these features at no additional charge, making this the perfect plan if you're someone who wants to be able to call abroad whenever you want.

When it comes to data, you have multiple options starting at just 250MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest 250MB plan costs $15, while the top unlimited data plan costs $59. The 2GB plan is only available to new customers so if you're already signed up, this plan will come with 1GB of data. Each plan includes slightly different bonus features, so you'll have to pick what makes the most sense for you.

Fortunately, Lycamobile SIM cards are pretty easy to get a hold of. They're sold online on Lycamobile's website and Amazon, but you'll also find Lycamobile SIM cards in several retailers, including 7-Eleven, pharmacies, local convenience stores, etc. When in doubt, you can also use the online store locator to find the nearest retailer near you.

4. AT&T Prepaid

Known for its great coverage, AT&T is also an excellent carrier to consider getting a SIM card from when visiting the U.S. and one of the best prepaid phone plans . It tends to have better coverage in rural areas than other carriers, so it's also a great option if you plan to be on the road a lot. For $30 (plus taxes and fees), AT&T Prepaid will get you 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps. As always, you should check your device's compatibility with AT&T online before signing up.

On this plan, you're able to use your mobile hotspot, and you can text to more than 230 countries. You'll also be able to talk, text, and use data in Mexico and Canada (though data speeds may be slow). And if you think you'll need more than 5GB of data, you can always upgrade to a 15GB prepaid plan for $40, which is a great deal and definitely worth considering.

5G connected on Zenfone 8 with Android 12

5. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid option that will suit most travelers and tourists needs when visiting the U.S. Because T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network has some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay.

There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans from which to choose, though the ideal plan for most visitors will be T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan for $40 per month. This plan includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a music unlimited feature so that any music you stream won't eat up your data. If you want to add international calling, you can do so for $15 extra, or if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada for a few days, you can add talk, text, and 5GB of data to use over there for an extra $5.

6. Cricket Wireless

If you don't think you'll need minutes during your stay in the U.S. and really just want data, you could consider a data-only plan from Cricket Wireless , which is an MVNO on AT&T's network. For $35, you'll get 20GB to use during the month, or for $55, you'll get 100GB.

Again, this plan doesn't come with any minutes, so you'll have to be sure you're fine using apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype to connect with family or friends. It does come with text and picture messages across the U.S., as well as usage in Mexico and Canada if you plan on visiting those countries as well. It's the perfect plan for anyone who will be spending lots of time on the road and wants to be able to stream, download, and do some high-speed browsing.

You can get a Cricket SIM card by going into a Cricket Wireless authorized retailer, which you can locate with Cricket's online store locator. Other popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart will also sell Universal SIM card activation kits for Cricket Wireless. The good news is that if you do end up wanting minutes, you can always switch to another one of Cricket's plans with the same SIM card.

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Which prepaid SIM card is best for you?

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You really can't go wrong with a prepaid SIM card on T-Mobile or AT&T's network while visiting the U.S., and the right fit for you depends on the length of your stay and whether you need features like being able to call back home. If you're traveling for only three weeks or less, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is the best choice and offers just enough talk, text, and data to stay connected.

On the other hand, if you'll be in the U.S. for a few months, Mint Mobile will give you the best multiple-month value. And if you're somewhere in between, a prepaid plan from either T-Mobile or AT&T is easy, reliable, and guaranteed to give you great coverage.

Should you use your current carrier's add-ons?

Many carriers have partnerships with international carriers to offer greater service to their own customers. Luckily, this often goes both directions and means there may be a plan add-on that can give you plenty of data without needing to set up and activate a new SIM. While these travel add-ons can be quite pricey, the simplicity of this option will make it worth it to many people. It also gives you the chance to have a connection if you're waiting for a connecting flight in another country.

What about eSIM apps?

Another emerging option is eSIM apps. These apps can use your phone's built-in eSIM slot to quickly activate and pay for a phone plan without needing to remove your old SIM or worry about shipping a physical SIM in the first place. Airalo , for example, allows customers to buy as little as 1GB for a week. If you just need enough data to get around in a new city, this is a good option. It works with Google Pay, credit card, PayPay, and even Alipay.

If you have an iPhone, there's even an official T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app that accepts credit card payments from a number of countries. Regrettably, this app isn't available on Android though there are still other eSIM providers on the platform.

Just be sure to confirm compatibility before taking off. Still, there are other apps available on Android that offer solid deals on data without contacts or physical SIMs necessary.

MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

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After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child.

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The best prepaid phone plans in 2024

The best prepaid phone plans will help you save on your cell phone bill

Best overall plan
Best value plan
Best plan from a big carrier
Best prepaid unlimited data
Best family plan

Best low-cost prepaid plan

Best free plan
Best range of plans
Best low-data plan
Prepaid plans explained
What to consider
Free trials
How we pick the best plans

1. The quick list 2. Best prepaid phone plan overall 3. Best value plan 4. Best prepaid plan from a big carrier 5. Best prepaid unlimited data plan 6. Best prepaid plan for families 7. Cheapest prepaid plan 8. Best free prepaid plan 9. Best variety of prepaid plans 10. Best low-data prepaid plan 11. What is a prepaid phone plan? 12. What to consider 13. Free trials 14. How we pick the best prepaid plans

The best prepaid phone plans put a hard cap on your monthly cell phone bill so that you always know what the cost will be. With a prepaid plan, you pay in advance — sometimes up to a year in advance in exchange for a lower rate — removing any chance of overage charges when your bill arrives. Even better, prepaid plans usually cost less than postpaid plans from big-name phone carriers.

The trick to finding a top prepaid plan is to broaden your search. Yes, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have prepaid plans of their own — some of them are quite good — but you can find additional savings if you consider mobile virtual network operators (also known as MVNOs ). These services use other carriers' networks and cut back on perks to offer lower-priced plans.

A prepaid plan doesn't necessarily mean settling for limits on how much data you get each month. The best cheap phone plans do include some options aimed at low-data users, but our picks for the best prepaid phone plans also include unlimited data for a lot less than what you'd pay elsewhere.

When we research the best cell phone plans overall, we're also looking at prepaid plans from carriers big and small. That means considering price and data as well as whether your data might be slowed if there's a lot of traffic. We also look at what happens to your service when you use up all your data in a given month. Using that criteria, here are our picks for the best prepaid phone plans.

