Best Credit Cards for Travel
Planning your next adventure? One of the smartest moves you can make is choosing the right credit card. Travel credit cards offer a fantastic way to earn rewards on your spending, which can then be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. But with so many options available, finding the perfect card can feel overwhelming. This guide will break down the best travel credit cards available, helping you make an informed decision and maximize your travel rewards.
Understanding Travel Credit Cards
Before diving into specific cards, let’s cover the basics. Travel credit cards come in various forms, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these different types will help you narrow down your options.
Types of Travel Credit Cards
There are several categories of travel credit cards, broadly categorized by the type of rewards they offer:
Airline Credit Cards
Airline credit cards are co-branded with specific airlines, such as Delta, United, or American Airlines. These cards typically offer benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases. The rewards earned are usually in the form of airline miles, which can be redeemed for flights with the associated airline.
These cards are best suited for travelers who are loyal to a particular airline and frequently fly with them. If you consistently fly with the same airline, the benefits can easily outweigh the annual fee.
Hotel Credit Cards
Similar to airline cards, hotel credit cards are co-branded with hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt. These cards often provide benefits like free nights, room upgrades, and late check-out. The rewards earned are typically in the form of hotel points, which can be redeemed for stays at hotels within the chain.
If you prefer staying at a specific hotel chain, a hotel credit card can be a valuable asset. The free night awards and other perks can significantly reduce your accommodation costs.
General Travel Credit Cards
General travel credit cards offer more flexibility than airline or hotel cards. They typically earn points or miles that can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and even cruises. Some cards also allow you to redeem points for cash back or gift cards, providing even greater versatility.
These cards are ideal for travelers who are not tied to a particular airline or hotel chain and want the freedom to choose the best deals available.
Key Features to Consider
When evaluating travel credit cards, consider the following key features:
Sign-Up Bonus
The sign-up bonus is a one-time reward offered to new cardholders who meet a spending requirement within a specified timeframe (usually within the first few months of opening the account). Sign-up bonuses can be incredibly lucrative, often worth hundreds of dollars in travel rewards. Pay close attention to the spending requirement and ensure you can comfortably meet it without overspending.
Earning Rates
The earning rate determines how many points or miles you earn per dollar spent. Some cards offer bonus rewards on specific categories, such as travel, dining, or gas. Look for cards that offer higher earning rates on the categories you spend the most on.
Redemption Options
The redemption options determine how you can use your earned rewards. Common redemption options include flights, hotels, car rentals, cash back, and gift cards. Consider which redemption options are most valuable to you and choose a card that aligns with your preferences.
Annual Fee
Many travel credit cards charge an annual fee. While some cards offer valuable benefits that outweigh the fee, it’s important to carefully consider whether the benefits justify the cost. Look for cards that offer benefits you will actually use, such as free checked bags or lounge access.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees are charges applied to purchases made in foreign currencies. If you frequently travel internationally, choose a card that does not charge these fees. Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly, so avoiding them can save you a significant amount of money.
Additional Benefits
Many travel credit cards offer additional benefits, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services. These benefits can provide peace of mind and add value to your card. Consider which benefits are most important to you and look for cards that offer them.
Top Travel Credit Cards in 2024
Now that you understand the basics of travel credit cards, let’s explore some of the best options available in 2024. This list includes a variety of cards, catering to different travel styles and spending habits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular choice for its combination of generous rewards, valuable benefits, and reasonable annual fee. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are highly versatile and can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earning Rates: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and select streaming services, 2x points on all other travel purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at a rate of 1.25 cents per point. Transfer points to participating airline and hotel partners. Redeem for cash back or gift cards at a rate of 1 cent per point.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Travel and purchase protection, trip delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, and auto rental collision damage waiver.
Why Choose This Card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent choice for travelers who want a versatile rewards program with a reasonable annual fee. The Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly valuable and can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses. The card also offers valuable travel and purchase protection benefits, providing peace of mind on your trips.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card that offers even more generous rewards and benefits than the Sapphire Preferred. It comes with a higher annual fee, but the benefits can easily outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earning Rates: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining and travel, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at a rate of 1.5 cents per point. Transfer points to participating airline and hotel partners. Redeem for cash back or gift cards at a rate of 1 cent per point.
