The Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard is the travel credit card we have used for overseas spending since 2012. What has kept it in our wallet for so long is simple: when we are abroad, we can use it to make purchases in foreign currencies without paying international transaction fees. For us, that makes it a practical card for paying for the everyday parts of travel, such as accommodation, transport, meals, and other trip costs, without turning the whole experience into a points game.

That is why we recommend it, but with a clear boundary. This is best thought of as a straightforward overseas spending card for Australian residents, especially if you want to keep things simple and you pay your balance off in full every month. Used that way, it can work well.

We would be more cautious with cash withdrawals or any situation where you might carry a balance. That is where the value proposition starts to weaken. Cash advances can incur fees and high interest rates, and foreign currency transactions are not necessarily converted at the mid-market rate. So while this card can be a very useful tool for overseas purchases, it is a better fit for disciplined travellers who want fee-free foreign-currency spending, not for people looking to borrow, withdraw cash abroad, or optimise every last cent of exchange-rate movement.