Are you planning a vacation in 2026? If so, you should consider bringing a good travel card along. We have rounded up the best travel credit cards so you can enjoy peace of mind and a convenient payment solution while on holiday.
We believe that Bank Norwegian is a very versatile credit card. Bank Norwegian is best suited for those who want a credit card with no annual fee, with bonuses on regular purchases and good terms when using abroad. The card is particularly competitive on currency surcharges and cash withdrawals, but the travel insurance has stricter terms from August 1, 2026. The card is less suitable for those who want high cashback, lounge benefits or travel insurance that also covers friends and other traveling companions.
TF Bank Mastercard is an excellent travel card offering great insurance coverage and flexible terms. You can withdraw cash from ATMs at no cost, get discounts on both hotels and rental cars, and enjoy peace of mind thanks to the included travel-related insurance.
Morrow Bank credit card is a fee-free Mastercard that gives access to discounts and benefits through the Morrow More loyalty program, as well as flexible payment solutions and included insurance. The card is best suited for those who want a simple everyday card with no annual fee, and who are willing to actively use discounts and promotions to get the most value.
re:member Black is a fee-free credit card for those who shop a lot online and want an easy way to get discounts. The card stands out with a high credit limit, free travel and cancellation insurance and access to re:member Reward – one of Norway's most comprehensive discount programs with over 200 online stores.
The SAS EuroBonus Mastercard is the card for those who fly regularly with SAS and want to earn bonus points on all card purchases.
Our experts have extensive experience with credit cards and share honest analyses and reviews. We partner with some card issuers and receive a commission when you apply through us, but this never influences our recommendations or editorial content. Our goal is to provide you with the best and most objective guidance so that you can make the choice that is most beneficial for you.
Credit cards offer many advantages, but they become especially valuable when traveling. A travel credit card provides not only flexibility but also a range of financial and security benefits. When traveling, a credit card can save you money, offer greater peace of mind, and make your vacation easier. Here are the key benefits of using a credit card for travel:
Free travel insurance: The vast majority of credit cards include free travel insurance when you pay for at least half of your trip with the card. This provides extra peace of mind in the event of delays, lost luggage, or unforeseen incidents. Find the best credit cards with travel insurance here.
Enhanced security: Credit cards protect you against fraud and allow you to dispute unauthorized transactions. If you lose the card, it can be quickly blocked without financial loss.
Low foreign currency surcharge: All Norwegian debit and credit cards have a foreign currency surcharge, but travel cards often offer lower ones. This means you can save money when making purchases in foreign currencies. Here, you can compare credit cards with low foreign currency surcharges.
Travel bonuses and discounts: Many travel credit cards allow you to earn bonus points or cashback on travel-related purchases such as flight tickets, hotels, and car rentals. This can help reduce the cost of future trips and provide you with additional benefits along the way.
Free cash withdrawals: Many credit and debit cards charge fees for cash withdrawals abroad. The best travel cards, however, allow you to withdraw cash without fees, which can save you from unnecessary holiday expenses. Be aware, though, that with credit cards, interest often starts accruing from the date of the withdrawal. To avoid interest charges, you should therefore repay the amount as quickly as possible. Read more about credit card cash withdrawals in our course.
Lounge access: The most exclusive credit cards offer airport lounge access. It is a luxurious perk that adds a touch of gold to your travels. You would often have to pay a rather steep fee for this otherwise, so having it included with your credit card is a major advantage.
When using a card abroad—whether a debit or credit card—you unfortunately cannot avoid fees. Costs such as currency exchange surcharges and withdrawal fees can quickly make your trip more expensive than necessary. We offer tips on how to minimize these costs.
Choosing the right credit card for your trip can save you hundreds of kroner while on vacation. Whether you are looking for a travel card with complimentary travel insurance, fee-free cash withdrawals, a low foreign exchange markup, or bonus points on flights, there is a card that suits your needs.
