The best Chase credit cards for travel give you the ability to earn rewards or cash back. If you’re a frequent user of any particular airline or group of hotels, you might benefit by getting a co-branded Chase travel credit card.
Chase travel credit cards let you earn rewards or cash back. However, the rewards/cash back earn rate is not the same across all cards. It’s also common for these cards to come with welcome bonus offers for new cardholders.
While some of the top Chase travel credit cards charge annual fees, a few don’t. Examples of cards from this category that come without annual fees include the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card.
Other aspects that require your attention when narrowing down on a suitable Chase travel credit card include intro APR offers, regular APRs and added benefits. Additionally, depending on the card you get, you might need to pay foreign transaction fees when you use it outside of the country.
MoneyGeek's Take: Top 5 Chase Credit Cards for Travel
Quick Summary
The rewards or cash back rates you earn vary based on the Chase credit card you get, as does the annual fee you might need to pay. In addition, some of these cards come without foreign transaction fees. We’ve selected the top five Chase travel credit cards after accounting for these aspects as well as APRs, welcome offers and added perks. We include information on what the other good cards from this category have to offer further down the page.
Chase IHG Rewards Club Premier
A fantastic card for earning rewards when you stay at IHG hotels and resorts.
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$89Annual Fee
1–25 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
25xRewards Rate at Hotels
2xRewards Rate on Groceries
We like the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card from Chase because it offers multiple benefits for IHG Rewards Club members. For starters, it lets you earn 125,000 bonus points plus a free reward night by spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. You also earn 10,000 bonus points if you spend $20,000 on purchases and make at least one additional purchase every account anniversary year.
You earn up to 25x reward points when you spend at IHG properties. Spending at restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores comes with 2x points. All other eligible purchases earn 1x points. When it comes to redeeming your points, you get to choose from reward nights, online shopping, magazine subscriptions, airline miles, and more.
Once you get your IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, you get IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite status automatically. This qualifies you for a reward night after each account anniversary. When you use your points to pay for four or more nights, you get an additional reward night.
Not having to pay foreign transaction fees can lead to savings when you use this card outside of the U.S. Other benefits come in the form of Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance and purchase protection.
The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card comes with an $89 annual fee.
Pros
Significant number of bonus points for the taking
Complementary IHG Rewards program’s Platinum Elite status
Use your points for reward nights or redeem them for other awards
Reward nights
Pay no foreign transaction fees
Fee credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Cons
Annual fee of $89
Balance transfer and cash advance fees
Penalty APR may apply if you make a late or returned payment
The earn rate is not the same across all IHG properties
Anniversary reward nights are valid only at IHG Hotels with a current point redemption level of 40,000 points or less
Earn 125,000 bonus points plus a free reward night by spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Stand to earn 10,000 bonus points each year by spending $20,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase.
Earn up to 25x points when you stay at IHG hotels (10x points as an IHG Rewards Club Premier cardholder, 10x points as an IHG Rewards Club member and 5x points as a Platinum Elite status holder).
Earn 2x points when you spend at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores.
Get elevated to IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status automatically.
Get a free reward night after every account anniversary.
Qualify for an added free night when you use reward points to pay for stays of four or more nights.
Get protection when you’re traveling through trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and baggage delay insurance.
Safeguard your purchases against damage and theft (up to $500 per claim) for 120 days through purchase protection.
Get a $100 credit as reimbursement for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fees every four years.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back
ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
1.5–5% Cash BackRewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Dining
5xRewards Rate on Air Travel
We're in love with the Chase Freedom Unlimited card because it comes with no annual fee and gives you the ability to earn unlimited rewards. Depending on your spending habits, you stand to earn up to 5% cash back on your purchases. Another plus is that the cash back rewards you earn don't expire for the life of the card.
An intro 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months enables you to make big-ticket purchases without having to pay interest — provided you repay the entire amount during the intro period. Cardholders can also eliminate interest on existing debt with a balance transfer. You'll enjoy 15 months with no interest to pay off your transferred balances After the promo period expires, you might benefit by getting a low ongoing rate depending on your credit score.
Complimentary purchase and travel protection might come in handy in various scenarios, such as if you miss your flight or an item is damaged or stolen after you buy it.
If you use Lyft to get around, you stand to benefit even more — by earning 5% cash back until March 2022.
