Why one of my most commonly used cards when traveling abroad might surprise you

I’ve been thinking about earning and redeeming points and miles and constantly asking myself what’s the best card?

Over the years, points and Myers helped me fund travel a lot as I traveled to nearly 90 countries.

There seems to be one of my photos used more frequently than expected during my trip. Actually, it’s not a credit card – I know it’s shocking. This is actually a debit card.

The Schwab BankVisa® Platinum debit card is my preferred card when traveling abroad at home and abroad, and that’s the only reason: free ATM withdrawals worldwide.

I went to a destination for a lot of cash that was the king. There is no need to pay the tall ATM withdrawal fee, so I feel relieved that when I land, I can go directly through customs, go to the ATM immediately, and start exploring.

Let’s see why the Schwab Platinum debit card always has a slot in its wallet when traveling abroad.

Information on Schwab Bank Visa Platinum debit card has been collected independently by Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

What is a Schwab Platinum Debit Card?

The Schwab Platinum debit card is a debit card attached to the investor checking account of Charles Schwab Bank.

The Schwab Platinum debit card will always have a place in my wallet, but cannot be purchased. If I need to take money from the ATM, I will only carry this card with me as Charles Schwab will repay unlimited ATM withdrawal fees worldwide at the end of each month.

Even better, there is no fee for opening an account, nor monthly maintenance fees.

For example, on my recent international trip, I went to Serbia, a very cash country. I can’t even leave the airport without local currency because I need to pay for a taxi.

Whether I pay for public transport or buy salma (plus rolls) from food suppliers, I need multiple cash. I took out cash at least 10 times during this trip and would have cost nearly $100 without the Schwab Platinum debit card.

And I can’t lie-I like to indulge in the occasional gambling of casinos. Usually when I enter the casino I don’t have any cash so I have to go to the ATM to withdraw some. During this trip I walked into the casino and saw the $20 ATM withdrawal fee almost caused a mini attack, but then I remembered that my Schwab Platinum debit card would pay me back.

Expert tips: When withdrawing funds or even paying for purchases abroad, always choose your local currency and reject the dynamic currency conversion rate as you will eventually pay for the conversion fee that will not be reimbursed.

Related: Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: Which Smarter Choice?

How Schwab Platinum Debit Cards Meet My Overall and Mile Strategy Abroad

Since I don’t use the Schwab Platinum debit card to purchase, my credit card is still the focus of my earning rewards abroad. With most of my credit card rewards, I usually make money and burn them, so I always need to spend on the cards to replace them.

My credit card lineup when traveling abroad

Four more cards – three travel reward cards and one cash card – anchoring my credit card strategy when traveling abroad:

Each card plays a key role in my strategy, but Sapphire’s preference and Amex Gold get my use. None of these cards has foreign transaction fees (click here for Amex Gold rates and fees; click here for Amex Business Platinum rates and fees), so I’m happy to swipe them abroad. Plus, I diversify my rewards by earning different transferable rewards.

Information on Apple cards has been collected independently by Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chase Sapphire’s first choice

this Sapphire prefers It is my preferred card for hotels and all general travel purchases as it earns 2 points for every dollar on all travels.

I usually rely on mine Amex Gold Card For catering purchases, but Amex is not widely accepted in many countries (even in some major cities abroad), so I prefer sapphire as my secondary dining card because it earns 3 points per dollar on meals.

Because my sapphire is a visa, it tends to see the most used visas abroad.

The card received very valuable ultimate reward points, which I transferred to Chase’s 11 airlines and 3 hotel partners. My partners who transfer points are United Lileageplus and Hyatt World. On the same Serbia trip I transferred 6,500 to the Hyatt Hotel, which took a short night before my flight at Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport, where the cash price was just over $200.

Finally, I made sure to use Sapphire Preferred’s annual $50 hotel credit to book hotels through Chase Travel℠.

I always try to use this credit at a hotel that does not come with a loyalty program as I will not get any loyalty at any hotel. Also, I want to save when I need an airport hotel or stay in the city for one night.

I think this credit is effectively a $50 discount for a night stay, and over the past few years I have even found several hotels for less than $50 a night (although these are all available in cheap countries) so it was a free night for me. It is important to note that you won’t get any points on the first 50 dollars you spend on Chase Travel.

Related: Why I Love My Choice Card for Chasing Sapphire – And Will Always Keep It in My Wallet

Amex Gold

I think I am a foodie, nothing compared Amex Gold. The $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) is worth all the points I earned throughout the year in different bonus categories.

This is my meal card because it earns 4 points per dollar for dining at restaurants around the world (up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar).

Additionally, the little-known benefit of Amex Gold is that it also earns 3 points per dollar on a direct booking flight, so the card has become the default card I make for airline purchases.

The card earns very valuable membership reward points that I can transfer to Amex’s 17 airlines and three hotel partners. My job is Air Canada, Club Iberia and Club Virgin Atlantic.

It is important to note that I fluctuate between using Sapphire Preferred and Amex gold, depending on the reward currency I lack. For example, on a recent trip I used a lot of chase points balance to fund this trip, so I needed to supplement my account. Although I could have earned more points with other cards, I prefer sapphire to use all purchases.

Related: How to maximize Amex Gold Points when traveling abroad

Amex Commercial Platinum

mine Amex Commercial Platinum Card When I travel abroad, I don’t have many uses for daily use. Actually, I’m only really using this card now for the statement credit and travel allowances provided.

The main purpose of this card is to provide me with access to the airport lounges so that I can access the global lounge series. This card comes with a preferred pass option membership, which allows me to access most lounges I visit internationally (requires registration).

These priority postal lounges tend to be better abroad than most domestic lounges, depending on the region of the world you are traveling to. This card also allows me to access certain centurion lounges internationally, including Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Steholm Arlanda Airport (ARLANDA Airport (ARN).

Related: The 10 Best Priority Passes in the World

Apple Card

It was a surprise for many, Apple Card plays a role in my international travel card lineup. If I have any non-Bonus category spending, I can make an Apple Card with Apple Pay to earn 2% of my purchases. Usually, I use this card at places like a pharmacy or souvenir shop. However, this is usually the last card I use when I am abroad. Sometimes I even spend 1 point on all other purchases or all other purchases that Amex Gold offers.

One benefit of using an Apple card is that the cash back earned (called daily cash) is available immediately, rather than at the end of the billing cycle.

Related: 4 Reasons to Get an Apple Card

Bottom line

Schwab Platinum debit card is essential for any traveler. Whether you are a beginner with a credit card or have over 10 cards, like some of our staff, this should be the next addition to your wallet, and the best part is that you don’t need to be arduously asked.

When traveling, you never know when you need some cash. The Schwab Platinum debit card is not an alternative to any credit card, but if you often go to where cash is the main form of currency, you can consider a great card. Having this card ensures that you can withdraw cash from the ATM free fee.

For Amex Gold rates and fees, click (see here)
For rates and fees for Amex business platinum, click (see here).

Related: 9 types of cards you should pack your next trip abroad