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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.
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MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 10 Travel Credit Cards
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.
Card Name | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. | $395 | 2–10 Miles | |
2. | $695 | 1–5 Points per $1* | |
3. | Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards card | $49 | 2–3 points |
4. | PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 1.5– 4 points |
5. | $95 | 1–3 Points per $1 | |
6. | $95 | 1–2 Points per $1 | |
7. | $95 | 2 Miles per $1 | |
8. | $250 | 1–4 Points per $1 | |
9. | $550 | 1–10 Points per $1 | |
10. | $0 | 1.25 Miles per $1 |
On This Page:
Best Travel Credit Card Offers
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.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Straightforward travel rewards card with premium perks
- 2–10 MilesRewards Rate
- 19.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $395Annual Fee
- ExcellentRecommended Credit
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
Great rewards card for air travel with premium benefits
- 1–5 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- See Pay Over Time APR*APR
- $695Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards card
A good travel rewards card with nominal annual fees
- 2–3 pointsRewards Rate
- 14.99% – 18.00% VariableAPR
- $49Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
A good travel rewards card that comes with a possible annual fee waiver
- 1.5– 4 pointsRewards Rate
- 17.99% VariableAPR
- $95Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- Citi Premier® Card
An excellent travel rewards card for international use
- 1–3 Points per $1Rewards Rate
- 21.24% – 29.24% VariableAPR
- $95Annual Fee
- ExcellentRecommended Credit
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Strong entry-level travel card with high rewards rates
- 2 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 19.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $95Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- American Express® Gold Card
Best rewards card for frequent fliers and diners
- 1–4 Points per $1Rewards Rate
- See Pay Over Time APR*APR
- $250Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Best balance transfer card with travel rewards
- 0% Intro APR (then variable APR)Balance Transfer Offer
- 15 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
- 19.99%–29.99% VariableAPR
- 3%Balance Transfer Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Best Travel Credit Cards at a Glance
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Other Cards That Reward Spending
HOW WE RANK TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS
Our experts collect 57 data points from sources such as card issuer websites, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and our various partners to ensure that you get access to the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. They arrive at the revised list of the best travel credit cards after subjecting all new and existing cards from this segment to our in-house ranking methodology. This involves assigning specific percentages to all the parameters that matter. Examples include:
- Annual fee - 10%
- Rewards rate at hotels - 10%
- Rewards rate on air travel - 10%
- Welcome Offer - 10%
5 Tips for Comparing Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Comparing the best travel credit cards can be a chore when annual fees are all over the place, and cards earn different types of rewards. Even so, you can narrow down your options by thinking about how you normally spend, your preferred type of travel and the cardholder benefits you want the most.
1
Take a close look at the annual fees
Some of the best travel credit cards have annual fees over $500, yet they offer benefits that are worth significantly more — if you use them. There are also plenty of travel rewards credit cards with annual fees under $100, as well as card options with no annual fee. There's nothing wrong with paying an annual fee for a rewards credit card, but you should make sure the value of any perks you receive is worth it.
2
Check for lucrative sign-up bonuses
Several travel rewards credit cards offer sign-up bonuses worth $1,000 or more, although you'll need to make sure you can meet the minimum spending threshold requirement. Make sure any card you're considering offers an initial bonus you can earn — and that it is realistic for your regular spending habits.
3
Consider ongoing rewards rates
Also compare the best travel credit cards based on the rewards they offer on everyday spending. Ideally, you'll wind up with a card that offers more points or miles in categories you spend a lot in.
4
Look for generous travel perks
If you're willing to pay an annual fee, you can look at cards that offer travel benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits or elite status with hotels.
5
Decide if you need travel insurance
Finally, decide if you are interested in cards with travel insurance benefits, then compare options accordingly. Some of the top travel credit cards offer protective perks like trip interruption and cancellation insurance, baggage insurance, primary or secondary auto rental coverage and more.
MoneyGeek’s Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Travel Card
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.
Understanding How Travel Credit Cards Work
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.
Pros & Cons
- Travel rewards credit cards let you earn points for airfare, hotels and other types of travel, which can lead to travel savings.
- Travel rewards points make it possible to redeem for aspirational travel redemptions that are too expensive to book with cash.
- Get the chance to earn a big sign-up bonus, which could be worth $1,000 or more.
- You can access travel benefits for free, including airport lounge membership, travel insurance, annual travel credits, elite status and more.
- Some travel rewards credit cards give you elite status benefits like preferred boarding, free checked bags, room upgrades or early/late check-out.
- The best travel credit cards require very good or excellent credit, so not everyone is eligible.
- Several top travel credit cards charge annual fees that are over $500, and most have an annual fee of around $100. There are travel rewards credit cards with no annual fee, but they offer fewer benefits.
- Like all types of credit cards, travel credit cards can charge high variable APRs that make carrying a balance an expensive proposition.
- Hotel and airline programs tend to have extensive loyalty program rules that can make redeeming your points complicated or difficult.
How Points and Miles Work
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
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.
GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF GENERAL TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS
- Typically let you redeem your rewards for travel charged to your credit card or for travel booked through a specific portal
- May let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners (like with Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards)
- Can offer travel benefits including airport lounge access or flexible travel credits
- Tend to have annual fees
Airline Credit Cards
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.
GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF CO-BRANDED AIRLINE CARDS:
- Earn airline miles for flights or seat upgrades
- Can come with frequent flyer benefits like early boarding or free checked bags
- Rewards tend to be inflexible
- Tend to have annual fees, but not always
- Can offer elite qualifying miles toward elite status
Hotel Credit Cards
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.
