- Expat tips: you still need a US residential address and a US phone number to apply; avoid digital mail-forwarding, verify address, pay in USD from a US bank, and use mobile wallets to meet spend; watch for foreign-transaction fees and enrollment requirements. - Top expat cards and offers: Chase Sapphire Reserve 125k points after $6,000 in 3 months ($795 AF); Capital One Venture X 75k miles after $4,000 in 3 months ($395 AF) with 10x/5x/2x through Capital One Travel; Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite 100k Alaska miles + 25k companion after $6,500 in 90 days ($395 AF); Amex Platinum up to 175k points after $12,000 in 6 months ($895 AF). - Why it matters: these offers enable ongoing earning abroad, but acceptance varies by country; keep oldest cards open; maintain US connection (address/phone/bank) and note each offer’s deadlines.

What to know about applying for and using a US credit card as an expat If you've moved abroad (or plan to), you've likely discovered that no other country offers credit card points as lucratively as the United States. But there's no need to resign yourself to paying cash for your travels or never seeing another six-figure bonus offer. With a few specific strategies, you can keep earning big welcome bonuses as well as points and miles for everyday expenses, regardless of where you currently call home. Here's what you need to know to apply and earn no matter where you are. Related: My 4 top travel credit cards — and how they elevate my trips What to know about applying for and using a credit card as an expat Choose cards with no foreign transaction fees If most of your purchases are made in a currency other than U.S. dollars, you'll want to ensure you're not charged a fee each time you use a card in a foreign currency. Fortunately, the vast majority of top rewards credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. Consider local acceptance While the coronavirus pandemic rapidly accelerated card acceptance and usage worldwide — to the point that some retailers in Europe, for example, no longer accept cash — don't expect every destination to accept every card. While American Express acceptance is high in countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, India and Sin...