Picture this: you’re strolling down the Champs-Élysées, baguette in hand, the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance. Or maybe you’re trekking through ancient temples in Angkor Wat, the air thick with the scent of jasmine and incense. Travel, as they say, is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. But what if you could make those enriching experiences even more rewarding? Enter: travel reward credit cards.
Choosing the best travel credit card can seem as daunting as navigating the backstreets of Marrakech, but don’t worry, we’re here to be your guide. With the right card in your wallet, you can earn points, miles, and perks that will have you sipping Mai Tais in Maui before you know it.
Understanding Travel Reward Credit Cards
Before we dive into the best cards on the market, let’s unpack how travel reward cards work. Essentially, these cards offer you points or miles for every dollar you spend. Think of it like a frequent flyer program, but for all your spending – not just flights.
Here’s the gist:
- Earning rewards: You earn points or miles on eligible purchases, which vary by card. Some cards offer bonus rewards on specific categories like dining, groceries, or, of course, travel.
- Redeeming rewards: You can redeem your accumulated rewards for travel expenses like flights, hotels, rental cars, and even cruises. Some cards offer flexible redemption options like statement credits or gift cards.
- Perks and benefits: Travel credit cards often come with additional perks such as airport lounge access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards
Choosing the best travel credit card depends on your individual spending habits, travel style, and financial goals. Here are a few top contenders:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Why it’s great: This card consistently ranks high for its generous sign-up bonus, valuable rewards program, and comprehensive travel insurance benefits. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Best for: Those who want a versatile card with a strong earning potential and valuable travel perks.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- Why it’s great: This card offers a simple rewards structure – earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel.
- Best for: People who prefer a straightforward rewards program and want a card with no foreign transaction fees.
3. American Express® Gold Card:
- Why it’s great: Foodies rejoice! This card offers 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- Best for: Those who spend a lot on dining and groceries and want a card with premium dining benefits.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card:
- Why it’s great: If you’re just starting out with travel rewards, this card is a solid option. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases – with no annual fee.
- Best for: People new to travel rewards cards and those who prefer a no-annual-fee option.
For a deeper dive into the best travel credit cards, check out Which Credit Card Offers the Best Travel Rewards?
eiffel-tower-baguette|Eiffel Tower with Baguette|A photo of a person holding a baguette in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
angkor-wat-temple|Angkor Wat Temple|A photo of a person exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
mai-tai-beach|Mai Tai on Beach|A photo of a person sipping a Mai Tai cocktail on a tropical beach in Maui, Hawaii.
