Best Travel Credit Card

Best Travel Credit Card

Travel credit cards come with perks that can make your journeys more enjoyable and financially rewarding. Choosing the best card depends on your travel habits, the card rewards, and associated costs. Certain cards excel in offering bonus points on travel expenses, while others provide extensive insurance and airport lounge access. We’ll break down some of the top options available and what sets them apart.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred is often lauded for its impressive welcome bonus and flexible redemption options. Cardholders earn double points on travel and dining, and one point per dollar on other purchases. The points are redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which offers a 25% bonus when booking travel. Additionally, points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners.

• Annual fee: $95
• Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
• Travel insurance and car rental insurance
• No foreign transaction fees

American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card targets foodies and travelers alike. Cardholders earn 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 4x points at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year). For travel, you earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel. Additionally, there is a $120 dining credit at select restaurants and food delivery services.

• Annual fee: $250
• Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
• Extensive list of travel and purchase protections
• No foreign transaction fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card simplifies the rewards process. You earn 2x miles on every purchase, every day. Miles can be used to erase travel purchases from your statement, or transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs. The card also comes with a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit.

• Annual fee: $95
• Welcome bonus: 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months
• Travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver
• No foreign transaction fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is ideal for frequent travelers looking for premium perks. The card offers 3x points on travel immediately after earning the $300 travel credit. You also earn 3x points on dining and 1x on all other purchases. Points are worth 50% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. The card comes with extensive travel perks, including Priority Pass lounge access and various travel insurances.

• Annual fee: $550
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
• $300 annual travel credit
• No foreign transaction fees

The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express is stacked with luxury benefits. Cardholders earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, as well as on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. There are numerous travel credits, such as a $200 airline fee credit and up to $200 in Uber savings annually. The card also offers access to over 1,200 airport lounges.

• Annual fee: $695
• Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months
• Extensive travel and entertainment benefits
• No foreign transaction fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card caters to Hilton enthusiasts. Cardholders earn 12x points on eligible purchases at Hilton properties, 6x points at US restaurants, US supermarkets, and US gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases. The card includes Gold status at Hilton and a free weekend night certificate after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.

• Annual fee: $95
• Welcome bonus: 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first three months
• 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year
• No foreign transaction fees

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card is great for those who prefer simple rewards without an annual fee. You earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. Points can be used to book travel with no blackout dates or restrictions. Preferred Rewards members earn additional points on every purchase.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card suits Delta flyers. Cardholders earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at US supermarkets. You’ll receive one checked bag free on Delta flights and a $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. Cardholders also get priority boarding on Delta flights.

• Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $99
• Welcome bonus: 40,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first three months
• Travel accident insurance and purchase protection
• No foreign transaction fees

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard benefits American Airlines travelers. Cardholders earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, at gas stations, and restaurants. You’ll enjoy a first checked bag free on domestic flights and preferred boarding on American flights. Additionally, you can earn a $125 American Airlines flight discount after spending $20,000 in a card membership year.

• Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $99
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months
• Travel and purchase protections
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is tailored for Marriott loyalists. Cardholders earn 6x points on purchases at Marriott hotels, 2x points on all other purchases. You receive one free night award every anniversary, redeemable for a stay at select Marriott properties. The card includes Silver Elite status, with the ability to earn Gold status after spending $35,000 annually.

• Annual fee: $95
• Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months
• Complimentary Silver Elite status
• No foreign transaction fees