Pros
No annual fees
0% APR on purchases for 15 months from account opening
Intro bonus cash back offer
Earn 5% cash back on travel purchases
Earn 3% cash back on dining-related purchases
Earn 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
You may earn unlimited cash back that never expires
Redeem rewards for cash back, for gift cards, for travel or through Amazon.com
Get complimentary purchase and travel coverage
Cons
Foreign transaction fees
Cash advance and balance transfer fees
Penalty APR may apply in case of late and returned payments
Pay $0 annual fee for the life of your card
Pay no interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards earn 5% cash back
For the first year, earn 5% cash back at gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases)
Spending at restaurants, on takeout and through other eligible delivery services, as well as drugstore purchases, earn 3% cash back
All other purchases earn 1.5% cash back
You get to earn unlimited cash back rewards, and they don't expire as long as your account remains active
Different ways to redeem your cash back include receiving a statement credit, withdrawing it through a direct deposit, using it to get gift cards or using it to pay for travel
Zero liability protection, 24/7 fraud protection, purchase protection and extended warranty protection are in place to provide extra peace of mind
Feel better when traveling by knowing that you have access to travel and emergency assistance services, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage coverage.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A travel card with a great welcome bonus for frequent Aer Lingus travelers
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$95Annual Fee
1–5 Avios per $1Rewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Air Travel
2xRewards Rate at Hotels
We recommend this credit card from Chase to Aer Lingus frequent flyers who wish to capitalize on their spending by earning Avios points faster. During the first year, you earn 5 Avios points per dollar on flight purchases with Aer Lingus, Iberia and British Airways and 3 Avios points per dollar on hotel accommodation booked directly through hotels. Thereafter, it changes to 3 Avios points and 2 Avios points, respectively.
You and all authorized cardholders on your account get priority boarding on Aer Lingus flights that depart from and return to the U.S. from Ireland. Spending $30,000 on purchases in a year brings with it a complimentary economy companion ticket that remains valid for 12 months. You also stand to earn a sizable spend-based welcome bonus.
The Chase Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card comes with purchase protection and basic travel insurance coverage. Using this card outside of the U.S. is ideal as it does not charge foreign transaction fee. However, it comes with a $95 annual fee.
Pros
No foreign transaction fee
Get 100,000 Avios after making purchases worth $5,000 within the first three months
Earn 5x Avios per dollar spent on airline tickets at select airlines for the first 12 months
Earn 3x Avios per dollar spent on hotel reservations for the first 12 months
Earn 1x Avios per dollar spent on other purchases
Get a companion ticket for spending $30,000 within a year
Contactless payments
Priority boarding on Aer Lingus flights
Cons
$95 annual fee
Some travel benefits are only for frequent travelers to Ireland
Lacks some additional benefits
No foreign transaction fee
Get an annual companion ticket on spending $30,000
Priority boarding on Aer Lingus flights
Earn 5x Avios per dollar on making purchases with partner airlines for the first 12 months
Earn 3x Avios per dollar on hotel reservations for the first 12 months
Earn 1x Avios per dollar on all other purchases
Redeem Avios to book flights with Aer Lingus and other partner airlines
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A good choice for British Airways loyalists looking to earn Avios
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$95Annual Fee
1–5 Avios per $1Rewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Air Travel
2xRewards Rate at Hotels
If you use British Airways frequently, you might benefit by getting the Chase British Airways Visa Signature Card. During the first year, you earn 5 Avios points per $1 spent on flight purchases through British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia, and 3 Avios points per $1 spent on hotel accommodation. Thereafter, it changes to 3 Avios points and 2 Avios points, respectively.
You get a 10% discount on British Airways flights that originate in the U.S. when you book through the Chase-specified website. If you spend $30,000 on purchases in a year, you get a complimentary Travel Together Ticket that remains valid for two years. You also get to earn up to $600 Reward Flight Statement Credits each year.
While this card comes with no foreign transaction fee, it charges a $95 annual fee. Additional benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty, baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.
Pros
Generous welcome offer
Potential to earn high Avios points
No foreign transaction fees
Great travel-specific features
No penalty APR
Cons
Not recommended outside of earning Avios points
Annual fee
100,000 Avios points as a welcome bonus
10% discount while booking British Airways flights
Earn up to $600 statement credits every year
5x Avios with every $1 spent with British Airways
Spend Avios points with Oneworld Alliance partners
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A good travel card for Iberia loyalists looking to earn Avios
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$95Annual Fee
1–5 Avios per $1Rewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Air Travel
2xRewards Rate at Hotels
We feel that the Chase Iberia Visa Signature Card might work well for people who are frequent Iberia flyers. While this card comes with an annual fee, it offers 10% discount when you book flights through iberia.com/Chase10. You also stand to get a $1,000 discount voucher to use toward two tickets on the same flight each year by spending $30,000 on purchases in a year.
