When it comes to maximizing your travel experience, using the right credit card can make all the difference. Travel rewards credit cards offer you a way to earn points, miles, and cashback that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys occasional getaways, selecting the best travel rewards credit card is an important decision. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top travel rewards credit cards available today.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: New Travelers & Beginners
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most well-rounded travel rewards cards, offering a generous sign-up bonus and valuable points that can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses. With 2x points on travel and dining purchases, this card offers a solid return on everyday spending, especially for those who dine out often.
Key Features:
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months)
- Points earned: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on other purchases
- Redemption options: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
- Annual fee: $95
This card is perfect for beginners who want an easy entry into the world of travel rewards, thanks to its straightforward benefits and flexibility.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for: Luxury Travelers & Frequent Flyers
If luxury and premium travel experiences are what you’re after, the Platinum Card® from American Express is the gold standard. This card offers an extensive suite of travel benefits, including airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and more. It’s ideal for those who travel frequently and value added perks.
Key Features:
- Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points (after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months)
- Points earned: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, 1x point on other purchases
- Redemption options: Points can be redeemed for travel through the American Express Travel portal or transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners.
- Annual fee: $695
Though it has a hefty annual fee, the wealth of travel-related perks—including access to Centurion Lounges and a $200 airline fee credit—makes it worthwhile for frequent travelers seeking convenience and luxury.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best for: Experienced Travelers & Points Maximizers
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a step up from the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, offering higher earning potential and more premium travel benefits. If you’re an experienced traveler who wants to maximize rewards, this card is a top contender. With 3x points on travel and dining, the value of your points increases even further when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Key Features:
- Sign-up bonus: 50,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months)
- Points earned: 3x points on travel and dining, 1x point on other purchases
- Redemption options: Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Annual fee: $550
Additionally, you’ll get access to airport lounges, a $300 annual travel credit, and trip delay insurance, making this card a favorite for those who travel often and want to maximize value.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Simplicity & Flat Rate Earners
For those who prefer a more straightforward rewards structure, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. It offers 2x miles on every purchase, making it easy to earn rewards without having to keep track of bonus categories.
Key Features:
- Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles (after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months)
- Miles earned: 2x miles on every purchase
- Redemption options: Miles can be used to cover travel expenses such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
- Annual fee: $95
This card is ideal for travelers who want simple, hassle-free rewards without worrying about rotating categories. Capital One also allows you to transfer miles to over 15 airline partners for added flexibility.
5. Citi Premier® Card
Best for: Earning Points on Everyday Spending
The Citi Premier® Card is another great option for earning travel rewards on both everyday purchases and travel. With 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and travel, it offers robust earning potential across many common categories.
Key Features:
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months)
- Points earned: 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and travel, 1x point on other purchases
- Redemption options: Points can be redeemed for travel through the Citi ThankYou® Travel Center or transferred to airline partners.
- Annual fee: $95
If you’re looking for a card that rewards you for spending across a wide range of categories, the Citi Premier® Card is a strong choice with great flexibility and a valuable rewards program.
6. Discover it® Miles
Best for: No Annual Fee & Introductory Offer
If you’re new to credit cards or want to keep things simple without worrying about high fees, the Discover it® Miles card offers an excellent option. With no annual fee and the unique ability to match all the miles you earn during your first year, this card is a great way to kickstart your travel rewards journey.
Key Features:
- Sign-up bonus: Discover will automatically match all the miles you earn during the first year.
- Miles earned: 1.5x miles on every purchase
- Redemption options: Miles can be redeemed as a statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Annual fee: $0
With its simple earning structure and the added bonus of a first-year match, this card is great for travelers looking to accumulate miles quickly without worrying about an annual fee.
7. American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Foodies & Dining Enthusiasts
The American Express® Gold Card is particularly valuable for those who spend a lot on dining and want to earn premium rewards for it. With 4x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, as well as 3x points on flights, this card is ideal for foodies and travelers who enjoy good meals while on the go.
Key Features:
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points (after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months)
- Points earned: 4x points on dining, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines, 1x point on other purchases
- Redemption options: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed through the American Express Membership Rewards program.
- Annual fee: $250
For travelers who enjoy fine dining or frequent meals out, the American Express® Gold Card offers a high return on spending in those categories.
Conclusion
The best travel rewards credit card for you ultimately depends on your travel habits and spending patterns. For those who are just starting their travel rewards journey, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides a great entry point. For frequent travelers seeking luxurious perks, the Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve® are standout options. If simplicity and straightforward earning are more your style, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Discover it® Miles can offer great value.
Consider your lifestyle, spending habits, and the travel perks that matter most to you when selecting a travel rewards credit card, and you’re sure to get a card that makes your travel dreams come true!
