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BLUEPRINT
Updated 5:53 p.m. UTC Sep. 10, 2024
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The best credit cards for travel set themselves apart from other credit cards by offering an array of benefits that make it easier and more rewarding to explore the world. These travel credit card offerings provide generous rewards and perks tailored to the needs of those on the go.
We analyzed all of the available options in this category, from issuers both large and small, to curate a list of the very best travel credit cards of 2024. Here are our selections.
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American Express® Gold Card
Partner Offer
On American Express’s secure website
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, 20% back in statement credits on restaurant purchases worldwide up to $100 back within the first 6 months. Offer ends 11/6/24. Terms apply.
60,000 points + 20% back on restaurants worldwide up to $100 within the first 6 months
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
You can unlock over $400 annually in benefits value using the Gold Card – From your morning cup of coffee to the corner table at your favorite restaurant, Gold is here for all your dining needs.
Card details
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $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.
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.
Earn 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.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the 91Ӱ, totaling up to $120 per year.
$84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin’ locations.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at 91Ӱ Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
85+ cards analyzed.
20+ data points analyzed.
5-step fact-checking process.
Best credit card for travel
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On CardRatings’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome 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.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(750 – 850) Excellent Credit
Earn 2 miles per $1 on all eligible purchases and 5 miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment, plus 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel.
Editor’s take
Pros
High reward potential.
Wide selection of statement credits.
No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
No hotel or airline-specific benefits.
Requires excellent credit.
High annual fee.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers premium benefits at a lower annual fee than competing premium cards. With over a dozen airline transfer partners and over $400 in annual recurring perks, it’s well worth the annual fee.
Card details
Annual fee: $395.
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR:19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Other perks and benefits: No foreign transaction fees, 10,000 mile card ownership anniversary bonus, $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement statement credit, airport lounge access benefits, cellphone protection benefit, transfer miles to travel and hotel partners, Hertz President’s Circle Status.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Best hotel card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
*
The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 140,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 140,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$99
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 10X points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts with the card, earn 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member, plus 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card); Earn 5X points on travel, gas stations and restaurants; Earn 3X points on all other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent at IHG hotels.
Free night after your account anniversary each year.
Redeem three nights, get a fourth consecutive night free.
Cons
$99 annual fee.
Value per point may be low compared to competing hotel chains.
Potentially high APR.
If you frequently stay at IHG properties, you’ll love the generous rewards rate you can earn with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card*The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.. It does charge a low annual fee, but that’s reasonable considering what the card has to offer.
Card details
Annual fee: $99.
Rewards: Earn 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
APR:21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Perks and benefits: Free night after your account anniversary, redeem three award nights and get a fourth consecutive night free, automatic Platinum Elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, credit of up to $100 to reimburse Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.
Best cobranded airline card
Aeroplan® Credit Card
*
The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 70,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 70,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
21.74% – 28.74% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, and Air Canada directly; Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Ability to spend your way to elite status is rare for a card at the $95 price point.
Generous rewards on everyday spending categories.
Discounts on award tickets.
Cons
Aeroplan charges high redemption rates on some award tickets compared to other Star Alliance carrier rates.
The annual fee may be hard to justify for those who don’t regularly fly Aeroplan to take advantage of the airline-specific perks.
The Aeroplan® Credit Card*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers generous rewards on everyday spending categories like dining and groceries. Beyond earning points, spending with this card helps you earn and maintain elite status.
Card details
Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and directly with Air Canada and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a month (maximum 1,500 points per month).
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Perks and benefits: Aeroplan 25K status through the rest of the calendar year and next. Maintain status with $15,000 spent in a calendar year. Existing status holders can upgrade to 35K status with $50,000 in spending per calendar year, first checked bag free for cardmember and up to eight travel companions, $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS application fee credit every four years, preferred pricing on award flights, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, secondary auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection.
Best for airport lounge access
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Partner Offer
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On American Express’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 80,000 points
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5 Membership Rewards® Points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500K in purchases per calendar year. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed with unparalleled luxury travel perks. Cardmembers have access to a wide range of airport lounges, mid-tier hotel elite status and a comprehensive set of travel protections.
Card details
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: 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 Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
$199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
$695 annual fee.¤
Terms Apply.
Best for simple redemption process
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On CardRatings’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
75,000 miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5 miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment. Earn unlimited 2 miles per $1 on every purchase, every day.
Editor’s take
Pros
Decent value for the annual fee.
No foreign transaction fees.
