Credit Cards (US)

10 best travel rewards credit cards

Looking for a card full of travel perks? There're many out there, but which one is right for you? This blog post covers each type of offer.

Learn everything about the best travel rewards credit cards

Do you want to find out what are the best travel rewards credit cards? Source: Unsplash.
Do you want to find out what are the best travel rewards credit cards? Source: Unsplash.

Do you know the best travel rewards credit cards? Well, the best thing about getting a credit card with travel perks is that you do not have to pay for your flights, hotels, and car rentals upfront. This means that if you plan your trip in advance and save up a little extra cash, you can actually enjoy the money-saving side of traveling without spending any more than usual. You will also be able to earn points, like travel points, from your purchases. In turn, this will help offset future travel costs as well!

Moreover, the best way to find the perfect credit card is by searching online. This is why we have compiled here some helpful tips on how to choose the perfect travel rewards credit card, considering your budget and lifestyle!

One thing it is worth remembering is that, when doing your research, make sure to read customer reviews and look at the annual fees. Because not all cards offer great deals. If this sounds like something that interests you, then keep reading! 

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Learn how to use a credit card as a reward tool and start earning gift cards, discounts and more! Check out the pros of credit card rewards.

What is a travel reward?

See why to pursue the best travel rewards credit cards. Source: Unsplash.
See why to pursue the best travel rewards credit cards. Source: Unsplash.

Imagine postponing your payments by a few days. This is what a credit card can do. This is why it is an extremely useful tool for personal finances. Furthermore, what it can also do is combine a large portion of your expenses into a single credit card bill. But that you probably already know, right?

But what you may not know is that a credit card can also offer you loyalty programs. And loyalty programs can give you the so-called membership reward points. Can your credit card do that?

There are credit card membership programs in many countries. Despite their differences, the way they work is pretty much similar, not to mention simple. Whenever you purchase using your membership card (which looks like any other credit card, or maybe prettier), you accumulate reward points.

And that is when the magic begins: your accumulated reward points can be redeemed for products, services, and, guess what, travel-related expenses. Travel reward points are one of the most popularly used. To give you an example, you can exchange them for airline tickets, VIP lounges at airports, travel insurance, car rentals, checked baggage allowance, or hotel reservations. This is why a credit card can be a fantastic travel tool!

So, shall we look at a few of them?

But, when comparing the products that will be described below, keep in mind the following: to be able to measure the true benefits of each program, pay attention to the features that seem more appropriate for your profile. In other words, compare the following: costs, reward points, redemption, reward point expiration, currency, among other factors.

10 best travel rewards credit cards

Find out below the best travel rewards credit cards. Source: Unsplash.
Find out below the best travel rewards credit cards. Source: Unsplash.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card’s welcome offer is great and this product is one of the people’s favorites.

Credit ScoreGood (690) to excellent (850)
Annual Fee$95
Regular APR*15.99% to 22.99% variable APR

*Terms apply
Welcome bonus*100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months

* Terms apply
Rewards*2X points on purchases related to dining and travel
1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

*Terms apply

How do you get the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

Do you love traveling and dining? Then you must want the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Read more to know how to get this great travel card!

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card provides is only allowed for those with an excellent score. And, if that is your case, the costs-benefits of its rewards are very attractive.

Credit ScoreExcellent
Annual Fee$95
Regular APR17.24% – 24.49% variable APR
Welcome bonus*Earn 60 thousand bonus miles after spending 3 thousand dollars on purchases
The offer is valid for the three first months

*Terms apply
Rewards*$100 credit on TDA Prev or Global Entry
15+ travel loyalty programs
VIP experiences
Amazon rewards

*Terms apply

How do you get the Capital One Venture Rewards?

Come and check how you can apply for the Capital One Venture Rewards card and benefit from its many perks and travel opportunities.

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3. American Express Platinum Card

The Platinum credit card from American Express presents a high annual fee compared to others, but its potential offers and rewards are breathtaking.

Credit ScoreGood (690) to excellent (850)
Annual Fee$695
Regular APR15.99% to 22.99% variable APR on eligible charges
Welcome Bonus*100K MR points
10x points on eligible purchases

*Terms apply
Rewards*10 MR points at gas stations and supermarkets
5 MR points per dollar spent on flights
5 MR points per dollar spent on prepaid hotel purchases
2 MR points per dollar spent on other travel expenses
1 MR point per dollar spent on all other spendings
Uber Rides with Platinum, Shop Saks with Platinum, and more

*Terms apply

How do you get the American Express Platinum card?

If you are ready to obtain your American Express Platinum card, here are some information that can guide you through the process. Check it out!

4. Citi Premier Card

This Citi Premier credit card’s highlights are very attractive for those who enjoy international tourism.

