Best Travel Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated November 25, 2024 at 4:01 am
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Our top picks for travel credit cards include options for new travelers, people on a budget and anyone looking for luxury travel perks.
Travel credit cards come in a few shapes and sizes. Some dole out airline miles or hotel points and others offer flexible rewards you can redeem for travel, statement credits, gift cards and more.
The benefits of travel credit cards vary depending on the type of card and the annual fee required. However, the best travel credit cards earn generous rewards, feature comprehensive travel insurance protections and offer complimentary benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits and expedited airline security.
Our Top Picks - Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best for Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
More Best Travel Credit Cards - Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best for Flat-Rate Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
- Best Overall Hotel Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Best for Budget-Friendly Delta Loyalists: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Best for Business With No Annual Fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
- Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
- Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for Travel and Transit: American Express® Green Card
- Best for Directly Booking Travel: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Our Methodology At Newsweek Vault, we help consumers make informed financial decisions. Our comprehensive credit card evaluations use a 5-star rating system focusing on each card’s primary category and standardized adjustments. We then make standardized adjustments based on factors like unique features, welcome offer values, and the availability of transferable points.
Credit cards are categorized based on their primary function, such as rewards credit cards, credit-builder and student credit cards, and balance transfer credit cards. Each category has its own scoring model. For example, rewards credit cards are evaluated based on six key factors:
- Rewards
- Costs
- Flexibility
- Accessibility
- Card features
- First-year value
Want to know more? Check out our detailed methodology page to understand the criteria and factors we use to evaluate and score each card.
14 Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024
Best Overall
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an affordable option fit for beginners and experienced travelers. For a reasonable $95 annual fee, you get generous perks, including high bonus rewards, an annual hotel credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠ and an anniversary points bonus based on your spending the previous year. There’s also a valuable welcome bonus. Plus, you can redeem points for 25% more value toward travel through Chase Travel.
Pros and Cons
- Earns flexible rewards that transfer to airline and hotel partners
- Get 25% more value when redeeming for travel booked through Chase Travel
- Generous welcome offer and bonus categories
- No intro APR
- No luxury travel perks like airport lounge access
Best for Travel Rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best premium travel cards thanks in large part to the generous rewards and outsized redemption value. On top of travel credits, lounge access and other airport perks, the card rakes in flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a range of bonus categories. Plus cardholders get 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel.
Pros and Cons
- Comes with luxury travel benefits
- Generous welcome bonus and earning rates
- Get 50% more value for travel when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
- No intro APR offer
- $550 annual fee and $75 annual fee per authorized user
- Earns just 1X points on regular purchases
Best for Premium Value
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers enhanced travel perks for a lower annual fee than other premium cards. For $395 per year, users get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, a credit of up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more.
Learn more about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Pros and Cons
- Comes with robust travel benefits
- Generous minimum earning rate of 2X miles on all other purchases
- Earns flexible miles that transfer to partners
- Transfer partners aren’t as good as some competing programs
- Must use $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel
- Fewer rewards bonus categories than some other premium cards
Best for Luxury Perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The Platinum Card® from American Express is best for luxury perks since, in our view, it comes with the most extensive list of credits and features. This suite of perks includes the broadest airport lounge membership possible, airline fee credit for incidental fees and automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Cardholders can also earn a generous welcome bonus and heightened rewards on eligible travel purchases.
Read our Amex Platinum Card review.
Pros and Cons
- Comes with the best airport lounge membership available
- More than $1,500 in annual statement and merchant credits available
- Earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards points
- $695 annual fee and $195 annual fee for each additional Platinum Card (see rates and fees)
- Earns just 1X points on other eligible non-category purchases
- Statement credits may be difficult to use
Best for Flat-Rate Rewards
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card comes with a promising flat rewards rate of 2X miles earned on every purchase and an unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. You can use the flexible miles earned with this card for multiple purposes, like travel statement credits, bookings through Capital One Travel or miles transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners.
