10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Travel rewards credit cards are specifically designed to help cardholders earn points, miles, or cashback on travel-related purchases. These cards offer benefits such as bonus points for travel purchases like flights, hotels, and car rentals, as well as other everyday spending categories. Depending on the card, you can accumulate rewards for things like dining, gas, and groceries, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or even statement credits to cover travel expenses.
The main advantage of travel rewards credit cards is that they allow you to earn valuable rewards on your spending. With a well-chosen travel rewards card, you can receive significant benefits such as access to airport lounges, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and even companion tickets or priority boarding for flights. Many cards also offer sign-up bonuses that allow you to earn a large number of points or miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement. Whether you're an avid traveler or just looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases, a travel rewards credit card can help you make the most of your spending. Below are the 10 best travel rewards credit cards to consider.
1.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers a generous points system for travel and dining purchases. It is popular for its low annual fee compared to other premium cards and strong value for frequent travelers.
2X Points on Travel and Dining: Earn two points per dollar on travel and dining purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: Large bonus offer for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.
Travel Protection: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay, and primary car rental insurance.
Point Redemption Flexibility: Use points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which provides extra value when booking flights and hotels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
Sign-Up Bonus: Large bonus offer for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.
Travel Protection: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay, and primary car rental insurance.
Point Redemption Flexibility: Use points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which provides extra value when booking flights and hotels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred CardCheck HereChase Sapphire Preferred Card - - Offers excellent travel rewards with no annual fee for active-duty service members, along with 2X points on travel and dining.
Pros
Great value for travel and dining purchases- Strong sign-up bonus
- Comprehensive travel insurance benefits
Cons
Requires good credit for approval- Lower rewards rate compared to premium cards
- Annual fee applies
Key Features
2X points on travel and dining
Travel protections
Flexible points redemption with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Travel protections
Flexible points redemption with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Why Is Recommended
This card is recommended for those who want a solid travel rewards card with a relatively low annual fee. It is perfect for individuals who travel occasionally and want to earn points for travel and dining, along with strong travel protections.
2.
American Express® Gold Card
A rewards card designed for foodies and travelers, offering high rewards on dining and groceries.
Rewards: 4 points per $1 on dining, 3 points on flights, 1 point on other purchases.
Dining Credits: $120 dining credit annually, divided between $10/month at select restaurants.
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
Dining Credits: $120 dining credit annually, divided between $10/month at select restaurants.
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- American Express® Gold CardCheck Here
American Express® Gold Card - - Earn 4x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3x points on flights, perfect for food lovers and travelers.
Pros
- High rewards on dining and travel.
- $120 dining credit.
- Flexible redemption options.
Cons
- High annual fee ($250).
- Requires good to excellent credit for approval.
Key Features
Rewards: 4 points on dining, 3 points on flights, 1 point on others.
APR: 20.24% – 27.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $250.
Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 in the first 6 months.
APR: 20.24% – 27.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $250.
Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 in the first 6 months.
Why Is Recommended
Perfect for those who eat out often and travel, providing high rewards rates and travel-related benefits like no foreign transaction fees.
3.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
A travel rewards card that earns unlimited miles on every purchase.
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCheck Here
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - - Earn 2x miles on every purchase, and use your miles for flexible travel rewards, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Pros
- Simple 2x miles on every purchase.
- Big sign-up bonus.
- Global entry/PreCheck credit.
Cons
- High annual fee ($95).
- Limited bonus categories.
Key Features
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on all purchases.
APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months.
APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months.
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for travelers who want simple, straightforward rewards with global travel benefits.
4.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A premium travel rewards card offering high rewards on travel and dining.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 on travel and dining.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Travel Benefits: Includes access to airport lounges and travel protection.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Travel Benefits: Includes access to airport lounges and travel protection.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®Check Here
Chase Sapphire Reserve® - - A premium card offering 3x points on travel and dining, along with luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance.
Pros
- 3 points on travel and dining.
- 50,000-point sign-up bonus.
