The Best Credit Cards For All Types Of Travelers
Don’t let anyone tell you all credit cards for travelers are created equal. Even cards that appear similar on the surface are different in a number of ways. Fortunately, no matter which offer you choose, you’re getting a convenient financial tool that can save you money.
If you want to apply for one of the best travel credit cards, consider one of the following. With one of these in your wallet or purse, the way you travel will never be the same.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Won't Bog You Down With Restrictions
Capital One has built its brand by providing cardholders with all of the best travel perks. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the best in the travel class, thanks to its long list of features and world-class reputation
This card doesn't restrict you to one airline or hotel, thus providing more ways to use your points. You earn unlimited two miles per dollar spent on every expense, with no limit on the number of miles you can earn. In addition to booking travel directly, you can also redeem miles against a variety of travel expenses, such as hotels, airline tickets, and rental cars.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Is Incredibly Flexible
You’ve seen the commercials. You may have even read about it online. When it comes to travel rewards cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a top-performer.
There’s a lot to like about this credit card, but it’s the flexibility in earning and redeeming reward points that’s made it a popular choice. Since it’s not directly attached to a specific hotel brand or airline, you can use your points in a variety of places. Add this to the fact that your points are worth 25 percent more when you book through Chase, and there’s not much to think about - it’s a solid choice.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Offers More Than Just Travel Rewards
While available to everyone, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is the best choice for consumers who have a Bank of America bank account.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card attracts consumers with a long list of benefits, including no annual fee, flexible redemption policies, 1.5 points for every dollar you spend, and the ability to redeem points for a credit statement. It won’t earn you quite as many points as other offers, but it’s a generall great choice across the board.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card Is Worth Its Annual Fee
Even though the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card has a $450 annual fee, the perks you receive in return make it well worth the money.
As a top-flight premium travel credit card, you earn three points for every dollar spent on travel purchases and one point for all other spending. Also, there’s a sign-up bonus, reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and a $300 annual credit for travel expenses. And best yet, thanks to the high annual fee, you receive valuable perks throughout the year that you won't find with many other travel credit cards.
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express Credit Card Loads Up First-Year Bonuses
Are you seeking a bonus travel rewards credit card with no annual fee? If so, the Wells Fargo Propel American Express credit card deserves a second look.
You earn three points for every dollar spent in multiple categories, such as gas stations, restaurants, travel, and ride-shares. When combined with a sign-up bonus of 30,000 bonus points (if you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months) and a 12 month zero percent introductory APR period, you have a winner.
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card Is Best For Large Balance Customers
Anyone can apply for the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card, but it’s best suited to those with a large balance ($100,000 or more) in a Bank of America bank account.
The standard reward rate is two points per dollar spent on dining and travel and 1.5 points for all other purchases. Also, the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card provides the option to redeem points for cash back - in case traveling isn’t in the cards or there’s another purchase you’d rather make.
The Platinum Card from American Express Credit Card Is Full Of Reimbursement Offers
If you enjoy traveling in style, the Platinum Card from American Express credit card is the one for you. There’s a $550 annual fee, but you earn it back (plus some) if you’re a regular traveler.
While the rewards are competitive - such as five points per every dollar spent on hotels and airline tickets, it’s the travel perks that make it worthwhile. The Platinum Card from American Express gives you access to 1,000+ airport lounges, reimbursement for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application, and an annual credit of $200 for Uber and airline fees.
The Discover it Miles Credit Card Has You Covered In Many Different Ways
With no annual fee and 1.5 miles for every dollar spent, regardless of category, the Discover it Miles credit card might be right for your needs.
After your first year, Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned, with no limit. This unlimited bonus is among the best you’ll find. Also, you have the option to redeem miles for a statement credit used toward travel or to receive a check - which is something most travel credit cards don’t offer. When combined with world-class security features, the Discover it Miles credit card deserves a second look.
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card Will Help Your Company Save Money
Do you travel a lot for business? If so, the Ink Business Preferred credit card is a good choice. The sign-up bonus of 80,000 points (for spending $5,000 within the first three months of opening an account) is reason enough to consider it, but that’s just the start.
With the Ink Business Preferred credit card, you earn three points per dollar spent on travel, social media and search advertising, telecommunications, and shipping. And for all other purchases, you earn one point per dollar spent. If you spend a lot of money on business expenses, the Ink Business Preferred credit card is an option to consider.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card Will Give You A Huge Mileage Bonus
Do you make it a habit to fly on Southwest Airlines? If so, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card can be your new best friend.