This card offers higher reward points during the first year. You earn 5 Avios points per $1 on purchases made directly with Iberia, British Airways and Aer Lingus in the first year, and 3 points per $1 thereafter. Similarly, you earn 3 Avios points per $1 on hotel accommodations booked directly through hotels in the first year, and 2 points per $1 thereafter.
Using this card outside of the U.S. makes sense as it comes with no foreign transaction fees.
Pros
Generous welcome offer of Avios points
High rate of earning Avios points
Low surcharges from Iberia
Visa Signature benefits
No foreign transaction fees
Travel-specific features
Cons
Annual fee
Brand tie-in can be restrictive
100,000 Avios welcome offer
Possible to earn a $1,000 discount voucher
10% discount on flights booked with Iberia
5 Avios points for every $1 spent with Iberia
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Go through this Chase travel card comparison table to determine how all the top alternatives measure up against each other based on factors such as annual fees, welcome offers, APRs and rewards/cash back rates.
An outstanding travel card with flexible redemption points
1–3 Points per $1
$550
Excellent
MONEYGEEK PRO TIP
Keep in mind that Chase has a 5/24 Rule, which limits your eligibility to receive a new credit card. If you've opened up five or more new credit cards in the last 24 months, you will most likely be declined for a new Chase credit card. -- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.
About Our Rankings
Our experts comb through the entire MoneyGeek database each month and select all the Chase cards that offer travel rewards. The in-depth comparison that follows to select the best of the lot focuses on parameters such as annual fees, APRs, welcome offers, rewards/cash back rates and foreign transaction fees.
If you think you might benefit more by getting a travel card through a different card issuer, consider taking a look at our selection of all the top travel credit cards.
Top Rating Criteria for Chase Cards
APR (Avg Value)
Annual Fee (Avg Value)
Has Rewarding Welcome Offer
How to Compare Chase Credit Cards & Intro Offers
There are many Chase travel credit cards to choose from, which is why you need to compare your options based on different factors.
1
Co-branded or not
If your travels involve using any particular group of hotels or airlines more than others, you may benefit by getting a co-branded Chase travel credit card. Some of the top examples include the IHG Rewards Club Premier Card, the Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card, the British Airways Visa Signature Card, the Iberia Visa Signature Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card and the World of Hyatt Card.
2
Annual fees
Determine if you might earn enough rewards/cash back and make ample use of a card’s benefits before getting one that charges an annual fee. Some no-annual-fee Chase travel cards include the Freedom Unlimited Credit Card, the Freedom Flex Credit Card, the IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card and the United Gateway Credit Card.
3
APR
Chase travel credit cards tend to charge higher APRs than its cards without rewards/cash back. If you plan to carry outstanding balances on your card from one month to the next, you might be better off looking at what low APR cards from Chase have to offer.
4
Welcome offer
The best Chase credit cards for travel typically come with welcome bonus offers for new cardholders. For instance, you may stand to get a predetermined amount of reward points or cash back if you spend at least a preset amount within a stipulated time frame. Some of these cards come with introductory 0% APR offers for purchases and/or balance transfers too.
If you intend to use your Chase travel credit card outside of the U.S., look for one that comes without foreign transaction fees. Otherwise, you may be charged up to 3% extra on every international transaction. Some of the Chase travel cards that do away with this fee include the United Gateway Credit Card, the IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card, the British Airways Visa Signature Card and the Iberia Visa Signature Card.
7
Added perks/features
If you get a co-branded card, you may expect brand-specific benefits. For instance, the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card comes with a free anniversary reward night each year. The British Airways Visa Signature Card, on the other hand, offers up to $600 reward flight statement credits each year. Other benefits you may get include free checked bags, automatic or accelerated elite status, purchase protection and travel insurance coverage.
Expert Advice For Finding the Right Card
We’ve asked financial experts from across the country to give our Chase business credit card reviews the once-over and answer a few important questions so you may find it easier to narrow down on a suitable card.
Expert Advice For Finding the Right Card
When might someone consider getting a Chase travel credit card with an annual fee?
Which other card issuers provide co-branded travel cards similar to those offered by Chase?
Dipra Jha
Assistant Director & Scholarly Associate Professor, School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University, Carson College of Business
Rajiv Baniwal has been writing about different financial topics for over 15 years. Meticulous in his research, he makes sure he provides accurate and up-to-date information. His areas of expertise include mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, insurance and international money transfers.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
