BLUEPRINT

Advertiser Disclosure

Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.

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 a broad swath of credit cards in this category, from a variety of issuers, to curate a list of the very best travel credit cards. Here are our selections.

Best travel credit cards

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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.
  • 8 data points considered.
  • 5-step fact-checking process.

our partner

Ad

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

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 Ultimate Rewards®.

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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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 Ultimate Rewards® at 1.25 cents each.
  • $50 annual statement credit toward Ultimate Rewards 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, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Best credit card for travel

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

*

The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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.

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 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 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, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement credit, airport lounge access benefits, cellphone protection benefit, transfer miles to travel and hotel partners, Hertz President’s Circle Status.

Best travel credit card for boosted redemption value

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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.
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

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.

(750 – 850) 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.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the most premium travel credit cards available. It charges a hefty annual fee, but in exchange comes with an up to $300 annual travel credit, a top-notch list of travel partners you can transfer points to, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (enrollment required) and a long list of travel benefits and 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 $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.
  • 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 travel credit card for renters

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

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.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On Bilt’s Secure Website

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 foreign currency conversion fee.
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 cellphone protection.

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotels, car rental agencies, and cruise lines), 1x points on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year) and 1x points on other purchases
  • Earn double points on the first of the month (i.e. 6X points on dining, 4X on travel and 2X on other purchases; except rent)
  • Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
  • Cellular Telephone Protection
  • Purchase Security (theft and damage protection)
  • Concierge Service
  • Lyft Credits
  • No foreign currency conversion fee
  • Rewards & benefits terms
  • Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions.

Best travel credit card with a low annual fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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.
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

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 Ultimate Rewards®.

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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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 Ultimate Rewards® at 1.25 cents each.
  • $50 annual statement credit toward Ultimate Rewards 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, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Best low-cost travel credit credit card for airline benefits

United℠ Explorer Card

*

The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

United℠ Explorer 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.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 50,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

21.99% – 28.99% 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 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Reasonable annual fee.
  • Ability to earn elite status via credit card spending.
  • Access to United Saver awards.
Cons
  • United miles are more limited in use than transferable rewards like Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Benefits are not useful for those who don’t often fly United.
  • Very limited airport lounge access.
The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is hard to beat if you want an airline card tied to a domestic legacy carrier. Whether you’re looking to travel abroad or domestically, United miles can get you there, while the card’s various perks can improve your journey, like a free checked bag for you and one companion on your reservation.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on dining including eligible delivery services, hotel stays and United purchases and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • APR: 21.99% to 28.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
  • Perks and benefits: Free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and one travel companion, priority boarding for the primary cardmember and travel companions on the same reservation, two annual United Club passes, complimentary Premier Upgrades on award tickets for MileagePlus Premier members and one companion on the same reservation, earn 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $12,000 spent, up to a maximum of 1,000 PQP per calendar year, 25% back on United in-flight purchases, up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years.
  • Foreign transaction fees: $0.

Best travel card for premium airline perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Partner Offer
The Platinum Card® from American Express
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.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on 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.
  • Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
  • Generous travel and purchase protections.
Cons
  • High annual fee and spending requirements.
  • Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
  • Annual statement credits have limited use.
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 purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, 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 with American Express Travel when you pay with 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.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $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.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: 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®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: 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.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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 low-cost travel credit card for hotels

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

*

The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The World of Hyatt 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.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Earn up to 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 up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt – 4 bonus points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 bonus points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 4 points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per $1.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • High rewards potential on hotel bookings through Hyatt.
  • Points don’t expire.
  • Free night certificate each year.
Cons
  • There’s a $95 annual fee.
  • Hyatt doesn’t have as expansive a footprint as Marriott and Hilton.
  • High APR.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card * The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is a great option for Hyatt loyalists. It provides an annual free night perk, a strong rewards program and the opportunity to redeem points for valuable award stays. Plus, it comes with complimentary Discoverist status and solid travel and purchase protections — all for a reasonable annual fee.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
  • 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: $0.
  • Perks and benefits: One free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your card opening anniversary, plus an extra free night if you spend $15,000 on the card throughout the year, one year of no-extra-charge DashPass, automatic Discoverist status and credits toward the next level of World of Hyatt elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, Visa Signature Concierge and purchase protection.