Worthwhile collection of perks and travel protections.
Cons
$95 annual fee.
No low introductory APR period.
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card offers decent rewards for a decent annual price, plus the flexibility to redeem and transfer the rewards to partners, making it a good choice for frequent travelers. The Venture Rewards competes with other travel cards in this price range and, though it may not be loaded with premium perks, it can provide excellent value for the right cardholder.
Card details
Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 5 miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
APR:19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Other perks and benefits: No foreign transaction fees, up to $120 statement credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee, transfer miles to eligible loyalty programs.
Best for high value with a low annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
60,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Editor’s take
Pros
Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
$50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
Valuable travel protections.
Cons
$95 annual fee.
Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership® Rewards and Citi ThankYou®.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred may not have a premium fee but it comes packed with enough benefits to stand tall in a crowded field of travel cards. It earns rewards at generous rates on travel purchased through Chase and on dining, and offers the same lineup of transfer partners as the more expensive Chase Sapphire Reserve®, plus a robust selection of travel protections.
Card details
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
Member FDIC
Best for increased redemption value
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
60,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
22.49%-29.49% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Up to $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select lounge access.
Redeem points for 50% more value to book travel through Chase Travel℠.
Transfer points 1:1 to partners such as United Airlines and World of Hyatt.
Cons
High annual fee.
Not ideal if you aren’t interested in transferring points.
May not qualify if you’ve applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.
Card details
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Member FDIC
Best for high rewards on all types of travel
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
*
The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
60,000 bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
60,000 points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn an unlimited 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Card details
Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies for 120 days from account opening. After that, a fee of up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5, applies.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best for high rewards on travel and dining
American Express® Green Card
*
The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 40,000 points
Annual fee
$150
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on restaurant purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services; Earn 1X Membership Rewards points on other purchases
Editor’s take
Pros
Lower annual fee than some comparable cards.
Credits for CLEAR® Plus membership and airport lounges.
No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
Fewer perks than more premium travel cards.
Complex rewards structure.
Some reward redemptions are a poor value.
The American Express® Green Card*The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. fills a niche between bare-bones travel cards and pricey premium ones. There’s an annual fee, but the card’s benefits include an annual up to $199 CLEAR® Plus application fee statement credit, an annual up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, some travel and purchase protections and a strong rewards rate on travel and transit that rivals far pricier options.
Card details
Annual fee: $150.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
APR: See terms for Pay Over Time eligibility and program details.
Perks and benefits: Up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, up to $199 CLEAR® Plus statement credit and additional travel protections.
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Best travel credit card for renters
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On Bilt’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
N/A
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
See terms
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
1x on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). 3x points on dining. Plus, 1x points on other purchases. Use the card 5 times to earn points each statement period.
Editor’s take
Pros
Earns rewards on rent payments.
No transaction fee for paying rent by credit card.
No annual fee or
Cons
You must make five transactions per billing period to earn rewards.
No welcome bonus or intro APR period.
Restrictive definition of what counts as a travel purchase.
The no-annual-fee Bilt Mastercard earns elevated rewards rates on dining and travel, lets you transfer those points 1:1 to multiple airline and hotel partners and offers a slew of helpful travel perks, like an Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Cellular Telephone Protection.
Card details
Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
Earns 3x points on dining
Earn 2x points on travel
Earn 1x points on other purchases
Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statements, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
Compare the best credit cards for travel
Credit Card
Credit score
Best For
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Excellent Credit (750 – 850)
Best credit card for travel
$395
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
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.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for simple redemption process
$95
75,000 miles
75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for high value with a low annual fee
$95
60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for increased redemption value
$550
60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Best travel credit cards of September 2024
Best credit card for travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why it’s the best
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers great value with its lineup of travel credits, including a $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel — Capital One’s online travel agency. If fully maximized it can negate much of the card’s $395 annual fee. Plus, the card earns a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus each year. For a premium card, the Venture X is priced well below its peers.
Pros:
Comes with airport lounge access.
Miles earned on the card can be transferred to multiple travel partners.
Elite rental status with Hertz¹.
Cons:
The travel credit is only for bookings made through Capital One.
Redeeming your earnings for cash is a poor value.
There’s a sizable annual fee.
Card details:
Annual fee: $395.
Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best hotel card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
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The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Ultra-high rewards rate, especially on IHG spending.
Card offers a free anniversary night.
Robust travel protections and coverages.
Cons
The free anniversary night is capped at 40,000 points.
Points are relatively low value.
