Cash or Card? New Upgraded Points Survey Reveals How Travelers Pay Abroad

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Upgraded Points survey of 1,500 recent international travelers, including 1,000 Americans, finds that travelers use a mix of cash and cards abroad, but exchange rates, fees, and declined transactions can complicate purchases.

"Spending money should be the easy part of a trip abroad," said Ryan Smith, Director of News at Upgraded Points. "But exchange rates, fees, and payment options can complicate even the simplest purchase. We wanted to learn how travelers prepare, where their plans run into trouble, and what they do when convenience and the best exchange rate move in different directions."

Study Methodology

Upgraded Points surveyed 1,500 adults who had traveled internationally within the past 12 months, including 1,000 U.S. adults and 500 adults from other countries. Respondents answered questions about payment methods, cash habits, credit card use, airport currency exchanges, and their confidence navigating exchange rates. The results were compared to show how Americans' payment habits differ from those of other international travelers.

Payment Planning Often Starts Months Before a Trip

Nearly one-third (32%) begin planning how they'll pay abroad three to six months before departure. U.S. travelers are more likely than non-U.S. travelers to start earlier, with 20% beginning more than six months ahead, compared with 12% of non-U.S. travelers.

Travelers' Confidence in Exchange Rates Varies

Just 35% of respondents said they feel very confident understanding exchange rates abroad. Confidence also varied by age and gender:

• 44% of men feel very confident, compared with 26% of women.
• 28% of Gen Z travelers feel very confident, compared with 40% of Gen X travelers and 37% of Baby Boomers.

Cash and Cards Remain Popular Abroad

Cash in the local currency and physical credit cards were nearly tied as the payment methods travelers most often use abroad. Mobile wallets were more popular among younger travelers:

• 71% use cash in the local currency.
• 69% use a physical credit card.
• 44% use a mobile wallet, including 56% of Gen Z travelers and 22% of travelers age 61 and older.
• 35% use a physical debit card.

Most Travelers Carry Local Currency

More than 8 in 10 travelers (81%) carry cash in the destination's currency, often for situations where cards may not be accepted:

• 64% use it at street vendors, markets, or small businesses.
• 55% use it for tips and other customary cash payments.
• 53% carry it for emergencies.

Travelers generally avoid carrying a large amount at once. About 44% exchange enough cash for several days, while 26% exchange enough for the full trip.

Familiar Card Brands Lead Among U.S. Travelers

Among U.S. respondents, Visa was the most commonly used card network, while Chase and Capital One were the most commonly used issuers:

• Visa: 24%
• Chase: 21%
• Capital One: 19%
• American Express: 15%

Fees and Declined Cards Can Complicate Purchases

Among all respondents, travelers most often said their bank or card company contacted them about a purchase made abroad. Other issues increased the cost of a purchase or prevented it from going through:

• 38% were contacted by their bank or card company about a purchase.
• 34% paid more than expected because of the exchange rate.
• 29% were charged an unexpected foreign transaction fee.
• 26% had a card declined.

Find the full study here.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at www.UpgradedPoints.com.

Media Contact:
Alex Miller, Founder
1-214-646-8866
[email protected]

SOURCE Upgraded Points