 TITLE: Do You Need A Credit Card To Travel? CONTENT: Things to Consider Before Choosing a Travel Card\n------------------------------------------------\nThere are a few final factors to keep in mind when choosing a credit card to take with you when traveling.\n**Your credit score**: If you are applying for a new card, make sure your credit score falls within the typical range of accepted applications. Many premium rewards cards require you to have a score in the good-to-excellent range. If you need to improve your score before applying for the card you want, using Experian Boost™† may help you accomplish that.\n**Acceptance**: Before opening a new card or sticking it in your wallet as you depart on your trip, do some research and make sure you will be able to use it where you are traveling. For instance, if you find out that most merchants where you'll be traveling only accept cards with chips, make sure one of yours has a chip. Or if you read that American Express is not as widely accepted where you are going, be sure to bring a Visa or Mastercard along too.\n**Foreign transaction fees**: It cannot be said enough—if you plan to travel abroad and use a credit card in another country, be sure it is one that waives foreign transaction fees so you are not charged extra on your purchases. Foreign transaction fees will otherwise be charged to every purchase you make while outside the U.S., which can really add up.\n**Protections**: If you plan to use your credit card to pay for your travel or other major purchases, make sure you are using one that provides robust protections in case your items are stolen or damaged and insurance against things like travel delays, lost luggage and car rentals.\n**Rewards**: Finally, consider getting a card that earns rewards points or miles on the purchases you are going to make. Several airline credit cards offer bonus miles on airfare purchases and at other locations such as hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, while some hotel credit cards earn bonus points when you use them to book stays as well as for things like gas purchases and rental cars. Read up on the earning potential of any credit cards you are thinking of opening or using when traveling to make sure you pick one whose benefits you can maximize.\nAlthough it might not be strictly necessary to carry a credit card when traveling, you might want to do so for several reasons. Many rewards cards waive foreign transaction fees and provide better exchange rates on purchases you make abroad. Some travel credit cards also offer extensive purchase and travel protections that can save you time and money when things go wrong. Finally, carrying a credit card is usually a safer way to travel than bringing along a lot of cash, which can potentially be lost or stolen. You can find current credit card offers and personalized picks through Experian CreditMatchTM. END