Travel credit cards are an essential tool for frequent travelers looking to save money, earn rewards, and enjoy exclusive travel benefits. With the right travel credit card, you can earn points on every purchase, gain access to airport lounges, and receive other perks like free hotel stays and travel insurance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best travel credit cards available, discuss their benefits, and help you choose the right one for your travel needs.
What is a Travel Credit Card?
A travel credit card is a type of rewards credit card specifically designed for people who travel frequently. These cards offer points, miles, or cash back on purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. Travel credit cards often come with additional benefits such as no foreign transaction fees, complimentary travel insurance, and access to exclusive travel experiences.
Types of Travel Credit Cards
There are two main types of travel credit cards:
- General Travel Credit Cards: These cards allow you to earn points or miles that can be redeemed through a variety of travel providers, including airlines, hotels, and travel agencies.
- Co-branded Travel Credit Cards: These cards are associated with a specific airline or hotel chain, allowing you to earn and redeem points or miles exclusively with that brand.
Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
Before diving into the best travel credit cards, let's discuss some common benefits these cards offer:
1. Earn Travel Rewards
The primary benefit of travel credit cards is the ability to earn points or miles on every purchase. Most cards offer accelerated rewards on travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, dining, and transportation. These points or miles can be redeemed for free or discounted travel.
2. Sign-Up Bonuses
Many travel credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, where you can earn thousands of points or miles by meeting a spending requirement within the first few months. This can give you a head start on earning rewards.
3. No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel internationally, foreign transaction fees can quickly add up. Most travel credit cards waive these fees, allowing you to make purchases abroad without the added cost.
4. Travel Insurance and Protections
Many travel credit cards come with built-in travel insurance, which can cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, rental car damage, and even medical emergencies while traveling.
5. Airport Lounge Access
Premium travel credit cards often include access to airport lounges, where you can enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and a quieter space to relax before your flight.
6. Hotel and Airline Perks
Some travel credit cards offer perks like complimentary upgrades, free checked bags, and priority boarding when flying, as well as elite status with hotel loyalty programs.
Best Travel Credit Cards in 2024
Here are some of the best travel credit cards for 2024, offering a variety of rewards, perks, and features tailored for different types of travelers.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards for its versatile rewards program and generous sign-up bonus.
- Rewards: 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining, 2x on all other travel, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That's worth $750 toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation insurance, and travel and purchase protections.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is known for its straightforward rewards program and flexibility when redeeming points for travel.
- Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and transfer partners with airlines and hotels.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel card that offers luxury perks for frequent travelers.
- Rewards: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $695
- Additional Benefits: Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, up to $200 in airline fee credits, $200 in Uber credits, and more.
4. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card is a great option for those who want to earn rewards on a wide variety of everyday purchases, not just travel.
- Rewards: 3x points on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, and 2x points on other categories.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees and flexible point redemption options.
5. United Explorer Card
For frequent United Airlines travelers, the United Explorer Card offers exclusive perks and benefits.
- Rewards: 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Additional Benefits: Free checked bags, priority boarding, and 2 one-time United Club passes each year.
6. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton hotels.
- Rewards: 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x points on restaurants, groceries, and gas, and 3x points on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status and Priority Pass Select membership.
7. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
For Marriott loyalists, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers generous rewards and exclusive hotel perks.
- Rewards: 6x points on Marriott purchases and 2x points on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: Free night award every year after your account anniversary and Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status.
8. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option for those who want flexible travel rewards.
- Rewards: 1.5x points on every purchase.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees and points that never expire.
9. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
For small business owners who travel frequently, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers valuable rewards and benefits.
- Rewards: 3x points on travel, shipping, and advertising purchases, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, travel protections, and cell phone insurance.
10. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
For those who fly with Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a great option for earning miles and receiving exclusive travel perks.
- Rewards: 2x points on Southwest purchases, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $149
- Additional Benefits: Annual $75 Southwest travel credit, 4 upgraded boardings per year, and 7,500 anniversary points.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card
When choosing the best travel credit card for your needs, consider the following factors:
1. Travel Habits
Consider how frequently you travel, where you go, and how you prefer to travel (by air, train, or car). Choose a card that aligns with your travel habits to maximize your rewards.
2. Rewards Program
Evaluate the rewards program and see if it fits your lifestyle. Do you prefer flexible points that can be redeemed with multiple airlines and hotels, or are you loyal to one particular brand?
3. Annual Fee
Some travel credit cards come with high annual fees, but they also offer premium benefits like lounge access and travel credits. Make sure the rewards and perks you’ll earn justify the cost of the card.
4. Sign-Up Bonus
Look for cards with attractive sign-up bonuses that can give you a boost in earning travel rewards quickly.
5. Additional Perks
Check for additional benefits like no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and airport lounge access, which can enhance your travel experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the best travel credit card can make a significant difference in how you save money and enjoy travel-related perks. From earning rewards on everyday purchases to getting access to exclusive travel experiences, these cards offer a wide range of benefits tailored to frequent travelers. Be sure to pick a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences to maximize the value of your rewards