If you love to travel, there’s one financial tool that can elevate every trip: a great travel rewards credit card. These cards do more than just rack up points—they offer access to airport lounges, travel insurance, priority boarding, and more. The right travel credit card can help you save on flights, hotels, and everyday purchases while making your journey smoother and more luxurious.
But with dozens of options on the market, how do you choose the best one? This guide breaks down the top travel credit cards available today, what makes them stand out, and how to make the most of their benefits.
What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Before diving into the best cards, it’s helpful to know what features make a travel credit card worth considering:
Key Benefits:
- Generous sign-up bonuses
- High rewards rate on travel and related categories
- Transfer partners (airlines and hotels)
- Travel protections (trip delay, baggage insurance)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Airport lounge access and other perks
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why It’s Great:
- 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 25% more value when points are redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Beginners who want flexible points and strong redemption options
Pro Tip: Points can be transferred 1:1 to travel partners like United, Hyatt, and Southwest.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why It’s Great:
- 60,000-point bonus after $4,000 in spend (3 months)
- 3x points on travel and dining
- $300 annual travel credit
- Access to Priority Pass™ lounges
- Excellent travel protections
Annual Fee: $550
Best For: Frequent travelers who want luxury perks and strong point value
Pro Tip: Combine with Chase Freedom cards to earn more points on everyday spending.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- 75,000-mile bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x miles on every purchase
- Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Simple, flat-rate earning and flexible redemptions
Pro Tip: Use miles to erase travel purchases or transfer to airlines for potentially better value.
4. American Express® Gold Card
Why It’s Great:
- 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
- 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
- 3x points on flights booked directly or on amextravel.com
- $120 dining credit (select partners)
Annual Fee: $250
Best For: Foodies and travelers who value rich earning on dining and groceries
Pro Tip: Pair with the Amex Platinum to maximize both everyday and luxury perks.
5. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why It’s Great:
- 80,000-point bonus after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months
- 5x points on flights and hotels (Amex Travel)
- Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass
- $200 airline credit, $200 hotel credit, and more
Annual Fee: $695
Best For: Luxury travelers who want elite airport and hotel perks
Pro Tip: Take full advantage of the statement credits to offset the annual fee.
6. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- 75,000-mile bonus after spending $4,000 in 3 months
- 10x miles on hotels and rental cars (Capital One Travel)
- 5x miles on flights (Capital One Travel)
- $300 annual travel credit
- Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass
Annual Fee: $395
Best For: Travelers who want a premium card with a lower fee than competitors
Pro Tip: Strong flat-rate rewards and excellent travel credits make it great for both frequent and casual travelers.
7. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Why It’s Great:
- 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points + Free Night Reward (after $2,000 spend in 3 months)
- 12x points at Hilton properties
- Complimentary Gold status and 10 Priority Pass visits
Annual Fee: $150
Best For: Hilton loyalists looking for value and hotel perks
Pro Tip: Gold status includes free breakfast and room upgrades where available.
8. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- 100,000-point bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- Free anniversary night (up to 35,000 points)
Annual Fee: $95
Best For: Frequent Marriott travelers seeking long-term value
Pro Tip: Combine points with Marriott’s fifth night free benefit to extend your stays.
9. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- 25,000-point bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Unlimited 1.5x points on all purchases
- No annual fee
Annual Fee: $0
Best For: Occasional travelers or those who prefer a no-fee card
Pro Tip: Pair with a Bank of America account to boost rewards with the Preferred Rewards program.
How to Maximize Your Travel Credit Card
Owning the right card is only half the equation—you need to use it wisely to unlock its full value.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Card:
- Always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges
- Meet the minimum spend for sign-up bonuses
- Use the card for category bonuses (e.g., travel, dining, groceries)
- Redeem points through portals or transfer partners for maximum value
- Take advantage of travel insurance, lounge access, and statement credits
A well-chosen travel credit card can open the door to upgrades, free flights, luxurious lounges, and more. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, there’s a card to match your travel style and spending habits. Take the time to compare benefits, weigh fees against rewards, and choose the card that aligns with your goals. With smart use, your next adventure could be closer—and more affordable—than you think.