Best travel credit card for elite hotel status

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

*

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.

Earn 175,000 points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

20.99% – 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 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants; Earn 3X points on other eligible purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • High rewards rates on Hilton bookings, flights and dining.
  • Annual credits and complimentary Diamond status.
  • A free night each calendar year with the potential to earn two additional nights after required spend.
Cons
  • High $550 annual fee.
  • Hilton points often have a lower redemption value than competing programs.
  • May require significant effort to take advantage of the annual credits.
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express offers many perks and benefits for travelers seeking a premium hotel card and luxury travel experience. Though the annual fee is fairly steep, the benefits and rewards from this card are stellar for those who frequent hotels within the Hilton portfolio, fly regularly and spend heavily on dining out.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $550.
  • Rewards: 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.
  • Perks and benefits: Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, annual free night reward with the opportunity to earn a second free night after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year and an additional night after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually each calendar year) for eligible purchases through participating Hilton resorts, up to $200 airfare statement credit (up to $50 per quarter) on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com, up to $100 in property credit when you book a two-night minimum stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts or Conrad Hotels & Resorts, (enrollment required for select benefits).
  • APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best travel card credit for road warriors

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

*

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus 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.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 100,000 bonus points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.

Earn 100,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$75

Regular APR

20.99%, 25.24% or 30.24% 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 6 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at participating By Wyndham hotels and at gas stations; Earn 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®); Earn 1 point per $1 spent on purchases everywhere else.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • High rewards rates on Wyndham hotel stays, gas and groceries.
  • Valuable welcome bonus and account anniversary bonus points.
  • Automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status.
Cons
  • $75 annual fee.
  • Redemptions other than Wyndham bookings likely to offer subpar value.
  • Lacking in travel and purchase protections.
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card earns points on hotels, gas and groceries at a reasonable annual fee, making it an excellent choice for road warriors. And, you automatically get Wyndham Rewards Platinum status for holding this card. However, Wyndham is not known for its luxury hotel offerings, so be sure to check that the company’s properties are in line with your expectations before committing to this rewards program and a card with an annual fee.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $75.
  • Rewards: 6 points per $1 on Hotels By Wyndham and gas purchases, 4 points per $1 on restaurants and grocery purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 100,000 points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
  • APR: 0% intro APR on Wyndham Timeshare purchases made in the first 6 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 20.99%, 25.24% or 30.24% on purchases and balance transfers. A 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within the first 45 days is applicable for the first 15 months. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • Perks and benefits: Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, annual bonus of 7,500 points, 10% discount when redeeming for go free® awards.

Best travel credit card for commuters

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On Wells Fargo’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable 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 unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Generous rewards rate across a wide range of categories.
  • No annual fee.
  • Introductory APR period on purchases.
Cons
  • Minimal cardholder perks compared to other cards.
  • Potentially high purchase APR after the introductory period.
  • Lacks an intro APR period on balance transfers.
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes with a generous rewards program likely to entice commuters — particularly those who use transit services — as well as foodies. It’s somewhat light on benefits, but for no annual fee, there’s a lot to love about the Autograph.

Card Details

  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
  • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

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.

Excellent (750 – 850)
Best travel credit card for boosted 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℠.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best travel credit card for renters
$0
N/A  

N/A

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best travel credit card 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 Ultimate Rewards®.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best low-cost travel credit credit card for airline benefits
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Earn 50,000 bonus miles  

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best travel card for premium airline perks
$695
Earn 80,000 points  

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best low-cost travel credit card for hotels
$95
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points  

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best travel credit card for elite hotel status
$550
Earn 175,000 points  

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best travel card credit for road warriors
$75
Earn 100,000 bonus points  

Earn 100,000 bonus points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best travel credit card for commuters
$0
20,000 bonus points  

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best travel credit cards of March 2024
Best credit card for travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card *

The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards 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 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. Among its many benefits, the card offers airport lounge access, cellphone protection¹ and the ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners. The rewards earned on this card don’t expire and bookings made with Capital One aren’t subject to blackout dates. Card ownership also comes with Hertz President’s Circle status².

