Whether you’re planning a trip around the world or a simple vacation, the best credit card for travel may provide you with unprecedented access to special benefits.
Imagine swimming in cliffside pools at luxurious hotels, flying first-class, or simply saving money and time when traveling with your family.
The best credit cards provide high earning rates on credit card travel rewards, which can be redeemed immediately or converted into airline miles or travel points. There are a lot of nice possibilities right now if you’re a regular traveler with strong credit.
Our world-traveling credit card experts and travel connoisseurs compared rewards earn rates, perks, introductory bonus offers, annual fees, and more.
The Best Travel Credit Cards
It is important to note that we do not merely include credit cards that we are paid to list. The cards you’ll find on this page are travel cards that we use and suggest to our relatives and friends.
Credit card benefits extend beyond simply earning points and miles. You can save money on shopping, get a head start on your vacation fund, and more with the appropriate credit card.
With TPG’s finest rewards credit cards from our partners, you can add value to your pocket in addition to points and miles.
Check out our top travel credit cards and best credit cards for all of the latest deals.
Best for Airline Rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a good choice for most travelers because of its ease of use and generous rewards.
You’ll earn 2x miles on every transaction, and there are no extra categories to remember, making it a great card for those who lead busy lives.
Notable Facts
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, which is equivalent to $750 in travel.
- Earn 2X miles on every transaction, every day.
- Miles will not expire for the duration of the account, and there is no cap on how much you can earn.
- Get a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- Through the Partner Lounge Network, you can enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges.
- Earn 5X miles when you book hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel, where you’ll find the best pricing on thousands of travel alternatives.
- You can use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase, or you can redeem them by booking a trip with Capital One Travel. You can also transfer your miles to one of 15+ travel loyalty clubs.
Pros and Cons
Pro
- TPG values this flexible rewards card’s sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles at $1,388.
- You’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar spent, which means you won’t have to memorize bonus categories.
- Rewards can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase as a bill credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
Cons
- A couple of partners have transfer ratios that are less than 1:1.
- Capital One’s airline partners do not include any major US carriers.
Best for Beginner Travelers
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the market’s most popular travel rewards credit cards. The card provides a good return on travel and dining purchases, easily offsetting its $95 annual fee.
Cardholders can redeem points for travel booked through Chase at 1.25 cents per point or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners.
Notable Facts
- Earn 60,000 extra points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after creating your account. When you redeem with Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you’ll receive $750.
- Benefits include 5x points on Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel expenditures, as well as a $50 yearly Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit.
- When you redeem for travel, hotels, auto rentals, and cruises with Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you will receive 25% more value. 60,000 points, for example, are worth $750 in airfare.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance, and more benefits are available.
- When you activate by December 31, 2024, you will receive free access to DashPass, which will allow you to avoid delivery fees and lower service fees for at least a year.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel, and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
- When booking through Ultimate Rewards, a new yearly $50 hotel statement credit is available.
- Premium travel protection advantages include trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance.
Cons
- The card has a $95 annual charge.
Best for Dining Rewards at Restaurants
American Express Gold Card
This is more than simply a pretty card. It delivers a powerful punch, delivering four points for every dollar spent on worldwide restaurants and U.S. groceries (on the first $25,000 in purchases every fiscal year; then one point per dollar).
There’s also an up to $120 yearly dining statement credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, as well as an up to $120 annual ($10 per month) Uber Cash credit that may be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the United States.
All of this makes it a great challenger for all food purchases, which have grown in popularity as a spending area. Enrollment is necessary for certain benefits.
Notable Facts
- Spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership to earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the United States, and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at supermarkets in the United States (on purchases up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points when you book flights directly with airlines or through amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash in exchange for Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account to receive $10 in Uber Cash each month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the United States, up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings while earning up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use your American Express® Gold Card to pay at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Registration is needed.
- When you book The Hotel Collection via American Express Travel, you will receive a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay. The amount of experience credit given varies by property.
- Choose a color that complements your style. Rose gold or gold.
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- The yearly fee is $250.
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants and supermarkets in the United States (on the first $25,000 in expenditures each calendar year; afterward 1 point per dollar).
