Start Earning Miles With These Excellent Travel Cards From Our Partners
By The Money Manual
Ready to make your vacations even more rewarding? Consider a travel card, your one-way ticket to travel and dining rewards. Travel cards offer bonus rewards like airline miles and extra points or cash back on your transportation, lodging, and dining purchases. They are a great financial tool for those looking to add some adventure to their everyday lives.
Compare the top travel cards below and start planning your next getaway!
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Top Travel Credit Cards
Rewards
75,000 bonus miles
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Venture X card stands out with a lucrative rewards structure, offering 10X miles on hotel and rental car bookings, 5X miles on flights through Capital One Travel, and a consistent 2X miles on all other purchases
Cardholders benefit from a range of travel perks, including $300 in annual travel credits, a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, and complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Moreover, the card provides a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, enhancing the travel experience.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles by spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Receive 10,000 bonus miles annually starting from the first account anniversary
Pros:
- Generous welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- High rewards rates: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital one Travel and 5X miles on flights through Capital One Travel
- Annual travel credits: Up to $300 for bookings on Capital One Travel
- Anniversary bonus: 10,000 miles annually (equivalent to $100 for travel)
- Lounge access: Unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit: Up to $100 reimbursement
- Premium hotel benefits: Exclusive perks at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection
- No fee for authorized users: Priority Pass Select membership included
Cons:
- Annual fee: $395
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 10X on Capital One Travel hotels and rental cars, 5X on Capital One Travel flights, 2X on all other purchases
- Flexible redemption options, including transfers to over 15 travel loyalty programs
- Cell phone protection with monthly bill payment using the card
- Annual fee: $395
Rewards
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers an exclusive 5X points on flights (directly with airlines or through Amextravel.com) and prepaid hotel bookings. Although it comes with a substantial annual fee of $695, See Rates and Fees; terms apply, the card provides exceptional value for frequent travelers.
Cardholders enjoy a generous welcome offer of 80,000 Membership Rewards points, along with a range of premium perks, including lounge access, travel credits, and elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Terms apply.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months
Pros:
- Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months
- High rewards rates: 5X points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases
- Annual credits: Up to $200 in airline fee credits and $200 in Uber Cash annually
- Exclusive access: American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass
- Elite status: Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee reimbursement: $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck every four or 4.5 years
- Additional statement credits: Saks Fifth Avenue, Equinox, Disney+, and more
Cons:
- High annual fee: $695 See Rates and Fees; terms apply
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 5X points on flights (up to $500,000 annually) and prepaid hotels; 1X points on other eligible purchases
- $200 in annual Uber Cash and airline fee credits
- Comprehensive lounge access, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass
- Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee reimbursement every four or 4.5 years
- Annual fee: $695
- Enrollment is required for select benefits
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/platinum-card/26129-10-0#offer-terms
Rewards
60,000 Bonus Miles
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card isn’t just about earning rewards; it’s about unlocking a world of unforgettable experiences while maximizing every dollar spent. With a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 points—equivalent to $750 through Chase Travel℠ —after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, this card jumpstarts your rewards journey. Plus, with 5X points on travel purchases via Chase Travel℠ and a 25% boost in point value when redeemed for travel, the rewards keep stacking up.
