Travel credit cards often offer rewards in the form of points or miles that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise and gift cards. Flexible rewards programs enable cardholders to transfer these rewards among airlines and hotels that share loyalty programs thereby increasing their value further.
These cards offer valuable perks and benefits such as free Global Entry/TSA PreCheck membership, car rental collision damage waivers, purchase protection and affordable annual fees.
1. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card offers fee-avoidant travelers an uncomplicated rewards program with unlimited 1.5 points earned on every dollar spent, never expiring as long as an active card account exists. Redeem your points for credit toward travel or restaurant purchases at a rate of 1 cent each, while also taking advantage of standard Visa Signature benefits like extended warranty protection, lost luggage reimbursement and roadside Dispatch. An interesting benefit of the card is Museums on Us, which allows cardholders free admission to over 220 cultural institutions during the first weekend of every month when presenting their Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card with valid photo identification.
But its rewards rate falls short of average and does not offer as many travel perks as some other cards do. Furthermore, it charges a 3 percent balance transfer fee (introductory offer valid for 60 days only), so those seeking greater perks should consider another travel credit card instead.
2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers an easy and straightforward way for consumers to rack up rewards. This card offers unlimited 2x miles on all spending – which TPG has valued at approximately 1.85 cents per dollar – which can then be redeemed with Capital One Travel or transferred directly to 15+ airline and hotel partners; bonus benefits such as two lounge passes per year are also included in addition to basic travel protections.
Capital One doesn’t offer rotating earning categories like more premium travel cards do, but this card still boasts an impressive earning rate. Plus, Capital One lets you combine rewards earned on other cards to maximize earnings.
Capital One provides cardholders with an impressive welcome bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months, redeemable for a $200 statement credit to cover travel expenses. In addition, cardholders gain access to Capital One’s travel portal.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is one of the best travel credit cards for people looking to maximize their rewards when dining and traveling expenses are charged to it. It features premium perks like airport lounge access and credit towards annual fees for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS membership; in addition to providing you with a generous welcome bonus and unrivalled redemption value when redeeming rewards for travel purchases.
This card’s current signup bonus of 60,000 points can cover most people’s annual fee for several years and also comes with daily perks like free global Wi-Fi access and travel protections.
An annual fee of $95 might seem steep for occasional travelers, but its benefits and rewards provide great value – particularly when combined with either the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex card – maximizing point value while spending less to cover its annual fee.
4. American Express Platinum Card
This travel card is ideal for road warriors who make frequent flights and hotel reservations, spending thousands every year. While its annual fee may be one of the highest in the industry, its many perks could more than justify its expense.
As part of their Welcome offer, new American Express Travel members earn at least 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000. Redeemable through American Express Travel alone, these points could be worth at least $800 – though many more could become available if transferred to airline and hotel partners.
This card provides 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel up to $500,000 annually in spending. In addition, the Platinum Card features a $200 hotel credit per year when booking at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties; elite status with Hilton and Marriott hotels upon enrollment (enrollment required); premium travel protections and other luxury perks.
