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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card of 2023 because it earns flexible, valuable points and offers moderate travel protection.
If frequent travel is on your agenda, you are going to want to take a look at a travel credit card. The best travel cards offer lucrative rewards that can save you hundreds of dollars each year on travel. Travel cards also provide valuable travel benefits, like free checked bags, free hotel stays, lounge access, travel insurance and annual credits.
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Travel Rewards: 2x-5x points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel card because it has some of the most flexible and valuable points. It also has several types of travel insurance and protections while having a reasonable $95 annual fee. The benefits, earning rate and generous sign-up bonus make this card perfect for beginners and experienced travelers.
First year card value: $1,972
Ongoing annual card value: $602
Savvy traveler tip:Owning a travel credit card doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pay an annual fee. Cards with an annual fee typically come with more benefits. But, there are a number of no annual fee travel credit cards that allow you to earn points without the extra cost. Many of these cards also come with other valuable travel benefits.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Rewards: 1x-3x points
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card charges a $0 annual fee and offers a generous rewards rate in popular travel spending categories. Cardholders earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
The card also offers a solid sign-up bonus with a low spend requirement. Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. You can redeem rewards for travel, gift cards, statement credit and merchandise.
First year card value: $642
Ongoing annual card value: $342
Savvy traveler tip:Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 3%, which can add a significant amount to your travel expenses. Choosing a card with no foreign transaction fee is best for international travel. Plus, you get rewards and benefits like lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. These can make a long trip abroad more comfortable.
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Travel Rewards: 2x-5x miles
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is our top pick for international travel because it has no foreign transaction fees. Plus, it’s a Visa card, which means it generally has wide international acceptance. It has a simple rewards structure and a moderate $95 annual fee, which also makes it a good card for beginners.
First year card value: $1,246*
Ongoing annual card value: $496*
Savvy traveler tip:Take advantage of this card’s credit (up to $100) for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.A business travel credit card is a great way for small business owners to earn free flights and hotel stays. Plus, you will earn rewards on business purchases like computers, office supplies and more. The perks that come with your card, like free checked bags and lounge access, are also beneficial for business travel.
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Travel Rewards:1-3 points
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is an excellent choice for business owners who want to earn lucrative travel rewards. The sign-up bonus allows you to save significantly on travel. When you transfer points to a Chase airline or hotel partner, points are worth around 2 cents per point or higher.
The travel perks and trip insurance benefits are lacking on this card when compared with other travel credit cards. You’ll earn more on business-related spending categories to make up for it.
First year card value: $2,393
Ongoing annual card value: $393
Savvy traveler tip: Travel for business? Optimize your business travel credit card for lounge access, airline miles or your other travel goals.Travel insurance is essential if something happens before or during your trip. It can give you one less thing to worry about when traveling. Many credit cards come with travel insurance when you use your card to purchase flights, hotels and more. Terms vary depending on which credit card and issuer you choose.
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Travel Rewards: 2x-5x miles
If you frequently travel and have the budget to splurge on a premium travel credit card, The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice offering a number of luxury travel perks. The card also comes with an extensive list of travel and purchase protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay reimbursement and auto rental collision damage waiver.
First year card value: $1,709*
Ongoing annual card value: $180*
Savvy traveler tip: If you are looking for a credit card with solid travel insurance, The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option despite its annual fee. You can take advantage of insurance and protections automatically when you use this card to make travel purchases.A beginner credit card is a good way for a college student or adult with a limited credit history to build their credit score. A good credit card for beginners should have low-to-no annual fee and reasonable interest rates, should you need to carry a balance. Many offer welcome offers, as well as rewards programs, which can help you save money when you travel.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Rewards: Unlimited 1.5x miles per $1 spent
Earn 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases.
The Discover it® Miles has a $0 annual fee and lets cardholders earn 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases. Each mile is worth 1 cent, so you earn 1.5% back on each and every purchase. This card is even more valuable with its unique sign-up bonus for new cardmembers: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
First year card value: $600
Ongoing annual card value: $300
And if you need to carry a balance on your card, you can take advantage of the 0% Intro APR for 15 months. After that, a 18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR applies.
Savvy traveler tip: When it comes to foreign transaction fees, this card comes with None. However, since it’s not always accepted abroad, be sure to take an alternate travel card when your travels take you outside of the country.Airport lounges provide a comfortable and spacious environment that beats having to wait in long lines or crowds. With a credit card that offers airport lounge access, you can enjoy services like charging stations, complimentary food and beverages and Wi-Fi access. You’ll typically have to pay a high annual fee for a credit card with lounge access. But it’s a worthwhile benefit if you fly a lot. Plus, airport lounges are available worldwide.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Rewards:5x points
The Platinum Card® from American Express is an elite travel card that gives you access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 650 cities in 140 countries. Its annual fee is $695, but it comes with a long list of other perks, like large travel credits and hotel statuses (enrollment required). With strong travel protections* and a large welcome offer, it can be well worth the steep annual fee for frequent travelers.