- 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel
- A welcome bonus of 60,000 points is available after spending $4,000 in the first six months of account opening.
Cons
- Weaknesses in the bonus categories of travel and everyday spending
- Not as effective for individuals residing outside of the United States.
- Some people may have difficulty using Uber or food credits.
- Few travel benefits and safeguards
Best Premium Travel Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
If you can take advantage of the up to $300 statement credit toward Capital One Travel, Venture X’s annual fee effectively drops to $95, the same as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
With a 10,000-mile bonus on account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG estimates) and lounge access, the card may become the best option for many travelers.
Notable Facts
- Earn 75,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening your account, which is comparable to $750 in travel.
- Receive up to $300 in statement credits per year for bookings made through Capital One Travel, where you’ll find the best deals on thousands of alternatives.
- Every year, beginning with your first anniversary, you will receive 10,000 additional miles (equivalent to $100 in travel).
- Earn limitless 10X points on Capital One Travel hotels and rental vehicles, and 5X miles on Capital One Travel flights.
- Earn 2X miles on all other purchases indefinitely.
- Unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network, for you and two friends.
- Get a $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- You may use your Venture X points to quickly cover travel expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and more—you can even transfer your miles to one of 15+ travel loyalty programs.
- Enhance your stay at Premier Collection luxury hotels and resorts with a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for two, and complimentary WiFi on every booking, plus extra premium perks like room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout when applicable. Check out the entire Premier Collection (https://capitalonetravel.com/premier-collection/) and Capital One Travel (https://travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service/) terms and conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- When you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening your account, you will receive 75,000 bonus miles.
- Every account anniversary earns you 10,000 additional miles.
Cons
- The annual charge is $395.
- An annual statement credit of up to $300 is only available for reservations made through the Capital One Travel platform.
Best for Luxury Benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express
When it comes to travel perks and advantages, the Amex Platinum is unrivaled. If you value lounge access, hotel elite status, and annual statement credits, this card is well worth the expensive annual fee.
Notable Facts
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on purchases with the Card throughout the first six months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year, and 5X Membership Rewards® Points for prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel.
- When you pay with your Platinum Card®, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits per year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $20 in monthly bill credits when you pay for eligible items with the Platinum Card® at one or more of the following providers: Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal are among the services available. Registration is needed.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Walmart+ members receive purchasing benefits both online and in-store. Pay for a monthly Walmart+ subscription with your Platinum Card® (subject to auto-renewal) and earn a statement credit for the entire cost each month. The price is $12.95 + any relevant taxes. Plus Up Benefits are not applicable.
- Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits each fiscal year when incidental fees are collected by that airline.
- When you use your Platinum Card® to pay for an Equinox+ subscription or any Equinox club membership, you will receive up to $300 back every calendar year. Registration is needed. Find out more.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your Platinum Card® to breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and receive up to $189 back every year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- When you charge your Platinum Card®, you will receive a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit of up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (via a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee. Cardholders that are authorized for Global Entry will also have access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $50 in semi-annual statement credits for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue made with your Platinum Card®. Registration is needed.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Use your Platinum Card® to get a $300 statement credit when you buy a SoulCycle at-home bike. The whole price of the bike must be charged in one transaction, and an Equinox+ subscription is necessary.
- Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile on the Resy app or website to gain access to special tables and events through Global Dining Access by Resy.
- The annual charge is $695.
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- This card’s current welcome offer is pretty valuable. It is worth $1,600, according to TPG.
- This card comes with a slew of perks, including access to Centurion Lounges, gratis elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and over $1,400 in yearly statement credits, among other things.
- The Amex Platinum card has access to a premium concierge service that can assist you with everything from scheduling difficult-to-reserve reservations to locating destination guides to help you plan your next vacation.
Cons
- The $695 yearly charge is only worthwhile if you use all of the card’s advantages. Rare passengers may not obtain enough value to justify the cost.
- Aside from the current introductory offer, you can only earn bonus credits on specified airline and hotel purchases, so it’s not a good card for other types of spending.
- When compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards, the annual airline fee credit and other statement credits can be difficult to use.
