Choosing the best travel credit card can be a daunting task given the myriad options available, each seemingly similar to the next. With hundreds of choices, it’s challenging to discern which one is the optimal fit for your needs. Determining the right card involves weighing factors such as rewards, fees, and perks, and can be especially intimidating for those not well-versed in the credit card industry.
In essence, navigating the array of travel credit cards involves a thoughtful consideration of your individual priorities and preferences. By aligning your card choice with your specific travel goals, you can ensure that the card you select enhances your overall travel experience.
However, for general points credit cards, some outshine others. If you don’t have specific goals in mind and are simply looking for cards to use in your everyday life, here’s a list of what I believe are the best travel credit cards, their features, and the reasons and situations for having them.
05# Chase Freedom Unlimited
If you’re seeking a cashback option and prefer sticking with Chase points instead of Amex points, this card is the ideal choice. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, making it a perfect fit for individuals like my dad who aren’t frequent flyers and prefer cashback. In fact, he has this card. For more dedicated points and miles collectors, the cashback is converted into Chase points, which can be redeemed for travel rewards. If you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, you can transfer these points to one of Chase’s many travel partners for even greater value. Upon signing up for this card, you’ll receive:
- No annual fee
- Unlimited cash back match for the first year after opening the card
- 1.5% cashback on all purchases
- 5% cashback on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cashback on restaurants and drugstores If you’re like my dad and prefer a no-fee card that offers cashback, then this card is perfect for you!
04# Capital One Venture
I used to have a strong dislike for this card, but with the recent changes and the inclusion of transfer partners, it has become one of my favorite credit cards. I strongly believe you should consider getting this card, especially if you’re seeking an easy-to-use card with the first-year fee waived. Upon signing up for this card, you’ll receive:
- 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x miles on every dollar spent
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Ability to transfer miles to any of their 15+ travel partners
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- No foreign transaction fees
- 2 airport lounge visits per year
- $95 annual fee
With 2x points on all purchases (a rarity in a travel card), this card deserves a place in your wallet. I liked it so much that I got one for myself when they relaunched it!
03# American Express® Gold Card
This card is an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy dining out, as it provides 4x points on restaurants and groceries, 3x points on flights, and $120 Uber Cash (usable for rides or UberEats). You’ll earn Membership Rewards® points, which are transferable to any of their 16 travel partners, some of which overlap with Chase’s transfer partners and some that Chase doesn’t have (such as Delta). Upon signing up for this card, you receive:
- Earn 60,000 points (after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months)
- 4x points on restaurants worldwide (including takeout/delivery in the US)
- 4x points on US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x)
- 3x points on flights (when booked directly or on amextravel.com)
- $120 in Uber credit (dispersed as $10 in Uber Cash each month when you add your Gold Card to the Uber app)
- $120 in dining credit (at select companies/restaurants like GrubHub or The Cheesecake Factory, enrollment required)
- No foreign transaction fees
02# Bilt Rewards Mastercard
The Bilt Mastercard stands out as the exclusive credit card that allows you to accrue points through rent payments. It’s my go-to for paying my rent each month, offering the potential to earn up to 100,000 points annually simply by making regular rental payments. Additionally, it’s the sole card facilitating transfers to American Airlines, and it comes with no annual fees! Upon signing up for this card, you’ll enjoy:
- 1x points on rental payments
- 2x points on travel
- 3x points on dining
- 5x points on Lyft
- American Airlines as a transfer partner (the only card offering this)
- Rent Day benefits: monthly giveaways and challenges, along with 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel, and 2x on all other spending on the 1st of each month
- It’s a straightforward, no-fee card that’s essential for anyone paying rent. Click here for a comprehensive breakdown of Rewards and Benefits, as well as Rates and Fees.
01# MY TOP CARD: Chase Sapphire Preferred
This card serves as the “entry-level” counterpart to the Chase Sapphire Reserve (one of my preferred premium travel credit cards). While it doesn’t offer as many perks, if you’re committed to avoiding a high annual fee (this card is only $95 per year), it’s a solid choice. Particularly suitable for less frequent travelers (it’s the card I chose for my mother). Upon signing up for this card, you’ll receive:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x points on travel purchases
- 3x points on restaurants, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
- 5x points on travel booked through the Chase travel portal
- 5x points on Lyft
- 10% anniversary points boost (earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made in the previous year)
- Free DoorDash DashPass subscription
- $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Airline and Hotel Cards
Here are my preferred cards for various airlines and hotels, along with their main perks:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card – Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months, 2x points on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide, U.S. supermarkets, and takeout and delivery in the U.S. Terms apply. See Rates and Fees; terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card – Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases in your first 6 months, 3x on Delta purchases, 3x on purchases made directly with hotels, 2x on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, free checked bag, credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry, Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card. See Rates and Fees; terms apply.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card – Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the initial 3 months. Acquire 3x points on Southwest acquisitions, 2x points on local transit and commuting (including ridesharing), 2x points on internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services, and enjoy 6,000 anniversary points each year. Terms apply.
United℠ Explorer Card – Obtain 60,000 points after expending $3,000 in the first 3 months. Avail 2x points on United transactions, 2x points on dining, 2x points on direct hotel bookings, a complimentary checked bag, priority boarding, and access to the United Club(SM) with 2 one-time passes each year. Terms apply.
Hilton Honors American Express Card – Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after using $2,000 in purchases in the initial 6 months. Receive 7x points when reserving directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points on U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket, and U.S. gas station purchases, and 3x points on other eligible transactions. Terms apply. Rates & fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card – Gain 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the opening 3 months. Attain up to 17x points on Marriott acquisitions, 3x points for every $1 on the initial $6,000 spent annually on combined purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining, 2x points for all other purchases, and an annual free night award (up to a redemption value of 35,000 points). Terms apply.
World of Hyatt – Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months (plus up to an additional 30,000 points by earning 2x points on purchases that would normally be 1x points, in your first 6 months), up to 9x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x points on restaurants, gym memberships, flights when booked directly, local transit (including ridesharing), and receive 1 free stay per year. Terms apply.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card – Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the initial 3 months, up to 26x points on IHG purchases, 5x points on travel, hotels, dining, and at gas stations, 3x points on all other purchases, credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, and get 1 free night per year. Terms apply.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that there isn’t a single card suitable for all situations. Each card comes with its own set of perks, so the goal is to optimize point earnings by aligning and coordinating your spending accordingly. Personally, I utilize three or four cards to cover all my expenses: Chase for travel and dining, American Express for grocery purchases, Delta for travel benefits with the airline, and Marriott for my hotel stays. This approach ensures that I maximize points for every dollar spent without diluting my rewards across too many platforms.
Therefore, if you’re in search of a travel credit card, consider choosing one from the options mentioned above. In my opinion, they stand out as the best choices.
