In today's fast-paced world, traveling has become an essential part of our lives. Whether it's for business or leisure, we all want to travel in style and comfort without breaking the bank. One way to do that is by using a travel rewards credit card. These cards allow you to earn points, miles, or cashback rewards for your travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. In this article, we'll explore the best credit cards for travel rewards and help you choose the one that's right for you.
Introduction
Traveling is an expensive hobby, but it doesn't have to be. With the right travel rewards credit card, you can earn points, miles, or cashback rewards on your travel-related expenses, which can help offset the cost of your trips. However, with so many travel rewards credit cards available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've compiled a list of the best credit cards for travel rewards to help you make an informed decision.
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What are Travel Rewards Credit Cards?
Travel rewards credit cards are credit cards that allow you to earn rewards points, miles, or cashback on your travel-related expenses. These expenses can include flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related purchases. You can then redeem these rewards for travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.
Benefits of Travel Rewards Credit Cards
There are several benefits to using a travel rewards credit card. Here are some of the most significant advantages:
a. Sign-up Bonus
Most travel rewards credit cards offer a sign-up bonus when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the card. This bonus can range from 10,000 to 100,000 points or miles, depending on the card.
b. Rewards on Everyday Spending
Travel rewards credit cards also offer rewards on everyday spendings, such as groceries, gas, and dining. These rewards can add up quickly and help you earn more points or miles.
c. Travel Benefits
Many travel rewards credit cards offer travel-related benefits, such as free checked bags, airport lounge access, and travel insurance. These benefits can save you money and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
d. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Travel rewards credit cards typically have no foreign transaction fees, making them an excellent choice for international travelers.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards
Here are the ten best credit cards for travel rewards:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. You earn two points per dollar spent on travel and dining and one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your rewards for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer your points to partner airlines and hotels.
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Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Flexible rewards program with 2X points on travel and dining purchases
- Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- Transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary car rental insurance
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Points may be devalued over time
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. You earn two miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and the card has a $95 annual fee (waived for the first year) and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your miles for travel-related expenses or transfer your miles to partner airlines.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 100,000 miles after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months or 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Simple rewards program with 2X miles on every purchase
- Points are easy to redeem for any travel expense at a fixed value of 1 cent per mile
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel accident insurance
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Miles may be devalued over time
3. American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months. You earn four points per dollar spent at restaurants and on up to $25,000 in annual purchases at U.S. supermarkets, three points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $250 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your rewards for travel-related expenses or transfer your points to partner airlines and hotels.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
- High rewards rate of 4X points on dining and 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)
- $120 dining credit per year at select restaurants and delivery services
- $100 airline fee credit per calendar year
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel accident insurance
Cons:
- High annual fee of $250
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Limited acceptance outside the U.S.
4. Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. You earn three points per dollar spent on air travel, hotels, and restaurants, two points per dollar spent on entertainment and at gas stations, and one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your rewards for travel-related expenses or transfer your points to partner airlines.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- High rewards rate of 3X points on travel, including gas stations, airfare, hotels, and more
- Transfer points to airline loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel accident insurance
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Points may be devalued over time
5. Discover it Miles
The Discover it Miles card offers a unique rewards program where you earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the miles you've earned. The card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, and you can redeem your miles for travel-related expenses or as cashback.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Double miles for the first year of card membership
- Simple rewards program with 1.5X miles on every purchase
- Miles can be redeemed for any travel expense or as cash back
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- No sign-up bonus
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Discover cards may not be accepted in some countries or at some merchants
6. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months. You earn two miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets, and one mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $99 annual fee (waived for the first year) and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your miles for Delta flights or transfer your miles to partner airlines.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months
- High rewards rate of 2X miles on Delta purchases
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- $99 annual fee
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Points may be devalued over time
7. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. You earn two points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases and one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $69 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your points for Southwest flights or transfer your points to partner airlines.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 20,000 points after spending $12,000 in the first year
- High rewards rate of 2X points on Southwest purchases, as well as on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
- $75 annual Southwest travel credit
- Four upgraded boardings per year (when available)
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- $149 annual fee
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Points may be devalued over time
8. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offers a sign-up bonus of 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first three months. You earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties, six points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and three points per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your rewards for Hilton stays or transfer your points to partner airlines.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 150,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- High rewards rate of 12X points at Hilton properties, 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X points on all other purchases
- Complimentary Hilton Gold status
- One free weekend night award each year on card anniversary (spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year to earn a second free night award)
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Points may be devalued over time
9. World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus of 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 additional points based on your spending in the first six months. You earn four points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, two points per dollar spent on dining, flights purchased directly from airlines, fitness club and gym memberships, and local transit and commuting, and one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your rewards for Hyatt stays or transfer your points to partner airlines.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of up to 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 2 free night awards after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- High rewards rate of 4X points at Hyatt properties, 2X points on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, fitness club and gym memberships, and local transit and commuting, and 1X point on all other purchases
- Complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status
- Annual free night award (up to category 4) on card anniversary
- Additional free night award (up to category 4) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Limited hotel network compared to other hotel credit cards
- Some hotels may not participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program
- Points may be devalued over time
10. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus of 3 free nights after spending $3,000 in the first three months, plus 10x points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You earn six points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, two points per dollar spent on all other purchases, and one free night every year after your account anniversary. The card has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your rewards for Marriott stays or transfer your points to partner airlines.