Read our Capital One Venture Rewards card review.
Pros and Cons
- Earns impressive flat-rate rewards
- Miles come with flexible redemption options
- Includes Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit
- No intro APR offer
- Transfer partners aren’t as good as some competing programs
- Fewer rewards bonus categories than some other premium cards
Best With No Annual Fee
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
For no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes with a solid sign-up bonus and earns an unlimited 3X points on travel, gas, transit, restaurants, popular streaming services and phone plans. Wells Fargo also recently introduced six travel transfer partners, making your points more flexible and valuable.
Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Card review.
Pros and Cons
- No annual fee
- Earns 3X points in six popular categories, which are transferable to airline programs
- Intro APR on purchases
- Earns just 1X points on regular purchases
- The auto rental collision damage waiver offers secondary coverage
- Few travel-specific benefits
Best Overall Hotel Card
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is packed full of features. It offers an annual free night certificate each year after your cardmember anniversary at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort, five tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening (and each year after that for as long as your account is open) and a way to spend toward additional qualifying night credits and an extra free night certificate each year.
Read our World of Hyatt Credit Card review.
All information about the World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Newsweek Vault. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is no longer available through Newsweek Vault.
Pros and Cons
- Category 1-4 free night certificate annually after your cardmember anniversary
- Earns two qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement
- Costly spending to earn the full welcome bonus offer
- Lackluster earnings outside of Hyatt stays
- Lower overall point value on hotel stays than some competing cards
Best for Budget-Friendly Delta Loyalists
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers excellent value for its $150 annual fee, which follows a $0 intro annual fee in the first year. The card’s first free checked bag benefit applies to you and up to eight other people in your same reservation. You’ll receive a discount of 15% off when booking Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app with miles. You’ll also get a $200 Delta flight credit for use toward future travel when you spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year. Finally, you can receive an annual statement credit of up to $100 when you use your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
Pros and Cons
- Free first checked bag for you and up to eight other people on your reservation
- 15% off Award Travel when using miles on Delta flights (through delta.com and the Fly Delta app)
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150)
- Earns only 2X miles on Delta purchases
- Delta utilizes dynamic pricing, making SkyMiles significantly less valuable than some other programs
- $200 Delta flight credit requires $10,000 in spending on the card in a calendar year
Best for Business Travel Rewards
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns generous rewards on travel and select business categories. Plus, cardholders can earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within three months of account opening.
Pros and Cons
- Earns flexible Chase Ultimate rewards points
- Get 25% more value when booking travel with points through Chase Travel
- Earns 3X points in popular eligible business categories (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1X points)
- Bonus category spending caps limit rewards potential
- Earns just 1X points on all other regular purchases
- No intro APR offer
Best for Business With No Annual Fee
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
For no annual fee, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express earns 2X points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 spent in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply. Plus, rewards earned fall within the flexible American Express Membership Rewards program.
Read our Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express review.
Pros and Cons
- Earns Amex Membership Rewards points
- Earn 2X points on the first $50,000 spent in everyday business purchases each year (then 1 point per dollar); terms and limitations apply
- Intro APR on purchases
- Earns just 1X points after $50,000 in spending each year
- Purchases originating abroad are subject to a 2.7% foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees)
- Limited travel-specific benefits
Best for Everyday Spending
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers a robust selection of bonus rewards categories. Not only do cardholders earn a generous sign-up bonus, but they also earn 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, EV charging stations and on other hotel purchases. Cardholders earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through CitiTravel.com. All other purchases earn 1X points.
Read our Citi Strata Premier Card review.
Pros and Cons
- Earns flexible rewards for travel
- Generous 3X earning rate in six popular categories
- Up to 10X on travel purchases via Citi Travel
- No intro APR
- Earns just 1X points on regular purchases
- Transfer partners aren’t as good as some competing programs
Best for Travel Rewards on Dining
American Express® Gold Card
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The American Express® Gold Card might be the ultimate dining card for travelers. It earns 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X)—that’s the most points you’re likely to earn without jumping through hoops like making dining purchases through a portal.