The quick list

15GB for $20 at Mint Mobile

Anyone of Mint's four prepaid phone plans would be an excellent choice depending on your needs, but 15GB is plenty for most people. After three months at $20, you pay for a full year to keep that low rate.

The best prepaid phone plan overall

Mint Mobile | 15GB | $20/month - Best value prepaid plan Mint Mobile has a good range of plans, with the carrier's 15GB offering providing a nice chunk of data at a low monthly price. That $20 monthly charge comes with a caveat, though — that's what you pay for the first three months of service but if you want the low-rate continue, you'll need to pony up for a full year in advance. That means you'll pay $240 a year to keep your 15GB plan at $20 per month. Mint slows down your data when you hit your monthly limit, though you can buy extra data. Your service comes from T-Mobile's network and includes 5G coverage. (Mint is now owned by T-Mobile.) A promotion at Mint cuts the first three months of coverage to $15/month for every plan right now, and a separate promotion adds six months of Paramount Plus when you sign up for service in May. Pros: Very affordable price, free hot spot data Cons: Best prices require longer commitment

Best prepaid plan value

AT&T | Unlimited 12-month prepaid | $25/month - Great value prepaid on AT&T Usually, the big carriers don't offer much in the way of prepaid plans, leaving that to the MVNOs instead. However, the best AT&T phone plans include an unlimited data option through AT&T's prpaid service, costing just $25 a month when you prepay for a full year. While you get unlimited data, your speeds will slow down to 1.5Mbps speeds after you hit your 16GB limit. (16GB is still a big chunk of data for most people.) AT&T's plan requires $300 in one upfront payment, but you get some perks in exchange, including hotspot data, HD video streaming and 5G service. Pros: Outstanding amount of data for price Cons: Requires you to prepay for a full year, speeds slowed significantly after 16GB

The best prepaid plan from a big carrier

Verizon | 15GB prepaid | $35/month - Best prepaid for coverage Among the best Verizon phone plans , you'll find a prepaid option with 15GB of data for $45/month. But that's just the starting price — enroll in autopay, and Version takes $10 off your monthly bill. Unfortunately, the loyalty discounts Verizon applies when you keep your prepaid account can no longer be combined with the autopay discount — it's either one or the other. But $35 is still a low rate, and it includes nationwide 5G coverage. Use up your data before the month is out and Verizon slows your coverage to 2G speeds. Pros: Lots of data, great coverage and speeds, 5G coverage included Cons: Not the cheapest prepaid around; Ultra Wideband 5G requires a more expensive plan

The best prepaid unlimited data plan

Visible | Visible Plus| $45/month - The best unlimited data prepaid on a budget Verizon-owned Visible's entry-level plan may cost just $25, but we think Visible Plus is the way to go. This $45/month option features a lot of perks, such as access to Verizon's faster Ultra Wideband network for 5G coverage. Visible Plus customers also can make calls to more than 30 countries from the U.S. at no extra cost and get up to 50GB of data without seeing their speeds slowed by Verizon. You now get a Global Pass that gives you one day of text, talk and data usage in 140 countries. Visible Plus customers can also add a smartwatch to their plan at no addition cost. Visible now includes an annual payment option, which saves you money on your monthly rate. (Visible Plus customers save $145 when they pay annually.) Pros: Very affordable, 5G unlimited data, smartwatch connectivity included Cons: There are cheaper prepaid plans, no discounts for multiple lines

The best prepaid plan for families

Metro by T-Mobile | Unlimited data plan | 4 lines | $100/month - A good option for familiesPros:Cons:

Metro by T-Mobile | Unlimited data plan | 4 lines | $100/month - A good option for families Families looking for unlimited data should turn to Metro by T-Mobile, now that the T-Mobile-owned carrier is running a promotion that gives you a discount on a four-line unlimited data plan. Normally $160/month for four lines of data, T-Mobile's entry level unlimited plan has been discounted to $25 a line. With this plan, you get unlimited data (though after 35GB of use, your speeds may be slowed) as well as 5G coverage from T-Mobile's nationwide network and access to T-Mobile Tuesday giveaways for customers. Pros: Uses T-Mobile's network, includes 5G, big discount right now on multiple lines Cons: Fewest perks of any Metro plan

T-Mobile Connect | 5GB data | $15/month - Low cost cell phone plan from a big name carrier The amount of data in the T-Mobile Connect plan has reached 5GB after T-Mobile added more data for the year. If you need more data, the $25 monthly plan now features a generous 8GB. Just be aware that once you use your data for the month, you have to wait until the next billing cycle for more data; other prepaid plans usually just slow down your speeds when you hit your cap. Pro: Low costs, includes 5G service Con: Out of data once you hit your cap

The best free phone plan

TextNow | 0GB | Free - Free calling and textingPros: Cons:

TextNow | 0GB | Free - Free calling and texting It's hard to beat a monthly fee of zero dollars, but that's what you'll pay for unlimited calling and texting with TextNow. You will need to pay $4.99 for a SIM card, and download an app for your iPhone or Android device, but once you do, you'll be able to call or text using T-Mobile's network. There are some additional caveats — the app features ads, and if you want data, that costs extra. (A day pass costs $4.99 for 2GB of high-speed data while a month with 10GB of high speed data will run you $39.99; use up your high-speed data and you get unlimited data at slower speeds.) However, TextNow's free plan now includes data for specific apps to check email, look up directions, use ride-sharing services and other essential apps. Pros: No charge for unlimited talk and text, essential services (email, maps) now included in free plan Cons: App features ads, more data costs extra

The best range of prepaid phone plans

Tello Economy | 5GB | $14/month - Low-priced cell phone plans Like Mint, Tello offers a range of plans at different prices and data allotments. While bargain hunters who don't need much data will jump at Tello's 1GB plan — it's just $9 a month — most of us will find the 5GB plan to be enough data for our needs, at a reduced price of $14 a month. If you need more data, there are 10GB, 15GB and unlimited options that are also quite affordable, with the most expensive plan topping out at $25/month. Tello uses T-Mobile's network, and slows you down to 2G speeds should you go over your allotted data. Pros: Wide range of plans including the cheapest option, unlimited calls and texts Cons: Limited phone selection

Best low-data prepaid plan

Ultra Mobile | 250MB | $15/month — Low-cost plan for low data usersPros:Cons:

Ultra Mobile | 250MB | $15/month — Low-cost plan for low data users Not everyone needs a lot of data, which is where Ultra Mobile's entry-level plan comes in. For $15/month, you get unlimited talk and text, plus 250MB of data for those times when you do need to connect. Paying for a year in advance lowers your monthly cost even further down to $8 thanks to a sale going on as of this writing. Need more data? Ultra Mobile has an extensive range of plans, between 3GB and unlimited data, all delivered on T-Mobile's top performing network. Like Mint, Ultra Mobile is now owned by T-Mobile. Pros: Low monthly cost, coverage through T-Mobile Cons: Low data cap isn't for everyone

What is a prepaid phone plan

There are two kinds of cell phone plans — prepaid and postpaid. With a prepaid plan, you pay for data at the beginning of the month; that way, you know your precise costs for budgeting purposes. (Prepaid plans also don't require credit checks, so it's easier to get service if you've got a low credit score.)

