No matter where you travel or plan on going, credit cards that offer travel rewards can help save money and earn rewards – but which card should you select?
Choose a general travel card that doesn’t restrict you to one particular airline and offers higher reward rates in specific categories as well as special perks such as airport lounge access.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out as an eye-catching metal card that’s both durable and difficult to damage, providing useful benefits that more than make up for its annual fee. Offering generous signup bonus offers and various redemption options – with extremely high redemption values transferred directly to travel partners – the card stands out among travel credit cards as a top pick.
Chase Sapphire Preferred does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal travel credit card to use when making international purchases. Furthermore, its travel benefits include trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance and primary CDW car rental insurance coverage.
This card requires at least a 700 FICO score for approval, though it’s possible to still qualify even with lower scores if applied for when your score was already high. It is one of the best travel cards for those with exceptional credit who want to maximize rewards without incurring international transaction fees; additional benefits include Priority Pass Select membership, free meal credits and credits toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck membership.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards stands out as a superior travel credit card due to its convenient earning structure, generous rewards rate and valuable fringe benefits. Capital One miles are extremely flexible and can be redeemed for travel expenses without blackout dates, seat restrictions or any other inconveniences. Furthermore, Capital One boasts excellent airline transfer partners as well as protections such as purchase security and car rental collision damage waiver.
This card’s annual fee of $95 may be slightly higher than other premium travel cards, but it comes with an attractive welcome bonus and application credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications. Frequent travelers may find that their rewards and perks pay for themselves over time; other redemption options such as cash back and gift cards may not provide as much value; cash back and gift card redemption options also exist but their value pales compared to repurchasing miles for travel purposes. Overall, it makes an ideal card choice for travelers looking to maximize mileage earnings without having an extensive list of luxury travel benefits or luxury travel perks attached.
3. American Express Platinum
American Express Platinum is one of the premium travel cards on the market and packed with luxurious perks, offering industry-leading 5x points on airfare and hotels plus numerous credits and benefits as well as airport lounge access – making it essential for luxury travellers.
One of the card’s perks includes an annual credit of $200 that covers airline fees such as checked bags and refreshments on board, travel insurance premiums and other protection costs, plus up to $179 of annual benefits that can be put towards CLEAR membership, which speeds security screening at airports.
The card’s $695 annual fee may seem steep, but its benefits and credits may make up for it. Some such as Equinox fitness credit and New York Times subscription credits can quickly pay back for themselves within just a few trips; other credits like airline and hotel credits require careful planning in order to maximize them.
4. Discover It
Discover is one of those credit card brands that has held on to its traditional values, offering cards that reward everyday spending with top cash back rates and offer multiple tiers of rewards. Additionally, Discover understands its market well by providing cards specifically targeted to students, small business owners, and those with less-than-ideal credit profiles.
This card provides several unique benefits, such as SSN alerts that notify you if your Social Security number appears online or has been added to an Experian credit report (opt-in). Furthermore, the card offers free security features like 24/7 account monitoring and a “Freeze It” feature to prevent new purchases, cash advances, balance transfers and recurring payments when lost or misplaced cards are found.
The card does not impose an annual fee and has no foreign transaction fees, in addition to waiving its first late payment fee (up to $41) upon missed payments – though its subsequent late payment fee increases will increase accordingly.
