The best travel credit cards in 2024 (worth it?)

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Are you looking to start 2024 earning travel rewards with a new credit card? Having one of the best credit cards for traveling can make or break your trips. I’ve used the top travel card rewards for travel bookings across the globe. Travel cards can offer unparalleled flexibility and their rewards can be redeemed in a variety of ways.

It’s easy to earn rewards with the top travel cards and, you can now receive an additional $250 travel credit as well as earn the 75k point bonus: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

For travelers on a tight budget or still, in the process of saving for a trip, it’s worth noting that many of these credit cards allow you to accumulate points or miles on routine purchases. Let’s help you narrow down the options to find which of these best travel credit cards suits your needs.

What is the Best Credit Card to Have For Travelling?

Below is a list of the best credit cards to have for traveling in 2024. These travel cards offer large bonuses, no foreign transaction fees, and category bonuses for travel spending.

• Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best Bonus ($250 to use on Capital One Travel + 75k miles): Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• The Best Card for Premium Travelers: The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best Card for Premium Flyers: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best Hotel Credit Card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Comparison Table

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best Credit Cards to Have for Travelling in 2024

Best Travel Credit Cards in 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred – 60k Bonus Offer

Why it’s our best overall travel card: When you’re just starting out earning travel credit card rewards, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This travel card offers some of the most valuable travel reward points. Your points are worth 25% more when booking award travel on Chase. Or, you can also transfer them on a 1:1 basis to the Chase transfer partners.

Sign-up Bonus: New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns unlimited:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit)
• 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out)
• 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs)
• Also 3x points on select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel purchases
• 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases 

There is a $50 annual Hotel Credit. It comes in the form of a statement credit that will automatically be applied to your account when your card is used for hotel accommodation purchases made through the Chase Travel℠ program, up to an annual maximum accumulation of $50.

Plus, on each account anniversary, you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year. So, if you spend $25,000 on purchases, you’ll get 2,500 bonus points.

Annual Fee: $95; no foreign transaction fees

Recommended Credit Score: 700. There are a lot of factors that go into approval. We recommend reading more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s credit score requirements.

Additional Information and Further Reading:

• Is Chase Sapphire Preferred Worth It?
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Score
• Are Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus & Perks Worth It?
• Application Information

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s the best card for everyday travel: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee and offers a great bonus. 

For a limited time, new Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus they’ll receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit their first cardholder year. Earning the entire bonus is equal to $1,000 in travel!

You earn 2x miles on every purchase. However, earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Rewards

The Venture Rewards is the best Capital One card for travel. Frequent travelers might get more value out of a card that offers extra points on travel spending. You won’t get much in the way of perks and protections out of the Venture Rewards card. Still, the card’s flexible statement credit redemption option and miles on all purchases make it a reliable option for people who want to rack up rewards on everyday purchases for their next trip.

And redeeming Capital One Venture miles just keeps getting more valuable with the addition of being able to transfer your miles out to airlines and hotels. The Capital One Venture is no doubt one of the top travel cards. Knowing the Capital One Venture credit score needed for approval might help you determine if this is the card for you.

Annual Fee: $95

Recommended Credit Score: 700. There are other factors that can influence approval. You can learn more from this post: Capital One Venture Credit Score Requirements.

Additional Information and Further Reading

• Capital One Venture Card Review
• Capital One Venture Hard to Get?
• Capital One Credit Score Requirements
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Credit Card Review

For a limited time, new Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus they’ll receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit their first cardholder year. Earning the entire bonus is equal to $1,000 in travel!

The Platinum Card from American Express: 80k Points

Why it’s the best card for premium travel: When you want a travel card to maximize air travel, get The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Cardholders earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, and earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Plus, you can enjoy 1:1 point transfers to airlines like Delta, British Airways, and Emirates.

Plus, American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.

Rewards

New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Cardholders can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when they pay with the Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

Also, select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.

Plus, American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.

