Best Cashback Cards for Travel in the UK and US

If you travel frequently, either hopping between cities in the UK or jet-setting across the US, one of the smartest financial moves you can make is using a cash-back card that rewards you for your travel spending. But with so many options out there, which cards give you the best bang for your buck?

Short on time? Here are the top questions we answer right away:

What are the best cash-back credit cards for travel in the UK and the US?
Which cards offer no foreign transaction fees?
Are there any annual fee cards that are still worth it?
How can you maximize your cashback while traveling?

Let’s get in and find out how to stretch your travel budget with the Best Cashback Cards for Travel in the UK and US.

Why Cashback Travel Cards are a Game Changer

When it comes to travel, most people focus on points and miles. But cashback cards offer a more straightforward and flexible reward system — real money you can use however you like. Whether you’re covering your flight, Airbnb, or grabbing a quick meal abroad, cashback rewards make your travels lighter on the wallet.

Perks to Look For:

High cashback on travel-related purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Travel protection and insurance
Global acceptance (especially Visa or Mastercard)
Introductory bonuses

Now, let’s break it down by region, starting with the US.

Best Cashback Cards for Travel in the US

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Cashback Rate: 1.5% on all purchases, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes (3%)

Why It’s Great: If you book your travel through Chase, this card gives you top-tier cashback. It’s also paired with strong protection features like trip cancellation insurance and rental car coverage.

Best For: Domestic travelers who also use Chase for booking.

2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards

Cashback Rate: 1.5% on all purchases
Annual Fee: $39
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why It’s Great: It’s rare to find a cashback card with no foreign transaction fees at this low an annual cost. Plus, Capital One cards are widely accepted abroad.

Best For: Frequent international travelers who want simple cashback.

3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Cashback Rate: 1.5 points per dollar (redeemable as cashback for travel purchases)
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why It’s Great: No fees, flexible travel redemption options, and decent cashback make this a solid pick.

Best For: Travelers who want a fee-free card with flexible cashback.

4. Discover it® Miles

Cashback Rate: 1.5 miles per dollar (redeemable as cash or travel credit)
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why It’s Great: At the end of your first year, Discover matches all your miles. That’s essentially 3% cashback for year one!

Best For: Occasional travelers looking for high value in the first year.

Best Cashback Cards for Travel in the UK

1. American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Card

Cashback Rate: Up to 1% after the first £5,000 annually
Annual Fee: £0
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.99%

Why It’s Great: Great domestic cashback and no annual fee, but not ideal abroad unless you carry another card without foreign fees.

Best For: UK-based travelers who mainly spend in GBP.

2. Barclaycard Rewards Card

Cashback Rate: 0.25% on all spend
Annual Fee: £0
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why It’s Great: No fees abroad and cashback on everything — this card is underrated.

Best For: UK users who travel internationally and want fee-free spending.

3. Chase UK (by JPMorgan)

Cashback Rate: 1% on all purchases
Annual Fee: £0
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why It’s Great: A relatively new player in the UK market, Chase offers a robust app, round-up savings, and a solid cashback rate with zero FX fees.

Best For: Everyday spenders who also travel.

4. Virgin Money Travel Credit Card

Cashback Rate: None directly, but points convert easily to travel cashback
Annual Fee: £0
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Why It’s Great: Earn Virgin Points you can use for flights and hotels. While it’s not direct cashback, it’s as good as.

Best For: UK travelers loyal to Virgin or looking for travel perks.

How to Maximize Cashback When Traveling

Use the right card in the right place: Some cards offer higher cashback for travel-related purchases, while others give flat rates. Know your card.
Pay in local currency: Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion, which is often a worse exchange rate.
Use apps to track your spending: Many cashback cards come with apps that help track rewards.
Stack rewards: Use cashback portals or airline shopping platforms before booking travel.
Watch the fees: Especially for UK cards, foreign transaction fees can cancel out your cashback if you’re not careful.

Cashback Cards vs Travel Points: What’s Better?

If you want flexibility, cashback wins. Points and miles can often be more valuable if you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, but cashback puts money back in your pocket, usable for anything.

Our take? Use both! Keep a points card and a cashback card for flexibility.

What If You Have a Lower Credit Score?

Some cashback cards, like the Capital One QuicksilverOne, are more forgiving of fair credit. Start there, build your score, and then graduate to premium cards.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Card for You

Here’s the recap:

US Travelers: Go for cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One QuicksilverOne if you want simplicity and strong travel benefits.
UK Travelers: Chase UK and Barclaycard Rewards shine for no foreign transaction fees and solid cashback.
Always consider fees, acceptance abroad, and cashback categories before applying.

Cashback travel cards won’t make your trip free, but they can make it smarter and more affordable.