Read our American Express Gold Card review.
Pros and Cons
- 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases (then 1X points)
- 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases (then 1X points)
- Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually ($10 automatic monthly) for use in the United States for Uber rides or Uber Eats purchases when you add your eligible Amex Gold Card to your Uber account and, effective 11/8/24, select an Amex card as the payment method
- Steep $325 annual fee
- Annual dining credits are limited in use to select merchants
- Cap on certain bonus reward categories
Best for Travel and Transit
American Express® Green Card
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The American Express® Green Card earns 3X Membership Rewards points on almost every type of eligible travel and transit expense. If you prefer to earn travel rewards and want a single card to consolidate your expenses on, the Amex Green Card is likely your best choice.
All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Newsweek.com. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through Newsweek.com.
Pros and Cons
- Earns 3X points on a wide variety of eligible travel and transit, plus at restaurants worldwide
- Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
- Offers trip delay insurance, baggage insurance plan and car rental loss and damage insurance
- $150 annual fee
- Low welcome bonus compared to other travel cards
- No introductory APR
Best for Directly Booking Travel
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Why We Chose It
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card earns 5X points on hotels and 4X points on airline purchases directedly booked through a hotel or airline. In other words, if you prefer to book through a hotel or airline rather than an issuer’s portal, this card is for you. Many higher-fee travel cards offer similar rewards rates on travel purchases but require you to book through their portal.
Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Journey review.
Pros and Cons
- Earns 3X points on all other travel (including bookings through third-party agencies) and restaurant purchases
- $50 annual flight credit with a minimum $50 airline purchase
- Includes cellphone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
- $95 annual fee
- Limited variety of transfer partners
- No rewards bonus for booking through Wells Fargo travel portal
A Closer Look at the Best Travel Cards
Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to airline and hotel partners like British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt. Cardholders can also get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase.
Other reasons to love this card include its exceptional welcome offer and earning rates.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for consumers who want to earn flexible travel rewards they can redeem in more than one way without having to pay hundreds of dollars toward an annual fee each year. That said, the fact you can redeem points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and merchandise means the Sapphire Preferred can also work as a cash back credit card. Chase also has one of the most impressive transfer partner line-ups of any program, allowing you to maximize value from your points.
Other cards to consider: If you want a travel credit card with perks like airport lounge access or annual travel credits, you’ll have to be willing to pay a higher annual fee. In that case, you can consider cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Read More: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review
Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve starts new customers off with a generous welcome offer, alongside some of the best earning rates available on a travel credit card.
Premium perks included with the card include a $300 annual travel credit, one statement credit of up to $120 for reimbursement of Global Entry, a NEXUS or TSA PreCheck application fee charged to your card every four years, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership and an impressive suite of premium travel insurance benefits.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Sapphire Reserve is for frequent travelers who want to earn flexible rewards they can use for direct travel bookings through Chase or point transfers to airlines and hotels. The ideal cardholder also wants luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access and annual travel credits.
Other cards to consider: For a more affordable premium travel card, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. But for more extensive lounge access and the chance to earn more credits, look into the Amex Platinum Card.
Read More: Chase Sapphire Reserve review
Best for Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: Despite its $395 annual fee, the Capital One Venture X Card includes a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more. Users also earn flexible Capital One miles that you can redeem for travel purchases through Capital One Travel, use for gift cards, merchandise and travel statement credits or transfer to Capital One airline or hotel partners.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is for people who can utilize its airline and hotel partners or want to use their miles to book travel directly through Capital One. Individuals who want a card with airport lounge access at the lowest possible cost can also consider this premium travel credit card.