Should you use up your allotted data for a month, many carriers will just slow down your data speeds for the rest of the billing cycle. In some cases, you'll need to top off your plan with data. That's why it's important to pick a prepaid phone plan with the right amount of data for your needs.

Many phone carriers prioritize traffic from postpaid customers, so it's possible that data rates can be slowed if you're using a prepaid plan. That's especially true when you use a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO , such as Mint, Metro or Cricket, where your phone service is piggy-backing on another carrier's network.

Best prepaid phone plans: What you should consider

When shopping for a prepaid phone plan, price is paramount. That’s because prepaid plans don’t often come with the kind of benefits postpaid cell phone plans offer. That said, some carriers — notably, Metro By T-Mobile — do work in a few perks, so be aware of those when picking your plans.

You'll also want to pay attention to discounts and special offers. Often, larger carriers like AT&T and Verizon will adjust the size of their autopay discount, which can make a pricier plan more attractive. Metro by T-Mobile has been known to increase discounts for each line of data you add, too, making it a good choice for families.

Besides price, one of the most important things to consider is what carrier offers the best coverage around your home and workplace. That’s true even if you look beyond the Big Three carriers for service. MVNOs use the cellular networks of AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon for their coverage. So if Verizon’s network is particularly strong where you are, for example, MVNOs that use Verizon’s network for coverage will perform well, too. As we mentioned above, MVNOs can see their traffic slowed if a carrier’s network gets too crowded.

5G coverage is included with most MVNO service by now. Metro subscribers can access T-Mobile's 5G with an eligible phone, as can Mint Mobile customers. Visible has added 5G access on Verizon's network to select phones, and Cricket customers can now use AT&T's 5G connectivity with any of that MVNO's plans.

For more on MVNOs, read our guides to AT&T MVNOs , T-Mobile MVNOs and Verizon MVNOs — we'll tell you which discount carriers use which parent networks.

The best prepaid phone plans and free trials

Some prepaid carriers offer free trials, in which you can test out their service on your current phone without having to switch carriers first. It's a convenient way of seeing if a prepaid carrier's coverage is strong in your area.

Mint Mobile's free trial lets you sample the service for seven days. You're given 250MB of data, 250 minutes of talk time and 250 texts to see what Mint's service is all about.

The free trial at Cricket , which AT&T owns and operates, runs for 14 days and lets you use up to 3GB of data.

Visible's free trial runs the longest at 15 days. In addition to iPhones, it's now open to Samsung and Google Pixel devices that can support eSIM.

How we pick the best prepaid phone plans

Finding the best prepaid phone plans means widening our search beyond the major carriers, though AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all have prepaid offerings. We also research plans from smaller carriers who use the Big Three's cellular towers to provide their coverage. As smaller carriers usually offer their service at a discount, they make up a majority of the candidates that we consider for best prepaid phone plans.

When we pick the best plans, we put a premium on the monthly price, though we also pay attention to how much data comes with that plan. After all, a carrier may not charge you a lot for data, but it also may not provide enough data for your needs. We're picking plans that offer the best mix of cost and data. We also consider a wide variety of data allotments, since some people can get by very happily using just a couple gigabytes of data each month, while others need an unlimited plan.

As noted previously, prepaid plans don't offer much in the way of perks. That said, we do take note of any special add-ons included with the best prepaid plans, as those can add value to a plan above and beyond its monthly cost.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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Mighty Sea Tide 💪🌊 I've been using Total Wireless, which is one of TracFone's subsidiaries and an MVNO for 2+ years, and they are fantastic. For $35 a month I get unlimited talk and text, 5 GB of high speed data on Verizon's network that I've never noticed being throttled, and if I would use all 5 GB, which I never have, I still have data but the speed would drop to 3G or slower. I have a Moto G7 phone--their phones are very affordable and they have frequent flash sales on various phones on their website. The voice network quality is outstanding, as is the data network availability and speed. I've used Virgin Mobile, regular (not prepaid) AT&T, and Straight Talk in the past and none of them even come close to the quality and value for the cost compared to Total Wireless. I very highly recommend Total Wireless. Reply
Ksc65 Verizon's purchase of TracFone is worrisome to me. I dropped straight talk after 7 years because of the bad customer service. I'm now on AT&T prepaid $75 plan which is $60 with autopay and it's incredibly better. The perks include Better customer service, 5G access, Visual voicemail Unlimited everything with a hotspot. Hard to beat that deal! Reply
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What key trends will shape travel mobility over the next five years?

In a recent webinar, hosted by Juniper Research and Vodafone Voice and Roaming Services, we explored the results of a global survey of 180+ mobile operators and discussed the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the sector. Catch up on the highlights of the webinar.

Reach out if you would like to watch the full webinar.

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Travel Technology: Should I Use a Prepaid Travel Credit Card Like Wise?

by Carolyn Ray | Apr 9, 2024

A woman pays for her coffee during her travels with her prepaid travel credit card

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Last updated on April 19th, 2024

How to save money and convert multiple currencies while travelling

by Carolyn Ray

Welcome to our Travel Technology column, where I attempt to answer your questions about the mystifying, ever-changing and evolving world of technology. Having spent years working in the technology industry with IBM and other notable firms, I have always been an early adopter and feel qualified to share my personal experiences or find those who know more than me, which often includes our readers. I always encourage you to review other sources and consult with experts.

Topic of the week: Prepaid travel credit cards

One of the most frequent questions on our private Solo Travel Wisdom group is about prepaid travel credit cards.

Question: “Does anyone have experience with a Wise card? How are the exchange rates going from Canadian dollars to other currencies? Thank you for any guidance you can give me.” — Cheryl T.

My take : I much prefer having a digital card like Wise on my phone versus pulling my credit card out of my wallet when I want to pay for public transit or make payments at stores and restaurants. In most European countries, you can tap on and off public transportation, such as the metro, subway, or bus with your phone using your Wallet (on iPhone) which uses facial recognition for additional protection.The other feature I enjoy is currency exchange, which can be done at the touch of a button for a small fee. For example, if I am travelling to Switzerland and don’t have Swiss Francs, I can convert my Euros into this currency at the touch of a button, and then convert unused funds into a currency I need. As a business owner, I use Wise to make payments in different currencies and have found the fees significantly lower than Paypal. Wise also has a plastic credit card as well but I just use the digital one.

Editorial note: JourneyWoman may earn revenue from this article from the company mentioned if you choose to purchase their product, but there is no cost to you for this. Our perspective is informed by our readers and our personal experiences, not influenced by advertisers. We wouldn’t recommend a product we haven’t used ourselves and will state if an article of this type is paid for or sponsored by a company, which it is not in this case. Read our disclaimer here .

What is a prepaid travel card?

A travel money card, also called a currency card, is a type of card which allows you to keep multiple currencies and use the card while travelling the world with no hidden fees to worry about.

What women say about Wise and prepaid travel credit cards

“ Wise is an amazing resource. If you get the debit card, you can transfer money into a local currency account and use the debit card to withdraw it when in the country. You save a LOT on fees and currency conversion charges. — Mariellen W.

“Reminder to check which credit cards don’t have international fees. I forgot all about it this last trip & boy did those fees add up.” — MaKoa N.

“I have (a Wise card). I can’t really speak to your question about exchange rates but I have found it to be a great way to carry money internationally. It’s easy to load money onto it. It’s not connected to my own bank account so the risk of losing it is less damaging. It’s widely accepted so less need to carry anything else. I have nothing but positive experiences with it.” — Nancy T.

“I have Wise and I totally love it. You can go on their website and see that day’s exchange rate I believe. What you are not paying with this card is the 2 to 3% above that rate that bank cards charge to do a foreign transaction!!” — Cathi W.

“I used Wise to transfer money to an overseas vendor to pay for a trip in their currency. The exchange rate and service fees were less than using my credit card. It was easy once I read through the steps and provided confirmation of the transaction and delivery of the funds. I continue to weigh the savings vs credit card use (not accumulating points and insurance).” — Helen C.

“I also use Wise as a way to receive money from retreat participants in the currency of their choice and so that I can easily and seamlessly move through countries and access that same currency, having never paid exchange rates. I will caution anyone who holds large amounts (50K+) in any digital service, however. They are not a bank, and while highly regulated are not under the same protection as an institution.” — Tania C.

Please note: We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. While we may highlight certain positives of a finanical product, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product. To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by JourneyWoman. Read more in our Terms of Use of this site.

Learn More About Travel Technology

Travel Technology: What is an eSIM or Electronic Sim Card for Mobile Phones?

by Carolyn Ray | Mar 31, 2024

Our Travel Technology series starts with a look at eSIMs, a new, cost-effective way for women to save money and stay connected on mobile phones.

Hold The Phone, Grandma: Safe Etiquette for Grandkid Holiday Snaps and Social Media

by Kathy Buckworth | Dec 22, 2023

Suggestions for grandparents when posting holiday photos on social media, particularly when traveling with grandchildren.

How to Stay Safe When You Travel: Introducing our New Cybersecurity Course for Women

by JourneyWoman Staff | Oct 25, 2023

To help increase awareness of online safety before, during and after travel, JourneyWoman has introduced a new cybersecurity course with digital safety expert Paige Hanson, just in time for Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October).

Carolyn Ray

As the CEO and Editor of JourneyWoman, Carolyn is a passionate advocate for women's travel and living the life of your dreams. She leads JourneyWoman's team of writers and chairs the JourneyWoman Women's Advisory Council and Women's Speaker's Bureau. She has been featured in the New York Times, Toronto Star and Zoomer as a solo travel expert, and speaks at women's travel conferences around the world. In March 2023, she was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse and was the recipient of a SATW travel writing award in September 2023. She is the chair of the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), a member Women's Travel Leaders and a Herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC). Sometimes she sleeps. A bit.

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

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SIM Card and Cell Phone Plans in the USA

Today’s vacationers need their mobile phones – not just for calling home, but also for browsing the internet and checking online maps. And while you can use your German SIM card in the US , this comes with high costs . In most cases, buying a prepaid card in the US is the cheaper option. In this article, you will learn all about different providers, where to buy SIM cards in the US and how to reduce the costs.

CELLPHONE COVERAGE IN THE USA

Unlike in Germany, there is no network in the USA that covers all regions. On average, the three big companies AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon provide the best coverage. And while there are still some thinly populated areas in the Midwest where coverage is poor, you will not have this problem in big cities and tourist places. Surfing with UMTS and LTE speeds is also possible along the highways. However, users of 2nd generation networks (GSM) will have to upgrade soon, as these networks are going to be switched off in the near future.

DO GERMAN CELLPHONES WORK IN THE US?

If you want to use your German phone in the USA, you should first check the compatibility, as different frequencies are used overseas. Luckily, most modern cellphones like iPhone, Sony Xperia and Samsung Galaxy support the frequencies of the two biggest providers T-Mobile and AT&T. To find out whether or not your phone is compatible with US networks, you can visit this website: www.simlystore.com/usa-geraeteliste/

GERMAN SIM CARDS IN THE USA

The good news first: Thanks to cooperation between German and American providers, using your German SIM card in the US is no problem.

As soon as you land at the airport, you will likely receive a message from your German provider, asking if you want to use International Roaming . If you do, you can select calling and data options . Of course, these do not come free. Even though roaming fees within the European Union have been abolished in 2017, you still have to pay the full price for sending and receiving phone calls outside the EU. You will even be charged double if someone leaves a message on your mailbox. Only receiving text messages is free. You can also buy data options, but expect high costs. The International Roaming Pass of German Telekom can serve as an example. Customers have to pay:

50 cents for a text message
1,50 Euros/minute for phone calls to Germany
3 Euros/minute for phone calls in the USA
15 Euros for 150 MB of data, valid for 7 days.

The price policy of O2 is similar. Vodafone customers have it slightly better: If you are using a Red or Smart L, L+ or XL plan, you can buy the US Flat for 5 Euros a month. This flat rate lets you use your cellphone in the US at the same costs as in Germany. However, you will not be able to cancel the US flat for 12 months. Alternatively, there are daily and weekly flats available for 6 and 20 Euros. Please note that Vodafone will automatically book the daily Easy Travel Flat unless you have deactivated this option beforehand. If you are using a cheaper cellphone plan, you are not eligible for Vodafone´s international flat rates. In this case you have to fall back on the “Reisepaket Plus” with 50 minutes of phone calls and 100 MB of data for 6 Euros a day – hardly a viable option.

USING YOUR CELLPHONE WITH A US SIM CARD

Unless you can strike a deal with your German provider, there is only one reason for using a German SIM card in the US: Keeping your old number. Most people, however, fare batter with a US Sim card that can be bought either before or during your vacation. If you are traveling in a group, Tethering might be interesting for you. This option lets you create a hotspot for your friends. However, it is mostly high-end cellphone plans that allow for Tethering.

BUYING A US SIM CARD IN GERMANY

Vacationers who want to be on the safe side can buy their SIM card for the USA in Germany. This option is more expensive, but it allows you to use your cellphone right after landing at the airport. Delivery usually takes 1-2 days. Here are several companies that provide this service:

This company offers SIM cards for a wide range of countries, among them the United States. The USA Prepaid Sim Card for 30 days includes unlimited calls and text messages in the US. Customers can choose from different data packages: The XS option, for example, comes with 1 GB of LTE data and costs 39.90 Euros. Keep in mind, though: While more expensive options let you continue surfing with reduced speed once your data is used up, this is not possible with the XS option. On the other end of the price range is the XL plan with 30 GB for 79.90 Euros. This option includes 20 USD for phone calls to German mobile networks (10 USD with the XS and S option). There are data only plans available as well. Simly customers access the network of AT&T.

Tourisim is another provider of SIM cards that can be ordered prior to your vacation in the USA. A good option for most customers is the H20 Wireless-SIM, valid for 30 days. Just like Simly, Tourisim provides data packages from 1 to 30 GB – for 5 Euros more, that is. On the upside, even the cheapest plan for 44,90 Euros, lets you go online with 2G speed after you have used up your data. Tourisim cards also use the AT&T network.

If you want to share a hotspot with your friends and make free phone calls in Canada and Mexico, you should choose the more expensive premium options.

If you are looking for a bargain, this provider is worth checking out. Beachsim offers sim cards with 1 GB of data as well as free phone calls and text messages in the US for just 29,90 Euros. The 40 GB package for 79,90 is comparatively cheap as well. On the downside, the provider uses the T-Mobile network, which cannot quite compete with the coverage of AT&T – especially in rural areas. Alternatively, you can buy Beachsim cards for the AT&T network. Expect to pay the same price as for Simly products, though.

PREPAID GLOBAL

Similar products can be found at Prepaid Global. Their SIM cards are valid for 30 days. Data packages start at 1 GB for 37,90 Euros. The biggest package comes with 30 GB and costs 79,90 – the same as a comparable Simly card. Just like Simly, Prepaid Global uses the AT&T network. The SIM cards come with unlimited calls to European cellphone networks – perfect if you want to call home frequently.

All the aforementioned products can be purchased directly from the respective company. You will also find them on Amazon.

BUY A SIM CARD IN THE USA

Of course, you can also travel to the US first and purchase a SIM card there. For vacationers, prepaid cards are the only sensible choice, as cellphone plans would require residency in the country. When it comes to US providers, T-Mobile and AT&T are ideal for holiday guests , as their networks are compatible with most smartphones. There is no shortage of mobile phone shops in the US. Sometimes, you can even find cheap deals at the airport or at Walmart.

One of the biggest providers in the US offers SIM cards for tourists. These are available in every T-Mobile Shop and have a validity of 3 weeks. Included in the price of 27 Euros (without taxes) are:

1000 minutes of phone calls in the USA
100 minutes of international calls
unlimited text messages in the USA and 140 other countries
2 GB of LTE data.

The downside of this cheap option: It is not possible to extend the SIM card or buy additional data. Once you have used your data, the internet speed is reduced to 2G. If this is enough for you, T-Mobiles Tourist SIM might just be the perfect choice – and one that you can purchase straight at the airport.

This provider does not explicitly advertise SIM cards for tourists. However, you will have no problem buying an AT&T card – just make sure your cellphone is compatible with their network. Prepaid cards come with free calls and text messages to US mobile phone networks. The price for 1 GB of data is 32 Euros per month. 8 GB are available for 45 Euros. The latter option is perfect if you want to create a hotspot for your friends.

Using your German SIM card in the USA still comes at a high price. Therefore, it pays to buy a US SIM card – either at home or in the country. Before selecting a product, you should check the compatibility of your phone and the network coverage of the provider. If you want to save money, you should get a prepaid card from T-Mobile. However, in rural areas AT&T is the more reliable option.

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UK Prepaid Sim Cards for Travel (Easy Mobile Data Access)

Planning a visit to the UK and how to get a SIM card before you go?

Getting the right prepaid UK SIM card is the key to easy data access on your trip and not stressing about staying connected

You can choose to burn cash by data roaming on your sim card from home, or save money by grabbing an eSim or buy a UK sim card when you arrive.

Below, we run through all the top prepaid UK sim cards so you can find the best one for your trip to the UK.

Top Product Overview

Best prepaid sim cards for the uk, o2 go card prepaid sim card.

The O2 Go Card Prepaid Sim Card is a great UK sim card if you are looking for data only while you travel around the UK and Europe.

It is a UK local sim card that works on every unlocked mobile phone and tablet.

The UK prepaid sim card comes with

a UK number
10 GB of data

If your data usage is about average, this should be enough data for the 30 days it is valid for.

This prepaid UK sim card allows you to stay connected in all countries in Europe. You will have a reliable and fast 4G connection everywhere you go, and you can top up to add calls and SMS to these UK sim cards too.

Compared to other sim cards, this UK prepaid sim card is pretty good value for the data you are getting. But, if your data usage is high, the included 10 GB might not be enough for 30 days.