- Travel perks and lounge access.
Cons
- High annual fee ($550).
- Requires excellent credit for approval.
Key Features
Rewards: 3 points on travel and dining, 1 point on other purchases.
APR: 22.24% – 29.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $550.
Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000.
APR: 22.24% – 29.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $550.
Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000.
Why Is Recommended
Recommended for frequent travelers who want premium travel rewards and are willing to pay a high annual fee for luxury perks.
5.
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is a high-end credit card offering a wide range of luxury travel benefits, including access to airport lounges, fine hotels, and exclusive experiences. It also offers Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for a variety of luxury rewards.
Membership Rewards Points: Earn points on every purchase, with accelerated earnings on travel-related purchases.
Lounge Access: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including The Centurion Lounge.
Fine Hotels & Resorts: Exclusive perks at over 1,000 luxury hotels, including room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.
Concierge Service: 24/7 concierge to assist with dining, travel, and lifestyle needs.
Travel Insurance: Extensive coverage, including trip cancellation, lost baggage, and travel accident insurance.
Lounge Access: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including The Centurion Lounge.
Fine Hotels & Resorts: Exclusive perks at over 1,000 luxury hotels, including room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.
Concierge Service: 24/7 concierge to assist with dining, travel, and lifestyle needs.
Travel Insurance: Extensive coverage, including trip cancellation, lost baggage, and travel accident insurance.
- The Platinum Card from American ExpressCheck Here
The Platinum Card from American Express - - Earn 5x points on flights booked through American Express Travel, plus exclusive travel perks such as VIP airport lounge access and hotel upgrades.
Pros
- High rewards earning rate, especially on travel
- Excellent travel perks and lounge access
- Exclusive access to premium events and experiences
Cons
- High annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
- May not be the best for everyday spending outside of travel
Key Features
Membership Rewards points
Access to premium travel perks (lounge access, Fine Hotels & Resorts)
Concierge services and travel insurance
Access to premium travel perks (lounge access, Fine Hotels & Resorts)
Concierge services and travel insurance
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for frequent travelers who value luxury experiences, this card provides significant rewards for those willing to pay a high annual fee. It is especially recommended for individuals who want elite status and premium perks in their travel lifestyle.
6.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® is tailored for American Airlines enthusiasts and frequent flyers. It offers miles, exclusive travel perks, and enhanced benefits that cater to both leisure and business travelers.
AAdvantage® Miles: Earn miles on purchases, with extra miles on American Airlines flights.
Admirals Club® Membership: Complimentary access to American Airlines Admirals Club® lounges.
Priority Check-in and Boarding: Enjoy priority check-in and boarding when flying with American Airlines.
Travel Protection: Includes trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage protection, and car rental insurance.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
Admirals Club® Membership: Complimentary access to American Airlines Admirals Club® lounges.
Priority Check-in and Boarding: Enjoy priority check-in and boarding when flying with American Airlines.
Travel Protection: Includes trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage protection, and car rental insurance.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®Check Here
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® - - Ideal for American Airlines frequent flyers, this card offers 2x miles on American Airlines purchases and a variety of travel benefits, including free checked bags and priority boarding.
Pros
- Admirals Club® lounge access
- Earn AAdvantage® miles for travel rewards
- Travel insurance and protections
- Priority boarding and check-in
Cons
- High annual fee
- Primarily benefits American Airlines flyers
- Miles can be difficult to redeem for non-AA flights
Key Features
Admirals Club® lounge access
AAdvantage® miles rewards
Travel-related insurance protections
Priority check-in and boarding with American Airlines
AAdvantage® miles rewards
Travel-related insurance protections
Priority check-in and boarding with American Airlines
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for loyal American Airlines flyers, this card provides excellent perks for frequent travelers, including lounge access and priority services. It is especially valuable for those looking to build AAdvantage® miles with added travel protections.
7.
US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® CardCheck Here
US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card - - A top-tier travel rewards card that provides 3X points on travel and mobile wallet purchases, along with a military fee waiver.