First year card value: $4,021
Ongoing annual card value: $1,821
Savvy traveler tip: Choosing a card with airport lounge access is one of our best frequent traveler tips. The Platinum Card® from American Express gives you access to a multitude of luxurious airport lounges all over the world.Student credit cards are a great way for college students to start building credit. Choosing a student credit card that caters to travel can be perfect for students planning to study abroad. Student credit cards do not come with the same level of travel benefits as other cards. However, they are easy to get approved for and have low annual fees.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Rewards: 1.5 points
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students can help students start earning points while establishing their credit. It’s easier to qualify for than most other premium travel cards. Although its earning rate and sign-up bonus are minimal, it has a $0 annual fee — so it costs students nothing to learn how to use credit card points.
First year card value: $550
Ongoing annual card value: $300
Savvy traveler tip: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students earns the same amount of points everywhere. Students can take this card anywhere and not have to wonder how many points they’ve earned.A fair credit score typically falls between 580 and 669. There are a number of cards out there that can help you save on travel while also building your credit score. These cards do not come with as many travel benefits. However, you can find a few that come with no foreign transaction fee, making them good options for international travel. The best fair credit cards offer no annual fee, some rewards and the ability to upgrade to a travel card with more features as you grow your credit.
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Travel Rewards: 1.5%-5% cash back
If you are looking to travel internationally, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option. This card is easy to get approved for if you have fair credit. It also requires a minimum security deposit of only $200, which becomes your line of credit.
First year card value: $313*
Ongoing annual card value: $313*
Savvy traveler tip: For those looking to build or improve their credit score while simultaneously earning rewards on everyday purchases that can be put towards travel, The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option.Luxury travel credit cards are packed with premium benefits and high rewards on travel. They come with very high annual fees, so they are best for those who travel frequently and can offset the cost. You typically have good to excellent credit to qualify for a luxury travel credit card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Rewards: 1x-5x points
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is similar to the The Platinum Card® from American Express, but offers a few additional perks that can add to your luxury travel experience.
Cardholders can get more than $1,000 worth of credits, including up to a $200 airline fee credit* and up to $189 back in CLEAR® Plus Credits per year*. You’ll also get access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection — one of the best lounge networks around.
Other plush travel benefits include Hilton Honors Gold Status*, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status* and perks with the Fine Hotels and Resorts program.
First year card value: $3,690
Ongoing annual card value: $1,050
Savvy traveler tip: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best American Express travel cards. The significant value this card offers when you take advantage of the travel perks will impress you.An airline credit card can help you maximize value on your travel expenses and needs. Each airline has its own ways to earn points and miles through loyalty programs. While many have an annual fee, the perks may outweigh the cost.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Rewards: 1x-2x miles
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is one of the best for airline miles. It offers an excellent welcome offer and rewards rate that can help your airline miles add up quickly.
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.First year card value: $878
Ongoing annual card value: $352
Savvy traveler tip: Using Delta miles is a great way to travel for free and one of the best flight rewards credit cards. Use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card when you buy groceries, dine out or pick up from restaurants. Plus, use your card for all Delta purchases to maximize your rewards earning potential.Hotel credit cards can unlock valuable hotel perks like free nights, elite status, statement credits, higher earning rates, flexible check in and more. They are especially beneficial if you are loyal to one hotel brand and can take advantage of a hotel loyalty program.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Travel Rewards: 3x-12x points
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a great choice for Hilton Honors rewards members. It offers a high earning rate and generous welcome offer. You can earn elevated points on a wide variety of purchases, including Hilton hotels and resorts, U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and more. It also offers exclusive benefits that make this worth the $150 annual fee for Hilton frequenters.