Travel coverage does not include auto rental insurance.
Card details
Annual fee: $99.
Rewards: Earn 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best cobranded airline card: Aeroplan® Credit Card
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The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Offers elite status for the remainder of the year and the full calendar year.
Discounted pricing on reward flights.
Free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions.
Cons
Elite status isn’t an ongoing perk.
Aeroplan doesn’t have 91Ӱ-only flights.
There’s an annual fee.
Card details
Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and directly with Air Canada and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a month (maximum 1,500 points per month).
Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: $0.
Best for airport lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why it’s the best
The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, ) offers the most widespread lounge access benefits of any card on the market. While the high price point may be prohibitive for some, consider that the card offers more than a $1,000 value in potential statement credits. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Pros
Expansive airport lounge access.
Up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, up to $200 airline incidental fee statement credit per calendar year (applicable to one qualifying airline of your choice) and an up to $240 digital entertainment statement credit. Enrollment required.
Hotel and rental car elite status with several brands.
Cons
Sky-high annual fee.
Statement credits can be hard to fully maximize.
Rewards rate is mediocre outside of flights and travel booked through Amex.
Card details
Annual fee: $695.
Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best for simple redemption process: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why it’s the best
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use travel rewards card with a soft-on-the-wallet price. You can use your miles to book travel through Capital One, redeem them to cover a past travel purchase or transfer them to Capital One’s 15+ travel loyalty partners.
Pros
It’s easy to understand both earning the rewards and how to use them.
Application fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (up to $120 statement credit).
Get Hertz Five Star rental card elite status¹.
Cons
No lounge access.
The highest rewards rate is for bookings through Capital One Travel.
Other cards may offer even higher rewards in areas where you spend the most.
Card details
Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 5 miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best for high value with a low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why it’s the best
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers generous rewards on travel and dining and a straightforward redemption program. It’s an excellent choice for both frequent and aspiring travelers looking to maximize their everyday spending. Plus, rewards on this card are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠. You’d be hard-pressed to find another travel card that packs more punch in an affordable package.
Pros
Annual bonus point award equal to 10% of total purchases made in the past year.
Can transfer points 1:1 to Chase’s travel loyalty partners.
Extensive travel and purchase protections including primary auto rental coverage.
Cons
Lacks airport lounge access and hotel elite status.
Rewards are worth less than a penny per point when not used for travel redemptions.
Hotel bookings made through Chase aren’t eligible for elite loyalty benefits.
Card details
Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: $0.
Best for increased redemption value: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why it’s the best
The Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s $550 annual fee can be offset by a slew of benefits. Plus, the Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned on this card can be redeemed at a 50% increase in value when used to book travel through Chase Travel. So for example, 100,000 points on this card can be redeemed for $1,500 worth of travel booked through the issuer, helping you stretch the value of your rewards even further.
Pros
Up to $300 annual travel credit good for a wide variety of travel expenses.
Access to airport lounges via Chase Sapphire Lounges and the Priority Pass Select network (enrollment required).
1:1 points transfer to a long list of airline and hotel loyalty program partners.
Cons
The annual fee may be hard to swallow for some, even with the potential credits.
You’ll need excellent credit to be approved for the card.
Low rewards rate on everyday expenses like groceries and gas.
Card details
Annual fee: $550, plus $75 per authorized user.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: $0.
Best for high rewards on all types of travel: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
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The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Ultra-high rewards on hotels with any brand and high rewards on airfare and other travel.
Rewards can be pooled with other Wells Fargo cards.
Robust travel protections cover your trip, baggage and cellphone protection.
Cons
Limited number of travel transfer partners.
Lacks lounge access and other elite perks like hotel or rental car status.
Lackluster rewards on everyday spending categories like groceries and gas.
Card details
Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best for high rewards on travel and dining: American Express® Green Card
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The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Earns generous rewards on a wide array of travel spending, plus dining too.
Annual CLEAR® Plus and LoungeBuddy credits are worth more than the annual fee. Enrollment required.
Valuable travel insurances and protections.
Cons
The LoungeBuddy credit may not be enough for frequent flyers.
The annual fee is higher than competing travel cards.
Redeeming your rewards for cash-back offers poor value for your points.
Card details
Annual fee: $150.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Best travel credit card for renters: Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Why it’s the best
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is one-of-a-kind because you can earn rewards on paying rent without any additional transaction fees. Add in more than a dozen airline and hotel transfer partners, a long list of travel protections and other perks and this no-annual-fee card is one of the best travel cards on the market. You can even save up your Bilt Rewards toward a future down payment on a home.