Easy to top up
The package lasts for 30 days
Good value for money
Includes enough mobile data
Fast & reliable connection
You can use the data all over Europe
Might not be enough data for heavy users
No free calls/texts included

Product Information

Price: $24.90
Data: 10 GB
Calls: $2 credit
Texts/SMS: $2 credit
Valid For: 30 days
Service Speed: 4G/3G
Data Tethering: Yes

Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid Sim Card

The Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid Sim Card is a great UK prepaid sim card and a great sim card for traveling around Europe too.

If you want to stay connected in the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world, this is the UK prepaid sim for you.

You get 20 GB of mobile data allowance that you can also use with a mobile hotspot. Unlimited calls and SMS in Europe are also included, and you get inclusive worldwide mins and SMS.

It is the perfect UK sim for free roaming around Europe while being able to make phone calls and send sms back home.

The Orange sim card works in most European countries and since Orange is one of the biggest local networks in Europe, you will always have fast and reliable connection speeds.

The only issue with these sim cards is that they run out after 14 days, not so great if you are on a long trip. Also, if you are traveling on a budget the price might be a little high.

A large data plan
Data plan works in all of Europe
Comes with Unlimited calls and texts within Europe
Come with inclusive international call mins and sms
Great coverage and fast speeds
Only lasts 14 days
A bit expensive compared to others
Price: $49.90
Data: 20 GB
Calls: Unlimited in Europe, 120 mins worldwide
Texts/SMS: Unlimited in Europe, 1,000 worldwide
Valid For: 14 days
Service Speed: 4G/LTE

Orange Holiday Zen Prepaid Sim Card

The Orange Holiday Zen Prepaid Sim Card is similar to the Orange Holiday sim cards we looked at above but is more affordable and comes with less data/calls/sms.

With these temporary UK sim cards, you get

8 GB of data
unlimited calls, and SMS in Europe
a few global mins and SMS too

If you do not need much data while traveling around the United Kingdom, then this is a much more affordable option.

Again, being an Orange sim, you will have a reliable and fast connection in most countries in Europe and in the United Kingdom.

Again, these prepaid sims do only last 14 days until you have to top-up again so it is not ideal if you are on a trip longer than 14 days.

Solid coverage and speeds in the UK & Europe
Comes with Unlimited calls and texts in Europe
Also includes some global mins and sms’
A solid amount of data
You can use it all over Europe
Not for long trips over 14 days
Not much data for heavy users
Price: $29.90
Calls: Unlimited in Europe, 30 mins worldwide
Texts/SMS: Unlimited in Europe, 200 worldwide

Three UK Data Pack Prepaid Sim Card

The Three UK Data Pack Sim Cards offers the best value out of all the local sim cards that we have featured. This Three sim has it all and it is not overpriced either.

For just $24.90, the sim comes with unlimited calls and sms in the UK and Europe plus 10 GB of data, plus it lasts for 30 days – great for longer visits.

Three has great network coverage all over the UK and their mobile data speeds are excellent too. In addition to the UK, this sim also works in 49 countries in Europe.

The one issue with these sim cards is that 10 GB of data might not be enough if you are a heavy user. But, it is more than enough for Google Maps and Whatsapp.

Great value for money
Solid amount of a data
Good for longer trips
Reliable coverage
Fast connections
Works in the UK and Europe
Heavy users may run out of data
Calls: Unlimited in Europe
Texts/SMS: Unlimited in Europe
Service Speed: 5G/4G/3G

Is A Sim Card Essential When Traveling to the UK?

Yes, I would say a sim card is essential when traveling to the UK, in fact, I would say it is essential when traveling anywhere.

We use our phones for everything these days and that is because they make life so convenient.

Imagine you are walking around London and you need a cab but there is no free WiFi around and you have no sim card, what is the plan? Walking aimlessly around looking for somewhere with free WiFi so you can order an Uber instead of just ordering one.

The same goes for navigating with Google Maps, making plans with friends, staying in contact with loved ones, finding restaurants, booking trains, and lots more.

You can get by while traveling in the UK without a local sim card as you will be able to jump onto a free WiFi connection in most places. Airports, trains, restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, you name it, most of them will give you a free WiFi connection.

But, living on WiFi only is a pain and for the sake of $30, why not be connected all the time? Being able to use your phone whenever you like is also a safety measure worth taking so you can call for help when you need it.

Overall, it is worth buying a sim card for the UK in my eyes, your life becomes a whole lot easier and safer for a small price.

Things to Know Before Buying A Sim Card in the UK

Is your phone unlocked.

Only unlocked phones work with sim cards in the UK or anywhere else for that matter.

If you bought your phone yourself it will already be unlocked. If you got it for free with a contract through your provider, it could be locked to said provider.

To unlock your phone, just call your provider and request they unlock it, it should only take a few minutes.

Are You Using A GSM Phone?

Phones use either CDMA or GSM technology to stay connected to a network. A GSM phone will not work on a CDMA network, and vice versa.

Most of the world uses GSM including the Uk whereas North America uses both GSM and CDMA.

If you are from North America and you use either Sprint or Verizon, you may have a CDMA phone and it will not work with any sim cards for the UK.

The only solution is to buy an affordable unlocked GSM phone for your trip.

How to Buy A Sim Card in the UK

Buying a sim card before traveling to the uk.

Buying a sim card before traveling to the UK does have its advantages. You will receive the sim card before your trip and can put it in your phone before you land in the UK.

Once you have arrived, just turn on your phone and you will be online. There is no finding a shop queuing, or any hassle like that.

All the sim cards featured in the article can be ordered online before your trip.

Buying A Sim Card in the UK

Buying a sim card in the UK does come with its benefits though. Yes, you will have to find a shop and buy the sim card, but you will get much better deals than you will by buying them online.

EE for example offers way more data, mins, and sms’ for a smaller price than all the sim cards featured in the article. But, you have to buy it in the UK or have a UK address to order one.

How Much Does A Sim Card in the UK Cost?

Sim cards are free in the UK, but you will need to pay for a data/calls/texts package to be put onto the sim card.

How to Activate & Top Up Your UK Sim Card

Activating and topping up your UK sim card is super easy. You can either activate the sim or top it up online or by calling your mobile provider’s customer service.

A lot of prepaid sim cards you order online are already activated, and if you buy your UK sim in a shop in the UK, ask them to activate it there and then.

