Why we recommend it: Even consumers with poor credit can benefit from a great travel card. Capital One Secured MasterCard may be the only secured credit card designed specifically to help consumers build their credit with no foreign transaction fees. Secured credit cards require a security deposit that typically hovers around $200, but Capital One's Secured MasterCard requires a deposit as low as $49. While consumers with poor credit should be extra cautious to stay well below their credit line, there are great benefits to using a credit card while traveling. The Capital One Secured MasterCard is accepted anywhere MasterCard is accepted, and MasterCard protections include identity theft resolution, zero liability on unauthorized charges, travel assistance, roadside assistance, MasterCard Global Service and more. This credit card allows you to spend with added security and card benefits while abroad, all while building your credit.
Drawbacks: Like most secured cards, the Capital One Secured MasterCard comes with an annual fee of $29 and the credit line cannot exceed $3,000.
– Justine Rivero is the credit advisor for Credit Karma, a credit management and education company for consumers and based in San Francisco.