The Platinum Card from American Express Benefits

There’s also a digital entertainment credit, making this card one of the best for streaming services. Cardholders can get up to $20 in statement credits each month when they pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.

In addition to enjoying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access, cardholders can also enjoy CLEAR perks. Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®.

Get the full details and learn more in our in-depth The Platinum Card from American Express review.

Annual Fee: $695

The annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees) but can be offset with the perks, which are valued at over $1,400.

If you prefer travel benefits to flexibility, the American Express Platinum can be a better travel card. Compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. American Express Platinum here.

Credit Score Requirements: 700+. There are other factors that can influence approval for the American Express Platinum. You can read about them in this post: What Credit Score is Required for the American Express Platinum?

Additional Information and Further Reading

• American Express Platinum Review
• American Express Platinum Bonus Offer
• And the American Express Platinum Credit Score Requirements

80,000 Bonus Points: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Why it’s the best card for premium flyers: When you’re not exclusive to a particular airline or hotel brand, premium flexible travel rewards credit cards provide better benefits and point redemption options for frequent flyers.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns the valuable Chase points. You receive a 50% travel redemption bonus when booking award travels through Chase Travel℠. Or, you can transfer your points on a 1:1 basis to airline and hotel travel partners, including Southwest, United, Marriott, and World of Hyatt. Key card benefits include:

• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, up to $100

Rewards

Cardholders can earn unlimited: 

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases with Chase Travel℠
• 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
• 1x points for all remaining purchases

You will not receive rewards points on your first $300 in annual travel purchases as the annual travel statement credit reimburses these purchases.

If you like flexibility in earning and redeeming travel rewards points, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the best travel rewards card options. However, be aware that there is a $550 annual fee (though the benefits can offset the cost).

New Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Related: 6 Reasons Why You Should Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Annual Fee: $550

Recommended Credit Score: 780. You will need excellent credit. There are other factors that affect approval. You can read about them in these posts: Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Score Needed for Approval and Guide to Chase Sapphire Application Rules.

Additional Information and Further Reading

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits and Perks
• Application Information

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card – Best Business Credit Card for Travel Rewards

When it comes to business credit cards, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is one of the best for maximizing your business purchases.

The Chase Ink Business Preferred has the most valuable signup bonus for any card that earns Chase points.

New Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card cardholders can earn 120k bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,200 cash back or $1,500 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

This card also earns 3x points on the first $150,000 in combined spending on these purchases:

• Travel
• Shipping purchases
• Internet, cable, and phone services
• Advertising on search engines and social media

All remaining purchases earn an unlimited 1 point per $1.

Your points are worth 1 cent each for cash rewards and 1.25 cents on award travel booked through Chase. You can also transfer them to the Chase 1:1 transfer partners including United Airlines, Southwest, British Airways, and World of Hyatt.

You can learn more in our Ink Business Preferred review.

Which of the Best Travel Cards Will Get Me a Free Flight Fastest?

Perhaps you’ve been intrigued by the world of accruing credit card points and miles for the sole purpose of gaining free flights and upgrades but are wondering where to start. After all, there are many credit card options to choose from. You also don’t want to be stuck earning points and miles bit by slow bit, waiting over a year or more before you can cash in on that free flight.

If this sounds like you, continue reading. You can find out which travel cards will get you a free flight fastest.

Things To Remember Before Earning Your Free Flight Fastest

If your end goal is just to get a free flight, you’ll want to keep some things in mind.

Firstly, you’ll want to get a credit card that actually works for your travel purposes. For instance, if you want a free flight from United, don’t get a Delta credit card. Most often, general travel credit cards are best for earning free flights. These cards allow you to redeem travel with airline partners using that card’s specific point system. That’s why you’ll see only those general travel credit cards in the list of cards curated below. 

Secondly, you’ll want to be sure that you can actually meet the card’s spending requirements. To earn a free flight, you have to spend money. That doesn’t mean you have to spend money you wouldn’t otherwise. Sometimes, earning points and meeting a spending requirement is as simple as putting all of your costs for a month (or several) on your card, and then paying your card off in full at the end of each month.

