Earning points and miles as an expat: What you need to know

by admin

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

If you’ve moved abroad (or plan to), you’ve likely discovered that no other country does credit card points like the good old US of A.

But there’s no need to tuck your travel rewards cards in a sock drawer and resign yourself to paying cash for your travels. With a few specific strategies, you can keep earning points and miles regardless of where you’re currently calling home.

Here’s what you need to know to keep earning no matter where you are.

What to know about applying for a credit card as an expat

Use contactless payments

Abroad, you’re more likely to run into scenarios where you need a chip and pin when using your credit card. To avoid this, use contactless payment with tap to pay or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

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Contactless payment can also help you reach a spending requirement and earn the sign-up bonus on a new card without having to receive the physical card. You can have your card delivered to a family member and ask them to send you a photo of the front and back of the card. Then, you can activate the card and load it into your mobile wallet, allowing you to use it for in-person purchases.

Use a U.S. address

Many U.S. credit cards require a U.S. address to apply for and receive your card. You can use a relative’s address or a mail service that will send your mail to you digitally.

Either way, ensure you’re connected to your U.S. address, as some banks will verify your address during the application process. You can do this most simply by receiving a bill in your name at the address.

Use a U.S. phone number

Many card issuers send you text messages for identification purposes, and you’ll need a U.S. phone number for this. You can use a service like Google Fi or MagicApp to ensure you have a U.S. phone number when an issuer asks for it and can receive security text messages.

Go paperless

Make sure you’re enrolled in paperless communications with all your credit cards. This allows you to access information like approvals and statements more quickly and prevents your sensitive information from going to another person.

Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) can let you choose your I.P. address to make it look like you’re in a different geographical setting. You can set your location to be in the U.S., allowing you to access the U.S. version of banking sites.

Young man shopping online with credit card at home
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This shows you a more familiar version of the site and can keep your location from being flagged if you apply for a new U.S. card from a different country.

Use a transfer app

Use a banking app like Wise or PayPal to transfer your money to a U.S. account to pay your credit card bills to minimize your transfer fees.

Add authorized users

If you have friends and family willing to help you out while you’re abroad, you can add them as authorized users on your cards. They can use their cards to keep earning points and miles on your accounts while you’re out of the country.

Best credit cards for expats

If you’re living outside the U.S., you’ll want to make sure you’re using a credit card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, since a 3% fee on everything you purchase would quickly negate most of your earnings. You’ll also likely want a card that lets you transfer your rewards to international airlines and comes with airport lounge access to make your layovers more comfortable.

Here are our top picks:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

THE POINTS GUY

*Enrollment is required for select benefits, terms apply.

In addition to its long list of transfer partners, you’ll love the airport lounge access you’ll get with the Amex Platinum as well as the 5 points per dollar you’ll earn on flights booked directly through the airline or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year).

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Official application link: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

THE POINTS GUY

In addition to its transfer partners and airport lounge access, you’ll benefit from earning 3 points per dollar on purchases that fall under Chase’s broad dining and travel categories.

For more details, check out our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

a hand holding a credit card
THE POINTS GUY

With the Venture X, you’ll get a slightly shorter list of transfer partners than with the two cards above, but you’ll get Priority Pass airport lounge access as well as a flat earning rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.

For more details, check out our full review of the Venture X.

Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

THE POINTS GUY
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $50 hotel credit to use each cardmember year.
  • Transfer partners, including Emirates, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt and IHG.

With this card, you won’t get airport lounge access, but you’ll be able to take advantage of Chase’s transfer partners and earn 3 points per dollar on dining as well as 2 points per dollar on travel purchases, all for a much lower annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve.

For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

American Express® Green Card

a hand holds a credit card
THE POINTS GUY

The Amex Green allows you to take advantage of the same Membership Rewards transfer partners with a much lower annual fee than the Amex Platinum. Plus, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on dining, travel and transit purchases.

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Green.

Official application link: American Express® Green Card

Bottom line

Repatriation doesn’t have to mean your credit cards’ resignation. With the right cards in your (mobile) wallet and a solid strategy, you’ll keep earning points and miles to fuel your travels near and far. Be sure to keep a connection to the US with a physical address and phone number.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, click here.

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