GENERAL ATTRIBUTES OF CO-BRANDED HOTEL CARDS:
- Earn rewards for free hotel stays or room upgrades
- Can come with automatic elite status
- Rewards tend to be inflexible
- Tend to have annual fees, but not always
- Can offer elite qualifying nights toward the next level of elite status
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Travel Credit Card
There are important questions to ask before applying for a credit card, including ones that could significantly impact your finances.
What to Ask When Comparing Cards
- Do you want to pay an annual fee? If you're averse to paying a high annual fee for a travel rewards credit card, this will help you narrow your options considerably. We suggest paying an annual fee only when you know the benefits are worth it.
- How often do you travel? If you only travel infrequently, you could be better off with a general rewards credit card or even a cash back credit card with no annual fee.
- Do you travel outside the United States? If so, you'll want to look for a travel rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees. That way, you can avoid paying an extra 1% to 3% (on average) toward overseas purchases.
- Are you loyal to an airline or hotel brand? If you love a specific airline or hotel brand, then it's possible a co-branded travel credit card could be right for you. If you don't care where you stay or how you get there, a general travel rewards credit card will likely leave you better off.
- Which travel benefits do you care the most about? Make sure to check cards for perks you'd like to have, whether that includes airport lounge access, annual travel credits, elite status, free checked bags on certain flights or something else.
- Do you plan to carry a balance? If you plan to carry a balance, we suggest avoiding travel rewards credit cards since the high APR you'll pay will wipe out the rewards you earn and then some. Instead, look for low-interest credit cards or credit cards with 0% APR for a limited time.
Tips for Maximizing Miles & Travel Rewards
1
Make sure you can earn the bonus offer
If the travel rewards credit card you're considering offers a sign-up or welcome bonus, make sure you can meet the minimum spending threshold within the prescribed timeline. Remember that credit card sign-up bonuses are offered in addition to the points and miles you can earn on regular spending.
2
Pair more than one card to maximize rewards potential
If you're having trouble deciding on a specific travel credit card, consider pairing a few different cards that work well together. For example, you could pick up a co-branded hotel card or airline card and a flexible travel credit card that lets you transfer points to that program. An example would be pairing the World of Hyatt Credit Card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which lets you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the World of Hyatt program at a 1:1 ratio.
You could also pair cards within the same flexible program, such as a cash back credit card from Chase and one of their premium travel credit cards. An example would be the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Having both cards would let you earn optimal rewards in several categories like travel, dining and drugstores, as well as a minimum of 1.5x points on all non-bonus spending.
3
Use your credit card for all your spending and bills
Make sure you use your credit card for all your regular spending and bills since doing so will let you earn more points or miles over time. You can even set up automatic payments toward your recurring bills with your rewards credit card.
4
Keep an eye out for extra promotions
Check for additional promotions that can help you earn more rewards or cash back for each dollar you spend. Examples include travel program shopping portals, airline dining programs and add-on promotions like Amex Offers and Chase Offers.
5
Never carry a balance
The average credit card APR is currently over 16%, and travel rewards credit cards can charge rates much higher than that. Make sure to pay your credit card balance in full each month, or the rewards you earn won't be worth it.
FAQs About Travel Rewards Cards
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.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Travel Credit Card?
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.
Tips From the Pros: Finding and Using the Right Travel Credit Card
- Who is best suited for a travel rewards credit card and how can consumers determine if a travel card is right for them?
- What factors should consumers consider when searching for and comparing travel credit cards?
- What common mistakes do people make when it comes to choosing and using a travel credit card?
- How can travelers maximize the rewards and benefits of travel credit cards?
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Financial Planner, CFP
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Professor and Interim Dean at the School of Business at Alcorn State University, USA
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Professor at The Collins College of Hospitality Management, California State Polytechnic University Pomona
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Certified Financial Planner® at Raisonné & HammerPrice Corporation
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Professor of Tourism and Events Management
John Lerew, CFP®, CLTC®
Certified Financial Planner
Tim and Amy Rutherford
Vloggers at GoWithLess/Early-Retired, Full-Time Nomads
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Associate Professor of Finance at Savannah State University
Kathryn Brownell
Associate Professor at Jefferson Community College
Zafar D. Khan
Professor of Economics at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Aaishatu Glover
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Economics at St. Johns University
Eddy Junarsin, Ph.D., CFP
Visiting Assistant Professor of Finance, Economics and Finance at Murray State University
Jeremiah Bentley, Ph.D.
Richard Dieter MS ‘66 & Susan C. Dieter Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Assistant Professor of Finance at Westfield State University
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CFP®, CLU, ChFC, Partner, CIO Emeritus and Senior Financial Advisor at Wescott Financial Advisory Group LLC
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Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Finance at Quinsigamond Community College
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Associate Financial Planner at Brunch & Budget
Rita W. Green, Ed.D.
Founder of GRADES LLC, Certified Personal/Family Finance Educator and Accredited Financial Counselor
Dr. Stephen Henry
Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance at SUNY Plattsburgh
Erika Safran, CFP®
Founder of Safran Wealth Advisors, LLC
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Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Economics Department
Michael Frontera CFP®, RICP®, ChFC®
Founder of Retirement Theory
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Professor of Management and Strategy at Roberts Wesleyan College
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Elaine Luther, D.Sc.
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Next Steps
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.
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sources
- Credit Cards.com. "Average credit card interest rates: Week of April 14, 2021." Accessed April 19, 2021.
- Experian. "What Is a Foreign Transaction Fee?." Accessed April 19, 2021.
- myFICO.com. "What is a Credit Score?." Accessed April 19, 2021.
*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. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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.
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. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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.