Other cards to consider: If you research Capital One airline and hotel partners and like what you see but want to pay a lower annual fee each year, you should also consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee). If you want airport lounge access and other premium benefits, however, you should check out the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Read More: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review
Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express has so many perks and statement credits it’s hard to keep track. For example, cardholders get more than $1,500 in statement and merchant credit offers with the card, plus the broadest airport lounge membership possible (Global Lounge Collection), Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy with enrollment, access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and plenty of other luxury travel perks.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Platinum Card from American Express is best for frequent travelers who can use most of its statement credit offers and benefits each year. Individuals who fly a lot and want access to the most airport lounges worldwide will also love the fact they can enter Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion lounges and even Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta Air Lines. This card also works best for people who want to earn flexible points for travel that you can redeem for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel in more than one way. After all, points earned with the card fall within the popular American Express Membership Rewards program.
Other cards to consider: If you want airport lounge access, consider premium travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Capital One Venture X, which charge annual fees of $550 and $395, respectively. You can pay an even lower annual fee if you give up lounge access and some other luxury travel benefits and pick a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Citi Strata Premier.
Best for Flat-Rate Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a nice flat rewards rate of 2X unlimited miles on all purchases and 5X unlimited miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, you can redeem miles for options like statement credits to offset travel, gift cards, travel through Capital One or transfers to airlines and hotels. While the annual fee is just $95, cardholders get perks like a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who want some upgraded perks without paying more than $100 per year for their travel credit card. The card’s flat rewards rate also makes it a good choice for consumers who don’t want to keep track of confusing earning rates or bonus categories. Finally, this card works well for people who want to use their miles for travel but also want some flexibility in how they redeem them.
Other cards to consider: Several other flexible travel credit cards let users transfer rewards to airlines and hotels without paying more than $100 in annual fees each year. For example, you could consider the Wells Fargo Autograph Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earn points transferable to popular loyalty programs.
Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Why we love this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card earns 3X points in many bonus categories, with no annual fee. The welcome offer is also higher than other travel cards with no annual fee (20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months), and rewards are fairly flexible. For example, you can transfer points to six airlines or redeem rewards with this card for travel, gift cards, statement credits or PayPal purchases. The card also has benefits typically reserved for more premium cards, including cell phone protection, auto rental coverage, travel and emergency assistance services and roadside dispatch.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is best for people who want to earn rewards with no annual fee required and who want some flexibility when it comes to cashing in their rewards. The intro APR offer on purchases also makes this card a good option for people who want to earn rewards on a large purchase and then pay it down interest-free for the first year.
Other cards to consider: If you want to earn travel rewards with no annual fee, several top cards can fit the bill. For example, you could also look at the the Discover it® Miles and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
Best Overall Hotel Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Why we love this card: The World of Hyatt Credit Card earns up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays–4 bonus points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels and up to 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. There’s also an annual free night certificate after your cardmember anniversary at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort and a second free night certificate once you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. The card also helps you earn elite status with Hyatt. You start out with complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status and five elite-tier-qualifying night credits after account opening, plus you earn two qualifying night credits towards tier status for every $5,000 you spend on the card. That’s plenty of value for a card with a $95 annual fee.
Who should have this in their wallet: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great choice for anyone who stays at Hyatt hotels at least a few times a year. If you stay at Hyatt hotels occasionally and can make use of the annual category 1-4 free night, you’re likely to get value in excess of the card’s $95 annual fee. People who stay at Hyatt hotels often enough to pursue Hyatt status will find that the card both helps boost their status and offers the best rewards value on Hyatt stays of any card.
Other cards to consider: If you want a credit card that offers a free night certificate, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also offer an annual free night for each account anniversary just for having the cards.
All information about the World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Newsweek Vault. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is no longer available through Newsweek Vault.
All information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Newsweek Vault. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is no longer available through Newsweek Vault.
Best for Budget-Friendly Delta Loyalists: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Why we love this card: The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card comes with plenty of features and benefits. The card’s first checked bag free benefit applies to everyone in your reservation—up to eight companions—making it a great value for family travelers. The $100 Delta Stays credit offers easy value when you book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com and the $200 Delta Flight credit you’ll receive after spending $10,000 in a calendar year should be easy to use for loyal Delta flyers when it comes to future travel.