  • Annual fee: $395.
  • Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights 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 travel credit card for boosted redemption value: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why this card made the list

The Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s $550 annual fee can be offset by an up to $300 annual travel credit, access to airport lounges via Chase Sapphire Lounges and the Priority Pass Select network (enrollment required), food delivery service memberships, 1:1 points transfer to a long list of airline and hotel loyalty program partners and generous protections for travel, car rentals and purchases.

In addition to a slew of benefits, 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.

  • 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.

Here’s how two of the top cards compare to each other. Capital One Venture X vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Best travel credit card for renters: Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Why this card made the list

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is one-of-a-kind in that it allows cardholders to 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.

  • 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.
Best travel credit card with a low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why this card made the list

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.

Card perks include an annual bonus point award equal to 10% of total purchases made in the past year, the ability to transfer points 1:1 to Chase’s travel loyalty partners and a long list of travel and purchase protections including primary auto rental coverage. Plus, rewards on this card are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You’d be hard-pressed to find another travel card that packs more punch in an affordable package.

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 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 low-cost travel credit credit card for airline benefits: United℠ Explorer Card *

The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a jumbo jet’s worth of United Airlines benefits including a free first checked bag perk, priority boarding on United-operated flights and 25% back as a statement credit on United in-flight purchases. The card also reimburses application fees up to $100 for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years and offers a one-year complimentary DashPass membership. United fans who don’t want to pay for the pricier cards in the United card lineup should consider this card, as the benefits can outweigh the cost of the annual fee.

  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on dining including eligible delivery services, hotel stays and United purchases and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0.
Best travel card for premium airline perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why this card made the list

The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) 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. Among its most notable are up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, an 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 that can be used toward certain streaming services. Enrollment is required to enjoy these benefits.

  • 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 purchases in the first six months of card membership.
  • Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best low-cost travel credit card for hotels: The World of Hyatt Credit Card *

The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The World of Hyatt Credit Card * The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. stands out among cobranded hotel cards for its earning power and access to ongoing brand benefits at a fairly low cost. Hyatt’s rewards program often provides better redemption values than other hotel reward programs, allowing you to maximize your points potential. The card also offers a free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort after every cardmember anniversary. This perk alone can be worth much more than the annual fee.

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: Earn 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0.
Best travel credit card for elite hotel status: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card *

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) is the only cobranded hotel card on the market that confers the highest elite status with card ownership. You won’t have to stay a single night to get the Hilton Honors Diamond status that comes with card ownership, but when you do, that status will give you access to room upgrades where available and a daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region), among other perks like resort credits and airfare statement credits, plus an annual free night award each year of card membership.

  • Annual fee: $550.
  • Rewards: Earn 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.
  • Foreign transaction fee: None.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best travel card credit for road warriors: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card *

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card * The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a rewards structure tailor-made for those frequently on the road or visiting small towns, offering high rewards on Wyndham-branded hotels and filling up at the gas pump. The card offers complimentary Platinum status, which is the second highest tier in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. This status level grants flexible check-in and check-out times and preferred room choice. Plus, the card also comes with an intro offer for those interested in owning a Wyndham timeshare.

  • Annual fee: $75.
  • Rewards: 6 points per $1 on Hotels By Wyndham and gas purchases, 4 points per $1 on restaurants and grocery purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 100,000 points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
  • Foreign transaction fee: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Best travel credit card for commuters: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Why this card made the list

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has a wide range of high reward categories and those earnings can be redeemed as a statement credit, used to book travel or redeemed for gift cards with multiple merchants.