You don’t want to carry a balance. A balance negates the benefits of earning the free flight if you’re gaining debt and interest in the process. If a card offers you a large number of points for $4,000 spent, but you know you could never spend $4,000 in three months, maybe pass on that card.

Earning Points and Miles

For most playing the points and miles game, they’re not spending on their credit card and then automatically being handed a free flight. They often swap those points and miles between membership accounts in order to pay for a free flight. Or, they spend strategically on cards to get cash back to use toward a free flight. The result is the same, but it’s not just as cut and dry as spending and then receiving free airfare. So, for this reason, keep options like cash-back cards in mind. They might help you get enough cash to cover a free flight faster.

Make sure the card is a good fit for you overall before signing up. Does it have a hefty annual fee that you don’t want to pay? Will you use the card’s other benefits, such as free bags, lounge entry, or anything similar?

You want to ensure you’re making a smart credit card decision, not just a snap judgment.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping

Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Hotel Purchases

There are several credit cards to use for hotel purchases that either earn more hotel rewards (such as co-brand hotel cards) or ones that offer more flexibility (such as some of the offers below). If you are loyal to one hotel or brand of hotels and travel several times a year, sticking to their hotel credit card is probably a good idea because you’ll get the most perks out of it.

However, if you like to earn more rewards on various travel, including hotels, and aren’t particularly married to one brand, then a flexible travel card is likely better. Here are some options.

Marriott Credit Cards

The Marriott brand is one of the most recognizable. With over 7,000 properties worldwide, you are bound to find a place that speaks to you. And right now is a great time to find that place.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Earn Up to 17x Points

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

New limited-time offer! New Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card cardholders can earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

There are no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee is $95. Your points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.

Cardholders can earn up to 17x total Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Also, earn 3x Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2x points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

You also get an annual free night award valid at any hotel costing 35,000 points or less after each account anniversary. Additionally, earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.

Plus, receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and a path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year. You can read more about the perks in our Marriott Bonvoy Boundless review.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card – No Annual Fee

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card comes with automatic Silver Elite status, no annual fee, and no foreign

New Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card cardholders can earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The Free Night Award is valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Earn 14x points per $1 per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Plus, earn 2x points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services. Earn 1x point on all other purchases.

Travel now, pay later – Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.

Your points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card has its own set of benefits. You can also redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for flights or car rentals with Air+Car across hundreds of travel partners around the world. Cardholders earn:

• 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program
• 4x points at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
• 2x points on all other eligible purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card cardholders can receive 1 Free Night Award annually after their Card renewal month. Plus, they can earn an additional Free Night Award after spending $60k in purchases on their Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Cardholders also enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

Plus, receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.

New offer: New Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card cardholders can earn 3 Free Night Awards after using their new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level of up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.

The annual fee is $125 (See Rates & Fees), which can easily be offset with the free annual night certificate.

Citi Premier Card

The information for the Citi Premier® Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Citi Premier® Card is a good travel credit card to consider as it earns more on everyday purchases and has a reasonable annual fee. It also comes with a hotel credit that can be used annually at various hotels. The Citi Premier earns:

• 3x points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
• 1x points on all remaining purchases

You can also transfer your points to airlines, including Asia Miles, JetBlue, and Avianca LifeMiles. There is an annual $100 hotel benefit. Cardholders can enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, through thankyou.com once per calendar year.

The annual fee for the Citi Premier Card is $95 and there is no foreign transaction fee.

New Citi Premier® Card cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus is redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards when redeemed at thankyou.com. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.

With the free CardMatch™ tool, you can see what credit cards you have the best approval chances of, including with the Citi Premier Card. You may also get the chance to earn a higher welcome/signup bonus than what is being offered to the general public. 

