Choosing the right
American Express® Card for your next international trip

 

Learn about American Express Credit Cards for international travel

Whether you’re exploring a new culture, trying local cuisine, or reconnecting with family and friends across the globe, having the right Card to travel can make all the difference.

 

American Express Cards are designed with international travellers in mind, offering benefits such as Card protection and travel insurance1 on eligible Cards. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age-limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits). When you’re using American Express overseas, you can also rely on our Fraud Protection Guarantee2, our 24/7 Card support and worldwide acceptance.

Benefits of using a Card while travelling abroad

Using a Card can simplify your payments overseas, reduce the need to carry large sums of cash and give you access to extra benefits.

Convenience and security

Carrying large amounts of cash can be both inconvenient and risky. A Card can help you access funds and helps protect your purchases through 24/7 fraud monitoring.


 

 

Find out more about Card Security.

 

 

Rewards points

Some Amex Cards allow you to earn Membership Rewards® points3 which you can then redeem to book eligible flights, hotels or car rental with Amex Travel Online4. You can also choose Cards that lets you transfer points to Hotel Partners or Cards that allow you to earn points directly with partner airline programs.

 

Find out more about Redeeming Membership Rewards points with American Express.

 

Travel insurance and protection
 

Eligible Cards include Travel Insurance1 for medical emergencies or trip cancellations (Terms, conditions and exclusions apply such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits) as well as our Fraud Protection Guarantee2 to help protecting you against unauthorised charges overseas.

 

Find out more about our Card insurance available to Card Members.

 

Access to international assistance services

Card issuers usually have global customer service to help with issues like a missing or stolen card. If a problem arises, you can often get quick guidance and arrange a replacement card to ensure you’re never left without a way to pay.

 

If your Amex Card is lost or stolen, American Express can arrange to get you a replacement Card virtually anywhere you are in the world, 24/7.

 

 

How to use your Amex Card abroad

If you’re new to using Amex internationally, it’s wise to understand how fees, currencies and security measures work before your trip.

Understanding foreign transaction fees

For each purchase in a foreign currency, American Express charge a currency conversion fee of 3% of the Australian Dollar amount of the foreign charge5.



 

 

Choosing the right currency for purchases

It often saves costs to opt for the local currency whenever possible to avoid hidden markups. If asked whether you’d like to pay in Australian dollars or the local currency, choosing local currency usually has a better exchange rate. Reviewing receipts and staying mindful of surcharges can also help prevent surprises.

 

Tips for safe Card usage

Keep a close eye on your statements and use secure payment locations to reduce the risk of fraud. Avoid handing your Card over if you can’t see how it’s being processed.



 

 

Managing Card issues overseas

Save your Card’s international contact numbers in your phone. If something goes wrong, like a declined Card, customer service can typically offer quick solutions. A backup payment method is also useful in case you travel to places with limited Card acceptance.

 

Find out more about using your Card Overseas..

 

Benefits of American Express Cards for international travel

American Express provides Credit and Charge Cards with multiple advantages so you can pick one that best suits your travel style.

Designed to transform every journey into a luxury experience, the Amex Platinum Card unlocks access to premium travel perks and global benefits.

Key travel benefits of the Amex Platinum Card

  • Annual $450 Travel Credit6: Use this credit to book eligible flights, hotels, or car hire through with the Platinum Travel Service or American Express Travel Online.

  • Up to $400 in dining credits7: Enjoy up to $200 to spend at participating restaurants in Australia and up to $200 at participating restaurants abroad. (Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. A separate one-time enrolment is required. Benefit ends 31 December 2026.)

  • Access to 1,550+ lounges8: Enter the Centurion® Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges and more across 140 countries.

The Amex Platinum Card fee is $1,450 p.a.
Explore the full benefits of the Amex Platinum Card here.

Travelling abroad with a Business Card?

If you travel frequently for work, you can use a Business Card to pay for your Business travel expenses such as flights, hotels and car hire and you can enjoy business travel rewards for Frequent Flyers.
 

Check out how Business Cards can help enhance business travel.

Choose the Card that best suits you

The American Express® Explorer Credit Card

The American Express® Platinum Card

The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card

The American Express Velocity Platinum Card