The card also comes with cellphone protection and some travel and purchase protections. While it doesn’t offer the travel benefits of a premium travel rewards credit card, there are no foreign currency conversion fees and, as a Visa Signature® card, it comes with access to the benefits and perks of the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fee: None.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel 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. We factored the following into our analysis:

  • Annual fees.
  • Travel reward rates.
  • Value of rewards.
  • Redemption options.
  • Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.

How do travel credit cards work?

A travel credit card is typically a card that earns points or miles on your spending, and those rewards are usually worth the most when redeemed for travel. Generally, there are two types of travel rewards cards: Ones that earn a specific currency tied to a brand, like Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors points and cards that earn “flexible” rewards that can be used to book travel across several hotels and airlines.

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”, says John Ulzheimer, owner of The Ulzheimer Group and nationally recognized credit expert.

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.

How to travel for cheaper with travel cards in 2024

New year, new travel possibilities. What’s more, it’s entirely possible to travel for cheaper by maximizing your credit card strategy with the right travel cards in hand. There are droves of rewards cards to choose from, so it can be hard to choose the right one for you.

Travel credit cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars and more, helping you subsidize the cost of your trip expenses. Beyond earning rewards, some cards even come with airport lounge access or credits to offset your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. 

For many travelers, a one-punch solution is the best fit. We’re talking about general travel credit cards, which earn rewards through a bank like American Express, Capital One, Chase, or Citi and don’t tie you to a specific airline or hotel program. Instead, the cardholder has the choice to redeem their earnings how they please toward any travel purchase. 

Best places to travel with rewards in 2024

Portugal

While a European summer vacation never goes out of style, traveling during the shoulder season is the true winner. With fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations and pleasant weather, a spring break trip to Portugal next year should be on your list.

If you’ve got travel rewards cards from American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase or Citi, you can transfer your points or miles over to the Air Canada Aeroplan program. You can book a nonstop, business class flight from Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS) in March for just 70,000 miles one way.

Costa Rica

There’s so much to love about Costa Rica, from its lush jungles to the natural wildlife. Plus, this Central American country is quite accessible from many states in the U.S. With two main international airports — Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO), the toughest decision you’ll need to make is which part of Costa Rica to visit. 

Many major U.S. airlines fly to Costa Rica, so redeeming your rewards for a flight shouldn’t be too difficult depending on where your loyalty lies. For example, United Airlines offers a flight from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Liberia (LIR) with a layover in Houston (IAH). You’ll pay just 20,000 MileagePlus miles one-way — even during the peak winter season. 

Hawaii

One of the best ways to fly the whole family to Hawaii is by setting your sights on the British Airways Avios program. Earning points is a breeze: You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards®, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou® Points or Capital One Miles to this program at a simple 1:1 ratio.

Because British Airways is part of the Oneworld airline alliance, you can redeem your Avios for partner airlines like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Both of these carriers offer plenty of routes to the Aloha State. 

Nonstop routes are priced favorably for just 13,000 Avios plus $5.60 in taxes and fees for a one way flight from the West Coast. Depending on when you’re traveling, you may also be able to find multiple award seats per flight. This is great news for big families.

Types of travel credit cards

Travel rewards credit cards can be a great way to earn more value on your next vacation or business trip. They 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 classifications:

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 include: The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and 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.

Hotel-specific cards

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 include: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , 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. and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (terms apply).

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Flexible points cards

These cards allow you to earn points for every dollar spent that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel bookings. Often issued by major issuers with online travel booking portals, these cards may also allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel partners, providing the most flexibility when it comes to redemptions. Examples include: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Bilt World Elite Mastercard®.

Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards

A co-branded travel card is one that earns specific rewards with a specific brand. For example, the United Explorer card only earns United’s MileagePlus miles and the World of Hyatt card only earns Hyatt points.

General travel cards earn rewards that can be redeemed in a variety of ways for multiple types of travel. For example, the Venture X card earns miles that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels, cruises and other types of travel.