Pros:
- Generous sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- High rewards rate of 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X points on all other purchases
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Annual free night award (up to 50,000 points) on card anniversary
- $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit each year for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- Priority Pass Select membership for access to airport lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- High annual fee of $450
- Limited travel benefits compared to other premium cards
- Points may be devalued over time
Comparison Table:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Sign-up Bonus | Rewards Program | Travel Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 100,000 points | Chase Ultimate Rewards (2X points on travel and dining) | 1:1 point transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 100,000 miles | Capital One Miles (2X miles on every purchase) | Transfer miles to airline loyalty programs |
| American Express Gold Card | $250 | 60,000 points | American Express Membership Rewards (4X points on dining) | $120 dining credit, $100 airline fee credit |
| Citi Premier Card | $95 | 80,000 points | ThankYou Points (3X points on travel and gas) | Transfer points to airline loyalty programs |
| Discover it Miles | $0 | Double your miles | Miles (1.5X miles on every purchase) | None |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card | $99 | 70,000 miles | Delta SkyMiles (2X miles on Delta purchases) | Free checked bag, priority boarding |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | $450 | 125,000 points | Marriott Bonvoy (6X points on Marriott purchases) | Free night award, $300 Marriott statement credit |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority | $149 | 40,000 points | Rapid Rewards (2X points on Southwest purchases) | Four upgraded boardings per year, $75 Southwest credit |
| Hilton Honors Amex Surpass Card | $95 | 150,000 points | Hilton Honors (12X points on Hilton purchases) | Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | $95 | 30,000 points | World of Hyatt (4X points on Hyatt purchases) | Free night award, Discoverist status, elite status fast track |
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Factors to Consider when Choosing a Travel Rewards Credit Card
When choosing a travel rewards credit card, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
a. Sign-up Bonus
The sign-up bonus is an important factor to consider, as it can be a significant boost to your rewards balance.
b. Rewards Rate
The rewards rate is the rate at which you earn rewards points or miles. Look for a card with a high rewards rate, especially on travel-related purchases.
c. Annual Fee
Many travel rewards credit cards come with an annual fee, so it's essential to consider whether the benefits of the card outweigh the cost of the fee.
d. Redemption Options
Consider the redemption options available with the card. Some cards allow you to transfer your rewards points or miles to partner airlines or hotels, while others only allow you to redeem your rewards for travel-related expenses.
e. Foreign Transaction Fees
If you plan on traveling internationally, consider a card with no foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up quickly and offset the rewards you earn.
f. Travel Benefits
Look for a card that offers travel-related benefits, such as airport lounge access, free checked bags, and travel insurance. These benefits can save you money and make your travel experience more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can be overwhelming, but it's worth the effort to find one that suits your travel needs and spending habits. By considering factors such as sign-up bonuses, rewards rates, annual fees, redemption options, foreign transaction fees, and travel benefits, you can find a card that will earn you valuable rewards and enhance your travel experience.
FAQs
Do all travel rewards credit cards have annual fees?
Not all travel rewards credit cards have annual fees, but many of them do. It's important to weigh the benefits of the card against the cost of the annual fee before applying.
Can I use my travel rewards to book any airline or hotel?
It depends on the card. Some cards allow you to redeem your rewards for any travel-related expense, while others only allow you to redeem your rewards for specific airlines or hotels.
Can I transfer my travel rewards to other loyalty programs?
Some cards allow you to transfer your rewards to partner airlines or hotels, which can increase the value of your rewards.
Are travel rewards credit cards worth it?
If you're someone who travels frequently and spends a significant amount on travel-related expenses, a travel rewards credit card can be worth it. However, if you don't travel often, the benefits of a travel rewards card may not
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