Credit Cards
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and
Christina Ly
Credit cards writer
Christina Ly is a writer at TPG. She has covered credit cards and personal finance topics since joining the team in 2022.
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Edited by
Matt Moffitt
Managing editor
Matt Moffitt is TPG's managing editor for credit card content and an expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points. He has at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time. Originally from Sydney, he won the green card lottery and has been based in Austin since 2015.
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Reviewed by
Stanley Sanford
Senior compliance associate
Senior compliance associate Stanley Sanford has years of compliance experience in the credit card industry dating back to 2017. He's reviewed content for several reputable sites, including CreditCards.com, Bankrate, CNET. and even thepointsguy.com before leading the compliance team for The Points Guy full time in early 2022.
March 12, 2024
The best travel credit cards offer an array of premium perks and benefits. For both occasional travelers and frequent flyers, adding a travel credit card to your wallet is a great way to earn rewards and save money on every trip you take. At The Points Guy, our team has done the legwork and curated a selection of the best travel credit cards for any globe-trotter, whether you prefer to backpack through mountains or settle into a luxury villa for some relaxation. From generous travel credits to premium lounge access, we’ve chosen the cards packed with the best benefits to elevate your next travel experience.
Check out our list below and discover which travel credit card from our partners makes the best addition to your wallet for all of your adventures.
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.
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Comparing the best travel cards
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Credit pointers with Brian Kelly
How frequent flyers and casual travelers can maximize their credit cards
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How to maximize travel credit cards
Earn the welcome bonus
One of the best ways to maximize your travel credit cards is to earn the welcome bonus. Most travel credit cards will offer a welcome or sign-up bonus that allows cardmembers to earn points or miles that would otherwise require a very high spend. Welcome bonuses are a crucial part of a card’s value, so before you apply for your next travel card, be sure to plan for how you will meet the spending requirement. Ideally, you would align large purchases with your card opening so that you don’t need to spend frivolously to earn that lucrative welcome bonus.
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Use a travel card that matches your travel style
There is a travel credit card for everyone, but not every travel card is the best fit for your wallet. Consider what type of traveler you are, whether you have any brand loyalty and what perks you are looking for from your next credit card. If you travel often and in luxury, consider premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. These cards are loaded with tons of luxury perks like lounge access and automatic elite status.
Alternatively, if you’re a more thrifty traveler who likes to maximize your travel earnings, consider a mid-tier travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. These cards allow you to earn points on your travel, and while they don’t come with a long list of luxury perks, they’re much more cost effective for an everyday traveler.
And even beginners don’t have to veer away from travel cards, since many products out there offer an introduction to the travel rewards world without incurring an annual fee.
Knowing what your travel style is like will help you determine what type of travel card you need.
Read : How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card
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Use loyalty programs to stack your rewards
You don’t have to limit your earnings to just travel credit cards. Many airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can be used in conjunction with your travel card to unlock added perks when doing business with a specific brand. In addition, many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points from your card to your eligible loyalty programs. This can open up nearly endless redemption options.
How we rate cards
To choose the best travel credit cards, TPG’s editorial team considered the perks — including travel protections and insurance — that come with some of the most popular cards currently on the market. We also considered which cards our staff loves and uses for their own travels as well as taking welcome offers and earning rates into consideration, too. We chose cards for every type of traveler, whether you want premium perks or prefer a lowkey, more budget-friendly journey.
Welcome bonusWe considered which travel cards would provide the best welcome offers for new cardholders.
Annual feeThe value and benefits of some cards — especially premium ones — can offset the annual fee.
Earning ratesThese cards feature solid reward earning rates that you can redeem for travel, including miles and upgrades.
Redemption optionsThe best travel cards will offer various types of redemption options, including points and miles.
Added benefitsFactors we considered for travel cards also included the bonus perks cardholders get access to when traveling.
What is a travel credit card?
Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that are redeemable for travel expenses or are geared toward travel spending. The cards on this list are some of the best credit cards to book flights, hotels and more with their many perks and rewards.
Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases that can help you book flights, hotels and more for little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status. If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.
Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles. You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.
Related: The complete history of credit cards, from antiquity to today
We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.
Travel vs cash back credit cards
A travel credit card is a card that is geared toward travel spending and a cash-back credit card is a card that earns cash back on purchases made with the card.
Generally, when we are talking about travel credit cards we refer to cards that earn points and miles like the Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors Aspire card. The Platinum Amex earns transferable points which can be used with any of Amex's travel partners while the Hilton Honors Aspire card only earns Hilton points which can be redeemed at Hilton properties. These cards do not earn cash back on any purchases.
