Travel credit cards provide rewards for your travel spending, plus extra perks like airport lounge access and credits towards TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fees. CNET compares cards based on specific criteria so that you can find the ideal card for you.
Consider how transferring rewards between airline or hotel partners for greater per-point value could enhance your rewards program. When looking for an annual fee card that fits with your travel habits, keep these considerations in mind when redeeming rewards: how will they be transferred between accounts; redeem rewards as part of a program and so forth.
Visa and Mastercard
Visa and Mastercard are two of the largest card networks worldwide, accepted at nearly all merchants globally. Both networks provide credit, debit and prepaid cards with their own benefits included within each bank’s offerings of cards – such as Citi’s selection of travel-oriented Visa cards over Mastercard ones for its premier travel cards; other cards co-branded with one or both such as Costco wholesale clubs and Delta Airlines offer both options as co-branded options.
Both companies provide card payment, but do not directly influence which cards you use – in terms of rewards points, fees, credit limits, interest rates or additional features like car rental insurance. Therefore, it’s crucial that you carefully consider any critical terms when selecting your card, especially when traveling internationally – to make sure it matches up with currencies used during your travels.
American Express
American Express credit cards fall into various categories. Travel rewards cards such as The Platinum Card from American Express offer high annual fees that frequent travelers may be able to recoup in points and perks, while lower-priced cards provide Membership Rewards points as well as special features for travellers such as up to $189 worth of CLEAR credits that allow touchless access at airport security checkpoints or select sporting events.
When shopping for an American Express credit card, make sure that its rewards and perks fit with your spending habits and annual fee justification. Also keep an eye out for any foreign transaction fees which could add an additional 3% when purchasing abroad; cards that do not charge these fees (like Blue Cash Everyday Card by American Express ) would make better choices when traveling overseas. Please keep in mind that many cards issued under American Express may come from different banks with various fees rates and rewards offerings.
Discover
Discover cards are widely accepted throughout the U.S., but aren’t always accepted abroad in countries using different currencies such as Mexico, Canada and Europe. Furthermore, many national chain stores don’t accept Discover including Costco.
No matter where your travels may lead, the ideal credit card should provide travel protections and rewards that make your vacation more affordable. Most Discover cards provide these advantages – like offering 0% APR for 15 months as well as cash back premiums.
Discover card issuer also offers an international acceptance tool for their cards, to give travelers a snapshot of how widely US Discover cards are accepted abroad. If traveling to a country that does not accept Discover, consider bringing another type of credit card that has wider acceptance or magnetic stripe cards which still widely used internationally markets if the retailer can’t process Discover. Additionally, keep an eye out for foreign transaction fees; some card issuers charge additional charges if spending in local currency (even though its exchange rate has already been predetermined by them) when spending in their own exchange rate system and charging them accordingly when using foreign transaction fees as this may occur at some card issuers charge an exchange rate rate fixed by them even when purchasing from local vendors in foreign markets that does not benefit you at all!
Chase
Chase stands out as an ideal solution for those who prefer having all their banking in one convenient place, offering comprehensive banking services – from checking accounts with low account opening requirements and top-rated mobile apps, to physical locations and ATMs across the nation.
Chase offers an expansive selection of rewards credit cards suitable for personal and small business use, from co-branded options with major airlines, hotels and travel partners such as Ultimate Rewards to its own Ultimate Rewards program. Some of their top travel cards provide high bonus rates on airfare, hotel stays and car rentals while also offering transfer bonuses into popular airline and hotel programs.
Chase offers competitive savings interest rates; however, its checking accounts sometimes incur service fees that add up over time. Despite these potential drawbacks, however, Chase remains an excellent choice for those seeking comprehensive banking solutions from a dependable institution.
