Travel is expensive; credit cards that offer travel rewards such as points or miles for every purchase could provide considerable savings when making airfare and hotel accommodations. Before applying, make sure your credit score and finances are strong before applying.
Consider how you will redeem your rewards. A card’s transfer partners and shopping portal could have an impact on how much your card benefits are worth.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out among travel credit cards with superior rewards rates and benefits, such as priority pass lounge access, an annual travel credit of $300 and trip insurance coverage. According to WalletHub, this credit card “deserves a place in your wallet if you travel frequently and can redeem points for full value through Chase Ultimate Rewards program”.
The card offers an attractive sign-up bonus and strong earning rates across a range of travel categories, such as 5X points on Lyft rides and 3X points for dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding wholesale clubs and superstores like Walmart). Furthermore, this card features numerous transfer partners as well as travel perks and protections.
Based on your travel needs and preferences, co-branded airline or hotel cards may provide more specific awards and loyalty perks than generic credit cards.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the most coveted travel credit cards due to its extensive Ultimate Rewards program and unique benefits, but with an annual fee that may differ from lower-tier cards. Determining whether this one is right for you depends upon your spending habits, travel goals, and existing credit card portfolio.
In addition to offering a $300 travel credit and airport lounge access, the Reserve offers other money-saving benefits, including an annual $50 Ultimate Rewards hotel credit as well as a 10% points bonus on account anniversary. However, if your points can easily be redeemed for flights without needing to transfer them elsewhere then Preferred may be better suited to you.
This card comes equipped with emergency evacuation and transportation coverage – providing an added level of peace-of-mind.
3. American Express Platinum
American Express Platinum has long been one of the premier travel credit cards, beloved among aspirational travelers who can take advantage of its luxury travel benefits. The card provides high rewards rates on airfare and hotel purchases as well as bonuses such as airline lounge access and elite status membership for various car rental programs and hotel loyalty programs.
However, with its $695 annual fee being one of the highest on the market, it can be difficult to justify. However, frequent travelers who appreciate flexible rewards redemption and niche perks might find this card more suitable; otherwise consider other travel cards such as Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X Rewards which provide more practical benefits at lower annual fees; American Express’ Business Platinum Card may also provide travel perks and credits that might suit.
4. Capital One Venture
Capital One Venture card stands out among travel credit cards with bonus categories and premium benefits as an exceptional flat-rate rewards card. Holders earn 5 miles for every dollar spent through Capital One Travel for hotels or rental cars booked, 2 miles on all other purchases made with their card, plus they can redeem their miles for statement credits or gift cards!
The card offers cardholders benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and travel and consumer insurance benefits. Although there’s a $95 annual fee associated with it, cardmembers often make up this cost with generous rewards rates and benefits offered. Furthermore, its sign-up bonus could be worth thousands; find out how to qualify here.
5. Bank of America Travel Rewards
Bank of America Travel Rewards card provides an attractive welcome bonus and competitive flat-rate rewards rate, making it perfect for travel or dining expenses with no blackout dates or redemption limits imposed. Furthermore, Preferred Rewards members could earn 1.875 points for every dollar spent when meeting certain requirements – perfect if you want a no annual fee card!
This card also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and your points never expire, yet lacks some of the luxury travel features found on other premium travel cards. As such, it makes it ideal for occasional travelers as well as Bank of America customers looking for a simple rewards card without an annual fee – you can even earn 25,000 online bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 90 days after opening an account!