EU Data Roaming

All the sim cards featured in the article come with EU data roaming, meaning you can use the calls/texts/data in your package all over Europe too.

Not every network provider allows free EU data roaming after Brexit though, so be sure to check if you plan to go to Europe.

Managing Your Mobile Data in the UK

For anyone who is traveling on a serious budget and wants to conserve data, here are some tips:

Keep your phone in airplane mode when you are not using it
Use apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Netflix on WiFi
Only use Whatsapp and other essential apps when not on WiFi
Download the area you are traveling around on Google Maps on WiFi for offline use

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists buy a sim card in the uk.

Yes, tourists can buy a sim card in the Uk, just bring an ID with your – passport or driving license.

Which sim card is most used in the UK?

EE has consistently been voted the best mobile network in the UK and is a favorite for most in the UK.

Can I get unlimited data in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to get unlimited data in Europe but it is not easy to come by. Your best bet is with eSims like these, Holafly is the best eSim provider for unlimited data.

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14 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

46 travel credit cards evaluated
10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. O ur top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
Discover it® Miles – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.

Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
No bonus category for travel
Few benefits compared to other cards
Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

No annual or foreign transaction fees
Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
Few benefits compared to other travel cards
Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
Includes cell phone protection plan
No airline or hotel transfer partners
Doesn't include travel insurance
Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
Includes primary rental car insurance
Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
$95 annual fee
Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
High annual fee ($250)
Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
$100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

10,000 bonus miles every year
Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
High annual fee ($395)
Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
$300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
High annual fee ($550)
Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

$300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
High annual fee ($695)
Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
$200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year ($200 between January and June and $200 between July and December) for U.S. purchases with Dell.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

Free first checked bag for you and a companion
Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
$95 annual fee (after the first year)
No intro APR period
Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards offer benefits and rewards geared towards individuals who travel frequently or want to earn travel benefits.

They provide high rewards for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. You can then use these rewards (in the form of points or miles) to book travel reservations. Some cards also let you transfer your rewards to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

On top of the rewards, these cards often feature several travel-related perks, such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you’ll typically get bonus points in additional spending categories. For example, some cards may offer 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

How to use credit card points for travel

Travel credit cards have rewards programs through which you can earn points (or miles). Well-known point programs include Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards® and Citi ThankYou® Rewards.

To redeem your points, go to your travel card’s rewards program portal. The process may differ across credit card issuers, but you’ll usually be able to access it through your online account on the issuer’s website or app.

Points are usually worth one cent each. However, some issuers increase their value if you redeem them for travel. For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points are worth 1.25 cents when used to book flights through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Points may also be worth less than a cent, depending on how you redeem them. For example, some cards allow you to use your points at Amazon checkout. While this might sound convenient, this option may bring down the value of points to around 0.8 cents.

Some cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Typically, you can transfer rewards to these loyalty programs on a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 1,000 credit card points are worth 1,000 loyalty program points.

Difference between points and miles

You’ll earn points or miles depending on which travel credit card you have. For example, Chase travel credit cards earn points, while Capital One travel cards earn miles. Miles and points typically have similar value (around one cent each) and redemption options.

However, keep in mind that several cards that earn miles are tied to a specific airline — like the United℠ Explorer Card. In this case, you can only use your rewards for purchases with the issuing airline such as flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining and more.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

Do you travel often? A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you use their points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit.
Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
General travel card vs co-branded cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

How get the most out of your travel credit card

To get the most out of your travel credit card, you need to use it as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase, which you can then redeem for free or discounted flights, hotels and more.

Use your travel card to pay most of your purchases and bills and then pay your card off in full each month. This will help you earn points while avoiding interest charges and high credit card debt , which can impact your credit score.

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

What is the best travel credit card, what is the best credit card for international travel, how to travel for free with credit cards, what is the best credit card for travel miles, what is a welcome bonus on a credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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Carefree calling and surfing within Switzerland

Versión en español

Versão em português

Prepaid for tourists: Enjoy a hassle-free holiday

No contract ties.

With this prepaid offering, you are not tied in to any contract. Take advantage of the card for as long as you wish, but with no long-term commitments. Product can be cancelled at any time without any penalty.

Complete cost control

By paying in advance for your usage, you retain complete control over your spending. There are no unexpected bills or additional fees.

Flexible eSIM

Thanks to eSIM, you can order online and get started right away with no need to visit a physical point of sale.

No roaming charges

Switzerland is not subject to the EU Roaming regulation (roam like at home). With this prepaid offer, however, tourists can still enjoy free unlimited calls and mobile data usage within Switzerland.

Prepaid flat 7

Our offer for tourists.

Calls and SMS: Unlimited within Switzerland
Mobile data: Unlimited within Switzerland
Speed: 50 Mbit/s download

More details

Price for 7 days 20.–

Do you run a hotel and would like more information or flyers for your tourists?

Complete the form and we will be in touch.

Currently available languages: DE, FR, IT, EN, ES, PT

Contact person

Telephone number, e-mail address, would you like to order free flyers, shipping address, number of flyers.

For example: DE = 20, IT = 30, FR = 10

Frequently asked questions

What does the prepaid sim card for tourists include.

Our offer is designed especially for tourists. 7 days of unlimited calls and surfing throughout Switzerland for just CHF 20.–. There will be no additional usage costs within Switzerland throughout this period. If you also want to make calls or surf while travelling outside of Switzerland, you can find more tariffs in our subscription details.

What if I am in Switzerland for more than 7 days?

If your stay in Switzerland is for more than 7 days, you can easily add a new package after the first prepaid 7-day flat rate has expired. Renewing the package again costs CHF 20.–. You will then have a further 7 days of unlimited calls and surfing. Besides the 7-day package, 30-day and 90-day packages for CHF 65.– and CHF 150.– respectively are also available. If you choose not to renew the package, the prepaid basic rate will apply to all further calls and data usage within Switzerland. The only prerequisite for this is a sufficient credit balance from which the charges can be deducted.

Prepaid basic tariff:

Calls 0.29/min.
SMS 0.15/SMS
Surfing 2.−/day

Can I sign up before my trip?

Yes, you can sign up to the offer before you arrive. The 7 days will only start once you have arrived in Switzerland and you use the prepaid card for the first time. You can therefore sign up to the offer at any time prior to your trip without incurring any costs. When you enter Switzerland, your prepaid card will activate automatically and you can start using it right away.