But it’s not just about rewards—the card also offers essential benefits like trip cancellation insurance and rental car coverage, ensuring peace of mind with every journey. From booking flights to securing hotel stays, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card isn’t just a financial tool; it’s a passport to worry-free travel and unforgettable experiences.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $750 for travel through Chase Travel℠
Pros:
- Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 when redeemed for travel
- High rewards rates: 5X points on Chase Travel℠ travel, 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, 2X points on other travel purchases, and 1X point on all other purchases
- Flexible redemption: Transfer points to numerous frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs
- Annual bonus: 10% of total purchases made in the previous year, up to $25,000 spend
- $50 annual credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
- Premium travel protection benefits
Cons:
- Annual fee: $95
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 5X points on Chase Travel℠ travel, 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and eligible online grocery purchases, 2X points on other travel purchases, and 1X point on all other eligible purchases
- Additional perks: 25% more value on travel redemptions, 10% anniversary point bonus, $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
- Premium travel protection benefits, including Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Complimentary access to DashPass with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for at least one year when activated by December 31, 2024
- Annual fee: $95
Rewards
75,000 Bonus Miles
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Pros:
- Welcome bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 in travel
- High rewards rates: 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Flexible redemption: Redeem miles for any travel purchase or transfer them to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit: Receive up to $100 reimbursement
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee: $95
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles do not expire, and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Additional benefits: Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit, no foreign transaction fees
- Miles can be used to get reimbursed for any travel purchase or redeemed by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Premium hotel benefits with the Lifestyle Collection, including a $50 experience credit and room upgrades
Rewards
60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Citi Premier® Card offers a substantial welcome bonus of 60,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, valued at $600 in gift cards or travel rewards. Notably, for a limited time, cardholders can earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
With a rewards rate of three points per $1 spent on various categories and an annual hotel savings benefit, this card caters to diverse spending habits, making it a well-rounded choice.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 60,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 on select categories through June 30, 2024
Pros:
- Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $600 in gift cards or travel rewards
- High rewards rates: 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels
- Limited-time bonus: Earn 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 on hotel, car rentals, and attractions through the Citi Travel℠ portal until June 30, 2024
- Annual hotel savings benefit: Enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more once per calendar year
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee: $95
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels; 1X points on all other purchases
- $100 annual hotel savings benefit
- Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
- No expiration and no limit on points earned
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee: $95
- Credit score needed: Good to excellent
Rewards
60,000 Bonus Points
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands as a premier option for discerning travelers, boasting a generous welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points—equivalent to $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®—after spending $4,000 in the initial 3 months. Despite its annual fee of $550, the card’s extensive suite of benefits makes it a compelling choice for those seeking luxury and convenience in their travel experience.
Beyond the initial bonus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® continues to impress with its robust rewards structure. Cardholders earn 5X points on flights and a remarkable 10X points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards®—following an initial $300 annual travel spending. Additionally, the card offers 3X points on other travel and dining expenditures, along with 1X point on all other purchases. With a focus on enhancing the travel experience and maximizing rewards potential, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® proves itself as more than just a credit card—it’s a gateway to unparalleled benefits and premium travel experiences.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Pros:
- Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $900 toward travel
- High rewards rates: 5X points on flights, 10X points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards® (after the first $300 annual travel spending)
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass airport lounge access
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Premium travel protections
Cons:
- High annual fee: $550
- Excellent credit required
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 5X points on flights, 10X points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards® (after the first $300 annual travel spending); 3X points on other travel and dining; 1X point per dollar on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass airport lounge access
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Travel benefits include reimbursement for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® application fees
- Annual fee: $550
- Credit score needed: Excellent
Rewards
75,000 Bonus Miles
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a versatile travel card offering a lucrative one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 in travel.
With an affordable $95 annual fee, cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. The card provides flexibility in redeeming miles, allowing users to fly any airline, stay at any hotel, and transfer miles to various travel loyalty programs.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Pros:
- Welcome bonus: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Competitive rewards rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Has an annual fee: $95
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- APR: 19.99% – 29.99% (variable)
- Credit score needed: Good to excellent
Rewards
60,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The American Express® Gold Card is a premium option with significant rewards and benefits. Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. The $250 annual fee is considerably lower than other luxury cards, See Rates and Fees; terms apply.
Enjoy a high rewards rate, especially on dining and U.S. supermarkets, making it an excellent choice for everyday purchases and travel. Terms apply.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- Competitive rewards rate: 4X points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, and restaurants, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
- Valuable statement credits: Up to $10 monthly for select merchants, and up to $120 annually in Uber Cash
- Annual fee is relatively lower for a luxury card: $250, See Rates and Fees; terms apply
Cons:
- Annual fee of $250
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 4X points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants; 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com; 1X points on other eligible purchases
- Up to $10 total monthly in statement credits for select merchants
- $120 annual Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or rides in the U.S. when the card is added to the Uber account and each month automatically get $10 (enrollment required)
- Annual Fee: $250
- Enrollment is required for select benefits
For rates and fees of The American Express® Gold Card, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/gold-card/26129-10-0/?print#terms-details
Rewards
100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Hilton Honors Card from American Express offers a substantial welcome bonus of 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first six months.
