In today’s fast-paced world where everyone is living a hectic life, traveling plays an important role in their rejuvenation, relaxation, and feeling recharged. They also help you in exploring new destinations, experience different cultures, and create unforgettable memories. The biggest challenge they face here is – managing their expenses. The cost of flights, hotels, meals, and activities is very high. That’s where the role of credit cards comes into play.
In this blog, you’ll look at the 10 best credit cards for travel that will enhance your traveling experience, help you save money, and enjoy multiple rewards.
Here are the 10 best credit cards for travel:
Table of Contents
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card tops the list of best credit cards for travel. The cards are issued by Chase and are popular for giving 2x points on travel and dining, a strong sign-up bonus, and valuable travel protection.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 2x points on travel and dining, 1x points on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Good to Excellent (700+) |
| Intro Bonus | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Regular APR | 21.24% – 28.24% variable |
| Best Feature | Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® |
2. United Gateway℠ Card
United Gateway℠ Card ranks second on the list of best credit cards for travel. The cards are issued by Chase and United Airlines and are popular for their benefits, like priority boardings.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 2x miles on United purchases, gas stations, and local transit, 1x miles on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Good to Excellent (700+) |
| Intro Bonus | 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | None |
| Regular APR | 21.24% – 28.24% variable |
| Best Feature | No annual fee and 25% back on United in-flight purchases |
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited® ranks third on the list of best credit cards for travel. The cards are issued by Chase and are popular for cashback of 1.5% on all purchases.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Good to Excellent (690+) |
| Intro Bonus | $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | None |
| Regular APR | 20.24% – 28.99% variable |
| Best Feature | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee |
4. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card ranks third on the list of best credit cards for travel. Launched in 2018, this card became popular for providing 2x miles on Delta purchases with no transaction fees.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants, 1x miles on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Good to Excellent (670+) |
| Intro Bonus | 10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | None |
| Regular APR | 20.49% – 29.49% variable |
| Best Feature | No annual fee and 20% back on Delta in-flight purchases |
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve® ranks fourth on the list of best credit cards for travel. Cards are popular for their premium versions offering 3x points on travel and dining, airport lounge access, and travel insurance. Above this, you get many perks and rewards.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 3x points on travel and dining, 1x points on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Excellent (740+) |
| Intro Bonus | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | $550 |
| Regular APR | 21.24% – 28.24% variable |
| Best Feature | $300 annual travel credit and 50% more points value when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards® |
6 . U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card ranks sixth on the list of best credit cards for travel. Launched in 2020, this card became popular for offering 4x points on travel and dining.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 4x points on travel and gas stations, 2x points on grocery stores, dining, and streaming services, 1x points on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Good to Excellent (700+) |
| Intro Bonus | 50,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Regular APR | 21.24% – 28.24% variable |
| Best Feature | 4x points on travel and gas stations, plus a $30 annual streaming credit |
7. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ranks seventh on the list of best credit cards for travel. Launched in 2010, this card became popular for 2x miles on all purchases.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 2x miles on all purchases |
| Credit Needed | Excellent (740+) |
| Intro Bonus | 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Regular APR | 21.24% – 29.24% variable |
| Best Feature | 2x miles on every purchase and the ability to transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs |
8. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ranks eighth on the list of best credit cards for travel. It was introduced in 2021 and became popular for offering 2x miles on all purchases and premium benefits like lounge access and a $300 annual credit for frequent travelers.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Excellent (740+) |
| Intro Bonus | 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | $395 |
| Regular APR | 21.24% – 28.24% variable |
| Best Feature | $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each anniversary year |
9. Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Choice Privileges® Mastercard® ranks ninth on the list of best credit cards for travel. Launched in 2011, it quickly gained popularity among travelers for offering 5x points on choice hotel stays.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 15x points per dollar spent at eligible Choice Hotels, 5x points on Choice Hotels gift card purchases, 2x points on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Good to Excellent (700+) |
| Intro Bonus | 32,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | None |
| Regular APR | 21.74% – 29.74% variable |
| Best Feature | High rewards rate at Choice Hotels with no annual fee |
10. Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card ranks last on the list of best credit cards for travel. This card is designed especially for travelers who regularly stay at Hilton properties. One who stays in their hotel gets an impressive 7x points each time and many more, like room upgrades and easy check-in.
| Joining Fee | None |
| Rewards | 7x points on Hilton purchases, 5x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 3x points on all other purchases |
| Credit Needed | Good to Excellent (670+) |
| Intro Bonus | 70,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| Annual Fee | None |
| Regular APR | 20.99%-29.99% variable |
| Best Feature | No annual fee and complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with the opportunity to earn Gold status through spending |
Conclusion
Each of these cards offers benefits to make your travel experience better, whether you’re booking flights, dining out, or enjoying activities. Find out the one from the best credit cards for travel that fits your requirements!