Best for Freelancers
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
The Ink Business Unlimited sign-up offers a hefty $750 cash back on purchases totaling $6,000 within the first three months of account setup, as well as unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business purchases.
It bridges the rewards gap left by the Ink Business Cash Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
You may get the most out of this card by combining it with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Ink Business Preferred.
Notable Facts
- Earn $750 in bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases during the first three months of account opening.
- Earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business purchases.
- There is no annual fee.
- Through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you can redeem your points for cash back, gift cards, vacations, and other items.
- Employee cards allow you to earn rewards faster and at no extra expense. Set personal spending restrictions to gain more control.
- Unusual credit card purchases are monitored around the clock.
- You will not be held liable for fraudulent charges made with your card or account information if you have Zero Liability.
- Purchases have a 12-month, 0% introductory APR.
- Member of the FDIC
Pros and Cons
Pros
- There is no annual charge.
- A hefty $750 sign-up bonus
- Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Increase your spending to obtain a sign-up bonus.
- There will be no conversion to Chase points unless you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred.
Best for Travel and Dining Bonuses
American Express Green Card
The redesigned American Express Green Card provides an incredible assortment of incentives for first-time travelers.
You’ll earn 3x points on various travel, dining, and transit transactions, as well as annual credits for purchasing LoungeBuddy passes and CLEAR Plus memberships. It’s quickly become one of our favorite first-time travel cards.
Notable Facts
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $3,000 on new Card purchases in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, during your first 6 months of Card Membership, get 20% back on eligible travel and transportation expenditures, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
- Travel expenses such as flights, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and holiday rentals earn 3X Membership Rewards® points.
- Trains, taxicabs, ridesharing services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways all earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the United States.
- $189 CLEAR Plus Credit: Earn up to $189 in statement credits each calendar year when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with an American Express® Green Card.
- $100 LoungeBuddy: Don’t have an airport lounge membership? Not a problem! Using the American Express® Green Card, purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app and receive up to $100 in annual statement credits.
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your Eligible Card is used entirely to pay for a round-trip and a covered reason delays your trip for more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, with a maximum of two claims per eligible account per 12-month period. There are terms, conditions, and limitations. New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG company, provides coverage.
- There are no foreign transaction fees: There are no foreign transaction fees when you use your American Express® Green Card everywhere you go.
- The annual charge is $150.
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The card provides excellent bonus earning rates, providing 3 points for each dollar spent on dining, travel, and public transportation expenses.
- It also has a higher welcome bonus right now.
Cons
- The card has a $150 annual charge, and the two hidden statement credits (up to $189 for Clear Plus membership and up to $100 for LoungeBuddy purchases) aren’t for everyone.
Best for Entertainment Rewards
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne is an excellent cash-back credit card for those who want a robust rewards structure with no annual fee.
Dining, entertainment, and groceries are all valuable bonus areas, and it’s unusual for a card to offer all three.
Notable Facts
- Earn a one-time cash bonus of $200 after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Earn an infinite amount of money. 3% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% cash back on all other transactions
- Earn 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases, as well as bonus Uber One membership statement credits, through 11/14/2024.
- Earn 8% cash back when you buy Capital One Entertainment.
- Earn an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel, where you’ll find the best pricing on thousands of vacation alternatives. Terms and conditions apply.
- There are no rotating categories or sign-ups required to get cash rewards; also, cashback will not expire for the life of the account, and there is no limit to how much you can earn. 0% initial APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99%–29.99% variable APR thereafter; 3% fee on transfers made during the first 15 months
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- There is no annual charge.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Earn an unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, popular streaming services, and groceries (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other transactions.
- This card’s intro APR offer makes it an excellent choice for people looking to finance a significant purchase. For the first 15 months, you’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases and debt transfers (19.99%–29.99% variable APR after that, with a 3% balance transfer charge).
Cons
- The sign-up bonus isn’t spectacular (although it is simple to obtain).
Best for Flexible Rewards
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a surprisingly powerful card that offers at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
It becomes a standout card, however, when used with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, tripling their potential worth.
Notable Facts
- Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (up to $20,000 spent in the first year)—up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that allows you to redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining out, including takeout and eligible delivery service; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 in purchases, you’ll get 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on pharmacy purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and qualified delivery service, and a limitless 1.5% cash back on everything else.
