Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

Travel rewards credit cards are a popular choice for anyone looking to maximize their travel experiences and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. With the right card, you can earn points or miles on everyday purchases, access exclusive travel perks, and even get travel insurance benefits. However, with so many options, it can be challenging to choose the right one. This guide dives into the top travel rewards credit cards available in the U.S., highlighting the benefits, drawbacks, and unique features of each, so you can decide which best suits your travel lifestyle.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is often celebrated for its strong rewards program and flexibility with point redemption.

PROS

CONS

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Chase often offers a substantial welcome bonus, especially for new cardholders who meet the minimum spend requirement within the first few months.

• Flexible Points: Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines, Southwest, and Marriott.

• Bonus Categories: Earn double points on dining and travel purchases, a nice benefit for frequent travelers and food enthusiasts.

• Annual Fee: The card has a moderate annual fee (currently $95), which may not be ideal for travelers who prefer no-fee cards.

• Limited Travel Perks: Although it’s great for rewards, it lacks premium travel perks like airport lounge access or statement credits for specific travel purchases.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a high-end option that offers premium travel perks, ideal for frequent travelers.

PROS

CONS

• Luxury Benefits: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, complimentary elite status with select hotel brands, and concierge service.

• High Earning Potential on Flights and Hotels: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the Amex travel portal, making it great for high-end travelers.

• Valuable Welcome Bonus: While the bonus varies, it is often sizable, providing a good start for cardholders to accumulate points.

• High Annual Fee: The Platinum Card has a high annual fee (currently $695), which may only be worthwhile for travelers who can take full advantage of its perks.

• Best for Frequent Flyers: While it’s excellent for flights and travel perks, it offers limited rewards on everyday spending outside travel categories.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

For travelers seeking a straightforward earning structure, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card is a solid choice with consistent rewards on all purchases.

PROS

CONS

• Simple Earning Structure: Earn 2X miles on every purchase, regardless of category, making it easy to rack up rewards without tracking specific spending categories.

• Flexible Redemption: Points can be redeemed for any travel purchase, allowing cardholders to book through various travel providers.

• Affordable Annual Fee: At $95 annually, it offers a strong rewards rate without the premium cost of high-end travel cards.

• Fewer Transfer Partners: While Capital One has some travel transfer partners, it doesn’t match the variety offered by Chase or Amex.

• Limited Travel Perks: This card lacks premium benefits, such as airport lounge access or hotel elite status, that some travelers may seek.

4. Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card provides valuable rewards for a variety of spending categories, making it a good option for those with diverse expenses.

PROS

CONS

• Multiple Bonus Categories: Earn 3X points on air travel, hotels, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations, providing value across many spending categories.

• Flexible Transfer Partners: Points can be transferred to airline loyalty programs, including JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and Singapore Airlines.

• Moderate Annual Fee: At $95, it provides good value without the high cost of premium cards.

• Limited Travel Perks: It doesn’t include benefits like lounge access or travel credits, making it less suitable for travelers who prioritize perks.

• Complex Rewards Program: Citi’s transfer partners may be more limited and harder to navigate than those offered by Chase or Amex.

5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

This card is best for travelers who want to avoid annual fees altogether while still earning decent rewards on travel purchases.

PROS

CONS

• No Annual Fee: Ideal for travelers seeking a low-cost rewards card without the commitment of an annual fee.

• Flat Rewards Rate: Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, simplifying earning without needing to track categories.

• Flexible Redemption Options: Points can be used to cover various travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals.

• Limited Rewards Rate: The 1.5 points per dollar may not compete with higher rewards rates from other cards that offer bonus categories.

• Lacks Premium Travel Benefits: This card has minimal travel perks, making it less appealing for those who seek luxurious travel benefits like lounge access or annual travel credits.

6. Discover it® Miles

This card offers a unique approach to travel rewards with cashback matching, appealing to those who want flexible travel rewards without an annual fee.

PROS

CONS

• Cashback Match: Discover matches all miles earned in the first year, effectively doubling your rewards for new cardholders.

• No Annual Fee: Provides travel rewards without the added cost, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

• Flexible Miles Redemption: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or cash, offering flexibility for cardholders.

• Lower Rewards Rate After First Year: While the first year’s cashback match is attractive, the base earning rate (1.5 miles per dollar) isn’t as high as some competitors.

• Limited Transfer Options: Discover doesn’t offer airline or hotel transfer partners, which limits its appeal to those looking to maximize rewards with travel loyalty programs.

Choosing the Right Travel Rewards Credit Card for You

Each card in this comparison has distinct benefits and limitations, making them suitable for different travel styles and spending habits. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide which might align with your needs:

The right travel rewards card for you will ultimately depend on how you spend and travel, as well as how much you value additional perks versus straightforward rewards.

By understanding each card’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make a more informed decision and get the most out of your travel rewards, no matter where your next adventure takes you.

Safe travels, and happy earning!