- Annual Fee: $550
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Travel and purchase protection, trip delay insurance, baggage delay insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, Priority Pass lounge access, and a $300 annual travel credit.
Why Choose This Card?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is ideal for frequent travelers who can take advantage of its premium benefits. The $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee, and the Priority Pass lounge access provides a comfortable and convenient travel experience. The higher redemption rate for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and the generous earning rates make this card a valuable asset for avid travelers.
American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is another premium travel credit card that offers a wide range of luxury benefits and rewards. It comes with a high annual fee, but the benefits can be incredibly valuable for the right traveler.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card within your first 6 months.
- Earning Rates: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem points for travel through American Express Travel, transfer points to participating airline and hotel partners, or redeem for cash back or gift cards.
- Annual Fee: $695
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Travel and purchase protection, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, access to the Global Lounge Collection (including Centurion Lounges), up to $200 in airline fee credits, up to $200 in hotel credits, up to $240 in digital entertainment credits, and up to $155 in Walmart+ credits.
Why Choose This Card?
The American Express Platinum Card is best suited for travelers who value luxury and are willing to pay a high annual fee for premium benefits. The access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, is a significant perk, and the various statement credits can offset a substantial portion of the annual fee. The card also offers excellent travel and purchase protection benefits.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a popular choice for its simplicity and flexibility. It earns Capital One miles, which can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earning Rates: 2x miles on every purchase, every day.
- Redemption Options: Redeem miles for travel through Capital One Travel, transfer miles to participating airline and hotel partners, or redeem for cash back or gift cards.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and access to Capital One Dining and Entertainment.
Why Choose This Card?
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers who want a simple and straightforward rewards program. The 2x miles earning rate on all purchases makes it easy to accumulate rewards, and the redemption options are flexible. The card also offers valuable travel benefits, such as travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that offers a combination of generous rewards and valuable benefits. It’s designed to compete with other premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum Card, but with a slightly lower annual fee.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earning Rates: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem miles for travel through Capital One Travel, transfer miles to participating airline and hotel partners, or redeem for cash back or gift cards.
- Annual Fee: $395
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and cell phone protection.
Why Choose This Card?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a compelling option for travelers who want premium benefits without paying the highest annual fee. The $300 annual travel credit and the 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary effectively reduce the annual fee, and the access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges enhances the travel experience. The card also offers competitive earning rates and flexible redemption options.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a hotel credit card co-branded with Marriott Bonvoy. It offers a variety of benefits for Marriott loyalists, including free night awards, elite status, and bonus points on Marriott purchases.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
- Earning Rates: 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem points for stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, transfer points to participating airline partners, or redeem for other Marriott Bonvoy experiences.
- Annual Fee: $650
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, one free night award each year (valid for one night at a hotel costing up to 85,000 points), $300 statement credit each year for purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, Priority Pass Select membership, and purchase protection.
Why Choose This Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. The complimentary Platinum Elite status provides valuable perks, such as room upgrades and free breakfast, and the free night award can significantly reduce accommodation costs. The $300 statement credit for Marriott purchases further enhances the card’s value for Marriott loyalists.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a hotel credit card co-branded with Hilton Honors. It offers a range of benefits for Hilton enthusiasts, including free night awards, elite status, and bonus points on Hilton purchases.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earning Rates: 14x points at Hilton properties, 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, 7x points at U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem points for stays at Hilton properties, transfer points to participating airline partners, or redeem for other Hilton Honors experiences.
- Annual Fee: $550
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, one free night reward each year (valid at almost any Hilton property worldwide), up to $400 in Hilton resort credits, up to $200 in airline fee credits, Priority Pass Select membership, and purchase protection.
Why Choose This Card?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is perfect for travelers who are loyal to the Hilton brand. The complimentary Diamond status offers valuable perks, such as room upgrades and free breakfast, and the free night reward can be used at almost any Hilton property worldwide. The various statement credits can offset a significant portion of the annual fee, making this card a valuable asset for Hilton enthusiasts.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is an airline credit card co-branded with Delta Air Lines. It offers a variety of benefits for Delta flyers, including Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) boost, Sky Club access, and priority boarding.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earning Rates: 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem miles for Delta flights, transfer miles to participating airline partners, or redeem for other Delta SkyMiles experiences.
