Locating the ideal travel credit card depends on how often and what type of perks are important to you. Narrow down your options by opting for one with an excellent rewards rate and generous sign-up bonus.
Opt for cash back cards that offer flexible redemption options and additional perks such as travel insurance and airport lounge access for best results.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card keeps it simple with its no-fee points program that features an attractive sign-up bonus and multiple redemption options for flights, hotels, car rentals and dining purchases. Furthermore, there are no spending caps or blackout dates, plus it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees when international travel occurs. In fact, as a Preferred Rewards member you could even earn rewards at up to 75% depending on how much is in qualifying Bank of America deposit accounts or Merrill investment accounts.
While it lacks features that set apart other travel credit cards – like a dedicated travel portal and airline and hotel transfer partners – WalletHub’s full review of this card provides more details.
Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card
Capital One(r) VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers travelers looking for simple rewards earning, offering an effective rewards rate on everyday spending as well as additional travel benefits such as no foreign transaction fees, up to $100 off TSA PreCheck/Global Entry applications every four years, and car rental insurance coverage.
This card also provides unparalleled flexibility when redeeming miles – cardholders can use them towards any travel purchase, or transfer them to more than 15 airline and hotel partner programs to maximize value. Other perks include an annual bonus without an annual fee; perfect for beginners looking to explore points and miles rewards cards!
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out as one of the premier travel credit cards due to its generous rewards rates across multiple categories and superior ancillary benefits package. While lacking VIP-level perks found with more premium, higher-fee travel cards, its $95 annual fee offers tremendous value.
Nouri Zarrugh of Bankrate credit cards editor praises this card’s 3X rewards rate on dining and select streaming services, along with its ease of redemption through transfer partners like Southwest Airlines or Hyatt. In addition, no foreign transaction fees apply – an impressive feat indeed.
Notable card benefits for hotel bookings through Chase Travel Portal include an annual $50 statement credit and primary car rental insurance that protects against loss, damage or theft.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is ideal for people who spend frequently on dining and travel, offering high rewards rates in these categories relative to other premium travel cards. In addition, this card features several attractive perks like Uber Cash and dining credits as well as access to The Hotel Collection experience credit with no foreign transaction fees attached.
Many may find the card’s benefits justify its higher annual fee, though it doesn’t offer all the luxury benefits available like credit for CLEAR/TSA PreCheck or complimentary elite status in popular hotels programs.
If this card’s features don’t suit you, consider other travel rewards cards like Capital One Venture and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards as alternatives.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve is the go-to travel credit card for premium perks and luxurious benefits, offering 3X points when traveling or dining, along with a $300 annual travel credit and additional valuable protections and perks.
This card also reimburses up to $100 of any application fee charged for trusted traveler programs (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS) every four years (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS). Moreover, its Purchase Protection covers high-priced items up to $10,000 against damage or theft within 120 days from their initial purchase.
Its premium rewards and perks make the card an excellent choice for frequent travelers who can maximize the $300 travel credit, lounge access and transfer options between airline partners and hotel partners. Even its steep $550 annual fee is worth it for those who can maximize its benefits and rewards.