First year card value: $1,974
Ongoing annual card value: $1,224
Savvy traveler tip: Hilton Honors is one of the best hotel rewards programs. Investing in a Hilton credit card can be incredibly valuable for frequent Hilton travelers. This card automatically grants you Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required). This includes room upgrades when available, free continental breakfast, milestone bonuses and more.| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Winner
|
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year. | Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. | $95 |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
|
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card*
|
No annual fee
|
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. | Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases | $0 | |
|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
International travel
|
75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $95 |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Business
|
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. | $95 |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
|
Discover it® Miles*
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Beginners
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Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. | 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases. | $0 | |
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Lounge access
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Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply. | $695 | |
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
Review Coming Soon
|
Students
|
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases | 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. | $0 | Review Coming Soon |
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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card*
|
Airline miles
|
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. | |
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Luxury travel
|
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. | $695 | |
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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
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Hotels
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Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. | Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. | $150 |
You may prefer a specific issuer over others due to the benefits offered. You may also want to pool points from multiple credit cards to maximize their value. If this is the case, you should choose a travel credit card based on the bank that issues the card. Here are our top overall travel card picks from these major issuers:
| Issuer | Credit card | Welcome offer | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express travel card | The Platinum Card® from American Express | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | $695 |
| Bank of America travel card | Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | $95 |
| Capital One travel card | Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. | $395* |
| Chase travel card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year. | $95 |
| Citi travel card | Citi Strata Premier℠ Card | Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com. | $95 |
| Discover travel card | Discover it® Miles | Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. | $0 |
| Wells Fargo travel card | Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. | $0 |
A travel credit card offers travel-related benefits and rewards. These rewards typically include bonus points on travel spending and a rewards system with travel redemption options.
The best travel credit cards come with travel protections and perks, like trip insurance, airport lounge access and elite status.
Transferable rewards
Some credit cards, like Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, offer transferable points. You can transfer these to a variety of airline or hotel loyalty programs typically at a rate of 1:1.
Fixed value
You can redeem fixed-value rewards for cash back, statement credits, travel, gift cards and more at a set value with cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Airline miles
Airline miles are earned through one particular airline, and can be redeemed for flights with that airline and its airline partners like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
Hotel points
Hotel points are earned with one particular hotel program and can be redeemed for hotel nights with that program like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
Business rewards
Business travel cards, like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, let business owners earn rewards to use toward future business travel.
A travel credit card is worth it for both frequent travelers and those who travel just a few times a year. Access to the rewards and benefits offered with a travel credit card can save you on flights and hotel stays. Plus, you will travel more comfortably when you take advantage of travel benefits. What makes a travel credit card worth it:
Before you choose a travel credit card, you should have an idea of how you will use the rewards and perks. You’ll want to consider both your spending and your travel goals.
On the spending side, analyze where most of your spending lies and look for cards that reward those spending categories. You should also have some idea of how you want to use your points and miles. Answering these questions will guide you toward the right credit card.
An airline rewards credit card is best if you’re partial to a particular airline and want to earn miles to help offset the cost of airfare. If the card is co-branded with an airline, like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, any perks and rewards it offers only apply to that airline and, sometimes, any partner airline.
Along with the value of the card’s sign-up bonus, look at the card’s earning rate on airline and everyday purchases. Also see if the card offers any of the following benefits:
Hotel points, like Hilton Honors points, are linked to one particular hotel program and can be redeemed for hotel nights with that program. While a hotel credit card will typically earn bonus points on more narrow categories, like spending at one specific hotel chain, some cards can get you 14x points per $1 at that hotel chain.
Along with no foreign transaction fees and elite status benefits, consider if the hotel card offers the following benefits:
The benefits and rewards offered by co-branded cards, like the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, are typically only useful at the card’s hotel chain.
If you don’t want to be tied to one airline or hotel brand, choose a general travel rewards credit card. Because flexible points have the obvious benefit of flexibility, they may seem like a no-brainer. Be aware that you may only get up to 3x points per $1 on travel purchases. You will earn that on all travel spending regardless of the brand.
In general, you’ll want to consider the following:
Earning categories. You’ll want to go for a card that earns big on your main spending categories. Estimate your annual spending in major categories like travel, dining, groceries and gas. Then, do the math to figure out how much you’d earn in a year with each one.
Welcome offer. While the welcome bonus shouldn’t be as important as the card’s lasting value, it’s an important factor. If you’re stockpiling points for a particular travel goal, these bonuses can get you there quickly. You should also consider the minimum spending requirement for these sign-up bonuses, as some are more attainable than others.
Savvy traveler tip: When choosing the best travel credit card, make sure to look at its long-term value. Do the card’s earning categories match your spending habits, or do you value flexibility with your rewards? These factors are much more important than the sign-up bonus.A co-branded travel credit card is best for you if you are loyal to one hotel or airline brand. Popular airline and hotel brands like American Airlines and Marriott Bonvoy offer credit cards with brand specific benefits. You can earn elite status, lounge access, free anniversary nights and more.
Co-branded travel credit cards:
Examples of co-branded travel credit cards:
If you are not brand loyal and plan to use your card with a number of hotel and airline brands, a general travel card is the better choice. These cards come with a lot of similar travel benefits and flexible point options that you can transfer to a hotel or airline partner.
