Are you ready to explore the world while saving big? Look no further than the best travel credit cards! These cards offer amazing perks and rewards that can make your travel dreams a reality. Whether you prefer no annual fees or ultra-luxury benefits, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to see the world and save money at the same time!
Best Travel Credit Cards Compared 2024
Let’s take a closer look at the top travel rewards cards that will help you travel at a fraction of the cost. Here are our recommendations:
Best for beginners: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the perfect choice for beginners who want to maximize travel rewards without breaking the bank. With a reasonable annual fee, this card offers a robust rewards program. New users who spend $4,000 on the card in the first three months get 60,000 bonus points worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
You’ll earn five points per dollar on travel at Chase Ultimate Rewards, three points for dining and select services, two points for other travel, and one point everywhere else. Points are transferable to airline and hotel partners, such as United, Southwest, and Marriott.
Best for premium travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
For those seeking luxury travel benefits, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a standout option. Although it comes with a higher annual fee, the card offers an array of enticing benefits, including access to Capital One lounges and more than 1,300 additional lounges through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group.
New users can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, and you’ll earn 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles everywhere else. Capital One miles are redeemable through Capital One and a list of transfer partners.
Best for no annual fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
If you prefer a travel rewards card with no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. With this card, you’ll earn five miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
New users can earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first three months. With no foreign transaction fees and a range of travel insurance and purchase coverage, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers.
Best for intro bonus offer: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who want an easy-to-understand rewards program. You’ll earn 5x miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles per dollar on all other purchases.
The miles you earn can be redeemed through the Capital One Travel site, used to cover the cost of recent eligible travel purchases, or transferred to a list of partner travel brands. The card also offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, two free Capital One lounge visits per year, and valuable travel and purchase protections.
Best for airport lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you’re a fan of ultra-luxury travel, The Platinum Card® from American Express is the ultimate choice. With an array of benefits like access to airport lounges, gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels, and various travel, membership, and purchase credits, this card offers unparalleled luxury.
New users can earn 80,000 membership rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first three months. You’ll earn five points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel and one point for everything else. With the massive travel benefits it offers, the steep annual fee is easily justified.
Best for business: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
If you’re a business owner or have a side hustle, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a game-changer. With a huge 100,000-point bonus, excellent rewards earning potential, and travel and purchase protections, this card is perfect for entrepreneurs.
You’ll earn 3x points per dollar on various business purchases, including advertising, shipping, and travel. To top it off, there are no foreign transaction fees. While it comes with an annual fee, the valuable benefits make it worth considering.
Best for insurance coverage: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card that offers extensive insurance coverage. Despite the high annual fee, you’ll be amazed by the benefits it provides. With $300 back on travel purchases, credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, this card has your travel needs covered.
New users can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. You’ll earn 10x points per dollar spent with Chase Dining, 5x for flights booked through Chase, 3x for travel and dining purchases, and 1x everywhere else. The travel and purchase insurance package adds even more value to this exceptional card.
Best airline credit card: United MileagePlus Explorer Card
For those seeking an airline-specific credit card, the United MileagePlus Explorer Card deserves special mention. With bonus miles, free checked bags, and other benefits, this card is a must-have for United travelers. New users can earn 60,000 miles by spending $3,000 in the first three months.
You’ll earn 2x miles per dollar on purchases with United, dining, restaurant delivery, and hotels booked directly through the hotel company. Flying with United also entitles you and a companion to a free first checked bag. The card comes with excellent travel insurance benefits, purchase protection, and complimentary Visa Signature Concierge service access.
Our Methodology
To determine the best travel credit cards, our team thoroughly reviewed dozens of cards from various issuers. We considered factors such as rewards for regular purchases, signup bonuses, and travel-related benefits. Annual fees and other potential costs were also taken into account. We prioritized cards that offer maximum value for frequent travelers while adhering to our brand’s standards of expertise, authoritativeness, trustworthiness, and experience.
How to Maximize Your Rewards with Your Travel Credit Card
To make the most of your travel credit card rewards, follow these quick tips:
- Use your credit card for every purchase to earn as many miles or points as possible.
- Consider using multiple rewards cards to maximize rewards in different spending categories.
- Research each redemption option to ensure you’re getting the best value for your points or miles.
How to Choose a Travel Credit Card
Choosing the right travel credit card depends on your travel goals, credit history, income, and spending habits. Consider the following factors:
- Your spending habits and budget: Choose a card that aligns with your spending patterns.
- Annual fee tolerance: Determine how much you’re willing to pay in annual fees and which benefits are worth it to you.
- Desired benefits: If you value specific travel perks like airport lounge access or hotel status, look for a card that offers those benefits.
- Brand loyalty: If you frequently travel with a specific airline or stay at a particular hotel, consider a branded card for additional benefits.
How to Compare Credit Cards
When comparing travel credit cards, consider the following factors:
- Rewards program: Assess how well the program aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences.
- Costs and fees: Look at annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and any other costs you may incur.
- Statement credits and other benefits: Evaluate the additional perks and benefits offered by the card.
- Net benefits: Choose a card that provides the most value after considering rewards and benefits minus expected costs.
Also, review the card’s credit score and other credit requirements before applying to ensure you meet the qualifications.
Types of Travel Credit Cards
Our favorite travel credit cards are general miles and points rewards cards that offer flexibility in redemption options. However, brand-specific cards from airlines and hotels can also provide valuable benefits and rewards for loyal customers.
Alternatives to Travel Credit Cards
If travel credit cards don’t suit your needs, consider cash back credit cards as an alternative. Cash back cards often have no annual fee and allow you to redeem your rewards for statement credits, direct deposits, or various other options. Cards with no rewards or lower fees and interest rates are also available. Secured credit cards are suitable for those with bad or no credit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between points and miles on a travel credit card?
Points and miles are rewards earned through spending on travel credit cards. Points are more versatile, offering redemption options for flights, hotels, car rentals, and cash back. Miles are often restricted to flight redemptions with a specific airline or its partners. Some cards may allow conversions between points and miles, but check the conversion rate before proceeding.
How do I know if a travel credit card is right for me?
Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and personal preferences when deciding on a travel credit card. Determine the type of travel rewards you desire and assess the benefits, perks, and costs associated with each card. Choose one that aligns with your lifestyle, offers valuable rewards, and enhances your travel experiences.
With the best travel credit cards in your wallet, you’ll unlock a world of incredible rewards and benefits. Start your journey today and make your travel dreams come true!