Best Travel Credit Cards in 2024

Consumers typically need good or excellent credit to qualify for the best travel credit card offers, and those who are eligible have plenty of research to do. For example, most need to decide on the type of travel rewards credit card they want, including whether they want flexible travel points, rewards for hotels or airline miles. It's also crucial to compare cards based on their benefits, which could include elite status with hotels, airport lounge access, annual travel credits, no annual fees, and more.

The top travel credit cards we’ve selected come with reward points or miles — although the rewards/miles-per-dollar-spent rate depends on the card. For instance, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers up to 10X miles per dollar on category-based spending, whereas the Platinum Card from Amex lets you earn up to 5X points per dollar on its bonus categories. Both, however, reserve their highest rewards rates for travel-related purchases. Choosing from the best travel cards on our list also requires paying attention to annual fees, welcome offers, APRs and added benefits.

• Best Travel Credit Card Offers
• Quick Tips for Comparing Travel Credit Card Offers
• MoneyGeek’s Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Travel Card
• Common Questions About Travel Credit Cards

The best travel credit cards are vastly different from one another, with some offering flexible travel points and others letting you earn hotel loyalty points or airline miles. Consider the type of rewards you want to earn — and how you might use them — as you compare offers.

Getting the most out of your travel rewards credit card works best when you start with the right card from the start. With that in mind, you'll need to take a closer look at different types of credit cards as well as their respective rewards programs.

Take the time to compare points and miles cards, general travel credit cards, co-branded hotel cards and co-branded airline cards.

The best travel rewards credit cards let you earn points that can be redeemed for nearly any kind of trip, although the rewards you earn don't all work the same way. Some cards let you earn points that only work within a specific hotel loyalty program, whereas others offer airline miles that only work with one airline or within an airline alliance. However, there are also flexible travel credit cards that let you redeem your points for any travel you charge to your card. Some even let you transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, which can open the door to better redemptions and help you get more bang for your buck.

When you sign up for a travel rewards credit card, you'll get the chance to earn a sign-up bonus as well as points or miles for each dollar you spend. Some types of points can be converted to cash back, whereas others are only good for airfare or hotel stays. Points values also vary, although you'll typically get a minimum of one cent per point or mile in value when you go to redeem.

Make sure to research different types of travel credit cards and their respective programs so that you know what you're getting into before you sign up.

General travel credit cards are not affiliated with a specific airline or hotel, making them a lot more flexible than other options you'll find. Cards in this niche tend to work best for people who aren't committed to specific travel plans or loyal to a travel brand. Flexible travel credit cards are also perfect for consumers who want the option to redeem rewards for cash back or statement credits if they prefer.

Co-branded airline cards let you earn airline miles that work with a specific airline or airline alliance. For example, you could get the chance to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points good for flights on Southwest Airlines, but you could also earn miles within the American AAdvantage program and redeem them for flights with American and other airlines in the oneworld Alliance.

Co-branded hotel cards offer consumers the chance to earn hotel points in a specific loyalty program like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt. Some cards in this niche grant cardholders automatic elite hotel status, while others offer free nights or annual travel credits good for their portfolio of properties.

There are important questions to ask before applying for a credit card, including ones that could significantly impact your finances.

The best travel credit cards can be confusing at first, but they start to make sense once you compare the best options and their respective programs. With some research and digging, you can learn all there is to know about the top travel credit card offers, how they work and who they're best for.

Travel rewards credit cards make sense for people who like to redeem rewards for flights, hotels, rental cars and even Airbnb stays. Even so, you'll be better off if you take the time to compare the different types of card options available based on their rewards programs, fees and cardholder benefits.

You don't have to be a frequent flyer or jetsetter to benefit from a travel rewards credit card, but you will get more value from your card if you make an informed decision before you sign up.

Now that you know what the best travel credit cards have to offer, decide if getting one might work in your favor. If you plan to apply for a new card, compare your options based on factors such as annual fees, rewards rates, welcome bonuses and travel-related perks.