Who should have this in their wallet: Anyone who regularly checks bags on Delta and doesn’t already have Delta elite status should get the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card. The card will pay for its ongoing annual fee in saved checked bag fees after just three solo round trips each year by our estimation.
Other cards to consider: If you’re pursuing Delta elite status, consider holding one of the airline’s more premium cards. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card both earn the Medallion Qualifying Dollars you’ll need to earn elite status with Delta.
Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns competitive rewards on travel and a variety of select business expense categories.
Rewards fall within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, so you can redeem points for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel through Chase Travel (for 25% more value) or 1:1 point transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners. Benefits for business owners include free employee cards, primary auto rental coverage when renting a car for business purchases, cell phone protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and more.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Ink Business Preferred is for business owners who spend a lot in its bonus categories and want to earn travel rewards points they can use in more than one way. Many business owners also pair this card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve as their personal card since Chase lets users pool rewards in one account for convenience (and premium redemptions).
Other cards to consider: If the bonus categories don’t fit your spending, the no-annual-fee Amex Blue Business Plus offers a flat rate of 2X points on up to $50,000 in purchases each year for your everyday business purchases, followed by 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
Best for Business With No Annual Fee: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Why we love this card: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card earns Amex Membership Rewards points with no annual fee. While the welcome bonus is on the small side (earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 in purchases with the card in the first three months), cardholders can earn 2X points on up to $50,000 spent on everyday business purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar. Terms and limitations apply. The card also offers a 0% intro APR offer on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening, then 17.49% – 25.49% variable APR (see rates and fees).
Who should have this in their wallet: This business credit card is ideal for business owners who want to earn Amex points without paying an annual fee each year. Many consumers pair this card with an Amex consumer card such as the American Express® Gold Card.
Other cards to consider: There are a few other business credit cards to consider if you want a card for travel with no annual fee that’s specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs. These include the Capital One Spark Miles for Business, which has a $0 intro annual fee in the first year but is $95 thereafter. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is another option with no annual fee. You can transfer rewards to another Ultimate Rewards-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve if you would like to transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners, as it technically earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Strata Premier Card
Why we love this card: The Citi Strata Premier Card is a solid choice as a top-of-wallet card due to its bonus category potential. While a $95 annual fee applies, benefits like a $100 annual hotel savings on a $500+ hotel stay booked with Citi Travel help make up for it. Also note that this card earns Citi ThankYou points you can redeem for gift cards, merchandise, travel through Citi ThankYou or transfers to airline and hotel partners.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Citi Strata Premier Card is best for people who want to earn 3X points in as many categories as possible, and people who want some flexibility in how they redeem their rewards. This card also works well for people who have a cash back credit card from Citi that they use for points pooling.
Other cards to consider: The Wells Fargo Autograph is another flexible credit card for travel that earns 3X points in several different categories yet has no annual fee. These points are also transferable to six airline partners and are a great choice if you want points that transfer to partners with no annual fee. For a similar card with an annual fee below $100 each year, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express Gold Card
Why we love this card: Most rewards cards that earn extra points for dining at restaurants worldwide will give you at most three points per dollar spent. The Amex Gold Card earns 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points). If a category of restaurants worldwide is one of the biggest spending categories for you, this bonus can add up, especially if you spend upwards towards the cap.
Who should have this card in their wallet: If you are invested in the Membership Rewards ecosystem and know how to use the points for high-value redemptions, the Amex Gold Card is a rewards powerhouse. The Gold card can earn you a great return on your worldwide restaurant and U.S. supermarket spending.
Other cards to consider: If you prefer earning travel rewards that are easier to use, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve might be a better bet. Both cards earn 3X points on dining at restaurants—rewards you can easily redeem for cash back, travel or transferred to travel partners.
