When it comes to traveling, one thing savvy explorers never leave home without is a travel credit card. These little pieces of plastic can unlock a world of perks, from earning miles to getting complimentary lounge access. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone planning a once-a-year vacation, choosing the right travel card can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the best travel credit cards, break down their benefits, and help you figure out which one fits your needs best.
Why You Need a Travel Credit Card
Ever feel like you’re missing out when you pay for your flights or hotels? That’s because you might be! Travel credit cards let you earn points on purchases you’re already making, then redeem those points for flights, hotel stays, or even cash back. On top of that, these cards come loaded with travel perks that can save you time, money, and stress. Things like travel insurance, free checked bags, and no foreign transaction fees make travel credit cards an essential tool for the frequent (or even occasional) traveler.
Key Benefits of the Best Travel Credit Cards
When searching for the best travel credit card, consider the following perks and features:
- Travel rewards: Earn miles or points on every purchase, which can later be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or car rentals.
- No foreign transaction fees: Save money when spending abroad by avoiding the usual 2-3% transaction fee.
- Travel insurance: Many travel cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, and emergency medical coverage.
- Airport lounge access: Some premium travel cards provide access to airport lounges where you can relax, grab snacks, and avoid the crowd.
- Priority boarding and free checked bags: Certain travel credit cards offer perks like free checked luggage and priority boarding for cardholders and companions.
The Top Travel Credit Cards of 2024
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is consistently rated as one of the best travel credit cards. It’s well-rounded, offering generous points on travel and dining purchases, along with flexibility in how you redeem your points.
Perks:
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 1x point on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- 25% more value when redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual Fee: $95
Who it’s best for: Travelers who want to earn points for travel but don’t want to pay a high annual fee. With its flexible rewards and solid perks, it’s great for both frequent travelers and casual vacationers.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you’re after luxury, the Amex Platinum is the travel credit card for you. Packed with premium perks, it makes every trip more comfortable and convenient.
Perks:
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines
- Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- $200 airline fee credit
- Complimentary elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
Annual Fee: $695
Who it’s best for: Frequent flyers and those who enjoy a luxury travel experience. While the annual fee is hefty, the perks more than make up for it if you take advantage of them.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Simplicity meets great rewards with the Capital One Venture. It offers a straightforward way to earn miles without having to think too much about bonus categories.
Perks:
- 2x miles on every purchase, every day
- 60,000 miles bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $95
Who it’s best for: Travelers who want a simple, hassle-free way to earn travel rewards on everyday spending.
4. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier Card is another strong contender in the travel credit card space, particularly for those who value flexibility in how they redeem rewards.
Perks:
- 3x points on travel, including gas stations
- 3x points on dining and supermarkets
- 1x point on all other purchases
- Transfer points to over 15 travel loyalty programs
Annual Fee: $95
Who it’s best for: Anyone looking for a travel card that earns big on common expenses like gas and groceries, in addition to traditional travel purchases.
5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
If you prefer a card with no annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Rewards is a solid choice. It offers a simple points structure and flexibility without costing you a dime.
Perks:
- 1.5x points on every purchase
- No annual fee
- 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee: $0
Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card for You
Choosing the best travel credit card depends on your travel habits and goals. Ask yourself:
- How often do I travel? If you’re a frequent flyer, cards like the Amex Platinum might be worth the investment due to their luxurious perks. For occasional travelers, a card like Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a better fit.
- What’s my budget? Consider whether the perks justify the annual fee. Some cards offer tremendous value but come with a high price tag.
- Do I want flexibility? Some cards allow you to transfer points to multiple airlines and hotels, while others are tied to specific brands.
- What rewards are most important to me? Do you value miles for free flights, or are perks like lounge access and priority boarding more appealing?
FAQs About the Best Travel Credit Cards
1. What credit score do I need for a travel credit card?
Most travel credit cards require a good to excellent credit score, typically 700 or higher. If your credit score is below this, you may still qualify for a travel rewards card but may not be eligible for premium options.
2. Are travel credit cards worth it if I don’t travel often?
Even if you don’t travel frequently, a travel credit card can still offer significant rewards. Many cards also offer points on dining and everyday purchases, making it possible to rack up rewards without constant travel.
3. What’s the difference between miles and points?
Miles and points are essentially the same thing in the world of credit card rewards. Different cards and programs use different terms, but both are used to redeem for travel, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
4. Can I use my travel credit card for non-travel expenses?
Absolutely! In fact, many travel cards offer rewards for dining, groceries, and gas purchases, which can help you earn points even when you’re not traveling.
5. Do travel credit cards offer travel insurance?
Yes, many travel credit cards come with built-in travel insurance. This can include trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency medical coverage, among other benefits.
Conclusion
Finding the best travel credit card is all about balancing the perks with your personal travel habits. Whether you’re a jet-setter seeking luxury or a casual traveler looking to earn miles on the go, there’s a card out there for you. Consider your priorities—whether it’s rewards flexibility, no foreign transaction fees, or access to exclusive lounges—and pick the card that fits your lifestyle.
Authoritative Links
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/sapphire/preferred
- https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/platinum/
- https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture/
- https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-premier-credit-card
- https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-credit-card/