Planning your next adventure and want to maximize your rewards? A strategic travel credit card can make all the difference, helping you rack up those valuable miles and points. Navigating through the multitude of options can be overwhelming, but we’ve compiled a list of seven top-tier travel credit cards available in the USA. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
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In this article, we will break down the best credit cards for travelers, focusing on their rewards, points, and overall benefits. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a road trip enthusiast, or someone who just enjoys an annual vacation, there’s a card here that’s perfect for you.
Best travel credit cards for frequent flyers
Flying often has its perks, especially when you have the right travel credit card. Frequent flyers can benefit immensely from cards that offer airline miles and exclusive travel perks. Besides the miles, these cards often provide additional advantages such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access.
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With these perks, your travel experience becomes more efficient and enjoyable, letting you focus on your journey rather than the fine print of your rewards program. Let’s dive into the top choices for frequent flyers below.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
One of the most popular options for avid travelers is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card offers flexible points that can be transferred to several airline and hotel partners. Additionally, cardholders earn 2x points on travel and dining.
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Plus, the welcome bonus is enticing: earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Those points can translate into $1,250 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out with its premium benefits. Although it comes with a higher annual fee, the comprehensive perks outweigh the cost for frequent flyers.
Cardholders enjoy 5X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. Plus, you get access to various airport lounges worldwide through the Global Lounge Collection.
Other noteworthy advantages include up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, a $200 Uber credit, and access to a personalized travel service that can help plan your trips from start to finish.
Top credit cards for road travelers
If you prefer hitting the road over flying, several travel credit cards cater specifically to road travelers. These cards offer rewards on gas purchases, hotel stays, and even dining, making your road trips more rewarding and affordable.
Whether you embark on weekend getaways or a cross-country adventure, the ideal card can help you save a significant amount on your expenses. Here are our top picks for road travelers.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for road warriors. It has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, which is perfect for those venturing across borders. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, which can be redeemed for statement credits to cover travel purchases like hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, and more.
This card also offers a 25,000 online bonus point incentive after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, equivalent to a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Best travel credit cards for casual vacationers
For those who take their vacations less frequently but want to maximize their benefits when they do, certain travel credit cards provide outstanding value. These cards offer flexible rewards that can be used for a variety of travel expenses.
Casual vacationers can benefit from cards that mix good earning rates with flexibility in redemption options. Here are the best options for leisurely travelers.
Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those who travel sporadically but want excellent value when they do. Earn unlimited 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, and miles can be used to cover a wide range of travel purchases.
New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, which amounts to $600 in travel. Additional perks include up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and no foreign transaction fees, making it a reliable travel companion for casual vacationers.
Discover it® Miles
The Discover it® Miles card stands out for its simplicity and reward structure. It offers unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases, with no annual fee and no blackout dates on redeeming miles. What makes this card unique is the first-year match, where Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This can double your rewards without any additional spending effort.
This card is perfect for casual travelers who want straightforward rewards without the hassle of managing multiple bonus categories or high annual fees.
