For those with good credit scores, travel cards offer high rewards rates on almost every type of purchase – the right card will depend on your daily spending habits.
Airlines travel cards typically offer rewards redeemable towards airfare. Plus, some can offer other perks like complimentary checked bags and priority boarding.
Sign-up bonuses
A great travel points credit card delivers significant value for its annual fee, offering attractive initial bonuses and ongoing rewards in popular and practical categories like airlines, hotels and dining. Furthermore, additional points may be earned on non-travel purchases while providing protections such as rental car insurance and an $0 liability guarantee against fraud.
Sign-up bonuses should not be the sole factor when selecting a credit card. Instead, it is crucial that you understand how much each reward is worth before redeeming them, especially since their value may differ wildly from point to point or mile to mile. Furthermore, selecting one with good transfer partners and multiple redemption options ensures you make the most of your rewards.
Bonus categories
No matter whether you want to maximize everyday spending or travel rewards on an upcoming adventure, credit card bonus categories offer an excellent way of unlocking more points for everyday spending or maximize travel rewards on future travels. Just be sure the cards fit with your spending patterns and plans before selecting them; annual fees could offset any sign-up bonuses or rewards offered.
Airline cards provide outstanding rewards for loyal air traveler and can help them reach elite status with their carrier of choice, while hotel-branded cards allow customers to earn points that can be redeemed for free nights at participating properties.
Transferable travel rewards cards offer excellent value, often featuring benefits like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credits and primary car rental insurance coverage. CNET reviews its credit cards by thoroughly comparing them against set criteria developed by our experts to make sure we recommend only those that will best suit your spending and travel habits.
Transfer partners
When choosing a travel credit card, it’s essential that it offers multiple transfer partners – airlines and hotels with which you can exchange points at higher redemption rates than through its own travel portal.
Before selecting the ideal card issuer for you, it’s essential to do your research and select an issuer that offers airline and hotel transfer partners appropriate to your needs. Four major card issuers – American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi–offer their own loyalty programs with varied airline and hotel partners.
American Express Membership Rewards points can be converted to 14 airlines, such as Delta and Virgin Atlantic, plus they feature regular transfer bonuses. Citi ThankYou points have fewer airline partners but still provide some desirable hotel partners; cardholders can transfer their points 1:1 ratio with Choice Privileges or Wyndham Rewards programs.
Redeeming points
Credit cards that offer rewards in the form of miles or points typically allow cardholders to redeem those points for travel-related expenses through an issuer’s travel portal as well as statement credits and gift cards. Some cards also allow cardholders to transfer points directly to airline and hotel partners; whether these transfers are valuable depends on each program and individual spending habits.
Before selecting a credit card with travel points, be sure to consider its earning structure, redemption options and point value. Some cards may offer bonus categories for certain purchases like dining and gas purchases that increase its value further.
Redeeming credit card points for merchandise can provide some extra value; however, this could lower their overall worth. For optimal value and benefits, try redeeming them for travel-related expenses instead.
