If you love to travel, finding the best credit cards for travel rewards can make a huge difference in your trips. These cards allow you to earn points for flights, hotel stays, and even exclusive experiences, making every purchase count toward your next adventure.
When choosing the best credit cards for travel rewards, consider important factors like bonus categories, sign-up bonuses, and annual fees. A well-chosen card can maximize your rewards and bring you closer to your dream vacation, all while offering additional travel perks.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice for frequent travelers, and it’s easy to see why. It offers an amazing sign-up bonus, which can quickly give you a boost towards booking your next trip. Just imagine getting enough points for a flight or hotel stay, all from a few purchases.
Beyond the sign-up bonus, the card earns 2x points on travel and dining purchases, which means you’re stacking up rewards every time you eat out or hit the road. Plus, the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, so you can use it freely on your travels without worrying about extra costs.
One of the coolest features is the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 rate. This flexibility can help you find better redemption options, especially if you like to have control over how you use your rewards.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out for its premium perks, especially if you’re someone who travels often. Right off the bat, you’ll earn a huge welcome bonus that can take care of your first trip or upgrade.
Additionally, this card gives you 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. That’s a great way to rack up points without even trying. Plus, the card includes access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, making your travel experience a lot more comfortable.
What really sets this card apart is its travel credits. You get up to $200 annually for airline fees, which can help with baggage fees or in-flight purchases. Combine that with all the other perks, and it’s clear why so many travelers love this card.
3. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a great pick for anyone looking to earn rewards while traveling. What stands out is the ability to earn 3x points on popular categories like travel, dining, gas stations, and more. This means your everyday spending can quickly turn into points for your next vacation.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The card also offers a generous sign-up bonus, which gives you a nice head start on earning rewards. Just imagine using that bonus for a getaway or an upgrade on your next flight.
Moreover, with no annual fee, this card is a budget-friendly option. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking to earn rewards without the pressure of a high annual fee eating into your budget. Simply put, it’s a good way to make your purchases work harder for you.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option if you love to travel and want to earn rewards on every purchase. With 2x miles on every dollar spent, you’re always earning, whether it’s for groceries, dining, or your next trip. It’s perfect for those who want a simple and straightforward way to rack up miles.
Additionally, this card offers a huge sign-up bonus that can give you a great head start on your next adventure. Use those miles to book flights, hotels, or even car rentals with no blackout dates, so you have flexibility when planning.
Another big perk is the $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can make your airport experience a lot easier. If you’re looking for a no-fuss card that helps you earn rewards fast, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card could be just what you need.
5. American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a great pick for foodies and frequent travelers alike. With 4x points on dining worldwide, you’re racking up rewards every time you grab a meal, whether it’s at a fancy restaurant or your favorite café. It’s a smart way to earn miles for something you already enjoy.
But that’s not all. You’ll also earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, making it an ideal card for planning your next vacation. Plus, the welcome bonus can help you get a good head start on your travel goals.
Another perk of the American Express® Gold Card is the $120 annual dining credit. It’s split into monthly credits, and you can use it at select restaurants or delivery services, which helps offset the annual fee. If you enjoy dining out or traveling, this card could definitely be worth considering.
6. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a great option for business owners who travel often. With 3x points on the first $150,000 spent in travel, internet, cable, and phone services, it helps you earn rewards in categories you likely already use.
Additionally, the card offers a generous sign-up bonus, which can be a game changer for covering travel costs like flights and hotel stays. And with no foreign transaction fees, you don’t have to worry about extra charges while traveling abroad.
This card also provides access to premium travel benefits, such as trip cancellation insurance and baggage delay coverage. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, these benefits can give you peace of mind on your journey. This card makes it easier to manage business expenses while earning rewards that take you places.
7. United℠ Explorer Card
The United℠ Explorer Card is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently flies with United Airlines. You’ll earn 2x miles on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases, which means you can quickly rack up miles for your next trip. Plus, there’s no blackout date when you book with miles, giving you more flexibility.
One of the best perks is the two one-time passes to United Club℠ airport lounges each year. Imagine relaxing before your flight with access to premium amenities, something you’ll appreciate during those long layovers.
Another highlight is the 25% back on in-flight purchases. While it might seem like a small perk, it adds up over time and makes your flight experience much more enjoyable. If you fly with United regularly, this card offers a great way to enhance your travel experience while earning miles toward your next adventure.
All done! The best credit cards for travel rewards can help you earn miles and points quickly, making your dream vacation more accessible. If you enjoy your travels too much, here’s how to get out of credit card debt and regain financial relief. See you later!