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 to compare and choose the best travel rewards card

When it comes to choosing the right card for your needs, there are several factors to consider:

  • What type of rewards do you want to earn? Do you want points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses? Or do you prefer cash back on all your purchases? Different cards offer different types of rewards, so it’s important to pick one that best suits your needs.
  • Does the card come with a good welcome bonus? Many cards offer a generous welcome bonus (sometimes called a sign-up bonus) when you make a certain amount of purchases in the first few months of receiving the card. This can be an easy way to get an infusion of rewards when you first open your account — but when calculating a card’s value, remember the welcome bonus is a one-time deal. 
  • Are you willing to pay the annual fee and any additional fees associated with the card? Some cards have no annual fee, while others have a high annual fee but offer more generous rewards or benefits. Make sure you understand all the fees before making a decision so that you don’t end up paying more than you’d like.
  • Does it come with any additional benefits that offer value? Card perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access or exclusive discounts and offers can help make your travel smoother and your card more cost effective.

What is Priority Pass and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about this airport lounge network.

Evaluating if a travel credit card is right for you

Consider how you like to travel and what you’re looking to achieve with a new travel card. 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. 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, and in fact often lose value over time and may even expire. It’s generally best practice not to sit on your rewards for too long.

Flexible rewards vs airline or hotel credit cards

For those who travel often but don’t have a particular brand loyalty, the best travel card is likely one that earns flexible rewards on every purchase. Flexible rewards are not tied to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program but rather a card issuer’s travel agency redemption program. Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards® are two examples, but Capital One offers Miles, Citi offers ThankYou® Points and other major issuers have similar reward programs.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards offer rewards tied to a loyalty program with the airline or hotel, and typically offer better value with that carrier or brand, but not as much flexibility with redemption options. Only apply for a card like these if you’re sure the brand is the one you want.

If you only take an occasional trip, then a different type of reward card may be a better choice. 

Cash-back cards offer simpler reward redemptions and the rewards earned can still be used toward future trips or redeemed for gift cards or other rewards if travel remains a priority.

Evaluating reward potential

We evaluate the reward potential of travel rewards credit cards based on what we’d expect a household in the 50th percentile of wage earners to spend each year on a credit card. We gather these figures from the government and other publicly available data. 

In a year, we expect a household might make about $84,352 and spend about $25,087 of this on a credit card. Of this credit card spending, we’d expect about $2,941 to be spent on overall travel — which breaks down as $1,188 spent on airfare, $868 spent on hotels and $885 spent on all other travel. For frequent travelers carrying high-annual-fee travel rewards cards — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , which charges an annual fee of $395 — we expect about twice this much spending in the travel categories. 

The Capital One Venture X earns 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights 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.

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in annual expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card. Here’s how our sample household would fare with the Capital One Venture X Card:

SPENDING CATEGORYSPENDING AMOUNTMILES PER $1MILES EARNED
Hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One
$3,506
10
35,060
Airfare booked through Capital One Travel
$2,376
5
11,880
Other
$19,205
2
38,410
TOTAL
$25,087
85,350

The cardholder in this example earns a grand total of 85,350 miles annually, which is worth $853.50 if used to book travel through Capital One or when eligible travel is booked elsewhere and you redeem your miles to cover the purchase. 

The right travel card can net you lucrative rewards. But make sure to select a card based on your spending and travel habits — the best card for travel will differ from person to person.

Pros and cons of travel cards

Pros: Reasons to consider a travel card

  • Travel rewards can be easy to earn with a credit card. Use your travel credit card to pay for everyday expenses and earn rewards you can use for travel.
  • Can 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.
  • 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.
  • May enable you to have a travel experience you might not have had otherwise. 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 within reach or something you’re interested in, 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.

Cons: Why a travel card might not make sense for you

  • Top travel cards often carry ultra-high annual fees. If you end up getting a travel card with an expensive price tag, you’ll have to put in the work to maximize credits and benefits to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth from the card.
  • Travel programs can be complicated. Many points-and-miles programs can be complex and take some time to understand how to get the most out of your rewards.
  • Cash-back redemptions may be a poor option. Most travel cards are designed to offer the best value from using your rewards to book more travel, which may have you caught in a loop of having to spend even more money on travel. A cash-back card might be better for some, as it allows you to spend those earnings on anything you’d like, travel or otherwise.

Tips for maximizing your travel credit card

There’s several ways to get the most out of your travel credit card:

  • Pay your bill on time every month and aim to pay it in full. If you carry a balance, the accumulated interest fees will likely be more than the value of any rewards earned on the card.
  • Try to earn the card’s welcome bonus. Many top travel cards offer outsized welcome bonuses for new cardholders who can meet a minimum spending requirement. Earning that bonus can give you a nice boost to your rewards balance.
  • Be aware of the perks your card offers. Many travel cards offer discounts or statement credits for travel-related spending, like a discount within a hotel collection, cellphone insurance or elite status within a brand. Knowing what your card comes with means you can fully maximize those benefits.
  • Don’t sit on your rewards for too long. Unlike money in the bank, travel rewards do not earn interest and may actually be worth less over time. The value of your rewards is often tied to the cash price of travel and travel only tends to get more expensive year-over-year.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There’s no one “best” card that’s right for everyone. The best travel card for you will depend on a combination of factors including how often you travel, how you travel, your tolerance for annual fees and what you’re looking for in a travel card.

Generally speaking, the best travel credit cards earn bonus category rewards on airfare, hotels, car rentals and even dining. These cards typically also offer bonus points or miles when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account — known as a welcome bonus or welcome offer. Some will also offer perks such as travel protections, elite status in airline or hotel loyalty programs, priority boarding and airport lounge access.

The exact credit score needed for a travel rewards credit card will vary depending on the issuer and the specific card. Generally, you will need at least a good credit score, typically from 670 to 739 on the FICO Score scale — to be approved for most travel rewards cards. However, some of the more premium cards may require an excellent credit score, typically defined as a FICO Score of 740 or higher.

The most rewarding travel rewards cards, including most of the cards on this list, are not likely to offer approval to anyone without a good or better credit score. Some issuers also have rules in place preventing you from applying for a credit card, travel or otherwise, if you’ve applied for a certain number of cards within a certain period of time.

Which type of card is best for you will depend on your spending habits and your financial goals. If you’re a loyal frequent flyer at an airline, an airline rewards card might make more sense. If you spend plentifully at a specific hotel brand, you may be better suited to a hotel credit card.

If you’re not sure, or you have a wider variety of needs, a card with flexible point currencies — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — may be a better bet.

Finally, If you’re looking for a simple way to get cash back on everyday purchases, then a cash-back credit card may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences — and in some cases, you might have a pattern of spending that justifies having both in your wallet.

The exact value of a point or mile earned on a travel credit card will depend on the type of point or mile and how you redeem them. In most cases you should look to get at least a penny per point of value. The reason for the variation in points value is that many airline and hotel pricing structures are dynamic and will change based on demand. The points values tend to be somewhat fixed however and this can lead to redemption values worth more – or less – than 1 cent each. Transferring rewards to airline programs when allowed and redeeming for business and first class seating can often yield greater values per point.

Travel reward credit cards earn points or miles for every dollar spent. These rewards can typically be redeemed for award travel including flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel bookings.

Some cards offer bonus points for purchases made in certain categories, such as purchases made with airlines or at grocery stores. Many cards also offer welcome bonuses for meeting certain spending requirements and provide a wide variety of travel-related protections and other benefits.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.

¹For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

²Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, JetBlue Plus Card, The World of Hyatt Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card and Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Megan Horner

BLUEPRINT

Megan Horner is editorial director at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has over 10 years of experience in online publishing, mostly focused on credit cards and banking. Previously, she was the head of publishing at Finder.com where she led the team to publish personal finance content on credit cards, banking, loans, mortgages and more. Prior to that, she was an editor at Credit Karma. Megan has been featured in CreditCards.com, American Banker, Lifehacker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and editing.