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

For hotel perks, The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one of the best. Why? For one, it is one of the best credit cards for free hotel nights each card anniversary. Spending $15,000 each year gives you a second free night. Both nights are valid at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort (15,000 points or less per night).

Hyatt points are arguably the most valuable hotel points as they are usually worth more than 1 cent each on most redemptions. And, the most expensive Hyatt night costs 40,000 points at a Category 8 hotel. Free nights start at 5,000 points.

You can earn up to 9 points per $1 on Hyatt stays. You earn 4 points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 points per $1 spent when you are a World of Hyatt member, totaling 9 points. Restaurants, plane tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, fitness club, and gym membership purchases all earn 2 points per $1.

New The World of Hyatt Credit Card cardmembers can earn a signup bonus of up to 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points. Earn the first 30,000 points by spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2x Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1x Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Additionally, cardholders can enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as their account is open.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Get an earnings boost on every IHG card purchase with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. You will earn up to 26x points total on IHG purchases and 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3x points per $1 spent on all other purchases. 

Each year after your account anniversary, you get one reward night valid at any property that costs 40,000 points or less. You also get automatic Platinum Elite status which includes space-available room upgrades and extended check-out.

Another exclusive card benefit for IHG members is getting a 4th reward night on 3+ night award stays. Non-cardholders don’t get this benefit. You can imagine the savings this perk is worth if you use it regularly.

Cardholders also get a fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck.

New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card cardholders can earn 5 Free Nights after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC

The annual fee is $99. There isn’t a foreign transaction fee.

You can get further details regarding these benefits in this IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card review.

Best Travel Cards for Airline Purchases

Just like the hotel credit cards, you’ll likely want to stick to your airline of choice when it comes to earning credit card rewards. But if you aren’t looking to stick with one airline, aim for flexibility with a card that transfers to your top airlines. That way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Southwest Credit Cards

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

New Southwest Airlines (consumer) credit cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The three consumer Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards that come with the enhanced bonus are:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

However, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card comes with an annual travel credit of $75 plus you can upgrade up to 4 boardings annually (subject to availability). Plus, if you use your Priority card on in-flight purchases (drinks and Wi-Fi), you’ll get 25% back. Additionally, you will earn 7,500 points after your card member anniversary each year. Cardholders also earn unlimited:

• 3x points on Southwest® purchases
• 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
• 2x points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming purchases

Everything else will earn 1 point per dollar spent. Your points won’t expire.

This card has an annual fee of $149. There are no foreign transaction fees with this card.

You can compare the three consumer cards in our in-depth best Southwest credit cards post.

Avianca LifeMiles

The information for the Avianca Vida Visa® Card and the Avianca Vuela Visa® Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Though there are airline miles credit cards, this one can help you travel through a pretty sweet welcome bonus. The Avianca LifeMiles credit cards offer a simple standard welcome bonus. Below are the current welcome bonus offers for both cards:

• Avianca Vida Visa® Card: 20,000 welcome bonus miles after first purchase
• Avianca Vuela Visa® Card: 40,000 welcome bonus miles after first purchase

Both bonuses are very easy to earn and have some of the easiest ways to earn points and miles for travel.

American Express Gold Card

You can maximize your travel and daily spending with the American Express® Gold Card.

The American Express® Gold Card earns:

• 4x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x points for the rest of the year)
• 4x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x points for the rest of the year)
• 3x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
• 2x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Another perk is the ability to earn up to $10 in statement credits on a monthly basis when you use your Gold Card to pay at the following dining establishments (enrollment is required):

• Grubhub
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Goldbelly
• Wine.com
• Five Guys

This perk can save you up to $120 annually.

Related: Amex Gold vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Review

Welcome Bonus

New American Express® Gold Card cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

Plus, get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold, or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.

You can redeem your Membership Rewards for award travel through AmexTravel.com or the airline and hotel point transfer partners. The annual fee is $325 (See Rates & Fees).

