The best travel credit cards provide many rewards, perks and convenience features. These cards allow users to earn points or miles when using them to book airfare, hotels or rental cars; additionally, these protections help make travel much safer than before.
Before selecting the card with the best travel benefits, take into account whether they justify its annual fee for your lifestyle.
1. Rewards
Credit cards designed specifically for travel can provide invaluable rewards that help cover or reduce the costs of certain purchases. To get maximum value from your card, choose one with a high rewards rate in your spending categories as well as offers such as room/seat upgrades, free hotel stays or statement credits for food delivery services.
As an example, Amex Platinum cards provide many credits and benefits that can help save you money on airfare, hotels and car rentals; but keep in mind that this comes with a high annual fee so be sure you will receive enough value in return to cover it.
2. Perks
An affordable travel credit card can make travel more comfortable and cost effective. Be sure to select perks that reflect your spending and travel habits and be mindful of annual fees and rewards rates before selecting one.
Certain cards offer generous return policies. For example, American Express EveryDay Preferred Credit Card and Platinum Card from American Express (Terms Apply) both allow up to 90 day returns for items up to $300 in value.
Travel insurance is another convenient perk that often comes included with co-branded airline cards or general purpose travel cards, covering common expenses associated with traveling. It may help offset costs associated with flight cancellation, lost suitcase replacement and rental car damages as well as unexpected emergency expenses that may arise while on your travels.
3. International coverage
When travelling abroad, the best travel credit cards offer protections that will give you peace of mind when making purchases – such as avoiding foreign transaction charges. Furthermore, these cards often come equipped with amenities like Global Assist Hotline support, travel insurance coverage and emergency medical evacuation coverage that provide comforting security features.
Though travel insurance cards typically come with an annual fee, they could prove invaluable if an unexpected incident arises while abroad. American Express’ Platinum Card features trip interruption and cancellation coverage as well as primary car rental insurance for peace of mind while traveling. Furthermore, this premium card comes equipped with travel credits, hotel perks and elite status benefits for qualifying members.
4. Low-maintenance
If you want a travel credit card that’s easy to use, search for one with fixed rewards rates, bonus categories and an intuitive redemption structure. Airlines cards may provide more flexible redemption options or allow for the transfer of points between programs such as hotels or airlines. But these options require careful thought when booking travel. Cardholders with less time or energy may find that general travel credit cards provide an easier solution. Cash back cards that reward you in dollars instead of points or miles tend to be low-maintenance and do not charge an annual fee, offering rewards such as statement credits or direct deposits into your bank account. With NerdWallet’s free credit cards analysis tool you can select which card best meets your needs.
5. Affordability
Credit cards can be an efficient tool to use for travel-related purchases, especially those equipped with features such as purchase protections and annual credits. Before applying, however, you should carefully consider if a rewards points/miles program makes sense given your spending habits.
Travel credit cards provide generous perks and money-saving benefits, including free hotel stays, seat or room upgrades and statement credits. Unfortunately, these benefits come at the cost of higher annual fees that may outweigh their rewards rates or sign-up bonuses; additionally, some travel cards feature complex rewards programs which make redeeming rewards difficult – you might be better off with a simple cash back credit card instead.