- Annual Fee: $550
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Delta Sky Club access, one annual companion certificate (allowing you to bring a companion on a round-trip Delta flight for the cost of taxes and fees), priority boarding, first checked bag free, and purchase protection.
Why Choose This Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers who want to enhance their travel experience and earn elite status. The Sky Club access provides a comfortable and convenient travel experience, and the companion certificate can save you money on Delta flights. The MQD boost can help you qualify for Medallion status more quickly.
United Club Infinite Card
The United Club Infinite Card is an airline credit card co-branded with United Airlines. It offers a range of benefits for United flyers, including United Club access, free checked bags, and priority boarding.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earning Rates: 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and eligible travel purchases, and 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem miles for United flights, transfer miles to participating airline partners, or redeem for other United MileagePlus experiences.
- Annual Fee: $525
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: United Club access, first and second checked bags free, priority boarding, 25% back on United in-flight purchases, and purchase protection.
Why Choose This Card?
The United Club Infinite Card is perfect for frequent United flyers who want to enhance their travel experience and save money on travel expenses. The United Club access provides a comfortable and convenient travel experience, and the free checked bags can save you significant money on baggage fees. The bonus miles on United purchases and dining make it easy to accumulate rewards.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a hotel credit card co-branded with IHG Hotels & Resorts. It offers a variety of benefits for IHG loyalists, including a free night award each year, bonus points on IHG purchases, and automatic Platinum Elite status.
Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earning Rates: 10x points at IHG hotels, 5x points on travel, at gas stations, and at restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Options: Redeem points for stays at IHG hotels, transfer points to participating airline partners, or redeem for other IHG One Rewards experiences.
- Annual Fee: $99
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Anniversary free night award (valid at hotels costing up to 40,000 points), automatic Platinum Elite status, fourth night free on award stays, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit.
Why Choose This Card?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels and want to maximize their rewards and benefits. The free night award can be extremely valuable, and the bonus points on IHG purchases make it easy to accumulate rewards. The Platinum Elite status provides valuable perks, such as room upgrades and late check-out.
Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card
Selecting the best travel credit card depends on your individual needs and spending habits. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Your Travel Style
Are you loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain? If so, a co-branded card may be the best choice. If you prefer flexibility and want to choose the best deals available, a general travel credit card may be a better fit.
Your Spending Habits
Analyze your spending habits and identify the categories where you spend the most money. Look for cards that offer higher earning rates on those categories.
Your Travel Goals
What are your travel goals? Do you want to earn free flights, free hotel stays, or both? Choose a card that aligns with your travel goals and offers redemption options that are valuable to you.
Your Budget
Consider your budget and determine how much you are willing to pay for an annual fee. Remember that some cards offer benefits that can offset the annual fee, but it’s important to carefully evaluate whether the benefits justify the cost.
Compare and Contrast
Don’t settle for the first card you find. Compare and contrast different cards to find the one that best meets your needs and offers the most value.
Tips for Maximizing Travel Rewards
Once you’ve chosen a travel credit card, follow these tips to maximize your rewards:
Meet the Spending Requirement for the Sign-Up Bonus
The sign-up bonus is one of the most lucrative ways to earn travel rewards. Make sure you meet the spending requirement within the specified timeframe to receive the bonus.
Use Your Card for All Purchases
Use your travel credit card for all purchases, even small ones. This will help you accumulate rewards more quickly.
Take Advantage of Bonus Categories
Pay attention to the bonus categories offered by your card and use your card strategically to earn more rewards on those categories.
Pay Your Balance in Full Each Month
Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Interest charges can eat into your rewards and negate the benefits of your card.
Redeem Rewards Strategically
Redeem your rewards strategically to get the most value. For example, redeeming points for travel through a card’s travel portal may offer a higher redemption rate than redeeming for cash back.
Take Advantage of Additional Benefits
Don’t forget to take advantage of the additional benefits offered by your card, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel credit card can be a game-changer for your travel experiences. By understanding the different types of cards, key features, and top options available, you can make an informed decision and maximize your travel rewards. Remember to consider your travel style, spending habits, travel goals, and budget when choosing a card. With the right card in your wallet, you can travel smarter, save money, and enjoy more unforgettable adventures.