Best Travel Credit Cards

Navigating the world of travel credit cards can be a daunting task, given the multitude of options available. But when chosen wisely, these cards can provide numerous perks such as earning free flights, hotel stays, insurance, and even no foreign transaction fees.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top travel credit cards, their unique benefits, features, costs, and eligibility requirements. This will provide a comprehensive overview to help you identify the one that suits your travel lifestyle the best.

Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

Before we dive into the details, let’s first understand the benefits of travel credit cards. They can help you:

  1. Earn Rewards: Travel credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for each dollar you spend. These can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or other travel-related expenses.
  2. Receive Travel Perks: Many travel credit cards offer perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
  3. Get Travel Insurance: Some travel credit cards offer various forms of travel insurance, such as trip cancellation/interruption coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel emergency services.
  4. Save on Foreign Transaction Fees: Most travel credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, saving you money when you travel abroad.

Now let’s get into the specifics of the top 20 travel credit cards:

Best Travel Credit Cards

Here are the best travel credit cards with benefits.

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Benefits: Earn 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit.

Earn 3X points on dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Features: $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.

Access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select.

Cost: $550 annual fee.

Eligibility: Applicants generally need an excellent credit score (720 or above).

2. The Platinum Card from American Express

Benefits: Earn 5X Membership Rewards points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.

Features: Complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries. Up to $200 in Uber savings annually.

Cost: $695 annual fee. Eligibility: Applicants generally need an excellent credit score (720 or above).

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Benefits: Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.

Features: Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®. No foreign transaction fees.

Cost: $95 annual fee.

Eligibility: Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score (670 or above).

4. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Benefits: Earn 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Features: Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Cost: $95 annual fee.

Eligibility: Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score (670 or above).

5. Discover it® Miles

Benefits: Unlimited 1.5x Miles for every dollar spent on all purchases – with no annual fee.

Features: Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically. No Blackout Dates – fly any airline, stay at any hotel.

Cost: No annual fee.

Eligibility: Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score (670 or above).

6. Citi Premier® Card

Benefits: Earn 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Features: Points are transferrable to a range of travel loyalty programs. No foreign transaction fees.

Cost: $95 annual fee.

Eligibility: Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score (670 or above).

7. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Benefits: Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

Features: 35% Airline Bonus: Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of a flight with your selected qualifying airline, and you can get 35% of the points back, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.

Cost: $595 annual fee.

Eligibility: Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score (670 or above).

In conclusion, selecting the right travel credit card can truly elevate your travel experiences, providing added convenience, luxury, and savings. However, it’s crucial to remember that the best card for you will depend on your specific needs and travel habits. Therefore, take your time, compare your options, and choose wisely. Here’s to happy and rewarding travels!

Make sure to consider your individual spending habits, travel preferences, and financial situation when deciding which card to apply for. The most important factor in choosing a travel credit card is how the card can meet your personal or business travel needs. Happy travels and may your journeys be ever rewarding!

FAQs

1. Q: What should I consider when choosing a travel credit card?

A: Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and preference for perks like airline miles, hotel loyalty points, and travel insurance. The annual fee is another important factor to consider.

2. Q: Can I use my travel credit card for everyday purchases?

A: Yes, you can use your travel credit card for everyday purchases. Many travel cards offer bonus points on specific categories, such as groceries or dining, which can help you earn travel rewards faster.

3. Q: What is a good credit score for applying for a travel credit card?

A: Most travel credit cards require a good to excellent credit score. Typically, a credit score of 670 or above is considered good.

4. Q: Do travel credit cards offer travel insurance?

A: Some travel credit cards offer forms of travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and even car rental coverage. Check the benefits guide of each card for specific information.

5. Q: Do travel credit cards have foreign transaction fees?

A: Many travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, but not all. It’s crucial to check the card’s terms and conditions before making purchases abroad.

6. Q: How do I redeem the rewards earned on my travel credit card?

A: The method of redeeming travel rewards varies by card. Some allow you to redeem points or miles directly for travel purchases, while others may require you to exchange your rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or other options.

7. Q: What happens to my points or miles if I close my travel credit card?

A: Policies vary by card issuer, but generally, if you close a travel credit card, you will lose any unused points or miles. Consider using them before closing your account.

Mani Karthik

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