8.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
A premium travel rewards card offering a strong rewards rate on travel and dining.
Rewards: 2 points per $1 on travel and dining, 1.5 points on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Travel Credit: $100 annual airline incidental credit.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Travel Credit: $100 annual airline incidental credit.
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit CardCheck Here
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card - - Earn 2x points on travel and dining, and enjoy benefits like no foreign transaction fees and up to $200 in annual travel credits.
Pros
- High points for travel and dining.
- $100 airline credit.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- High annual fee ($95).
- Requires good credit.
Key Features
Rewards: 2 points on travel and dining, 1.5 points on others.
APR: 18.24% – 25.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 50,000 points after $3,000.
APR: 18.24% – 25.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 50,000 points after $3,000.
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for travelers who want a solid rewards rate and useful travel benefits like the annual airline credit.
9.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Earn Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases.
Special benefits for Delta flyers, including free checked bags and priority boarding.
American Express travel-related perks.
Special benefits for Delta flyers, including free checked bags and priority boarding.
American Express travel-related perks.
2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and US supermarkets.
1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Free first checked bag on Delta flights.
Priority boarding on Delta flights.
No foreign transaction fees.
1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
60,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
Free first checked bag on Delta flights.
Priority boarding on Delta flights.
No foreign transaction fees.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express CardCheck Here
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card - - This card offers 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and US supermarkets, plus benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding on Delta flights.
Pros
- High rewards rate on Delta-related and everyday purchases.
- Excellent sign-up bonus (60,000 miles).
- Free first checked bag and priority boarding.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $99 annual fee (waived for the first year).
- Rewards best for Delta flyers—may not be as valuable for non-Delta travel.
Key Features
2 miles per dollar on Delta and everyday purchases.
60,000-mile sign-up bonus.
Free first checked bag and priority boarding.
No foreign transaction fees.
60,000-mile sign-up bonus.
Free first checked bag and priority boarding.
No foreign transaction fees.
Why Is Recommended
This card is ideal for students who frequently travel with Delta Airlines. The generous sign-up bonus, travel perks, and rewards on everyday purchases make it a strong option for Delta loyalists who want to earn miles quickly.
10.
Discover it® Miles
Earns miles for travel-related rewards.
No annual fee.
First-year cash back match.
No annual fee.
First-year cash back match.
1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase.
First-year cash back match: Discover matches all the miles you've earned in the first year.
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Free FICO® score access and credit score monitoring tools.
First-year cash back match: Discover matches all the miles you've earned in the first year.
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Free FICO® score access and credit score monitoring tools.
- Discover it® MilesCheck Here
Discover it® Miles - - A no-annual-fee card that earns 1.5x miles on all purchases and features Discover's Cashback Match, which doubles your miles at the end of your first year.
Pros
- 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases, making it simple and rewarding for all types of spending.
- First-year miles match can significantly increase the value of your rewards.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Good for building credit and tracking your FICO score.
Cons
- 1.5 miles per dollar is relatively low compared to other travel-focused cards.
- Rewards can only be redeemed for travel-related expenses, so it's less versatile than cash-back cards.
Key Features
1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases.
First-year miles match.
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Free access to your FICO® score.
First-year miles match.
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Free access to your FICO® score.
Why Is Recommended
This card is great for students who want to earn miles for travel and have no interest in paying annual or foreign transaction fees. The first-year miles match can significantly boost rewards, making it ideal for those looking to accumulate travel rewards over time.
Conclusion
Travel rewards credit cards are an excellent choice for those who want to earn rewards on their travel-related purchases or even everyday spending. By choosing the right card, you can benefit from a variety of perks, including free travel, access to premium benefits, and priority treatment at airports. Whether you're looking for flexibility in redemption or specific travel benefits, there's a card that can help you maximize your rewards. Be sure to evaluate your spending habits and travel preferences to select the best travel rewards credit card for you. Start earning rewards and enjoy a world of benefits every time you travel!