Compare and choose: the best credit cards for travel

You need to consider a number of factors: type of trip, frequency of use and benefits offered.

Finding the best credit cards for travel can significantly enhance a traveler’s experience by offering rewards, convenience, and exclusive perks. These cards provide valuable benefits, such as earning points or miles that can later be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.

Many of the best credit cards for travel also include perks like access to airport lounges, travel assistance, and bonus points for travel-related spending, creating value for both business and leisure travelers. Check it out!

1.  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the top choices for frequent travelers. It offers 2x points on travel and dining, which quickly accumulate when used for everyday expenses. Moreover, new cardholders can earn a generous sign-up bonus, further enhancing the value of the card.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides excellent redemption options. Points can be transferred to over 10 travel partners, including airlines and hotel chains, which gives users flexibility in how they use their rewards.

For those who prefer simplicity, points can also be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. Another key benefit is the card’s travel protections. It includes trip cancellation insurance, primary rental car insurance, and travel delay reimbursement.

These features offer peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in case of unexpected events. Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides a solid combination of rewards, flexibility, and travel benefits, making it an excellent choice for those who travel frequently.

2.  American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card stands out for travelers who enjoy dining and want to maximize rewards on everyday purchases. It offers 4x points on dining at restaurants, which includes both U.S. and international establishments.

Additionally, cardholders earn 4x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, up to a cap, which helps points add up quickly. For travel-specific rewards, the card gives 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel portal.

This benefit guarantees consistent rewards for frequent flyers. In addition, it includes valuable annual credits, such as a dining credit that can be used in selected restaurants. This makes it a great option for those who often dine out or travel.

The card also comes with exclusive access to the American Express Membership Rewards® program. This way, points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays or even gift cards. Despite the annual fee, the card’s high earning potential and useful credits generally offset this cost for frequent users.

3.  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a strong choice for travelers seeking simplicity and flexibility in earning rewards. It offers an impressive 2x miles on every purchase, allowing cardholders to earn points without managing spending categories.

With this straightforward rewards structure, accumulating miles becomes easy, no matter where you spend. New cardholders can also take advantage of a generous sign-up bonus, which provides a head start on miles. Furthermore, the card makes redeeming miles convenient.

That way, you can apply them as a statement credit to cover travel purchases or transfer miles to partner airlines and hotels. This adds flexibility to your travel plans. In addition, the Capital One Venture Rewards card includes useful travel benefits. Namely, it offers a credit of up to US$100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees, which can be ideal for international travelers. Overall, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card combines ease of earning miles, flexible redemption options, and travel perks, making it a practical option for frequent travelers.

4.  Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers substantial rewards and exclusive perks for frequent travelers. Cardholders earn 3x points on travel and dining, making it easy to accumulate rewards with everyday spending.

Additionally, new cardholders can access a generous sign-up bonus, boosting their points balance and increasing potential travel savings. This card also includes a $300 annual travel credit, which automatically applies to travel purchases, making it one of the card’s standout benefits.

Once this credit is used, the 3x points structure continues to reward additional travel and dining expenses. Moreover, points redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal gain a 50% boost, maximizing each dollar spent.

In terms of travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides Priority Pass™ access to over a thousand airport lounges worldwide. This perk ensures a comfortable travel experience with added amenities.

Furthermore, the card offers comprehensive travel insurance, including trip delay and cancellation coverage, car rental protection, and emergency assistance. These features create extra value for those who travel often and want peace of mind.

5.  The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers high-value benefits tailored for frequent travelers seeking premium perks. It provides 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, helping cardholders earn rewards quickly.

Additionally, it offers 5x points on eligible hotels booked through Amex Travel, maximizing points on high-value travel purchases. To enhance the travel experience, this card includes exclusive airport lounge access, including American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass™ lounges.

These lounges offer comfort, refreshments, and a quiet space, improving airport wait times. The Platinum Card® also offers significant annual credits, such as airline fee credits, Uber credits, and credits toward select hotels, adding extra value for frequent travelers.

With no foreign transaction fees, it is also practical for international travel, making it an attractive option for global travelers. In addition, this card includes top-level travel protections. For example: trip delay and cancellation insurance, car rental insurance and emergency assistance.

In summary, the best credit cards for travel offer valuable rewards, useful perks, and protection for frequent travelers. These options provide ways to earn points or miles while enhancing the travel experience through added convenience and exclusive benefits. See you soon!