Best for Business Travel Expenses: American Express Green Card
Why we love this card: With the Amex Green Card, you’ll earn 3X Membership Rewards on core travel expenses like eligible airfare and hotels, but you’ll also earn increased rewards on most other eligible travel expenses like tours, cruises, travel purchases on third party websites, rideshare, tolls and dining at restaurants worldwide. If you’re after travel rewards, you can do pretty well carrying only the Amex Green Card when you travel.
Who should have this card in their wallet: The frequent traveler who wants a single card that offers a good rate of rewards on all of their travel purchases should carry the Amex Green Card. The card not only offers 3X Membership Rewards on almost every eligible purchase you’ll make on the road, but it also provides essential travel protections and up to $199 statement credit annually towards CLEAR® Plus.
Other cards to consider: If you want to earn flexible rewards on your travel expenses with no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card might be worth considering. You won’t get the travel protections that you will with the Green Card, but you will pay no annual fee.
All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Newsweek.com. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through Newsweek.com.
Best for Directly Booking Travel: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
Why we love this card: You can earn up to 5X points on directly booked travel with the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, meaning you won’t have to book through an issuer’s travel portal to earn heightened rewards. Plus, if you find a deal through a third party (like travel agencies or discount travel sites, for example), you can still earn 3X points on those purchases.
Who should have this card in their wallet: Any traveler looking for a card that earns significant, unlimited rewards on directly-booked hotel and airline purchases will do well with the Autograph Journey.
Other cards to consider: The no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph Card eans 3X points in a variety of categories, including travel (from airlines to hotels to cruise lines to bookings on discount travel sites). You’ll also earn 3X points on gas, transit, popular streaming services, phone plans and at restaurants.
What Is a Travel Credit Card?
A travel credit card is a type of rewards credit card that offers points that can be redeemed for travel and other options. Many travel credit cards also offer travel-specific benefits that can apply in certain situations, such as free checked bags when flying with an airline or late checkout when staying with specific hotel brands.
While some travel credit cards earn airline miles for a specific airline or hotel points that work within a specific hotel loyalty program, other cards earn flexible travel rewards points that can be redeemed for several flexible options. Additional travel credit card benefits can also be included, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, roadside dispatch, automatic elite status, annual travel credits, airport lounge access and more.
How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?
How travel credit cards work depends on the type of card and the program its rewards fall in. However, all travel credit cards have certain things in common. For example:
- Travel credit cards tend to offer welcome bonuses when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months of account opening.
- You can earn travel rewards points (or miles) based on spending and the card’s earning structure.
- Some cards offer bonus points or miles in certain categories, while others do not.
- Travel credit card benefits (e.g. travel insurance, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, free checked bags, etc.) can apply, although these perks vary widely by card.
- Travel credit card annual fees range from $0 to $695, and there are cards for consumers as well as businesses.
Other than the card amenities that apply specifically to travel, cards in this niche work like other types of credit cards. Consumers, for example, can avoid credit card interest if they pay their statement balance in full by their payment due date. When consumers don’t pay their balance in full, they get charged interest based on the average daily balance and the card’s annual percentage rate (APR).
Types of Travel Credit Cards
As you decide on a travel credit card for your wallet, you should know about the types of cards that are out there. This factor can help you figure out which travel credit card is best for you based on the type of rewards you want to earn and the benefits you desire.
- General travel credit cards: Some cards are considered general travel credit cards because they earn bonus points or miles in multiple categories and let you redeem rewards for travel without offering many travel-specific perks or benefits. Cards in this category do not let you transfer points to airline and hotel programs like flexible travel credit cards do. An example would be the Discover it® Miles card.
- Flexible travel credit cards: Flexible travel credit cards fall within programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards, and they let you redeem rewards for travel through a portal or rewards transfers to airlines and hotels affiliated with the program. Premium cards in this category may also come with benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits and robust travel insurance protections.