With no annual fee, it stands out as a rewarding option for Hilton loyalists and everyday spenders alike. The card provides generous points for Hilton-related expenses and everyday purchases. Terms apply.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months
Pros:
- Lucrative welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months
- No annual fee: Enjoy rewards without the cost of an annual fee
- Competitive rewards rate: 7X points for Hilton purchases, 5X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status
Cons:
- No significant drawbacks, especially considering the absence of an annual fee
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 7X points for eligible Hilton purchases; 5X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations; 3X points on other eligible purchases
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status
- Opportunity for Hilton Honors Gold status upgrade by spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
- No Annual Fee
- Enrollment is required for select benefits
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors Card from American Express, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/hilton-honors-american-express-business-credit-card/42732-9-0?rwdFlag=rwd/?rwdFlag=rwd#FeeTable
Rewards
120,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Business Platinum® Card from American Express offers a generous welcome offer of 120,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 in the first three months.
Geared towards frequent business travelers, this card provides elevated rewards for travel-related expenses and additional perks to enhance the travel experience. Although it comes with a high annual fee, the benefits and rewards potential can make it a valuable asset for business owners on the move. Terms apply.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Substantial welcome offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months
Pros:
- High rewards rate: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels through amextravel.com
- Additional half-point bonus on large purchases and specific business categories
- 35% points back when Paying with Points for first or business class flights through amextravel.com
- Up to $200 in annual statement credits for incidental charges with a pre-selected airline
- Complimentary airport lounge access
Cons:
- High annual fee of $695, See Rates and Fees; terms apply
Additional Details:
- Rewards Rate: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels through amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more; 1X points on other eligible purchases
- 35% points back on Paying with Points for first or business class flights and eligible flights through the amextravel.com portal
- Up to $200 in annual statement credits for incidental charges with a pre-selected airline
- Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck ($85) application fee reimbursement every four years or 4.5 years, respectively
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Enrollment is required for select benefits
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum® Card from American Express, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/business-platinum-charge-card/42732-AJTnC-0?rwdFlag=rwd/?rwdFlag=rwd#FeeTable
Rewards
Up To 3X Points
Purchase Intro
Regular APR
Annual Fee
The Bilt Mastercard is a no-annual-fee credit card that caters to individuals looking to maximize rewards, especially on rent payments. With a unique structure, cardholders can earn up to 3X points, including 1X points on rent payments, without incurring transaction fees, up to a cap of 100,000 points each calendar year.
While the rewards on rent payments are a standout feature, it’s important to note that using the card at least five times per statement period is a requirement to earn points.
Bonus Rewards & Welcome Offers:
- Earn up to 1X points on rent payments without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year); must use the card five times each statement period to earn points
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Earn up to 1X points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Competitive rewards rates: 3X points on dining, 2X points on travel, and 1X points on other purchases
- Lyft offers for added benefits
- Option to have rent payments automatically reported to major credit bureaus
Cons:
- Must use the card at least five times per month to earn rewards
Additional Details:
- Lyft offers for added benefits
- Requirement to use the card at least five times per statement period to earn points
- Option to have rent payments automatically reported to major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax)
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure if a travel credit card is right for you? Learn more about the different types of credit cards, how they each work, and which credit card may be right for you.
When selecting a credit card, consider these six key factors:
1. Credit Score and History: Your credit score influences approval and card options. Excellent credit opens doors to premium rewards.
2. Welcome Offers: Many cards provide sign-up bonuses; compare these perks, as they can significantly vary.
3. Rewards Type: Choose between points, miles, or cash back based on your spending preferences and redemption goals.
4. Rewards Categories: Opt for flat-rate rewards for simplicity or bonus categories that align with your spending habits.
5. Annual Fees: Evaluate if a card’s benefits justify annual fees; both fee and no-fee cards can be worthwhile.
6. Interest and Fees: Be mindful of interest rates and fees, especially if you plan to carry a balance or seek a low-interest card.
Considering these aspects ensures your chosen card aligns with your financial needs and spending patterns.
Credit card options cater to various financial goals, but the array can be overwhelming. To simplify, we’ve categorized them into five types:
1. Travel Credit Cards:
- Focus on earning points or miles for travel-related rewards.
- Benefits include airport lounge access, travel credits, and elite status with loyalty programs.
- Ideal for those wanting travel rewards and enhanced travel experiences.
2. Cash Back Credit Cards:
- Earn cash back instead of points or miles.