In the table below, we compare the best travel credit cards, clearly categorized by costs and benefits—making it easy for you to find the one that best fits your holiday plans.
| Travel card | Annual fee | Currency surcharge | Withdrawal fee | Travel benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 0 kr | 1,75 % | 0,00 % | Travel insurance, rental car excess insurance, discounts through DealPass |
| | 0 kr | 1,75 % | 0,00 % | Travel insurance, cheaper flight tickets with Norwegian Air using CashPoints or cashback. |
| | 0 kr | 1,75 % | 0,00 % | Travel insurance, rental car insurance, rental car discount |
| | 0 kr | 2,00 % | 1,00 % + 35 kr | Discounts on hotels, car rentals, and flights via Re:member Reward; travel insurance. |
| | 0 kr | 2,00 % | 0,00 % | Lowest interest rate |
| | 233 kr 588 kr | 2,00 % | 4,00 % (min 40 kr) | SAS Bonus Points, travel insurance |
| | 7 800 kr | 2,50 % | 4,00 % (min 25 kr) | Comprehensive travel insurance, lounge access, bonus points |
For travelers who frequently find themselves waiting at the airport, access to airport lounges can be a valuable benefit. Several premium credit cards offer worldwide lounge access through Priority Pass or LoungeKey. Here, you can relax in comfortable surroundings, enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and work undisturbed before your flight. Choosing a credit card with lounge access can make your journey both more comfortable and more efficient. The American Express Platinum card is the best choice for those who spend a lot of time at airports; with Priority Pass, you get unlimited access to over 1,600 lounges worldwide.
Several travel credit cards offer discounts with car rental companies like Hertz and AVIS, as well as excess insurance that covers costs if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. This can save you money on expensive additional insurance and provide extra peace of mind during your trip. The TF Bank Mastercard offers discounts with several well-known car rental companies, along with excess insurance that covers you if the rental car is damaged or stolen.
Whether you are planning a long road trip across Europe or a weekend getaway closer to home, it pays to choose a credit card that offers benefits specifically tailored to driving holidays. With the right card, you can save money on fuel, avoid unnecessary fees, and enjoy extra peace of mind while traveling.
Consider choosing a travel credit card with cashback so you get money back every time you fill up, even abroad. Many traditional fuel cards only offer discounts at Norwegian gas stations. A card like the Bank Norwegian Visa, however, offers cashback on all purchases—including fuel abroad—and also features a low foreign exchange fee, travel insurance, and rental car insurance.
Some travel credit cards provide access to rewards programs featuring exclusive discounts on hotel stays, whether you are traveling internationally or planning a holiday in Norway.
With re:member black, you gain access to the re:member reward program, which offers discounts at a range of hotels and booking services such as Hotels.com and Expedia. This card is perfect for frequent international travelers looking to secure great hotel deals worldwide.
The TF Bank Mastercard, on the other hand, stands out for its discounts on hotels, spas, and other experiences in Norway and Scandinavia. Through its partnership with DealPass, you receive exclusive price reductions on accommodation and activities, making the card ideal for both weekend getaways and local holidays.
If you fly several times a year, getting a credit card with flight rewards offers a significant advantage. Credit cards partnered with the airline SAS, in particular, can help you save a lot of money on your flights. With SAS Amex cards, for example, you can travel as a pair while paying for only one ticket.
In addition, you earn EuroBonus points on all purchases made with the cards. These points can be used with various airlines within SkyTeam, as well as for other travel-related categories. Many people like to combine SAS Amex cards with an SAS Mastercard, since Amex is not yet accepted everywhere. We have compiled everything you need to know about SAS EuroBonus in our course.
Many Norwegian credit cards have a regional block, meaning they work only in Norway or the Nordic region by default. If you travel outside this area without enabling the card for the specific region, it simply will not work abroad. Additionally, the card issuer may temporarily block the card if they detect unusual transaction patterns—such as sudden usage in a country where you do not normally shop. While this is a security measure designed to protect you against fraud and theft, it can also affect you while you are traveling legitimately.
Before you leave, you should therefore check your bank’s or credit card issuer’s app to see if your card has a regional block and, if necessary, enable it for the country or region you plan to visit. Most banks allow you to do this yourself via online banking or the mobile app, without needing to call customer service. Some banks also offer SMS notifications that alert you if the card is used in a region you haven't enabled, providing an extra layer of security against misuse.
It is generally smarter to use a credit card rather than a debit card when traveling, primarily due to lower costs. They protect you against fraud, allow you to dispute incorrect charges, and ensure that fraudsters do not have direct access to your funds—as they would with a debit card.
All Norwegian cards—both credit and debit cards—carry a currency exchange surcharge of around 1.75–2.5% when used abroad.
The best option for purchases in other currencies is international debit cards. This is because they do not charge currency exchange markups or withdrawal fees.
Using the right credit card when traveling can make your vacation both safer and more affordable. Choose a card that suits your needs, whether you want to earn bonus points, get hotel discounts, or enjoy perks like travel insurance and lounge access. Remember to use the card wisely by paying in the local currency and being aware of any fees. Our tip for finding the best travel credit card in 2026 is to compare cards based on insurance coverage, fees, and bonus programs.
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