Should I use an eSIM or a regular SIM card?

eSIM If your device supports eSIM, you don’t need a physical point of sale, you can do everything online. The eSIM is installed in your device already and will be ready for use immediately following your order. To activate the eSIM, scan your personal QR code and, in just a few clicks, your eSIM will be activated.

SIM card If you require a physical SIM card, you will need to visit a Swisscom Shop or easy Point (kiosk, Press&Book or Avec) to collect the SIM card. Once you’ve inserted it into the SIM slot, your device will be ready to use.

What do I have to consider if my device does not support eSIM?

You can take advantage of the offer with either an eSIM or a regular SIM card. If your device is not compatible with eSIM, you will need a regular SIM card. You can pick these up at any Swisscom Shop. If you don’t have a Swisscom Shop nearby, you can select a local easy Point (Kiosk, Press&Book or Avec) during the online order process, where you can then pick up your SIM card.

I would prefer not to sign up online. Where can I find physical outlets?

You can sign up to the Flat 7 prepaid offering at any Swisscom Shop. Please follow this link for the Shop locations:

Swisscom Shops

Can I use my own phone number or will I get a new one?

The Prepaid Flat 7 offer runs on the Swisscom network. To use it, you need to take out a new SIM profile (eSIM or physical SIM card), which means you will be assigned a Swisscom phone number. Data usage is via the new Swisscom number, but you can use Whatsapp with your own number, for example. The new Swisscom number is used for making calls and writing SMS. The offer cannot be applied to an existing number. This is only possible if you already have a prepaid from Swisscom that is still active. In this case, the offer can be connected directly via Cockpit.

How can I check my credit?

You can check your current credit balance directly via your mobile phone in the cockpit or by message.

In the cockpit You can view your credit balance at cockpit.swisscom.ch (opens in new tab) . You can access the cockpit for free worldwide, even if you have no credit left.

By message Send an SMS to 444 with the message STATUS. You will then receive a message showing your current balance.

How can I top up my credit?

In the Cockpit Go to the Swisscom Cockpit (opens in new tab) . Enter the amount you wish to top up and select a regular credit card as the payment method. You can access cockpit.swisscom.ch for free worldwide, even if you have no credit left.

By Voucher / Value PIN Buy a prepaid voucher at a point of sale and redeem it as follows. On your phone’s numeric keypad, enter *123*14-digit_Value_PIN# call button. The credit purchased on the voucher will then be loaded into your account.

Vouchers are available at various points of sale, including kiosks, petrol stations, Migros, Coop, Denner etc.

What will happen to my remaining balance after my stay?

If the SIM card is not used for 12 months, the remaining credit lapses and the number reverts to Swisscom. The following are all deemed use of the SIM card: outgoing calls, sending text messages, sending and receiving MMS messages and any use of mobile data communication.

Welcome to Switzerland’s best network

We give our all every day for the best mobile network in Switzerland to help you stay connected during your holidays. Always, everywhere.

The best mobile network in Switzerland

The Swisscom network is climate neutral

Dos & Don’ts in Switzerland

Avoid cultural misunderstandings when visiting Switzerland.

Saying hello and goodbye

It is customary to say hello and goodbye when meeting someone or entering or leaving a room.

Punctuality

Punctuality is very important in Switzerland, so you should make an effort to be on time for appointments and observe deadlines.

Politeness and respect for others are very important in Swiss culture. It is customary to say please and thank you and to be polite to one another.

In Switzerland, there is no obligation for guests to tip. However, in many restaurants it is appreciated to pay about 10 per cent of the bill as a tip or to round it up to a round amount.

Don’ts

Noise pollution

People in Switzerland are very considerate of others, so take care to keep noise levels down and avoid disturbing others.

Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and public spaces in Switzerland.

Informal language

In Switzerland, it is customary to use more formal language initially and wait for an invitation to use first-name terms. ⁠⁠⁠

In Switzerland, spitting in public is considered rude and unhygienic, and should be avoided.

What is a flat-rate cash back credit card?

PayPal Editorial Staff

April 25, 2024

Credit card rewards can vary across cards and providers. A common offering is a flat-rate cash back credit card. These cards simply earn a set percentage back on every eligible purchase.

This article will break down the basics of flat-rate cash back credit cards, what a tiered rewards system means, and potential things to consider if using a flat-rate credit card.

Defining flat-rate cash back

Flat-rate cash back cards offer a straightforward rewards structure. They give cash back as a fixed percentage on each eligible purchase the cardholder makes. This means individuals earn the same cash back percentage whether they’re buying groceries, dining out, or booking travel.

For example, if someone has a card offering 3% cash back, then they could earn up to $30 for every $1,000 spent.

With no rotating categories or varying percentages, flat-rate cash back cards can be popular because they’re simple and easy to use.

Tiered rewards systems

Tiered rewards systems offer different levels of rewards based on specific spending categories or thresholds. Tiered systems typically vary the rewards based on the type of purchase or the amount spent.

For example, a tiered system may offer increased rewards for purchases in categories like dining, groceries, or gas, while providing lower rewards for all other spending.

Additionally, some tiered systems may require reaching certain spending thresholds to unlock rewards tiers.

Potential considerations for cardholders

When researching flat-rate cash back options, individuals can evaluate their spending habits and preferences to determine if this type of card aligns with their financial goals.

Here are some potential factors to consider:

Spending patterns: If spending is spread across various categories, a flat-rate cash back card may be ideal. However, if someone tends to spend heavily in specific categories, like dining or travel, they may benefit more from a tiered rewards card tailored to those areas.
Preference: Flat-rate cash back cards offer straightforward rewards with a consistent percentage on all purchases. This simplicity can be appealing to individuals who prefer not to track spending categories or worry about rotating bonus categories.
Total spend: While flat-rate cards offer consistent rewards, individuals with high spending levels may potentially earn more with tiered rewards cards, especially if they spend heavily in bonus categories offering higher cash back rates.
Redemption options: Another factor to consider is the flexibility of redemption options, such as cash back in the form of statement credits, direct deposits, or other alternatives.
Annual fees: Examine any annual fees associated with the card against the potential cash back earnings.

Flat-rate cash back credit cards may offer a simple and hassle-free approach to earning rewards on everyday purchases. However, it's important for individuals to practice responsible spending habits and review all terms and conditions.

Learn about the PayPal Cashback Mastercard ® .

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