Pros
Points are worth 25% more on travel booked through Bilt.
You can spend your way to elite status tiers, unlocking different benefits at each level.
The issuer offers bonus rewards and other benefits on the first of every month.
Cons
You have to use your card at least five times each statement period to earn rewards.
No welcome offer for new cardholders.
It’s best for renters as mortgage statements can’t be paid with the card.
Card details
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each year), 2 points per $1 on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), 3 points per $1 on dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. At least five transactions must be made per statement period to earn these rewards.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign currency conversion fee: None.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Factors we considered included:
A travel credit card is a card that earns points or miles on your spending and usually offers the best redemption values when those rewards are used for travel.
Generally, there are two types of travel rewards cards:
Cobranded cards: These earn a specific currency tied to an airline or hotel brand, like Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors points.
Flexible cards: These earn “flexible” rewards, like American Express Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points, that can be used to book travel across several hotels and airlines.
Co-branded cards typically earn higher rewards for purchases made within the brand and general travel cards tend to earn rewards that can be redeemed for more types of travel.
How do travel credit cards work?
With a travel credit card, you’ll earn points or miles as you spend. When you’ve accumulated enough rewards, you can redeem them for flights, hotels and other travel expenses. Redemption options will vary depending on your card. Some issuers offer boosted redemption rates for booking through their travel portal, while others allow you to transfer points directly to airline and hotel partners or apply them as a statement credit to cover travel charges made with the card.
Many travel credit cards also come with perks for travelers, like a free checked bag for your flight, a free annual hotel night or a credit towards the application fee for a trusted traveler program like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
“Travel rewards cards are a great way to leverage personal and business card use and turn it into free airline tickets and hotel rooms. Be sure to choose a card that has rewards that are applicable to your preferred airline and hotel brands”, said John Ulzheimer, president of The Ulzheimer Group and nationally recognized credit expert.
Benefits of travel credit cards
Travel rewards credit cards offer a range of benefits to frequent and occasional travelers alike:
Earn rewards for everyday spending. Use your travel credit card to pay for purchases you’d be making anyway and earn rewards you can use for travel.
Lower the out-of-pocket cost of travel. Whether you use your points to pay for airfare, nights at a hotel or for a rental car, redeeming your earnings for travel can significantly reduce the cost of a trip.
Receive free nights, checked bags and other perks. Many cobranded credit cards come with a free night perk or waive the fees for checking luggage, both of which can save you money and may be worth more than the cost of the card itself.
Enjoy new travel experiences. Stories abound of people who have used their credit card rewards to take over-the-top luxury trips. Even if an overwater villa in the Maldives is not your thing, having enough points for a free flight or hotel may be enough incentive to nudge you towards taking a trip to a new city or to see family and friends in far-flung places.
Most people can benefit from a travel credit card. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or are just looking for an occasional getaway, there’s likely a travel rewards card out there that can help you maximize your savings.
Consider how you like to travel and what you’re looking to achieve with a new travel card. Points and miles programs can be complex, and some travel credit cards require time and energy to get the most value. Other credit cards offer straightforward redemption as statement credits to offset a variety of travel spending you do directly with airlines, hotels and other travel services. Take time to plan how you would get the most out of a prospective rewards program and its transfer partners, or whether you’d be better off with a simpler approach.
Before you shell out a high annual fee for a perk-laden card, consider if the benefits it comes with are ones you’d actually use. In many cases, taking full advantage of statement credits, anniversary bonuses and other perks like free nights can more than offset the annual fee.
If you rarely travel and are considering saving up over a long period of time for a trip, keep in mind that rewards don’t earn interest. In fact, rewards often lose value over time and may even expire. It’s a general best practice not to sit on your rewards for too long.
Types of travel credit cards
Travel credit cards often provide a wide range of benefits, from travel and purchase protections to airfare and hotel redemptions.
Understanding the different types of travel rewards cards is the first step to finding the right card for you. There are several major types of travel credit cards:
Airline-specific cards
The best airline credit cards offer exclusive discounts and rewards when you use them with a specific airline. Many also offer free companion tickets or priority boarding benefits. Examples of cobranded airline cards include:
These cards may give you access to exclusive discounts at certain hotel chains and resorts, as well as rewards to be redeemed for free nights or upgrades. Hotel loyalty status is a common benefit among the best hotel credit cards. Examples of cobranded hotel cards include:
