Credit cards and travel go together like peas and carrots: Every smart traveler is armed with at least one, and the savviest traveler comes armed with an array of options that offer ample perks and rewards for those on-the-go. With so many choices available nowadays, though, it can be hard to decide which is the best credit card for you – luckily, we’ve done the hard work to help you sort it out. The below cards are not only some of the best travel cards available, but each one also offers something a little extra for every type of traveler from the road warrior to the ocean-hopper. With these cards, you can earn free travel as well as elite status at qualifying airlines and hotels, as well as other helpful perks. Take a look below and consider which is right for you – and which can help you use bonus points to help you book that dream vacation free the fastest.
| Name | Description |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | The Preferred is often referred to as a great “starter card.” It offers ample bonuses like two points per dollar on all travel and dining purchases, and one point per dollar on everything else. It also only has a $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year. Additionally, users get 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from opening the account — that’s equal to $625 in travel vouchers if you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The card also offers great travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and trip delay reimbursement. This is a great card for those who want to start dipping their toes in the travel credit card game. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | The Reserve is basically the older, more mature sibling to the Preferred. Like the Preferred, you also get 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, as well as some of the same travel protection perks too. But that’s where the similarities stop. The Reserve has a $450 annual fee, and that is not waived in the first year. However, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, 3x points on travel and dining purchases, Priority Pass Select Lounge access and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit. Even though it has a pretty steep annual fee, associated perks more than make up for the up-front expense. |
| Platinum Card from American Express | The Platinum is clearly among the gold standards when it comes to travel credit cards. With this card, you get 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. Aside from the generous amount of points you can accrue with this card, you also get a $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 in Uber credits, $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit and a rebate for the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee. The card also affords cardholders access to a number of lounges including the American Express Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass lounge and Delta Sky Club access. It does have a hefty annual fee at $550, but with all these amazing perks, it’s surely worth it. |
| Citi ThankYou Premier Card | This is a great card for the road (trip) warrior. This card earns 60,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 first three months. The annual fee of $95 is waived the first year, and you can earn three points per dollar on travel, including at gas stations, two points per dollar on dining and entertainment venues, and one point per dollar on all other purchases. You can also transfer your points to 15 airline programs. This is the only card that gives 3x points at gas stations, so it’s definitely worth it if you’re on the road a lot. Plus, the first year is free… and who doesn’t like a complementary bonus? |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | This is a fine selection if you’re looking for a simple, no-frills card with a great bonus. In addition to the 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months, this card also earns two miles per dollar on all purchases and ten miles per dollar on hotel rooms that are booked through Hotels.com. That means if you book all your hotel travel with this card, you could earn back 20% on all your hotel visits that are booked through Hotels.com, and that’s a pretty sweet offer. The card also comes with a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years and there are no foreign transaction fees. This card has a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived the first year. |
| Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card | This is an excellent travel credit card for those who want to avoid annual fees. The Propel will net you 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months. What makes this card stand out as one of the best travel cards though is that you get three points per dollar on travel, transit, dining — eating out and ordering in — gas stations and select streaming services. (Bonus points for streaming services because this is the only card that earns you extra for that.) Another thing that sets this card apart from other options is that you can pair it with the Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card to combine point rewards, which ultimately makes this one of the best cards for bonus points. |
| IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card | Looking for a huge sign-up bonus? Look no further. After spending $3,000 in the first three months, you get 100,000 points. That’s right, 100K. In addition to the huge bonus, the card also grants users a free night (one per year) at IHG properties that charge 40,000 points or less per night. And if you book hotel reservations with points, well, then you get a fourth night free with this card, as well as Platinum Elite status. For every dollar spent on a stay at IHG, you get ten points per dollar. At gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants, you’ll also earn two points per dollar and one point per dollar on everything else. There’s an annual fee of $89 and it’s not waived, but the perks definitely outweigh the annual fee. |
| Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express | If you’re a Hilton enthusiast, this is the card for you, and not only because of the large sign-up bonus: 100,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months. While it has a pretty steep annual fee ($450), the Aspire card has some pretty great travel credits like a $250 Hilton Resort credit each year and up to $250 each year in credits for airline incidental fees that you can earn, plus a $100 Hilton credit when you book at least a two-night stay with the card. It also gets you a Priority Pass membership and Hilton Diamond status, which includes one free weekend night each year. |
Jeffrey is an NYC-based writer who recently completed his MFA program in Creative Writing at The New School. He has written for many publications, focusing mostly on lifestyle, travel, and food.
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