- There is no minimum to redeem for cash back. You have the option of receiving a statement credit or direct deposit into most US bank and savings accounts. As long as your account is open, your Cash Back benefits will not expire!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR on purchases and debt transfers for 15 months from account opening, followed by a variable APR ranging from 20.24% to 28.99%.
- No annual fee – You will not be charged an annual fee for the many benefits that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card.
- Keep track of your credit health with Chase Credit Journey, which provides free access to your most recent score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member of the FDIC
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Every purchase earns at least 1.5% back, with some categories earning up to 3% back.
- There is no yearly cost.
- Ideal for non-bonus spending on a daily basis.
- When combined with a premium Chase card, this is an incredible value.
Cons
- Because of the 3% foreign transaction fee, the card should not be used abroad.
- Card features and privileges are limited.
How to Choose a Travel Credit Card
There are numerous travel rewards cards available. The ideal travel credit card for you is as much about you as it is about the card.
When choosing a travel card, consider how frequently you travel, how much freedom you desire, and how much you value airline or hotel privileges. According to our post on how to choose a travel credit card, you should prioritize:
- Rewards that you will actually use (points and miles are only valuable if you can use them for travel).
- A high earning rate (the amount of value you receive in rewards for each dollar spent on the card).
- A sign-up bonus (a bonus of points for spending a certain amount in the first few months).
Even with these objectives in mind, there are numerous factors that will affect your decision on a travel rewards credit card.
Types of Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Travel rewards credit cards are classified into four sorts. Each category is described in detail below.
Airline Credit Cards
An airline credit card is linked to a frequent flier program, often known as an airline loyalty program.
It earns points in that program when you use the best credit card for frequent flyers. You can use your miles to book award flights.
You might be able to get a ticket for 25,000 miles instead of $250. The greatest credit card for airline miles frequently comes with additional airline advantages, such as free checked luggage or airport lounge access.
Hotel Credit Cards
Hotel credit cards are linked to hotel loyalty programs. Using a hotel credit card offers you rewards points in that program.
You can use your points to get free hotel stays, such as paying 30,000 points each night instead of $150.
Hotel credit cards typically come with additional benefits from the hotel operator. These could include free late checkout, elite status in the hotel’s loyalty program, or an annual free night award.
Travel Credit Cards With Fixed-Rate Rewards
A fixed-rate travel credit card allows you to redeem your rewards for cash travel purchases. When it comes to travel, rewards are always worth the same amount.
For example, if your credit card charges $0.01 per point, 10,000 points are always worth $100 in airfare.
Depending on the card, you can utilize your rewards as a bill credit for previous travel purchases, book travels through the card issuer’s travel site, or both.
Travel Credit Cards with Transferable Rewards
Transferable rewards on travel credit cards allow you to transfer your points to other loyalty programs.
For example, if your travel card offers transferable rewards to Hyatt Hotels, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, you might transfer your points to any of those programs.
You would then be able to use your points to book travel through that reward program.
They’re fantastic if you don’t have a favorite airline or hotel among the bunch. Look for travel cards through a big credit card rewards program, in particular:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- Citi ThankYou Rewards
These card issuers provide the best international travel credit cards since they have a vast network of airline and hotel partners.
Conclusion
A travel credit card can be a useful tool for saving money on travel expenses. You might get free flights, hotel stays, and other perks if you use it wisely.
These cards earn points (or miles) at a defined rate for every dollar spent on travel and other ordinary expenditures, sometimes with added rewards of up to ten points (10x) per dollar when used to pay for your excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit card is best for traveling abroad?
Because of its flexible points and superb travel features, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the finest all-around foreign travel card for most consumers.
Which credit card has the highest rate?
The highest credit card interest rate currently available is 36% on the First PREMIER® Bank Mastercard Credit Card.
What type of card to use abroad?
Travel credit cards often do not charge foreign transaction fees and frequently provide outstanding exchange rates.
How quickly can I get a travel card?
Pick up cards at any branch and activate them online, or order online and have your cards delivered in 5-8 business days.