United Explorer Card

United Airlines is a popular carrier for domestic and global routes simply because of the sheer number of destinations. They are also one of the few carriers to still offer fixed mileage award flights and not charge fuel surcharges on long-haul flights.

New United℠ Explorer Card cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Plus, there’s a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Besides this sign-up bonus, you can enjoy these benefits with the best United cards:

• 2x miles on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), and hotels
• NEXUS, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck fee credit, up to $100
• Free first checked bag for you and one travel companion
• Two one-time United Club passes at account opening and each card anniversary
• 25% back on United® inflight purchases

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Some of the best miles credit cards now award bonus travel points on non-airline purchases.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® earns 2x points on restaurants, gas stations, and American Airlines purchases. Everything else earns an unlimited 1 point per $1.

Other American Airlines advantages include:

• The first checked bag is free for you and up to 4 travel companions
• Preferred boarding
• 25% savings on in-flight purchases
• $125 flight credit after $20,000 in annual card purchases

The current signup bonus is 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first 3 months. The $99 annual fee is also waived for the first year.

Related: The Best Gas Credit Cards for 2024 (Rewards, Cash Back, & Bonuses)

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Check out the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card if you’re a regular Delta flyer. It’s one of the best Delta credit cards.

New Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card cardholders can earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on their new Card in their first 6 months of Card Membership.

You also earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.

Plus, enjoy Priority Boarding.

Delta credit cards also have one of the most generous checked bag benefits. The first checked bag is free for you and up to 8 companions for each travel itinerary on Delta flights.

Also, card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

Earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. Additionally, get up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.

Additional Benefits

Get a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations annually after card renewal. However, payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.

Additionally, receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year. And if you’re not a Medallion Member, no problem! Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Ticket must be purchased on or after February 1, 2024, to be eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade.

The annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is $350 (See Rates & Fees).

Best Travel Credit Cards

Here’s a list of the best travel credit cards and how many bonus points they can earn you. Maximizing these travel cards will help you optimize your travel.

• Best overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best Miles Credit Card bonus: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Great for foodies: American Express® Gold Card
• Best Airlines Miles Credit Card Premium: The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Airline Credit Card for Incidental Fees: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Earn 2x bonus miles: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

How To Choose The Best Travel Credit Cards That Work For You

With an abundance of travel credit cards to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the best one for your travel habits. Your redemption options and additional travel perks can vary widely. Here is a step-by-step guide for finding the best card and how to choose a travel credit card that works for you.

Choose Travel Credit Cards That Work For Your Spending

The first decision you should make when choosing travel credit cards is to decide what type of travel miles you want to earn:

• Flexible points: Credit card points that can be redeemed for multiple airlines, hotels, and travel purchases
• Airline miles: Redeem miles for a specific airline like Southwest Airlines or Delta Air Lines
• Hotel points: Earn points for a specific hotel loyalty program like IHG or Marriott Bonvoy

Co-branded travel credit cards that earn travel miles for specific airlines or hotel programs are more likely to offer add-on perks like free checked bags or upgraded loyalty status when you travel with that particular brand. If you are loyal to that brand and use it often, having a co-branded credit card may be worth it.

Key Features in Finding the Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

There is truly an overwhelming selection of travel rewards credit cards on the market, with options for just about every kind of traveler. So, to narrow down those options a bit, we’ve picked out the best travel rewards cards and compared their most appealing features. But before we break it down, there are a few key terms to understand.

We’re comparing these credit card reviews based on a few features that might sway your decision:

Annual fee on Travel Cards

Some travel rewards credit cards come with no annual fee, some come with a massive annual fee, and some waive their fee for the first year. Generally, the more you pay, the bigger the perks.

Travel Cards Sign-up/Welcome bonuses

Don’t cheat yourself out of points or miles by signing up for a travel card with no sign-up/welcome bonus. Once you decide on what kind of spending minimum you can reliably meet, you can compare the best travel rewards credit cards based on which will give you the most points for that initial spending.

Extra points or miles

Some travel cards will give you 2x points or miles on all of your purchases, and some will award as much as 5x points or miles on specific spending categories. It’s worth the time to look through your recent credit card statements and compare the rewards you would have earned with different travel cards.

No foreign transaction fee

If you’ll be traveling abroad, having no foreign transaction fee is worth it, especially as many cards have this benefit.

Travel perks, benefits, and protections

Each travel credit card comes with different perks, but most will offer varying levels of protection for travel mishaps like canceled flights, stolen luggage, and collision damage waivers for car rentals.

You don’t have to find a travel rewards credit card that checks off each of these boxes for you – but you might be able to. Here is the credit score needed for top travel credit cards.

Also, please read this post on Chase’s 5/24 rule if you’re not familiar with it.

Best Premium Travel Cards

The Platinum Card from American Express for Luxury Travel

If you travel frequently and value luxury travel then you might consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It doesn’t have the high rewards offered by some other travel rewards cards, but it does come with some competitive travel perks. And of course, it makes sense to compare the Amex Platinum with the Sapphire Preferred which is also a great premium card.

New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. 

Prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel earn unlimited 5x points. Cardholders also earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.

Anything else will earn just 1x points.

Transfer Partners

Those Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for statement credits and gift cards, but you’ll get the most value out of using them to book travel through amextravel.com or by transferring them to an airline or hotel partner:

• AeroMexico
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue
• Alitalia Mille Miglia
• ANA Mileage Club
• Asia Miles
• Delta SkyMiles
• El Al Israel Airlines
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue True Blue
• Virgin America
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Choice Privileges (Hotels)
• Hilton HHonors
• Marriott Bonvoy

Again, you won’t get a 1:1 transfer ratio with all partners, so it’s worth checking before you make any final decisions. The Platinum’s travel perks include up to $200 airline fee statement credits for incidentals on your selected qualifying airline (in the form of a statement credit; enrollment required) and access to the Global Lounge Collection. Take full advantage of this card’s welcome bonus, annual credits, and airline transfer partners. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

Other Benefits

There’s also a digital entertainment credit, making this card one of the best for streaming services. Cardholders can get up to $20 in statement credits each month when they pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.

Cardholders can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when they pay with the Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

In addition to enjoying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access, cardholders can also enjoy CLEAR perks. Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®.

Another exciting benefit is the ability for cardholders to get up to $300 back each year in the form of statement credits on an Equinox+ subscription or any Equinox club membership when they pay with their Platinum Card. Enrollment required.

Plus, get a $155 Walmart+ credit, which covers the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. The cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.

Fee

The annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees) but can be offset with the perks, which are valued at over $1,400. 

Here’s how hard it is to get approved for the Amex Platinum, and the credit score needed for Amex Platinum approval.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you want premium benefits, such as a fee credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Capital One Lounge, and worldwide Priority Pass lounge access, and $300 back annually for bookings through Capital One Travel. 

Cardholders also earn unlimited:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases

Plus, get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on the first anniversary. 

Use the miles you earn to cover your travel expenses. This can include flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can also transfer your miles to several Capital One travel partners. 

Bonus

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, with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

This is one of the best Capital One credit cards.

The annual fee is $395, but there are no foreign transaction fees.

These travel credit cards each offer great value in different areas, but they aren’t the only valuable travel rewards cards out there. If none of these travel credit cards suit your needs, don’t worry, you’ve still got options. Some other rewards credit card options include valuable cash-back rewards cards.

Perhaps your 2024 goals include being smarter with your finances and credit card strategy so that you can maximize points and get rewarded for your regular purchases. With a bit of extra care and consideration of your needs and spending habits, you can choose the best travel credit card that allows you to benefit greatly.

Know Your Credit Score and Credit Situation

Before getting any new travel credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have a general idea of where your finances and credit stand. While you don’t need to know your exact score, having a general idea of where to look for a free credit score will help. Some travel credit cards require you to have better credit than others in order to qualify. If you don’t have the best credit history or score, it may be worthwhile to take some time to work on improving it first.