- Co-branded airline cards: Card issuers offer co-branded airline credit cards alongside frequent flyer programs like American Airlines AAdvantage and Delta SkyMiles. Cards in this category earn miles that are redeemable for flights with the airline itself or its partners. They can come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access and more. Some airline cards even let you earn elite status via credit card spending.
- Co-branded hotel cards: Hotel brands like Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt offer co-branded credit cards alongside major card issuers. Cards in this category earn hotel points that can be used for free award stays, suite upgrades and other on-site benefits. Co-branded credit cards tend to come with perks like automatic elite status and annual free night awards. Some premium hotel credit cards also come with annual travel credits and airport lounge membership.
How To Choose the Best Travel Credit Card
The best travel credit card for one person can be totally different for another, mostly because so many variables can affect the value of a card to an individual. Not only are there different types of travel rewards you can earn, but earning rates and cardholder perks and fees vary widely by product.
As you look for the right travel credit card for your specific needs, keep the following factors in mind:
Type of Rewards
You’ll want to consider the type of travel rewards you want to earn, whether that’s flexible rewards points, airline miles or hotel points. If you fly with a specific airline or stay with a specific hotel chain often, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of earning rewards specific to that program versus earning flexible rewards that may or may not transfer to your favorite loyalty program.
Redemption Options
Make sure you have a general idea of the redemption options available for the rewards you earn. Remember that airline miles and hotel points are more limited and subject to devaluation. If you want rewards that are as flexible as possible, consider picking up a flexible travel credit card that lets you redeem rewards through a portal or transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners.
Cardholder Benefits
When considering the perks you want with your credit card for travel, remember that some cards offer general benefits and others offer more specific perks. For example, airline credit cards usually offer benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, whereas hotel credit cards may offer hotel-specific perks like entry-level elite status and annual free night awards. Meanwhile, flexible travel credit cards often offer more general benefits like fee credits as reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership or Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.
Learn more about the benefits found with some of the best travel rewards cards:
- Amex Platinum benefits
- Amex Gold Card benefits
- American Express® Business Gold Card benefits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits
- Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits
Earning Rates
Also, compare the earning rates for different travel credit cards to see which cards would net you the most in rewards over time. If you spend a lot of money in specific categories each month, like gas, groceries or travel, it can help to look for cards that offer bonus points in these categories.
Welcome Offers
Consider travel credit card welcome bonuses and see which ones entice you the most. If a card has a high minimum spending requirement to earn a welcome bonus, make sure you can easily meet it with regular, organic spending and bills within the timeline required.
If you have to spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, for example, that breaks down to spending at least $1,333 for the first three consecutive months after becoming a cardholder.
Travel Protections
Although you might be tempted to book your travel with your card that earns the greatest amount of rewards, you should also consider what travel protections your card provides. Many travel credit cards offer a suite of travel protections that can be far more valuable than a few marginal points if things go wrong. Here are a few of the essential travel protections that many travel cards offer.
- Trip delay insurance can cover incidental expenses and even an overnight stay if travel you book with your card is delayed significantly or overnight. Booking a trip with a card that offers this benefit can mean you’re not out hundreds of dollars if you suddenly need to check into a hotel for an overnight flight delay.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance can cover damage to or theft of a rental car booked using your credit card. Ideally, you’d rent a car using a card that offers primary insurance, which can provide protection without requiring you to make a claim to your personal auto insurance. Keep in mind that this benefit doesn’t cover liability and often doesn’t cover car-sharing services like Turo.
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may cover reimbursement of non-refundable prepaid travel expenses in the event that your trip gets interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. The expenses covered by this benefit vary widely by card—some cards only cover prepaid travel by common carrier, while others cover expenses like tours and lodging booked through travel providers.
Application Restrictions
One important factor to consider when choosing a credit card are any application rules imposed by the issuer. For example, Chase has an unofficial 5/24 rule that disqualifies applicants who have applied for five or more cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. American Express has a once-per-lifetime rule that restricts consumers to one welcome bonus per card or family of cards in some cases (unless you’re targeted for a specific offer). Citi has multiple application restrictions, which are usually stated on each credit card feature page.
