These Two Credit Cards Are The Most Widely Accepted In Europe, Per Rick Steves

A European vacation sounds like a dream for pretty much everyone. However, without the right prep, any trip can quickly turn into a nightmare — especially if you're not ready financially. Beyond bracing yourself for higher costs in the most expensive European countries to travel to — although that does help, of course — there's another factor that comes into play: How are you going to pay for everything?

Enter: Rick Steves. As a seasoned globetrotter and travel expert, Steves has spent decades crisscrossing through the European continent, and he has learned a thing or two in the process. From finding hidden gem destinations in Rome to listing out the things he never forgets to pack for a trip and sharing tips for a successful European road trip, Steves has amassed a wealth of knowledge. Among his many tips and tricks, the travel guru even has a crucial must-do about which credit cards to choose.

His suggestion? Bring a Mastercard or Visa credit card along for the ride, as these two payment options will be the "most widely accepted." As for American Express and Discover cards, you're more likely to run into a few issues — especially if you're using the latter, which is practically unknown in Europe, according to Steves.

Once you know that Mastercard and Visa are both great options, it's a lot easier to start looking into which credit card you'll actually want to bring with you. For starters, the most important thing to look for is a card that doesn't charge any additional foreign transaction fees. Typically ranging from 1-3%, these fees are added onto any payment you make outside of the United States. And while that might not sound like a lot, it can add up to make a big difference. For example, if you're paying $2,000 at a hotel, you'll also be looking at an additional $60 for a 3% fee. And no one wants to overpay for anything while they're already shelling out the big bucks on a holiday, right?

Once you find a card without foreign transaction fees, it's time to look into the perks. A lot of credit cards nowadays offer extra rewards depending on how and where you spend. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a great option for frequent travelers — plus, it's also the highest-rated option by the experts at NerdWallet and AP News. Along with no foreign transaction fees, the card also earns 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals after the first $300 you spend annually on travel-related purchases. In terms of dining, the Chase Sapphire card also earns 3x points per dollar on eating out. This comes at a cost, though: A $550 annual fee, to be exact.

Beyond fees and perks, choosing the right card for your European adventure also boils down to timing. On one hand, if you're hoping to rack up rewards, then apply for the card at least six months before your travel date in order to meet any requirements and accumulate the most points. On the other hand, if what you're after is maximizing your expenses, then consider applying for a travel-focused card before booking your flights and accommodations. This will ensure that you earn points on all those big-ticket items.

Alternatively, you can also apply for multiple cards — just make sure you can manage them responsibly and that you read the fine print carefully — in order to make the most of the different rewards schemes across various spending categories. That way, you can maximize your benefits whether it's dining out, booking accommodations, shopping for souvenirs, and even signing up for TSA PreCheck or snagging airport lounge access.

Lastly, before you jet off, don't forget two more things: First, give your card issuer a heads-up about your travel plans to avoid any transaction issues. A quick call to the number on the back of your card can save you a ton of hassle. Secondly, always opt to pay in the local currency when making purchases. This simple trick will help you sidestep dynamic currency conversion fees — which ultimately means keeping more euros in your pocket for that extra scoop of gelato.