- Redeem for statement credits, deposits, checks, or gift cards.
- Suitable for those prioritizing cash back over travel rewards.
3. Balance Transfer Credit Cards:
- Offer a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for a specified period.
- Useful for transferring debt and avoiding interest charges temporarily.
Compare balance transfer credit cards.
4. Credit Cards for Building Credit:
- Designed for individuals with fair, bad, or no credit.
- Includes secured and unsecured options to help build credit history.
- Ideal for those aiming to qualify for better cards in the future.
5. Business Credit Cards:
- Geared towards small business owners with business-related benefits.
- Helps separate personal and business expenses for tax purposes.
- Suitable for business owners seeking perks tailored to their needs.
Getting a new credit card might have adverse effects on your credit score through two avenues:
- Lenders conduct a hard inquiry on your credit reports, leading to a minor decrease in your credit score.
- The introduction of a new credit card reduces the average age of your credit accounts, potentially impacting your credit score.
While hard inquiries linger on your credit report for two years, their impact on your credit score usually lasts for just one year.
TIP: Not all credit cards require a hard inquiry to open. If you are worried about hurting your credit score, consider a credit card option that does a soft inquiry instead.
Credit card issuers and lenders usually report your monthly credit usage. Therefore, it’s advisable to use your credit card regularly. This practice contributes to building your credit score and ensures the continued activity of your credit account, provided you make full and timely payments.
TIP: If you want to keep your credit utilization low while still using your credit card monthly, use your credit card as the auto-payment for small, monthly purchases like subscriptions.
Closing a credit card can harm your credit standing by decreasing your available credit, thereby elevating your debt-to-income ratio. It is generally recommended to keep accounts open unless there’s a compelling reason to close them. An example might be closing a card that imposes excessive fees.
When choosing a credit card from the options available, it’s crucial to analyze your spending habits beyond just focusing on new cardholder bonuses. This scrutiny can influence whether you opt for an airline or hotel credit card, or perhaps a more versatile travel card allowing point transfers to your preferred hotel chain.
Before settling on your new card, consider the following:
1. Spending Analysis: Determine how much you plan to spend. Ensure that your spending offsets any potential annual fee, especially common in luxury travel cards.
2. Category Alignment: Assess what you spend on the most—whether it’s dining, flights, hotels, or streaming services. Choose a card with bonus categories aligned with your spending habits.
3. Welcome Offer: Check for welcome offers, as travel rewards cards often provide bonuses for meeting initial spending requirements.
4. Credit Score: Confirm your credit score, as travel credit cards typically require at least a good credit score.
5. Travel Perks Utilization: Evaluate how frequently you’ll use travel perks like airport lounge access or statement credits for Global Entry. Determine if these perks align with your travel frequency.
6. Preferred Perks: Identify the travel perks most valuable to you. Consider if you prioritize airline fee credits, no foreign transaction fees, priority boarding, or free checked bags.
7. Rewards Usage: Decide how you plan to use your rewards—exclusively for travel or with an option for cash back. Some cards align better with specific airlines and hotels.
8. Travel Brands Affiliation: Consider if certain cards align well with your preferred airlines and hotels. Check if the credit card rewards portal has blackout dates for point or mile redemption.
9. Additional Card Benefits: Explore non-travel benefits such as introductory 0% APR offers, especially if you have significant upcoming purchases. Note that balance transfer fees may apply. These offers are more common in cash back cards.
By addressing these considerations, you’ll be better equipped to choose a credit card that aligns with your unique preferences and financial needs.
There’s no one-size-fits-all travel credit card since the right choice depends on your individual travel preferences and spending habits. Finding the perfect credit card for you involves considering various factors and aligning them with your specific goals. Keep in mind that terms and offerings vary between cards and issuers.
1. Annual Fee:
- Travel credit cards often come with an annual fee, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred.
- Assess the card’s rewards and benefits to determine if the annual fee provides value, especially if you’re a frequent traveler seeking perks like airport lounge access or elite status.
2. Sign-up Bonus:
- Don’t overlook the value of a robust sign-up or welcome bonus.
- The points or miles earned from these offers can often offset the annual fee for several years, providing immediate value and complementing rewards from everyday spending.
3. Rewards Rate:
- Consider how different cards earn rewards, especially if you have specific spending habits.
- Choose a card with bonus categories aligned with your preferences, such as dining or groceries.
