Are you an avid traveler seeking the ultimate rewards and perks? Look no further than our curated list of the best travel credit cards for 2024. From luxurious benefits to flexible redemption options, these cards are designed to take your wanderlust to new heights. Let’s explore each card’s highlights before delving into the world of travel rewards and choosing the perfect travel credit card for your adventures.
$95
1x-5x
60,000
690-850 (Good – Excellent)
-
Product Details
- Receive 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within the first three months.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x points on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel expenditures.
- Points are worth $750 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Gain 25% extra value when redeeming for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance, among others.
- Access to DashPass with complimentary $0 delivery fees on orders above $12.
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Our Take
Pros:
- Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
- Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
- Many travel and shopping protections
Cons:- Annual fee
- No intro APR offer
- Best travel earning rates only for bookings through Chase
$95
2x-5x
75,000
690-850 (Good – Excellent)
-
Product Details
- Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 in travel.
- Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, and 5X miles on hotel and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
- Miles don’t expire as long as the account is open and there’s no cap on earnings.
- Receive a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fees.
- Two complimentary lounge visits annually to Capital One Lounges or select Plaza Premium Lounges.
- Redeem miles for travel purchases or by booking through Capital One Travel.
- Additional hotel benefits, including a $50 experience credit and possible room upgrades.
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Our Take
Pros:
- Robust rewards rate
- Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:- $95 annual fee
- No introductory APR on purchases or transfers
$395
2x-10x
75,000
720-850 (Excellent)
-
Product Details
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 in travel.
- $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
- Annual bonus of 10,000 miles starting from the first anniversary.
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X miles on flights through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases.
- Complimentary lounge access for you and two guests to over 1,300 lounges.
- Miles transferrable to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
- Additional benefits like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit.
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Our Take
Pros:
- Lower annual fee compared to similar category cards
- Annual travel credit and anniversary miles
- Miles are easily earned and redeemed
Cons:- Limited domestic airline and upscale hotel partners
- Emerging Capital One lounge network
- Lacks hotel status benefits
$695
1x-5x
80,000
690-850 (Good – Excellent)
-
Product Details
- Obtain 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Receive up to $200 in statement credits annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel.
- Monthly credits for select digital entertainment services, a Walmart+ membership, airline incidental fees, Uber rides and eats, Equinox membership, CLEAR® Plus, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fees.
- Up to $100 in annual Saks Fifth Avenue statement credits and a $300 credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike.
- Exclusive reservations and dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy.
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverages.
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Our Take
Pros:
- High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Multiple statement credits across various categories
- Extensive airport lounge access
- Luxury travel benefits and elite status with certain hotel brands
Cons:- Very high annual fee
- Requires effort to maximize statement credits
- Sub-par reward rate outside of travel
$250
1x-4x
60,000
690-850 (Good – Excellent)
-
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in first 6 months.
- 4X points at Restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year, then 1X).
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 monthly for Uber Eats or rides).
- $120 Dining Credit annually ($10 monthly at selected partners).
- $100 hotel stay credit on The Hotel Collection bookings (min 2 nights).
- Choose between Gold or Rose Gold card colors.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee: $250.
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Our Take
Pros:
- Best rates on dining and groceries.
- Impressive welcome offer for the fee.
- Annual credits up to $340 justify fee.
- Solid travel and shopping protections.
- Flexible spending with no preset limit.
Cons:- $250 annual fee can be unjustifiable.
- 3X points only for direct flights or via Amex Travel.
- No lounge access or trip insurance.
$0
1.25 miles-5 miles
20,000
690-850 (Good – Excellent)
-
Product Details
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months, equivalent to $200 in travel.
- Unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Miles don’t expire and no cap on earnings.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable APR of 19.99% – 29.99%; 3% fee on balances transferred within first 15 months.
- Redeem miles for travel purchases or book trips through Capital One Travel.
- Option to transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
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Our Take
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
- No penalty APR
Cons:- Lower ongoing rewards rate
- Moderate welcome bonus
$550
1x-10x
60,000
720-850 (Excellent)
-
Product Details
- Accumulate 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 in the initial three months, redeemable for $900 in travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Benefit from a $300 Travel Credit each year, applied to travel purchases charged to your card each anniversary year.
- Earn quintuple points on flights and tenfold points on hotels and car rentals via Chase Ultimate Rewards®, post the initial $300 annual travel spend.
- Enhance your point value by 50% when redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards® for travel.
- Transfer points on a 1:1 basis to major airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Enjoy access to Priority Pass™ Select lounges and up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit.
- Comprehensive travel protection, including insurance for trip cancellation/interruption and auto rental collision damage.
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Our Take
Pros:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Generous welcome bonus
- 50% more value on points redemption through Chase
- Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
Cons:- High annual fee
- High variable APR on purchases
- Recommended for excellent credit
About Our Choices
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A traveler’s favorite, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a generous sign-up bonus, 2x points on travel and dining, and flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
With unlimited 2x miles on every purchase and no blackout dates for redemption, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those seeking simplicity and flexibility in their travel rewards.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card elevates the travel experience with premium benefits like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, 10x miles on hotels and rental cars, and a $300 annual travel credit.
4. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ideal for small business owners, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers 3x points on travel and select business categories, along with valuable perks like cell phone protection and travel insurance.
5. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Luxury meets travel with The Platinum Card® from American Express, offering airport lounge access, elite status with hotel partners, and a slew of premium benefits for the discerning traveler.
6. American Express® Gold Card
Foodies rejoice with the American Express® Gold Card, earning 4x points at restaurants worldwide and on groceries, along with valuable credits for dining and Uber.
7. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
A no-annual-fee option, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers 1.25x miles on every purchase and flexible redemption options, perfect for occasional travelers.
8. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Designed for business travelers, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium travel benefits, 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels, and access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection.
9. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card provides flexible redemption options and rewards for travel and everyday spending, along with valuable travel protections and benefits.
10. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Offering premium travel benefits and 3x points on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is perfect for frequent travelers seeking luxury perks and rewards.
How Travel Rewards Work
Travel rewards are earned through spending on specific categories such as travel, dining, and groceries, with points or miles accumulating for each purchase. These rewards can then be redeemed for various travel-related expenses, including flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and more. By strategically using your travel credit card for everyday purchases and taking advantage of bonus categories, you can accumulate points or miles to fuel your next adventure.
How to Choose a Travel Credit Card
When selecting the best travel credit cards, consider factors such as rewards structure, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, travel benefits, and redemption options. Evaluate your spending habits and travel preferences to determine which card aligns best with your needs. Whether you prioritize earning points on specific categories, want luxury travel perks, or prefer a no-annual-fee option, there’s a travel credit card tailored to suit your lifestyle.
Is it worth getting a travel credit card?
Absolutely! A travel credit card can unlock a world of benefits, including rewards for everyday spending, exclusive perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance, and valuable sign-up bonuses. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or an occasional jetsetter, the right travel credit card can save you money and enhance your travel experience. So why wait? Start exploring the possibilities today and make every journey a rewarding one.
