Best Travel Credit Cards: Your Ticket to Earning More Miles and Points
Looking for the best travel credit cards to boost your miles and points? You’re in the right place. As a frequent traveler, having the right travel credit card in your wallet can make all the difference. The best cards help you earn miles and points and offer perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to exclusive airport lounges.
But with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? That’s where our expertise comes in. We’ve researched and reviewed the top travel credit cards to bring you the ones that offer the best rewards, lowest fees, and most valuable benefits. Whether new to earning travel rewards or a seasoned pro, our guide will help you find the perfect card to make your travels more rewarding.
Traveling is more than just a way to see the world—it’s an opportunity to make memories, experience new cultures, and maybe even find a little adventure. But as amazing as travel can be, it doesn’t come cheap. That’s where travel credit cards come in. Whether you’re a jet-setter or someone who enjoys the occasional getaway, the right travel credit card can help you rack up miles, points, and even cash back to make your trips more affordable—and sometimes more luxurious.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best travel credit cards of 2024. We’ll break down their perks, show you how to choose the best one for your needs, and share tips on how to maximize your rewards. Plus, we’ve included an FAQ section to answer some of the most common questions about travel credit cards. So grab your passport, and let’s dive in!
Why Travel Credit Cards are a Must-Have in 2024
Travel credit cards aren’t just for frequent flyers—they’re for anyone who wants to make their travel experiences better and more affordable. These cards offer points, miles, or cash back for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. But that’s not all—many of these cards also come with perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
In 2024, competition among travel credit cards is fierce, which means better offers and more rewards for you. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started, there’s a card that can help you maximize your travel experiences.
What Makes a Travel Credit Card Great?
When we talk about the best travel credit cards, we’re looking at a few key factors:
- Rewards: How many points, miles, or cash back you earn for every dollar spent.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: The bonus you receive after meeting a certain spending threshold within the first few months.
- Travel Perks: Extra benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Redemption Flexibility: How easy it is to redeem your travel rewards.
- Annual Fees: How much the card costs per year and whether the rewards and perks outweigh the fee.
With that in mind, let’s explore the top travel credit cards of 2024.
Top Travel Credit Cards for 2024: Maximize Your Rewards
-
Variable APR
21.24% - 28.24%
-
Fees
Annual Fee: $95
-
Rewards
5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries. 2X points on other travel purchases. 1X point on all other purchases.
Pros:
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $750 in travel through Chase Travel℠.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners or redeem them through Chase Ultimate Rewards® for maximum value.
- Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance, and baggage delay insurance.
- Low Annual Fee: $95 annual fee is reasonable considering the high value of rewards and benefits.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel internationally without incurring extra charges.
Cons:
- Limited Bonus Categories: Only 1X points on non-bonus purchases, which might not be ideal if your spending doesn’t align with the bonus categories.
- Annual Fee: While lower than many travel cards, it still has an annual fee of $95.
Benefits:
- 5X points on travel through Chase Travel℠.
- 3X points on dining, streaming services, and groceries.
- 2X points on other travel purchases.
- 1X point on all other purchases.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary car rental insurance.
Why We Love It: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a balanced mix of high rewards, valuable travel perks, and flexible redemption options, making it a go-to choice for both frequent travelers and those who want to make the most out of occasional trips.
Who It’s Perfect For: Travelers looking for a versatile, all-around travel card with strong rewards on travel and dining, plus the flexibility to transfer points to multiple travel partners.
-
Variable APR
21.24% - 29.24%
-
Fees
Annual Fee: $95
-
Rewards
2X miles on every purchase, every day. This means you earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, regardless of the purchase category. 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Pros:
- Simple Rewards Structure: Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day—no need to worry about rotating categories.
- High Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equal to $1,000 in travel.
- Flexible Redemption: Use miles to book travel or erase travel purchases from your statement.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 statement credit for application fees.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for international travel.
Cons:
- Annual Fee: $95, which might not be ideal for those looking for a no-fee card.
- Limited Travel Perks: While it has solid rewards, it lacks some of the premium perks found in more expensive travel cards.
Benefits:
- 2X miles on every purchase.
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Flexible redemption options with no blackout dates.
- Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
Why We Love It: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who want straightforward, easy-to-earn rewards that can be used flexibly for travel. Its simplicity and strong earning potential make it a favorite among travelers who don’t want to juggle multiple cards.
Who It’s Perfect For: Travelers who value simplicity and want a card that offers consistent rewards on every purchase, along with flexible redemption options.
-
Variable APR
20.24% - 28.99%
-
Fees
Annual Fee: $0
-
Rewards
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros:
- High Cash-Back Rates: Earn 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- Introductory Bonus: Additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- No Annual Fee: You can earn cash back without paying a yearly fee.
- Ultimate Rewards® Pairing: Transfer your cash back to points and redeem them for travel at a higher value when paired with a Chase Sapphire card.
Cons:
- No Direct Travel Perks: Lacks travel-specific benefits like lounge access or travel insurance.
- Cash Back Rather Than Points: Some travelers might prefer a card that directly earns points or miles.
Benefits:
- 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel℠.
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee, maximizing your earnings.
Why We Love It: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a fantastic no-annual-fee card that’s perfect for everyday purchases. It pairs well with other Chase cards, allowing you to maximize your rewards by transferring cash back into Ultimate Rewards® points for travel.
Who It’s Perfect For: Anyone looking for a straightforward cash-back card that can be used to earn travel rewards when paired with other Chase cards.
Compare the Best Cash Back Cards!