- Alternatively, opt for a card with a straightforward rewards rate on all eligible purchases.
4. Foreign Transaction Fees:
- A true travel credit card typically doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
- Ensure the card you choose aligns with this standard to avoid additional costs when making international transactions.
5. International Acceptance:
- Check the global acceptance of the card networks.
- While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, other networks like American Express may have more limited acceptance in certain countries.
6. Perks and Benefits:
- Perks like elite status, airport lounge access, and annual travel credits enhance your travel experiences.
- Assess which perks align with your lifestyle and spending habits, keeping in mind that cards with annual fees generally offer more benefits.
7. Travel Protections:
- Explore the travel insurance and protections offered by the card, including car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- While you hope not to use them, these benefits can be valuable in applicable situations.
Remember, the best travel card for you is the one that aligns with your unique preferences and enhances your overall travel experience.
As you delve into the intricacies of credit cards, the variety of travel credit cards might seem overwhelming, especially when comparing travel protections, interest rates, and spending categories.
To simplify, we categorize travel credit cards into three main types:
1. Airline Miles Credit Cards:
- Ideal for frequent flyers with a preferred airline.
- Earns miles within a specific frequent flyer program.
- Redeem earned miles for flights with the affiliated airline and potentially partner airlines.
- Additional perks may include free checked baggage, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
2. Hotel Points Credit Cards:
- Suitable for frequent travelers loyal to a specific hotel chain.
- Earns points within hotel loyalty programs.
- Redeem earned points for hotel stays and other options like experiences, flights, and car rentals.
- Offers extra benefits such as elite status, free night awards, and airport lounge access.
3. Flexible Points Credit Cards:
- Offers flexibility for diverse reward redemption.
- Earns flexible points usable for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, and more.
- Benefits may include travel credits, elite status with various loyalty programs, and airport lounge access.
- Allows transfers to travel partners, expanding redemption options.
While each category has distinct benefits, it’s crucial to align your choice with your travel preferences and spending habits. Whether you prioritize airline loyalty, hotel stays, or flexibility in reward usage, these categories provide a simplified guide to choosing the right travel credit card for you.
With a travel credit card, you accrue points or miles from your eligible purchases, creating a reserve for covering travel expenses. In essence, a portion of your spending translates into rewards, offering opportunities like complimentary hotel nights or a complimentary flight to your desired destination. Your accumulated points become a versatile currency for enhancing your travel experiences.
Achieving a cost-free flight requires accumulating a sufficient number of points or airline miles, contingent on your chosen airline and travel plan. Credit card issuers typically provide a convenient travel portal where you can utilize your reward points to acquire flights. Certain cards also offer the option to directly transfer points to partner airlines or hotels.
The worth of a point is often contingent on its redemption method. Travel credit card points, for instance, generally hold higher value when utilized for travel compared to their value when redeemed for gift cards or merchandise. As a broad guideline, the approximate value of a point is around 1 cent when redeemed for cash back.
The mileage requirement for a complimentary flight varies based on factors such as your travel route, preferred cabin class, and the airline of choice. For instance, Alaska Airlines may necessitate a minimum of 5,000 miles, while American Airlines might require at least 7,500 miles for a free flight. International journeys could demand several hundred thousand miles, contingent on the destination and travel dates. Check with the airline of your choice to find out its specific mileage requirements, and remember that some travel cards may only be applicable to certain airlines.
Although credit score prerequisites may differ among various card issuers and travel cards, generally, securing approval for a travel rewards credit card typically necessitates a credit score falling within the good to excellent range.
TIP: If your credit falls below the good to excellent range, consider a secured credit card instead to raise your credit score and help your chances of getting approved for a travel rewards card. Compare secured credit card options.
Bottom Line
Finding the right credit card is all about tailoring it to your financial needs and goals. Take a look at different cards, check out what perks they offer, and see which one aligns best with your financial situation. Remember to consider bonus offers, fees, interest rates, and any additional perks offered by each card when making your decision.
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/platinum-card/26129-10-0#offer-terms
For rates and fees of The American Express® Gold Card, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/gold-card/26129-10-0/?print#terms-details
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum® Card from American Express, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/business-platinum-charge-card/42732-AJTnC-0?rwdFlag=rwd/?rwdFlag=rwd#FeeTable