Credit ScoreGood to excellent
Annual Fee$95
Regular APR*From 15.99% to 23.99% variable APR

*Terms apply
Welcome bonus*After spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, you will get 80,000 ThankYou points (current offer)

*Terms apply
Rewards*Purchases at restaurants and supermarkets receive 3 points per $1 spent
Annual hotel benefits
3X points for purchases related to air travel and hotels

*Terms apply

How do you get the Citi Premier card?

Do you love to get bonuses for daily purchases and also get travel rewards? Keep reading to learn how to apply for the Citi Premier card!

5. Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card is well-known for presenting reward points that are quite flexible. But one will need to consider if its annual fee fits the budget.

Credit ScoreExcellent
Annual Fee$550
Regular APR*From 16.99% to 23.99% variable APR

*Terms apply
Welcome bonus*After spending $4,000 in the first three months, you will get 60,000 points.

*Terms apply
Rewards*3X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out, and travel
$300 annual travel statement credit
1 point per dollar spent on any other purchase

*Terms apply

How do you get the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

Do you want incredible travel and dining perks in one credit card? Then, read more to know how to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card!

6. American Express Business Platinum Card

Why not haven travel perks for your business as well? Your employees would definitely enjoy the Business Platinum credit card from American Express.

Credit ScoreGood to excellent
Annual Fee$595
Regular APRFrom 14.24% to 22.24% variable APR
Welcome bonusAfter spending $15,000 on eligible categories, earn120,000 MR points during the first three months
0% introductory APR during the first year on eligible purchases*

*Terms apply
Rewards5X MR points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmExtravel.com
1.5X MR points on eligible purchases*
$200 airline fee credit*
$179 CLEAR® credit*

* Terms apply

7. Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Another corporate travel rewards credit card, and with just an annual fee of $95! This is the Ink Business Preferred credit card.

Credit ScoreGood to excellent
Annual Fee$95
Regular APRFrom 15.99% to 20.99% variable APR
Welcome bonus100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 during the first three months*

*Terms apply
Rewards3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories*
1X point per $1 on all other purchases*

* Terms apply

8. American Express Gold Card

The Business Gold credit card is another corporate option from American Express. This product, in particular, presents some very food reward options.

Credit ScoreGood to excellent
Annual Fee$250
Regular APR15.99% to 22.99% variable APR
Welcome bonus60,000 MR points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months

*Terms apply
Rewards3 points per dollar spent on flights booked with airline or Amex Travel
4 MR points per dollar spent at restaurants
4 points per dollar spent at supermarkets (U.S.) on $25,000 in purchases per year.
1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
$120 Uber Cash on Amex Gold
$120 on dining credit, and more

* Terms apply

How do you get the American Express Gold card?

If you fit the profile and want to know how to get your American Express Gold card, here is some important information to guide you!

9. American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card

Talking about the Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit card from American Express, it does offer plenty of travel benefits. But for those who do not mind higher annual fees and less flexibility, of course.

Credit ScoreGood to excellent
Annual Fee$550
Regular APR15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Welcome bonus*50 thousand bonus miles and 10 thousand Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) during the first three months, after spending $3,000 in purchases, and up to $100 back in statement credits for selected dining purchases

*Terms apply
Rewards*3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta
1X miles on other purchases

*Terms apply

How do you get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve AmEx?

Do you love amazing travel experiences and card rewards? Read more to know how to get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card!

10. World of Hyatt Credit Card

Last but not least, take a look at this World of Hyatt credit card. It is nice if you are a Hyatt fan, and/or enjoy being part of the elite.

Credit ScoreGood to excellent
Annual Fee$95
Regular APRFrom 15.99% to 22.99% variable APR
Welcome bonus30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 during the first three months*
Up to 30,000 additional points by earning two bonus points per $1 spent during the first six months*

*Terms apply
Rewards1 free night annually on your cardmember anniversary on any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort, and an additional free night if you spend $15,000 or more*
5 tier qualifying night credits towards status annually, and 2 tier qualifying night credits towards status if you spend $5,000 or more*
and more

* Terms apply

So, there are a lot of interesting options when it comes to cards full of travel perks, right? Now you can compare all the credit cards available and apply for the one that fits your needs!

And if you want to know more about the financial world, check out our post below!

Glossary of investment terms for beginners

Check out our glossary of investment terms and learn more about the basic definitions of various concepts used in the financial world!

About the author  /  Thais Daou

Thais Daou holds an undergraduate degree in Languages — Translating and Interpreting from the São Judas Tadeu University. She has been translating, proofreading, and transcribing financial documents, as well as documents from other fields, for five years. And now she begins a new chapter in her career, writing about financial solutions in a simplified way, with a desire to spread this knowledge, which is so important.

Reviewed by  /  Aline Barbosa

Senior Editor

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