It’s important to review these restrictions before applying for any credit card. The last thing you want is to go through the trouble of selecting a credit card you think you qualify for based on your stellar credit score, then realizing you’re disqualified over previous cards you’ve applied for.
Fees
Finally, compare travel credit cards based on their annual fees, and make sure you feel comfortable with the annual fee you’re planning to pay. If a credit card you’re considering charges an annual fee, look closely at its benefits and rewards to make sure you’re getting more value out of the card than its annual fee. Also, check for other fees like foreign transaction fees, but note that credit cards geared to travel usually don’t charge them.
You can also look at cards based on their variable interest rates and intro APR offers. That said, you’ll typically only want to get a travel credit card if you plan to pay off your purchases in full each month. If you carry a balance on your card or end up in long-term debt, the variable rates you pay will more than wipe out the rewards you earn.
Vault’s Viewpoint: What Are Your Points and Miles Worth?
Although the value of your points and miles may not seem like a major consideration, it is one of the most important factors to consider when comparing card earning rates and redemption options. After all, some rewards are worth considerably more than others, and some cards have different redemption rates depending on how you use your points.
Knowing how much your points are worth can help you decide if a travel credit card is the right fit for you. For example, according to Newsweek’s valuations, Amex Membership Rewards points are worth an average of 1.19 cents per point. You’ll need to transfer your points to an airline partner for maximum value.
Other Amex redemption options aren’t as valuable. You can redeem Amex points for airfare through AmexTravel.com at 1 cent per point. But points are only worth 0.6 cents per point if you redeem for statement credits and 0.7 cents per point for many travel redemptions through Amex Travel.
If cash back is your preferred redemption option, a cash back credit card is likely a better fit over an Amex travel card. And if you’re not booking flights through Amex travel or transferring to a high-value transfer partner, a different travel rewards card could give you better value when redeeming your rewards.
Also, note that similar points from different programs can be worth varying amounts, and this factor can skew how generous the earning rates and welcome bonuses appear with different cards. For example, Hilton Honors points are worth an average of 0.41 cents each, whereas World of Hyatt points are worth 2.11 cents each based on our internal valuations.
How To Maximize a Travel Rewards Card
Maximize a travel rewards card by taking advantage of its various benefits and category bonuses. Start by choosing a card that best fits your spending habits and travel needs, then take advantage of its most rewarding benefits.
- Book flights directly with airlines or through a card’s travel portal to earn maximum rewards.
- Take advantage of monthly credits and other benefits you use most often, such as food delivery services or streaming credits.
- Redeem the rewards points you earn for travel-related purchases to maintain the most value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Credit Score Do You Need for the Best Travel Credit Cards?
Minimum credit score recommendations vary by card product and card issuer. But the best travel credit cards are geared toward individuals with good to excellent credit (or a FICO Score of 670 and up).
What Is the Best Credit Card for Travel Points?
The best credit card for travel rewards can vary based on the type of rewards, fees charged and perks included. However, some of the best travel credit cards on the market today include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X.
Do I Have To Pay Interest on a Credit Card?
Avoid interest completely on credit cards by paying your card’s statement balance in full by your card’s payment due date each month. Some cards also come with introductory APRs for purchases, balance transfers or both, yet this feature isn’t common among credit cards for travel rewards.
What Is the Best Card for International Travel?
The best credit card for international travel may be the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card from American Express. However, the best answer depends on your individual needs. Look for a card with no foreign transaction fees, bonus points on travel and added perks like lounge access and Global Entry application fee credits. These types of benefits can enhance your travel experience abroad and help you maximize your rewards when you return.
Do All Travel Cards Have Annual Fees?
Not all travel cards have annual fees. Oftentimes, the more premium travel cards will have an annual fee in exchange for top-notch benefits.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Newsweek Vault has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of select credit card products. Newsweek Vault and CardRatings may receive a commission from certain card issuers.
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