Contents
  1. Quick Summary
  2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  3. Platinum Card® from American Express
  4. American Express® Gold Card
  5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  6. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Credit Card
  7. Capital One Venture X Credit Card
  8. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
  9. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Credit Card
  10. Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
  11. Capital One® Venture One® Rewards Credit Card
  12. Conclusion

If you’re a traveler, you’re probably using a credit card. Earning points for all that travel could help finance other trips. The trick is to find a card that offers the best rewards. We’ve found ten of the best credit cards for travel.

Choosing the Right Credit Card for You

Choosing the right credit card can be overwhelming, with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you choose the right card for your needs:

  • Consider Your Spending Habits: Think about how you spend your money and what types of purchases you make most often. If you travel frequently, a card with high rewards on travel purchases might be the best fit.
  • Look for Rewards That Align with Your Spending: Choose a card that offers rewards in categories that align with your spending habits. For example, if you spend a lot on dining, look for a card that offers high rewards on dining purchases.
  • Consider the Annual Fee: Make sure the annual fee is worth it for the rewards and benefits you’ll receive. Some cards have high annual fees but offer substantial perks that can offset the cost.
  • Read Reviews and Compare Cards: Research different cards and read reviews to compare features and benefits. This can help you find the card that best meets your needs and preferences.

By considering these factors, you can choose a credit card that aligns with your spending habits and maximizes your rewards.

Maximizing Your Credit Card Benefits

To get the most out of your credit card, it’s essential to maximize your benefits. Here are some tips:

  • Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases: Use your card for everyday purchases, such as groceries and gas, to earn rewards. This can help you accumulate points or miles quickly.
  • Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses: Look for cards with generous sign-up bonuses and make sure to meet the spending requirements to earn the bonus. This can give your rewards balance a significant boost.
  • Use Your Travel Credit: If your card offers a travel credit, make sure to use it to offset travel expenses. This can help you save money on your travel costs.
  • Use Your Points Wisely: Consider transferring your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs to get the most value. This can help you maximize the value of your rewards.
  • Monitor Your Account: Keep an eye on your account and make sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. This can help you avoid unnecessary fees and keep your credit in good standing.

By following these tips, you can maximize the benefits of your credit card and get the most value from your rewards.

What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card

When searching for a travel credit card, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the most value for your money. Here are some of the most important things to look for:

  • Rewards Rate: Look for a card that offers a high rewards rate on travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. The more points or miles you can earn per dollar spent, the better.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: Make sure the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can range from 1% to 3% of the purchase amount. These fees can add up quickly when traveling abroad.
  • Annual Fee: Consider the annual fee and whether it’s worth it for the rewards and benefits you’ll receive. Some cards have high annual fees but offer substantial perks that can offset the cost.
  • Sign-Up Bonus: Look for a card with a generous sign-up bonus, such as 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This can give your rewards balance a significant boost right from the start.
  • Travel Benefits: Consider the travel benefits offered by the card, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services. These perks can enhance your travel experience and provide added value.
  • Redemption Options: Look for a card with flexible redemption options, such as the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs. This flexibility can help you get the most value from your rewards.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a travel credit card that aligns with your travel habits and maximizes your rewards.

NOTE: Rates, Fees, and Offers are current as of Sept 2024.  All details below are subject to change based on card and carrier.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card provides maximum flexibility plus big bonuses. But it’s mainly a good card for travel. It gives you 5x points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel. It also gives you 3x points per dollar spent on dining. So, you can enjoy that dinner out while you’re on the road. It’s annual fee is $95.

2. Platinum Card® from American Express

Platinum Card from American Express

Platinum Card® is the best for luxury travel perks. It gives you 5x points on flights booked directly through airlines or American Express Travel. It also gives you 5x points on prepaid hotel purchases booked through Amex Travel. But watch out for that annual fee—it’s $695. So you really need to travel often to justify the fee.

3. American Express® Gold Card

American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold card not only is generous with the travel points but helps you out with every day spending. You earn 3x rewards on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel. If you’re an Uber user, you can earn up to $120 annually. The American Express® Gold Card also offers rewards on online grocery purchases. You’ll also earn 2x rewards on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel such as, vacation packages, cruises and car rentals when you book through Amex Travel. The Amex Express has a $325 annual fee.

4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Venture Rewards credit card is all about travel. Spending a certain amount on travel purchases annually can unlock higher point earnings and exclusive perks with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You can earn 5x miles per dollar for hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. There is no annual fee.

5. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Credit Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Credit Card

The Autograph Journey® credit card is made for travel and dining. It lets you earn 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines and 3x points on dining. All other purchases are 1x points. It also gives you a $50 annual statement credit. The Autograph Journey has a $95 annual fee.

6. Capital One Venture X Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Credit Card

The Venture X credit card has a travel rewards program pumped up on steroids. You'll earn 10x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. For flights and vacation rentals you booked through Capital One Travel, you'll earn 5x miles. All other purchases will give you 2x miles. Their annual fee is $395.

7. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that offers a range of benefits and rewards designed to enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the key features:

  • 60,000 Bonus Points: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® or transferred to airline and hotel partners.
  • 3X Points on Travel: Earn 3X points on travel and dining purchases, and 1X point on all other eligible purchases. This makes it easy to rack up points quickly on your travel and dining expenses.
  • $300 Travel Credit: Receive a $300 travel credit each year, which can be used to offset travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.
  • Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass™ Select. This perk can make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Travel Insurance: Receive comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel delay insurance, and emergency medical and dental coverage.
  • Concierge Services: Take advantage of 24/7 concierge services, including assistance with travel planning, dining reservations, and event tickets.

With its generous rewards and extensive travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers looking to maximize their travel experience.

8. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Credit Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Credit Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ earns you 3x points for travel, gas, transit and dining. It also provides these points for streaming and phone plans. You'll earn 1x points on all other purchases. There is no annual fee.

9. Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited® wants your business. You'll earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ , but they're adding an extra 1.5% your first year. That's 6.5% on travel. Chase Freedom Unlimited is doing this with all categories. So the 3% you are earning for dining is now 4.5% the first year, and so on. They don't have an annual fee.

10. Capital One® Venture One® Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture One Rewards Credit Card

The VentureOne Rewards credit card lets you earn 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel. You’ll also receive 1.25 miles on every purchase. The VentureOne Rewards credit card doesn’t have an annual fee.

Conclusion

If you’re a traveler, you have a lot of choices. Quite a few cards will give you either high points or miles for your travels. But beware of those annual fees. If you don't earn the points, you could lose money.

Bob Haegele

About the Author

Bob Haegele Bob Haegele

Bob Haegele, your personal finance guru, draws on years of experience to simplify complex financial concepts and offer actionable advice.

Dedicated to helping you achieve financial success, Bob is here to guide you through every step of your journey to financial freedom with expertise in areas such as investing, student loans, and credit cards. His work has appeared on Business Insider, CreditCards.com, and other nationally recognized outlets.

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