Are You Planning on Travelling Soon? Consider Credit Cards With Cashback and Travel Rewards
Travel cards may incur annual fees, but taking full advantage of rewards redemption and card perks could help offset this cost and even make the fee worthwhile.
1. Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred stands out among credit cards by covering both major spending categories like groceries and transit as well as niche ones like gas and transit with impressive rewards rates – like dining.
That makes the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card ideal for households that spend heavily on groceries and transportation expenses, as it offers high rewards in these categories – specifically 3X rewards on travel and dining purchases!
The card features a $0 intro annual fee for its first year, then becomes $95. Households who utilize all bonus categories could potentially earn up to $360 annually in cash back – more than three times what it costs annually! There is also a 2.7% foreign transaction fee; please see rates and fees for further information.
2. Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex is an accessible rewards card that builds upon some of the features and perks found on its predecessor, the Chase Freedom. Ideal for both newcomers to credit card rewards programs as well as more experienced cardholders looking for ways to build cash back rewards, the Freedom Flex is an attractive solution that should help both earn cash back faster.
This card offers an attractive sign-up bonus and solid earnings potential thanks to its rotating quarterly categories – 5 percent back on spending of at least $1,500 in each quarter (activation required), 3 percent on dining and drugstore purchases and 1 percent elsewhere. Furthermore, there is travel coverage of up to $1500 per person/$6,000 total trip cancellation/interruption insurance per trip as well as secondary auto rental coverage among others.
This card’s rewards come in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for cash back or transferred to partner airlines and hotels to increase value further. There is no annual fee with this card.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred(r) Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an ideal travel card, offering a valuable point system, $300 annual credit and various perks for frequent travelers. Plus, its Ultimate Rewards system works seamlessly with other Chase cards like Ink Business Card for business spending; plus it gives access to 1:1 transfer partners that enable full value from airline and hotel loyalty programs.
This card provides 5 points per $1 spent on travel, 3 points for dining (including delivery and takeout orders), 2 points on grocery and streaming services purchases and one point on all other purchases. In addition, travel perks such as primary rental car collision damage waiver coverage, trip cancellation/interruption coverage and lost luggage reimbursement are included with every card purchase.
If you’re new to travel rewards cards, the Amex Travel Rewards Credit Card may be the ideal starting point. At just $95 annually and offering seven bonus categories with excellent redemption values, this card makes for an affordable entry-level option.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an effortless way to collect and redeem cash back. It earns 1.5% cash back across all purchases, plus an extra 5% when booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). Plus, unlike some rival cards which may offer elevated rates in categories like groceries or gas purchases, the Capital One Quicksilver requires good or excellent credit in order to qualify.
The card offers an impressive set of everyday benefits and an attractive sign-up bonus, as well as an extended 0% APR period. However, for higher rates and rewards with your purchases, consider switching to another card like Wells Fargo’s Active Cash(r) Card instead.
What you prefer and your financial goals will determine which card is ideal. Our list of cashback cards gives you additional choices.