Cash back cards generally offer cash back as a flat rate or feature bonus categories that earn an elevated cash back rate. Select cash-back cards can also be a great travel card such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express which offers 3% cash back on transit including rideshare, trains, buses, and more. Even though it is a cash-back card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers an elevated return on select transportation which potentially makes it a solid travel card option.
How do travel credit cards work?
Travel credit cards work like other reward credit cards: They help you earn rewards, primarily points and miles, on your purchases. This section will primarily focus on transferable rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express, as they are what are typically considered travel credit cards.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
How to earn transferable points
Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles” (depending on the issuer). All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards.
Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.
Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value
How to redeem points and miles
Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Before booking your flight, you should consider doing aflight portal comparison to ensure you're getting the best redemption. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.
Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles
It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort.
How to use travel credit card portals
In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel.
Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase, offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal.
We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits.
Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal, it can be a great way to earn extra points.
Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal
Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline.
Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight.
Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: Which is the best for booking flights?
Types of travel credit cards
Travel credit cards are cards that are geared towards travel spending. Luckily, there are many types of travel credit cards which means there is a good option for any traveler. Typically, when talking about travel credit cards, we are referring to transfer rewards credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. There are additional types of travel credit cards that are less popular but can still be a good option for the right traveler.
Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner. Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Related : A guide to earning transferable points and why they're so valuable
Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags, a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.
Related : Best airline credit cards
Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.
For example, if you have a Marriott credit card, you’ll earn bonus points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program. This can really amplify the rewards you can earn when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.
Related : Best hotel credit cards
The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.
Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card. Fixed-value credit cards are often the best travel credit cards for beginners.
As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.
Related : Comparing the best fixed-value point credit cards
Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.
Travel credit card benefits
Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.
One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access, a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments. Be sure to check the priority pass guest policy as many lounges allow you to bring a complimentary guest (or guests).
Related : Best credit cards for airport lounge access
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States.
The application fee for TSA PreCheck is up to $85 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application.
Related : 13 things you need to know about Global Entry
How to choose the best travel credit card
The best travel credit card is the one that suits your spending habits, needs and travel preferences. Whether you want to accrue points, miles for future flights or cash back, choosing the best card will vary from person to person.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a travel credit card:
1
Sign-up bonus
Choosing a card with a healthy sign-up bonus will help jumpstart the possibility of unlocking elite status across different areas, including airline and hotel loyalty programs.
2
Annual fee
Premium travel credit cards typically feature higher annual fees. Double-check that the card you choose suits your spending habits and travel needs before applying.
3
Bonus categories
It also helps to check which bonus categories a card offers to ensure that they align with your spending, whether it’s at restaurants, at grocery stores or on streaming subscriptions.
How to pick the right travel credit card for you - The Points Guy
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What's your favorite travel credit card — and why?
Apply for Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Valuable earning rates, simple travel rewards
"The Venture Card is a great one to have for everyday spending, and the miles allow you to cover so many travel expenses that other cards don’t (like award ticket fees, vacation rentals and even private jets)."
Brian KellyFounder and “The Points Guy”
Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The ideal high-end travel card
"The Sapphire Reserve is my go-to card for travel purchases. In addition to earning 3 points per dollar spent, I enjoy a variety of protections — including trip delay reimbursem*nt and primary car rental coverage. And Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable out there."
Nick EwenSenior editorial director
Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Luxury perks and extensive statement credits
"Though the fee for the Amex Platinum is high, this card offers so many benefits and added perks. Between earning reward points to use for my upcoming travel plans to receiving statement credits, for me, this justifies the steep fee."
Gabrielle BernardiniSenior Points and Miles Editor
Pros + cons of travel credit cards
Pros
- Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
- Travel credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
- Travel credit cards can provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
- Travel credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more.
Cons
- Credit cards can encourage overspending.
- Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
- The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
- Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
- Travel credit cards may be too complicated (or expensive) for those who aren’t frequent travelers.
Frequently asked questions
Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.
Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free, so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.
Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.
This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.
It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.
It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.
Many of the luxury travel cards on this list offer hundreds of dollars in annual travel statement credits. However, not all annual travel statements are created equal. While some cards feature easy redemptions, other cards feature redemptions that come with more restrictions.
Out of the various cards that offer annual travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has the easiest redemption process for travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit covers a broad selection of charges, including flights, hotels, campgrounds and more. Additionally, the travel does not have to be booked through Chase’s travel portal, and the statement credit will automatically post when you make an eligible purchase.