Consider Your Normal Spending

Take a look at your everyday spending habits to see what you’re spending your money on and what you’re usually charging to your credit card. Do you go to restaurants (look at the Amex Gold and Sapphire Preferred) a lot? Do you spend a lot on gas or rental cars? Are most of your purchases travel-related?

Some travel cards will reward more points or miles for certain spending categories. That means if you tend to spend a lot more money in one category, you’ll want a travel card that dishes out the most points. Take some time to comb through your last few credit card statements to see what categories are the most popular for your own spending.

Outline Any Big Expenses for the Year

While you may stick to your normal routine with everyday purchases, you may have a plan to buy some bigger expenses, too. Those items with a larger price tag should be thought out ahead of time. Are you planning to take a big trip? Do you need to buy a new laptop? In the market for a cell upgrade? Planning out when you buy these items or when you apply for the next credit card for 2024 can make it easier for you to hit your minimum spend for credit card sign-up bonus points.

Compare Bonus Point Offers

Some Travel cards offer more attractive bonus point offers. If you’re planning to get a credit card anyway, you might as well get a good amount of bonus points so that you can use those points for a better reward later on. Many cards keep their sign-on bonus point offers relatively the same throughout the year. Others offer limited-time promotions where they increase the bonus points to get more people to sign up for their card.

Some of the top travel credit cards with great sign-on bonus offers:

• New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
• Also, New Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card cardholders can earn 120k bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,200 cash back or $1,500 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

Make sure that you choose a credit card for 2024 that has a minimum spend that you can meet so that it’s easy for you to earn your bonus points.

Understand Terms, Fees, and APR When Deciding on a Travel Credit Card for 2024

Before applying for a travel credit card for 2024, you want to have a full understanding of the terms and conditions of the card. Knowing what the APR is and if the card has an annual fee is also essential. This allows you to use the card smartly in the coming months.

As always, it’s best to pay off your balance each month to avoid fees and to make the points you’re earning more worthwhile. If you’re in the market for a new credit card, now is a great time to outline your financial plans and goals for the new year. Decide how you will spend and what cards you will use for your purchases. You can get a great new credit card for 2024 that meets your individual needs and rewards you well for your spending.

Which Bank is Best for Travel Card?

Chase Bank is the best bank for travel card offerings. They have personal, business, and premium travel cards, so there’s a travel credit card option for everyone. Plus, they have the most flexible travel points and bonus offers.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Application Rules – Flexibility and Top Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes – Premium Benefits
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card – No Annual Fee
• How Hard Is It to Get the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card – 100,000 Point Bonus Offer

Travel Credit Card FAQs

What are the advantages of using a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards allow you to rack up reward points on purchases. By using a travel credit card for purchases you would normally make with cash or a debit card, you can earn points that accumulate into basically free money. Certain travel credit cards give other perks while traveling such as hotel elite status, airport lounge access, discounts or credit towards travel purchases, and even free airline companion certificates. Many travel credit cards also have sign-up bonuses that include things like free points, accumulating points at a higher rate for a limited time, and even discounts on certain items.

Why types of travel credit cards are there?

Travel credit cards mainly fall into two categories: co-branded and general-purpose. Co-branded travel credit cards share a name with a hotel chain or airline. Rewards that you earn with those cards can usually only be redeemed through that company and its partners. While these cards are usually less flexible with what you can use your points for, they have special perks when redeemed within their network.

General-purpose travel credit cards are issued by credit card companies and are not tied to any specific airlines or hotels. Each credit card company has a different points system and is much more flexible when it comes to rewards. These points can be accumulated by using your travel card for most purchases, and are usually redeemed for flights and hotel stays.

Some popular general-purpose travel credit cards are the: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and the American Express Platinum card.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, please click here.

And for rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of The American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

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