Looking to earn more on everyday purchases? Our top-rated cash back credit cards are designed to help you get the most out of every dollar you spend. Compare the best options now and find the perfect card to maximize your cash rewards. Start saving today!
Learn More
-
Variable APR
21.24% - 28.24%
-
Fees
Annual Fee: $395
-
Rewards
10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. 2X miles on all other purchases.
Pros:
- Luxury Travel Perks: Access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and an annual $300 travel credit.
- High Earning Rates: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $750 in travel.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Like the standard Venture card, you can use miles to book or erase travel purchases.
Cons:
- High Annual Fee: $395 annual fee, which may be steep for some users.
- Requires Frequent Use: To justify the high annual fee, you’ll need to take advantage of the travel perks regularly.
Benefits:
- 10X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.
- 5X miles on flights through Capital One Travel.
- 2X miles on all other purchases.
- Annual $300 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
- Access to airport lounges and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
Why We Love It: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is perfect for travelers who want premium perks and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for those benefits. With access to luxury travel benefits and high earning potential, it’s a great card for frequent travelers.
Who It’s Perfect For: Frequent travelers who value luxury perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and are comfortable with a higher annual fee in exchange for those benefits.
-
Variable APR
21.99% - 29.99% on purchases (if you choose to pay over time)
-
Fees
Annual Fee: $250
-
Rewards
4X points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery. 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases). 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. 1X points on other purchases.
Pros:
- High Rewards on Dining and Groceries: Earn 4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, making it one of the best cards for foodies.
- Travel Rewards: Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- Dining Credits: Up to $120 annually at select restaurants and delivery services.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international use.
Cons:
- Annual Fee: $250, which is higher than some other cards but justified by the rewards and perks.
- Limited Lounge Access: Unlike other premium cards, it doesn’t include airport lounge access.
Benefits:
- 4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel.
- Dining credits of up to $120 annually.
- Baggage insurance and car rental loss and damage insurance.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Why We Love It: The American Express® Gold Card is a top choice for foodies and frequent travelers who want to maximize their rewards on dining and groceries. It offers substantial rewards on everyday purchases while also providing solid travel benefits.
Who It’s Perfect For: Foodies and frequent flyers who spend heavily on dining and groceries and want a card that offers generous rewards in these categories.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card for You
With so many great options, how do you choose the best travel credit card for your needs? Here are a few tips:
Evaluate Your Spending Habits
Think about where you spend the most money. If you spend a lot on dining and groceries, a card like the American Express® Gold Card could be a great fit. If you prefer simplicity, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might be better for you.
Consider the Sign-Up Bonus
Sign-up bonuses are a great way to earn a lot of points or miles quickly. Make sure you can meet the spending requirement to earn the bonus without going over your budget.
Look at the Annual Fee
Annual fees can range from $0 to $500 or more. Consider whether the rewards and perks justify the fee. If you travel frequently, a card with a higher fee might offer benefits that make it worth it.
Think About Redemption Options
Some cards offer more flexibility than others when it comes to redeeming points or miles. If you want to transfer points to travel partners, make sure the card you choose offers that option.
Don’t Forget the Perks
Travel perks like lounge access, travel credits, and no foreign transaction fees can add a lot of value. Consider which perks are most important to you.
Tips for Maximizing Your Travel Rewards
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect travel credit card, here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Use Your Card for All Eligible Purchases: Earn rewards on every purchase, especially in bonus categories like travel, dining, and groceries.
- Pay Your Balance in Full: Avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each month.
- Take Advantage of Limited-Time Offers: Watch for special promotions that offer extra points or miles in specific categories.
- Transfer Points to Travel Partners: If your card allows it, transfer points to airline or hotel partners for even more value.
- Book Travel Through Your Card’s Portal: Many travel credit cards offer extra rewards when you book through their online travel portal.
Your Ticket to Better Travel Starts Here
Travel credit cards offer an amazing opportunity to earn rewards and make your trips more affordable and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a card with a generous sign-up bonus, flexible redemption options, or luxury perks, there’s a travel credit card in 2024 that fits your needs.
As you consider your options, think about your travel goals, spending habits, and which perks matter most to you. With the right travel credit card in your wallet, you’ll be well on your way to earning free flights, hotel stays, and more. So why wait? Start earning and traveling in style today!
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and American Express® Gold Card are both excellent choices for international travel. They both offer no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for use abroad. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is also a great option if you want luxury perks like airport lounge access.
Yes! Even if you don’t travel frequently, travel credit cards can still offer valuable rewards and perks. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 3X points on dining and groceries, so you can earn rewards even when you’re not traveling.
Most travel credit cards allow you to redeem rewards through their online portal. You can use points or miles to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Some cards also allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs for even more flexibility.
A sign-up bonus is a one-time offer that rewards you with a large number of points or miles after you meet a certain spending requirement within the first few months of opening your card. To earn the bonus, simply meet the spending requirement (e.g., $4,000 in 3 months), and the bonus points or miles will be credited to your account.
Absolutely! Many people use a combination of travel credit cards to maximize their rewards. For example, you might use the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for travel purchases and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® for everyday spending.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card are both great options with no annual fee. They offer solid rewards and can be excellent additions to your wallet.
If you value flexibility, cashback might be the better option since you can use it for anything. However, if you’re planning a trip and want to maximize your travel budget, travel rewards can offer more value, especially when redeemed for flights or hotel stays.
Employee Financial Wellness: Everything You Need to Know
In today’s workplace, employee financial wellness is no longer...
Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to funding your business, there are...
Pros and Cons of Financing a Car: Is It the Right Choice for You?
When purchasing a vehicle, deciding how to pay for...
