Travel credit cards have become essential tools for frequent travelers, offering a myriad of benefits such as points, miles, travel insurance, and more. In 2024, the market is bustling with a variety of travel credit cards, each tailored to different types of travelers. This article explores some of the best travel credit cards available, helping you choose the right one for your travel needs. By examining the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each card, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you maximize your travel experiences.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is highly regarded for its versatile and valuable rewards program. It comes with an annual fee of $95, which is relatively modest compared to the benefits it offers. New cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This bonus equates to $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The card offers 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travelers. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and they can be transferred to several airline and hotel loyalty programs, providing great flexibility. Additionally, the card provides primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and travel and emergency assistance services. The ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards® points to several airline and hotel loyalty programs adds to the card’s appeal, making it a favorite among travelers who value flexibility.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies and frequent flyers. It has an annual fee of $250, but the rewards and benefits can easily offset this cost for many users. New cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months.
The card rewards 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x). It also offers 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Cardholders receive a $120 dining credit ($10 monthly statement credit) at select restaurants, and a $100 airline fee credit per calendar year for incidental fees. These high rewards rates and valuable travel perks make the American Express® Gold Card a top choice for many. Additionally, the card offers access to Amex Offers, which provides discounts and cashback opportunities at various retailers and service providers.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another excellent choice, especially for those who prefer simplicity in earning and redeeming rewards. The card has an annual fee of $95. New cardholders can earn a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
The card offers a straightforward earning rate of 2x miles on every purchase, regardless of category. Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, at a rate of one cent per mile. The card also provides up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees and comes with no foreign transaction fees. The simplicity and flexibility of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card make it a favorite for many travelers. Additionally, the card’s Purchase Eraser feature allows cardholders to use miles to cover travel expenses retroactively, adding another layer of convenience.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is renowned for its luxury travel benefits. It comes with a hefty annual fee of $695, but for frequent luxury travelers, the benefits can far outweigh the cost. New cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months.
The card offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com. Additionally, it provides up to $200 in Uber credits annually, up to $200 in airline fee credits annually, up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits annually, and complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. The card also includes a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, no foreign transaction fees, and a host of other travel protections and insurances. The extensive travel perks and high rewards rates make The Platinum Card® from American Express a top choice for those seeking premium travel experiences.
Moreover, the Platinum Card® offers access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which provides benefits such as room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and late check-out at participating properties. Cardholders also enjoy concierge services that can assist with various travel and lifestyle needs.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card offers a robust rewards program with an annual fee of $95. New cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 80,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
The card provides 3x points on air travel, hotels, and at restaurants, 3x points at supermarkets, and 1x point on all other purchases. ThankYou® Points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs, providing added flexibility for travelers. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees and travel protection benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption protection, and worldwide car rental insurance. The Citi Premier® Card’s comprehensive rewards program and travel benefits make it an attractive option for many travelers.
Additionally, the Citi Premier® Card offers an annual $100 hotel savings benefit when you book a stay of $500 or more through ThankYou.com, which can help offset the card’s annual fee. The ability to pool points with other Citi cards that earn ThankYou® Points adds further value and flexibility.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
For those seeking a no-annual-fee option, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
The card offers 1.5x points on every purchase, with no caps or restrictions. Points can be redeemed for a statement credit to cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more. The card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travelers. Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25% to 75% more points on every purchase, depending on their tier.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
For those who prefer hotel rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a strong contender. It comes with an annual fee of $95. New cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership.
The card offers 12x points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases. Cardholders receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes perks such as free breakfast and room upgrades. Additionally, cardholders can earn a free weekend night reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties.
United℠ Explorer Card
For frequent United Airlines travelers, the United℠ Explorer Travel credit cards offers valuable benefits. It comes with an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
The card offers 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Cardholders receive two one-time United Club℠ passes each year, priority boarding, and their first checked bag free on United flights. The card also provides up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, and no foreign transaction fees. The United℠ Explorer Card’s benefits make it a great option for loyal United Airlines customers.
Conclusion
The best Travel credit cards for you will depend on your travel habits, spending patterns, and the specific benefits you value most. Whether you prioritize flexible rewards, luxury travel perks, or straightforward earning and redemption, there is a travel credit card in 2024 that can meet your needs and enhance your travel experiences. By carefully considering the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each card, you can select the one that best aligns with your travel goals and lifestyle. With the right travel credit card in hand, you can enjoy a more rewarding and convenient travel experience, making your journeys even more memorable.