Travel credit cards have surged in popularity, largely due to rewards programs that allow cardholders to accumulate points for valuable perks. This rapidly expanding sector of the financial market features standout cards that excel above the rest.
In creating this list, we adopted a balanced approach, taking into account the varied needs and priorities of customers across all income brackets. While not every card here will suit every consumer, we are confident you’ll find at least one that meets your needs, regardless of your current financial situation.
Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Named the best travel card of 2018 by CNBC, the Capital One Venture Rewards card boasts a wealth of appealing benefits, starting with a welcome bonus of 50,000 reward points. You can earn this bonus by spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of membership. These points are worth up to $500 in travel rewards and never expire as long as your account remains active.
Key features of the card include:
- 10x points on stays at thousands of participating hotels through January 2020.
- 2x points on all other purchases.
- Transferable points to 12 popular travel rewards programs.
- No blackout dates or restrictions on travel dates, airlines, or hotels when using points.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $100 credit for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee when paid with the card.
- No annual fee for the first year, followed by a $95 annual fee.
However, the card does not offer an introductory interest rate, with a variable APR ranging from 17.99% to 25.24%. Additionally, the card lacks a promotional partnership with any specific airline, which might reduce its value for frequent flyers who prefer a particular airline’s rewards program.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
If you’re seeking a travel card that offers robust points accumulation without the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa card is an excellent choice. It features a $0 annual fee, which is uncommon for cards that offer spending multipliers. The card earns 1.5 points for every dollar spent, and if you bank with Bank of America or invest with Merrill Lynch, you can earn up to 75% in points bonuses by meeting minimum balance milestones in your accounts.
The card also offers a welcome bonus of 25,000 points, earned by spending $1,000 or more on purchases within the first three months. While this bonus may be lower than some competitors, the spending requirement is also more attainable. Overall, this card is a strong travel credit card option for light to moderate spenders.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa Card
Chase Bank’s Sapphire Reserve Visa frequently ranks among the top travel credit cards and Visa-branded credit cards. It offers an impressive welcome bonus of 50,000 points for new cardholders who spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months. However, the card’s true value lies in its exclusive perks:
- An annual $300 travel credit.
- Triple points on all dining and travel expenses.
- 1.5x points when redeemed for airfare.
- Complimentary access to Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide.
While the annual fee is $450, the $300 travel credit significantly offsets this cost, making it a card that provides exceptional perks at a reasonable net expense.
Uber Visa Card
This card often flies under the radar as one of the top choices for frequent travelers, especially because it caters to lower-spending consumers. However, that’s precisely why it made our list. It’s an ideal travel card for younger individuals, budget travelers, and cost-conscious consumers who use their credit cards sparingly.
With this card, spending just $500 in the first 90 days as a cardholder nets you a $100 cash back bonus—a valuable perk for those on a tight budget. Additional benefits include:
- 4% cash back on restaurant spending.
- 3% cash back on travel expenses.
- 2% cash back on online purchases.
- Up to $50 in annual credits for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube Premium when you spend $5,000 annually outside of your bonus categories.
Moreover, the card offers smartphone insurance for theft and damage, making it an excellent choice for young travelers and backpackers.
American Express: The Platinum Card
This premium card is crafted for high-spending travelers who relish luxury experiences. It offers up to 5x points for every dollar spent on air travel and hotel stays when booking conditions are met. Additionally, you’ll receive $200 in annual airline credits and another $200 annual credit for Uber rides, along with VIP status with Uber in the U.S. and up to $15 in monthly Uber discounts.
The card’s standout feature is its luxury rewards. You’ll enjoy special benefits at participating luxury resorts and hotels, VIP access to exclusive events, and access to over 1,000 high-end airport lounges worldwide. Plus, there’s a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of membership.
However, this card comes with a hefty annual fee of $550. Additionally, some cardholders might find it limiting due to American Express not being as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa.
Before You Open a New Account
Keep in mind that every credit card application you submit is recorded on your credit report and can temporarily lower your score. Therefore, it’s wise to apply sparingly. Submitting multiple applications in a short period can significantly impact your credit rating and increase the chances of a rejection, which can further damage your score. Carefully select a card that aligns with your travel frequency and spending habits, and apply only for those that are likely to be beneficial for you.