With this card, you earn two points for every dollar spent on Southwest airfare and car rental and hotel partner purchases. You also have the opportunity to earn up to a 60,000 points bonus if you spend $12,000 during your first 12 months of opening the account. And with no blackout dates, you never have to worry about when you can take to the sky.
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card Is Great For West Coast Travelers
It’s not the right choice for every consumer - as Alaska Airlines primarily operates on the West Coast of the United States - but if you fly this airline regularly it’s an option to consider.
The biggest perk of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card is its companion fare feature. With this, you’re able to invite someone to fly with you for as cheap as $99. Along with the ability to check bags for free and 3x miles on all airline purchases, you’ll have a card that allows you to fly in style.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business Credit Card Is Great For Business Owners
It takes a special type of credit card to keep you happy when traveling for business. And the Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card is up to the task.
You earn a flat two miles for every dollar you spend, regardless of category or location. Other features include a bonus of 50,000 miles if you spend $4,500 within three months of opening your account, no foreign transaction fees (for international travelers), and free cards for employees. The Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card may be the boost your company needs.
The American Express Gold Credit Card Earns Up To 4X Points
A popular choice for many years, the American Express Gold credit card is perfect for many travelers.
Some of its top features include 4x points at restaurants, 3x points for flights booked on your American Express Gold credit card, statement credits for popular restaurants, and no foreign transaction fees. With the ability to earn 35,000 bonus points for spending $2,000 within three points of opening an account, you have everything you need to enjoy your card over the long haul.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Credit Card Offers Weekend Rewards
If Hilton Hotels are your property of choice, you can’t go wrong with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass credit card.
You'll earn 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for every dollar you spend at a hotel within the Hilton family of properties. And that doesn’t even take into consideration the 6x points on supermarket, gas station, and restaurant purchases, or the 3x points on all other purchases. Also, if you spend $15,000 on your card in a calendar year, you’re rewarded with a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors. Not bad.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card Offers 50,000 Bonus Points
As one of the top names in the travel industry, you can’t go wrong with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card. Issued by Chase, this credit card has no annual fee and the ability to earn 50,000 bonus points if you spend $2,000 within three months of opening an account.
Other high-level features include up to 3x points on purchases, no foreign transaction fees, 15 Elite Night Credits per year, and the opportunity to earn free nights at Marriott hotels worldwide. It's a great offer with no annual fee.
The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card Offers Up To 40X Points
If you enjoy staying at IHG hotels, the IHG Rewards Club Premier credit card is an excellent option. You’ll earn 40x points for every dollar you spend at IHG Hotels during your first year as a cardholder. From there, it only drops down to 25x points.
The IHG Rewards Club Premier credit card also gives customers a free night awarded to their account on the anniversary date of opening an account. You’ll also earn a free night any time you book a stay at an IHG property for 4+ nights. The $89 annual fee is a small price to pay for what you get in return.
The U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card Is A Hidden Secret
While not as well known, the U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Signature credit card is an overlooked option that you should consider.
For a $49/year annual fee (which is waived the first year), you can earn 2x FlexPoints on all purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and airlines. Every other purchase is good for 1 point per dollar spent. Combine this with a bonus of 25,000 enrollment FlexPoints for spending $2,000 within your first four months as a cardholder, and you have a solid credit card for most types of travelers.
The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Credit Card Is Great For AA Travelers
With no annual fee, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp credit card is already ahead of many of its competitors. When you add in the ability to earn up to 2 AAdvantage® miles for grocery store and American Airlines purchases, it’s easy to see why it’s a big hit.
Also, the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp credit card provides a savings of 25 percent on inflight food and beverage purchases on your card when flying with the airline.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express Loads On The Points
As a business owner or executive, you need access to a business credit card you can trust. And that’s where the Business Platinum Card from American Express credit card comes into play.
Some of its top features include 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels and flights booked through American Express, a welcome offer of up to 100,000 points, Platinum Global Access from WeWork, and a 35 percent airline bonus you can put toward the cost of a flight. You’ll feel much better about hitting the road when you have the Business Platinum Card from American Express by your side.
The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express Has A Worthwhile Points Structure
A small annual fee of $95 will get you big time rewards with the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express.
Earn one point for every dollar you spend, two points for purchases made via the American Express travel website, and three points for purchases at restaurants, hotels, and airfare during the first three months of opening your account. In addition to travel, you can use your points for merchandise, entertainment (show your clients a good time!), and gift cards.