General travel credit cards:
Examples of general travel credit cards:
Loyalty programs are another important factor in choosing the best travel credit card for you. These programs allow you to rack up points quickly and offer flexible ways to redeem your points.
They differ in how you can use points and how much they are worth. Some allow you to redeem points by transferring them to a qualifying airline or hotel partner at a 1:1 ratio. Consider how you plan to use your points and see if it matches up with one of these popular loyalty programs:
| Loyalty program | Average point/mile value |
|---|---|
| American Express Membership | $0.022 |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards® | $0.02 |
| Loyalty program | Average point/mile value |
|---|---|
| American Airlines AAdvantage | $0.01 |
| Delta SkyMiles | $0.013 |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | $0.016 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | $0.014 |
| United Airlines' MileagePlus | $0.012 |
| Loyalty program | Average point value |
|---|---|
| Best Western | $0.007 |
| Choice Privileges | $0.011 |
| Hilton Honors | $0.005 |
| IHG | $0.005 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | $0.009 |
| World of Hyatt | $0.017 |
Even if you decide you want flexible points, you’re going to want to identify your preferred airlines and hotels. You might be able to transfer your points at a 1:1 value.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers transferable points. The list of available transfer partners can help you choose which general travel credit card to get.
Credit card transfer partners:
The best airline or hotel rewards program, the best hotel rewards program or the best credit card for travel points will depend on how you redeem the points. You’ll need to consider points and mile value to earn the most rewards on your spending.
In general, you’ll find that some rewards will take you farther than others. Keep these rules in mind:
| Loyalty program | Average point/mile value |
|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | $0.02 |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards® | $0.02 |
| Citi ThankYou® Rewards | $0.018 |
| World of Hyatt | $0.017 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | $0.014 |
| Delta SkyMiles | $0.011 |
| United MileagePlus | $0.013 |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | $0.018 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | $0.009 |
| Hilton Honors | $0.005 |
| IHG Rewards Club | $0.005 |
Ultimately, the value of points and miles depends on how you redeem them. With a redemption option in mind, use this simple equation to calculate the value of your points/miles:
Cash price* ÷ Number of points needed for redemption = Points value
*Check to see if taxes and fees are included in your award
To get the most value from your travel credit card, take full advantage of the card’s rewards program and benefits.
These travel benefits can be a significant value add, so shouldn’t be overlooked:
If you don’t travel enough to justify a travel credit card, there are other rewards credit card options.
Bonus cash back cards that give you elevated cash back in certain categories like groceries, gas and more, like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and a lower percentage on all other purchases.
Regular flat-rate cash back credit cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card give you a single percentage, usually 1% to 2%, of cash back on every purchase.
Rewards credit cards with a long intro APR and no annual fee, like the Citi Double Cash® Card, save you money on interest and fees.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card because of its flexible points, reasonable $95 annual fee and array of travel insurance and protections. You’ll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which are worth 25% more value when redeemed for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You can also transfer points to hotel and airline loyalty programs at a 1:1 rate.
It’s possible to cover the cost of your next trip or vacation by maximizing your credit card travel rewards. Here are a few ways to do so:
Cash back and travel rewards credit cards are both types of rewards credit cards. They differ in how you are being rewarded. A cash back credit card earns rewards in the form of dollars. You can redeem them for statement credits, gift cards, a direct deposit into your bank account and more. Travel rewards credit cards offer rewards in the form of points and miles that you can redeem for travel related expenses.
Most credit card points and miles don’t expire as long as your credit card account is open and in good standing. Leaving your card open is your best bet. If your points are in a hotel loyalty or frequent flyer account rather than your credit card account, you typically have to have activity every 12 to 24 months. Activity can include earning or redeeming points or miles. You can either buy or redeem some points/miles to keep your account active.
The credit score needed will depend on the travel rewards credit card you apply for. You should generally try to aim for a good credit score or higher for the best chance of approval. This means you should have a FICO Score of 670 or greater. If you’re looking for a travel credit card for fair credit, start with the Capital One Platinum Credit Card. Build credit, work your way up to a good credit score, then apply for a more rewarding travel card.
The credit cards with the most worldwide acceptance include cards that use either the Visa or Mastercard networks. American Express and Discover cards are less widely accepted.
To make choosing the travel right card easier, we’ve looked at credit cards reviewed on LendingTree, as well as cards on major issuer sites, to compile a list of the best rewards credit cards available right now. Our recommendations are based on the additional value you can earn with these travel cards. We primarily considered the following:
We selected cards whose features best represented each identified topic. For example, when choosing the best travel rewards card for beginners, we analyzed cards with a simple and valuable rewards structure. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, Discover it® Miles, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
